At 13, Mike began fighting -- not in the way most might think. He began his journey studying to be a Mixed Martial Artist (MMA).
“Under the direction of Mike Demko, I started Jiu-Jitzu training 5 years ago. It was just after football and I needed a sport between football and baseball.” A sport in between two already time-consuming activities, you say? At 13, most could say Mike Walters has always been one busy kid, but he enjoyed it, and he was good at it so he stayed with it.
In addition to the skill training and physical conditioning program, part of the requirements of being involved with the competitive side of this sport is to maintain outstanding grades and to show leadership both in the classroom and outside within the community.
In addition to the skill training and physical conditioning program, part of the requirements of being involved with the competitive side of this sport is to maintain outstanding grades and to show leadership both in the classroom and outside within the community.
I interviewed Mike to find out more about MMA fighting and how it is a big part in his everyday life, and this is what I found:
What's your favorite thing about competing?
“You meet a lot of cool, decent people at tournaments. On Saturday or Sunday, I typically have a competition.”
In order to keep up with his consistent fighting, Mike works out Monday through Sunday to keep his body in shape. When all the world is fast asleep, at 5AM, he begins with 15 minutes of cardio, 3 sets of 10 -- lifting weights, 5 sets or 3 minutes striking a punching bag. After school, often 'til 9 PM, he has MMA practice at the gym on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. Jiu-Jitsu practice is on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday before MMA.
What are your goals?
“My main goal is to become a MMA instructor. Currently, I am an assistant coach.”
How does your sport help with your school or career?
“MMA helps with my anger issues so I can stay calm throughout the day. It helps keep up my focus in school -- especially, in my advanced courses.” Because he’s so busy and he takes classes above and beyond basic expectations, Mike works hard to maintain his good grades and remain on National Technical Honor Society.
Because he is the very essence of humility, it was tough getting Mike to brag a bit about his accomplishments, so we went to his number-one fan; according to his proud pappa, here is a brief timeline of his career to date:
- 2013: Joined the Competition Team at Demko Martial Arts
- April 2013: 1st place at the NAGA World Championships, Jiu Jitzu
- 2013: 68 wins and only 12 losses as well as finishing in the top 15 teen Jiu Jitsu competitors in the Nation
- Late 2013: Began training for Adult Jiu Jitzu and MMA
- January 2014: Jiu Jitsu Championship Belt
- 2014: Began training in wrestling
- Throughout 2014: 7 Jiu Jitsu Championship Belts and finishing nationally in the top 10 Teen Jiu Jitsu Competitors
- 2014: Accepted into the National Vocational Technical Honor Society at LCCTC
- 2014: Trained as a Peer Leader and continued to maintain honor and high honor roll academic status
- In 2015 Mike continued training MMA, Boxing, and Jiu Jitsu as well as competing in Jiu Jitsu tournaments competing in Teen & Adult divisions throughout Pa, Oh, Va, Mich, NY, NJ, WVA winning an additional 8 Jiu Jitsu Championship Belts as well as finishing in the top 10 teen Jiu Jitsu competitors in the Nation
- April 2015: 2nd in Gi
- May 2014: Adult Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt under Coach Mike Demko
- July 2015: NAGA: Mike received a belt in Philadelphia tournament.
- August, 2015: Mike successfully fought to defend his belt in New Jersey.
- October 4, 2015: 1st Place In Mens No-Gi Intermediate & Also 1st Place In Men's Blue Belt Gi
- December 23, 2015: Double gold NAGA Teen Expert
- January 30, 2016: An impressive win for his MMA Debut with a 49 Second 1st Round submission finish in Yankee Lake (just 12 days after his 18th birthday)
- March 5, 2016: Won 37 seconds of the 1st Round via TKO at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH.
What events should we watch for in the near future?
Walters 2-0 Will Be Fighting Cory Kemp (3-2) On March 19th at St. Lucy's In Campbell, OH
Mike currently studies Health Assistance. In the fall, he will begin college at Butler County Community College to begin studying for his double major in the RN and Physical Therapy programs. Previously, he attended Union Area High School and New Castle Area High School. He currently works at the family business, Grafik Vapors. In his spare time, he enjoys taking care of his little brother, practicing tricks on his scooter, and, with his friends, helping coach MMA.
