Some time in May, I got a strange trickle of text messages. Word on the grapevine was that Chuck ‘the Iceman’ Liddell was coming to Cork. “Surely not!… that can’t be right, can it?” I thought to myself. Shortly after, a text from Stewart Dollery of the Boxing Clinic – “Alright boy, we got Chuck Liddell coming in on July 20th, you interested!?”
As someone also running a gym, my first thought was “How the hell…?” quickly followed by “What will I wear!?” (That’s a joke by the way). I’d be lying if I denied a hint a jealousy but within 10 – 15 seconds, I settled on recognition of the impact this event would have on MMA (and Martial Arts in general) in Cork.
Chuck Liddell is, without doubt, one of the top most recognisable Mixed Martial Arts Superstars ever. His career has run in parallel with the boom of the UFC and for a number of years, he was the face of that juggernaut cage fighting organisation. The Iceman has fought all over the world against men who would have been gladiators a couple of millennia ago. He has laid claim to the flat shaven Mohawk hairstyle and his leant back, arms stretched, post-fight celebration is simply iconic.
The grapevine continued to shake and propagate the news and within hours, all tickets were sold out. Conversations continued by text and on facebook. By and large, the general consensus was that of a city grateful for the opportunity to meet and train with a legend. As always, there were some be-grudgers, too short-sighted to see the bigger picture but they were few and destined to miss out.
In the weeks leading up to the seminar any conversation with one of my martial arts peers began with “Are you going to Chuck?” There are only a few celebrities recognisable by a single name – “Elvis”, “Kylie”, “Cher” and the Iceman graced that same platform at least in Cork for this summer.
Fast forward to July 20th 2010. Reports filtered through that the Iceman had been spotted in Cork City. This was the first tangible experience of his presence. Though the seminar wasn’t scheduled to start until 6:30, I found myself negotiating the lanes of the Kinsale Roundabout at 4:30, bringing some chairs and extra kick pads to help out with the event.
Upon arrival to the Boxing Clinic, I found Stewart and Hicham cleaning and polishing, hoovering and sweeping and generally keeping nervous tension at bay with tasks to keep the hands busy. In fairness to them, the Boxing Clinic looked awesome.
I had been there before for physiotherapy but this would have been my first good look at the main training area. The Boxing Ring and the Cage take centre stage dividing the two main training mats. The boxing area has the lighter mat and is surrounded by an array of bags. One wall has tall mirrors and in the corner, a music centre and digital round timer. The other area, presumably for Sambo & BJJ, is covered in thicker tatami mats. Here the walls are also lined with matting providing an extremely safe environment for any of the grappling arts. High up on the wall, 2 x 50” Plasma screens play loops of UFC fights providing inspiration for the fighters below.
At around 5:30, the clinic started to fill up with fighters and spectators. Stewart gathered the security staff for the last minute pep talk. The sight of the security detail getting ready for action signalled the imminence of what was about to happen. A UFC hall of famer was about to set foot inside a Cork MMA gym. I saw some hustle and bustle around the front door and an eerie hush descended on the Boxing Clinic. A flash of a camera set of a chain reaction of blinding flashes. For about 3 seconds, those were the only sounds to be heard but as the crowd caught their first glimpse of the Iceman, whistling, applause and chatter re-ignited and the Boxing Clinic had just lost its ‘celerity-fighter virginity’ to one of the greatest fighters in the world.
Chuck strolled into the gym like it was another day in the office. He took the centre of the ring and got straight down to business. Like me, I think most of those in attendance guessed that he might not get much done in terms of training. I thought he might do some demonstrations, perhaps talk a little, answer a few questions and be gone. Not the case at all. He lead the class in a series of basic routines highlighting his favourite techniques including the overhand right, the looping left hook and the spinning back kick. As those on the floor drilled and practiced, he made his way around adding extra hints and tips to anyone that caught his eye. He was very relaxed and down to earth and took time to develop the movements further.
After about an hour of striking, he moved on to some wrestling drills where he demonstrated a number of escapes from the half guard, using the under-hook. Following a full 90 minutes of working out, he then stayed a further hour signing autographs and taking pictures. He was very patient with everyone and even did a few stare downs on request. I was going to ask for a stare down but I chickened out and just got this photograph instead!
As he was leaving the clinic, Chuck did a radio interview with Red fm and then as smoothly as he had arrived, he was gone leaving a trail of awestruck fans in his wake. Those that stayed behind swapped contact info and began to forge new alliances within the MMA world. I made my introductions to a number of people I knew of, but had never met.
It’s hard to absorb how massive this event actually was. Although, the seminar was witnessed by approximately 100 people and lasted less than 3 hours, this has to be hailed as one of the biggest sporting events in Ireland in 2010. As humans, we learn from seeing it done. What better way to learn than to see one of the world’s greatest kick and punch right in front of your eyes. And yet, on the flip side, we got a real sense of Chuck Liddell, the human. He is but flesh & bone, just like the rest of us. Seeing him with his wife and kids afterwards makes you realise that he just another Cork man born & raised in a different part of the world. He has achieved greatness by working hard and by having unwavering belief in his abilities. The very same opportunities are out there waiting for any up and coming fighter prepared to work just as hard.
On behalf of everyone in attendance, of all the martial artists in Cork and of MMA fans throughout Ireland, I would like to show respect and appreciation to Stewart and Hicham (and everyone else working at the Boxing Clinic) for pulling off this massively successful and epically ambitious event. I can only imagine the costs & risks involved and though the pay back may not be immediate, the long term karma will bring continued success all those involved. Well Done lads!
hi!!!