Corey Kent - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Competitor - Autism and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

This week's Fighting For Autism Blog features Fighter Ambassador Corey Kent, Corey talks to us about his martial arts journey so far and his personal experience of being autistic. 

We also proudly present The Tony Pillage Fighting Fund Initiative, which aims to provide autistic kids/teens/adults or those with additional needs from low income families with essential equipment they may require to partake in a club/activity  (i.e Martial Arts, Boxing , Health and Fitness)

Corey Kent Interview

Describe your martial arts journey so far?

"When I turned 18, I joined a small local kickboxing club for about 2/3 years and won multiple gold and sliver trophies in that sport but unfortunately I was growing unsatisfied and lost enjoyment in it. So when i saw that a local mma club that had just opened and was doing Brazilian Jiu jitsu, I thought “maybe I need to try something completely different from striking?”. I remember falling so in love with the bjj class that I bought a gi straight away after the end of class even though the teacher told me not to incase I wasn’t going to continue doing it but I knew straight away what I wanted to do! And I’ve never looked back since".

What prompted you to explore martial arts?

"Ive always wanted to find a positive outlook for my thoughts and obsessive personality to teach me somethings like hard work, patience and self-improvement".

What Autism myths would you like to dispel?

"I hate it when people say “oh I would’ve never guess your autistic” when I tell people why I struggle with certain things or situations.

I have always struggled with being viewed as cold, rude or disrespectful because of reasons like me being easily distracted when someone is speaking or when I’m speaking bluntly and to the point but I want them to know that it’s the opposite". 

How often do you train, and what would a typical days training schedule consist of?

"At this moment, I’m training BJJ/wrestling at least 4 times an week but also going to my nearby gym for some weightlifting at minimum 3 times as well. Sunday is usually a rest day for me so I’ll try to do some yoga to relax and research on some BJJ techniques or concepts that I may had problems with that particular week".

What accomplishment to date are you proudest of?

"I’m more proud of the friendships and experiences than any of the medals I have won. My journey is still young in this sport so I have more ambitions than accomplishments but I’m happy with where I am and I can’t wait to see what this journey takes me".

Corey with some of the medals he has won during his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey.

What does Autism mean to you?

"Its honestly a hard thing to describe as someone who has always had to deal with autism but I can appreciate how I can catch certain details and look at things from a different angle then other people without autism. Its a massive benefit talking to my teammates about techniques and realising that while my teammates are looking at the big picture that I’ve been focused on small details that others miss and then using both knowledge to benefit everyone in the team".

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of taking up a martial art, boxing or joining a gym?

"Take it easy and never be afraid to hide yourself from your coach or teammates because hopefully eventually you will form close friendships and bonds because of the similar interests and you will be valued for who you are as a person"

Corey trains and competes out of Brotherhood MMA in The Isle of Wight, United Kingdom

Fighting For Autism (Europe) proudly present

The Tony Pillage Fighting Fund Initiative

We are extremely honoured to present 

The Tony Pillage Fighting Fund Initiative

 in remembrance of our friend and ambassador Tony Pillage.

Tony worked tirelessly providing a platform for some amazing people to celebrate and share their exceptional experiences and stories of how they overcame daily adversity through martial arts, we hope that through the initiative that Tony's legacy will continue to grow.

The initiative aims to provide funding for autistic kids/teens/adults or those with additional needs from low income families with essential kit/equipment they require to partake in an activity (i.e Martial Arts, Boxing , Health and Fitness) to a maximum of £50/€50 in a bid to boost confidence, health, wellbeing and developing lasting friendships.

 Terms and conditions do apply and owing to limited funding the initiative is only available to residents in the UK and Ireland and the initiative is unable to fund club joining/membership fees or insurances.

For more details please contact Paul - p.greany@fightingforautismeurope.org

Fighting for Autism (Europe) is a registered charity with the charity commission of England & Wales.

Charity number 1189562 

#FightingForAutism #TheTonyPillageFightingFundInitiative #DareToBeDifferent #MartialArts #Boxing #HealthAndFitness

Chris Price, Professional Mixed Martial Artist -Autism and Mixed Martial Arts.

* Describe your martial arts journey so far?

"It's been a wild journey with a lot of ups and downs along the way but the one thing that's been consistent has been my strive to improve. I've also made a lot of good friends on my journey both at gyms and in competition".

* What prompted you to explore martial arts?

"I got bullied at Primary school, had very low confidence and also needed an outlet to get rid of my hyperactive energy. My parents found a traditional jujitsu club nearby and I stepped on the mat for the first time at 7 years old. At first I hated it because of how difficult it was but after a while I learnt to enjoy the process.

When I was about 11 or 12 years old I got more involved in the competitive side of martial arts and watched a mini documentary about the Gracies and the rise of the UFC. It was at that moment I decided I wanted to give multiple martial arts a go. I trained at different gyms across town doing Muay Thai, Judo and various traditional martial art styles aiming to be a "Complete Martial Artist" until I found a good MMA Gym in town called Blackburn Predators where I moved full time and started my amateur career. After 7 years of training and competing I made the move to Manchester Predators and turned professional".

Chris pictured with UFC rising star and fellow Fighting For Autism Ambassador 

Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett.

* What Autism myths would you like to dispel?

"Something I hear a lot that offends me is that people with Autism don't feel empathy or emotion towards other people and that we are almost like robots. That's so far from the truth it's offensive. I will agree that I struggle recognising other people's emotions sometimes like anger or sadness. I may need a solid sign to understand how a person feels in a particular moment. But to say I don't care about how another person feels is ridiculous. As bizarre as it sounds I don't like hurting or offending other people simply because I understand how it felt growing up".

* How often do you train, and what would a typical days training schedule consist of?

"I train 6 days a week 2x a day. I'll do the fighter class during the day which is either a sparring session or a MMA wrestling session. I'll have a break coach a few Personal Trainer sessions and coach the Fundamental BJJ Class then do some technical work with my head coach Gav at in the evening. I'll also do 3 Strengh & Conditioning sessions during the week to stay strong and work on my fitness".

* What accomplishment to date are you proudest of.

"I'm still working towards bigger achievements in the future but I'd say winning Submission Of The Year on FCC last year is a big one, having the chance to represent my country at the IMMAFs in Bahrain, winning an amateur fight on Cage Warriors at the ECHO Arena with Dan Hardy in attendance and winning the BUDO Amateur Featherweight Belt"..

Chris having his hand raised in victory via a 37 second submission win.

* What does Autism mean to you?

"I can honestly say it's a big part of who I am and what drives me. I think in a way that's very different to the "normal person" I have a very different view on life and how I approach it. I don't think I'd be anything close to the man I am today without being autistic. Sure it has its disadvantages but it also has some strong advantages in the lifestyle I've chosen".

* What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of taking up a martial art, boxing or joining a gym?

"Just get started and don't overthink it. The main thing is finding a coach and a team that have a good track record in competition, give you a warm welcome when you walk through the door and make you feel at home. Enjoying the process is very important at the start"

On behalf of everyone at Fighting for Autism, we would like to thank Chris Price for taking time out of his schedule to take part in this interview.

You can follow Chris on Instagram at 

www.insyagram.com/crazychrisprice.