by MATTHEW SPOLARICH

The sports of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts have recently enjoyed increased worldwide popularity. MMA has become an independent sport that has gone beyond just competitive events and into clothing lines, reality shows and nutritional supplement endorsements.

You don’t have to look for the next Pay-Per-View to find an established MMA competitor; Gabe Barahona works and trains right here in South Louisiana. Gabe has a resumé that could fill this article, but some highlights of his career include: 6-time state champion for the Louisiana State Jiu-Jitsu Federation, Mississippi state champion in Jiu-Jitsu, silver medal winner at the Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championship (2009), silver medal winner at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi World Championship and
a bronze medal at the Arnolds Grappling Championship (2008).

Gabe specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling. The Brazilian form of Jiu-Jitsu was made famous by Carlos and Hélio Gracie in the early 20th century and emphasizes grappling and groundwork, essential elements
of a complete MMA competitor.

Gabe started practicing traditional martial arts in third grade, but eventually lost interest in competing. While attending college at Loyola University, he discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and regained his competitive nature. What made the difference for him was the change from the “play fighting” of traditional martial arts competition to the decidedly different nature of competing in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA.

It was hard for Gabe to find instructors with a depth of experience, but he found a mentor and began training. By 2005, Gabe was a member of
American Top Team, an acclaimed Florida-based MMA team. In recognition of his talent, he has since been selected for the U.S. National Team.

In addition to his individual accomplishments, Gabe is a teacher at Blacklist Gym in Raceland. The popularity of the Ultimate Fighting Championship has resulted in many new people wanting to try Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. Gabe serves as a teacher and mentor to those who just want to try the sport out or take a serious step in training to compete in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA events.

By day, Gabe’s primary job is in information technology. He works his training schedule around work at least five days a week.

Gabe was recently part of an elite group of athletes who attended
the Bommarito Performance Systems training in Florida
(www.bommaritoperformance.com). Bommarito training is a unique system utilized by a variety of world-class athletes; Gabe’s class included NFL-bound Brady Quinn and Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester. Gabe learned strength and conditioning techniques to take him to the next level in his Jiu-Jitsu and MMA abilities.

Many people tend to stereotype MMA competitors as glorified street fighters, but Gabe says there is much more to the sport. He believes
“a complete fighter is the result of technique mixed with conditioning.” While mixing NFL players and MMA fighters in the same environment may seem out of place, Gabe points out “the power and speed required to tackle as an NFL player translate directly to take-down moves in the MMA.”

Gabe’s future in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the MMA looks bright.
He is currently sponsored by Sprawl Fight Shorts (www.sprawl.tv), Sinister Clothing and Tactical Nutrition. Gabe is also excited about working on a sponsorship with the popular Under Armour brand.

As part of the U.S. National Team, Gabe is preparing to travel to
Poland for an international grappling tournament in March. In last year’s competition, the U.S. team swept the competition and Gabe beat a top-seeded fighter for his match.

Gabe believes the popularity of MMA will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. He is continuing to hone his technique and focus on increasing his performance through intense conditioning and another visit to the Bommarito facility. In a sport once thought of as just two guys fighting, Gabe proves that MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are serious sports that require dedication to master along with a competitive nature that puts it on par with any other sport. PoV