Jake Farmer studies Visual Communications at Sinclair Community College, and when he puts the books down he becomes, ‘Smalls’, an amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter with a record of 5-3. He fights in the 125-pound division.
“The Sinclair teachers are awesome people,” said Farmer. “They look out for you, and the Visual Communications classes are really cool.”
“MMA fighting is kinetic chess,” said Farmer. “In the ring, it is you and one other guy. You have to think on your feet. Is your opponent going to go for a double leg takedown? Is he going to throw a hook? Is he going to kick you? You have to think about all of that, plus plan your own moves.”
“I study and train in wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwan Doe, Muay Thai, and Judo,” said Farmer. “Some people are a one trick pony, and because of that they are not as effective.” Farmer has been involved in MMA for the last four years. He does some form of cardio workout seven days a week, lifts weights three times per week, and grapples two times per week.
Farmer did not wrestle in high school. Instead, he was president of the computer club.
“I love Photoshop,” said Farmer.
Jake is in to photography, drawing and plans on returning to Austin to attend the University of Texas and further his studies in Visual Communications. Farmer also hopes to find work in the design field somewhere in Austin.
“There is a lot of stuff to do,” said Farmer. “The people of Austin are free thinking and relaxed and there is a ton of music. If you ever go to Austin, check out South by South West (music festival), Austin City Limits and Sixth Street.”
Farmer started fighting while attending Middletown High School after meeting a teacher named Chris Wells. Wells is an MMA fighter who, like Farmer, trains at Jorge Gurgel’s Academy in West Chester, Ohio.
Farmer encourages anyone who is interested in pursuing MMA to train at Gurgel’s facility. For more information on Jorge Gurgel’s Academy, you can go to www.ohiomma.com.
Jake was working at Circuit City as a Firedog technician, but unfortunately he lost his job when the company went out of business. He has since obtained a job at a Gamestop store, but hopes to find another information technology job.
Farmer disagrees with those who say MMA is nothing but blood sport.
“MMA is not cock fighting,” said Farmer. “It gets a bad rap every now and then. Senator John McCain called it human cock fighting. It’s really pretty safe. Once you can’t defend yourself, the referee will stop the fight.”
Farmer hopes to see MMA continue to evolve.
“I’m hoping MMA will become an Olympic event,” said Farmer. “Wrestling, boxing and Tae Kwan Doe are Olympic events now, and hopefully the IOC will instate MMA.”
