The Fighter Within

Christopher Olech

• 02 februari 2016
• 9780804845953

Samenvatting:

"Olech brings the average reader into the world of Mixed Martial Arts that few, outside of the realm of its elite participants, will ever experience. A truly uplifting memoir, with a brawler's backbone." - Conner Cordova, MMA journalist

Additional Reviews:

"Why do we fight? What is it that draws us to something that can hurt us? What makes us different from so many others? If you practice martial arts, you have certainly heard these questions echoing from some deep corner of your mind. These questions hounded Christopher Olech until he made the decision that would change his life: instead of waiting for answers, he decided to find them himself…Read this book cover to cover, without giving up, and start becoming that better version of yourself right now." — Marcelo Dunlop, editor of GracieMag magazine

"This book helps people understand the new game of martial arts. Mixed Martial Arts is still in its infancy, and Christopher is one of the people helping to develop MMA for the future." — Grandmaster Toddy, UFC trainer and coach on Oxygen's Fight Girls reality television show

"Just like any great fighter, this book is about all heart. Christopher's view of the fight game is both romantic and realistic. This book is the journey of his love of the sport and its ability to force you into self acceptance." — Phoenix Carnevale, producer of everything martial arts, fight commentator, wise-cracking nerd

" The Fighter Within is a wonderful collection of essays on the personal journeys of several world class athletes and inspiring individuals. Chris Olech interweaves his own experiences training, competing and progressing to make the story much more compelling. In a world of hard knocks, Olech brings out the best in himself by answering the challenges thrown down in front of him. A must-read for any serious MMA fan." — Brian J D' Souza, author of Pound for Pound: The Modern Gladiators of Mixed Martial Arts

"Christopher takes you on a personal journey through life as he uses his martial arts training to maneuver through his obstacles. Coupled with the best fighters in their respective areas, this is a knockout book for everyone looking to succeed in business, life and fighting." — Tom DeBlass, UFC veteran, Bellator fighter and BJJ Black Belt

"A great book for MMA/UFC fans and also for martial artists!" — Mike Smith (Blacksmith), Kyokushin Karate black belt and world class boxing trainer

"Journey alongside Christopher as he takes you deep into the heart of MMA where you will discover a personal and meaningful place of which many do not speak. Through his positive and inquisitive nature, Christopher puts his subjects at ease and as such, reading this book makes you feel as if you are right next to these icons of the sport, getting to know them through their stories and lessons. Whether you are a fighter, a sports fan or just interested in understanding the human condition, this is a great read, and I am honored to be a part of it." — Jeff Phillips, owner of Beardo Wear

"Get Christopher Olech's great new book, The Fighter Within! It has a really nice foreword, written by a very good-looking guy; Bas Rutten! It's an enjoyable read because it's about a guy who is looking for something missing from his life. His search leads him to mixed martial arts and martial arts in general, and he meets a lot of wonderful people along the way. — Bas Rutten, UFC Heavyweight Champion, MMA legend, actor, author and television personality

"An added bonus to purchasing the book is that the legendary fighter, UFC hall of famer, actor and television host Bas Rutten, wrote the foreword." — Jessica Milton, Fanshawe College Student Union

"From MMA to Nazi's to Muay Thai, Chris Olech covers it all in this sometimes funny, sometimes moving but oftentimes motivating tome. I struggled with deciding whether to continue reading or heading to Renzo Gracie Academy to train. Great stuff Olech. Congrats on a great book." — Mike Straka, bestselling author of Fighting Words

"By telling his life story, Chris Olech demonstrates the powerful possibilities that martial arts training can open up for one's life. By training hard and competing in martial arts like Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA, Chris reframed the perspective from which he viewed himself and his life. As a result, he's been able to transform his life from one where he was stuck doing uninspiring menial work to make ends meet, to one where—though struggles persist—he now seeks out adventure as a healthier and more driven person who regularly spends time with, and learns from, his heroes." — Elias Cepeda, MMA & Boxing writer for Yahoo! Sports

"Candid, inspiring and eye-opening. A deep look into the real life of fighters" — Michael Schiavello, sports commentator for AXS TV, K-1, Dream, Maximum Fighting Championship, King of the Cage and The Contender Asia

" The Fighter Within is a recommended read for fans of sports on what drives an athlete and the lengths they go to achieve their goals." — The Chronicle Journal

"Chris Olech is proof positive that everyone does indeed have a fight. He went from combat sports fan and spectator to activate participant. He shares many of his personal experiences throughout his journey, as well as stories from many of the sport's elite athletes. It's clear he put his heart and soul into this project—it's a book not to be missed." — Tony Reid, owner of Rattling the Cage, monthly contributor to Fighters Only magazine, host of ESPN 92.3 WVSL

"Mr. Olech's enthusiasm carries the reader into the book, and his knowledge and storytelling carry you the rest of the way through to a deeper understanding of the sport and its champions. If you've got even a passing interest in MMA, or MMA athletes, or even sport motivation, then this is a great book to pick up." — Martial Thoughts blog

"Olech traveled across North America and Europe interviewing and often training with some of the biggest names in the fight world. And now he shares the journey in his book." — Mixedmartialarts.com

"Olech brings the average reader into the world of Mixed Martial Arts that few, outside of the realm of its elite participants, will ever experience. A truly uplifting memoir, with a brawler's backbone." — Conner Cordova, MMA journalist

"The book reveals thoughtful, encouraging and even lighthearted insights into the minds and souls of true champions. It describes the attributes that lead to success in a sport that demands dedication, forethought and intellect—traits which are applicable to all of life's challenges." — MyMMANews.com

"The intense opening of The Fighter Within is sure to grab the attention of any reader, even those with no interest in mixed martial arts." — The Toronto Sun

" The Fighter Within is a recommended read for fans of sports on what drives an athlete and the lengths they go to achieve their goals. Most will relate to the stories, regardless of your favourite sport." — The Chronicle Journal

"Quite frankly, because of the wonderful insight his interviews have provided me with, I will never look at an MMA fighter the same way again. Olech makes MMA seem like it's more than sport." — HubPages.com

"Olech has painstakingly crafted a beautifully written opus that looks deep within the minds of fighters. Rather than just waxing poetic about what these competitors go through before, during and after fights, he provides insight into what makes them tick, from UFC champions to average journeymen. An enjoyable book packed with information, insight and stories from some of the greatest mixed martial artists of all-time. MMA fans would be wise to scoop up this one." — Mike Sloan, Sherdog.com

Enter the minds of some of the martial arts world's most respected fighters and trainers.

The Fighter Within is an inspirational book for Mixed Martial Arts fans which brings insider stories, heartfelt moments and the human element to what's perceived as a savage sport. It reveals thoughtful, encouraging and even lighthearted insights into the minds and souls of true champions. It describes the attributes that lead to success in a sport that demands dedication, forethought and intellect—traits which are applicable to all of life's challenges.

A foreword by Bas Rutten—UFC Heavyweight Champion and three-time King of Pancrase World Champion—sets the tone for this book, which features an impressive array of interviews with a veritable who's-who of elite MMA fighters and martial artists:

• Fedor Emelianenko (Former MMA Heavyweight Champion and FIAS World Combat Sambo Heavyweight Champion)
• Rashad Evans (Heavyweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter 2/Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion)
• Rich Franklin (Former UFC Middleweight Champion)
• Rory MacDonald (Former King of the Cage Lightweight Champion)
• Sean Sherk (Former UFC Lightweight Champion)
• Tomasz Adamek (Boxing Champion)
• Firas Zahabi (Tri-Star Elite Coach)
• Bruno Fernandes (Founder of Gracie Barra Montreal BJJ school/President of GB Wear)
• John Danaher (BJJ Black Belt Elite Coach)
• Ajarn Phil Nurse (Muay Thai Champion/Elite Coach)
• Alain Moussi (Actor/Stuntman)
• Rafal Chwalek (Polish Kickboxing and Savate Champion)
• Scott Ramsdell (API Head Instructor)
• Matthew Olson (API Head Instructor)