“Bottom line — come in with an open mind and enjoy the ride.”
When reality hits, some tell you to roll with it — the above philosophy. Otherwise, and in certain circumstances, Jeff Funicello applies this certain life philosophy to a sport. This application however, has a hit that is far from imaginary.
Funicello for the past couple decades has been nothing short of optimism as he has resurrected Pankration—mixed martial arts that derived from Ancient Greece. Not only has Funicello embodied other present day, household-named fighters with the ancient skills, he is also said to have coined the name “Mixed Martial Arts” in 1991. He has been a journeyman and born into a family of fighters. Now, Funicello’s objective is to extend his knowledge to extend the family of MMA worldwide.
“It’s multifaceted. You have to be conditioned and be mentally tough. You don’t just train harder but smarter,” Funicello says.
Not only has Funicello made the sport a worldwide movement and he has also pinpointed it. This is where Arizona State University comes into play. Funicello is the master instructor for ASU’s Pankration team. The team trains in the Student Recreation Center in Tempe. In addition to this, the more advanced group of fighters, the “Spartans,” train in Mesa.
“Truly there is nothing like this at the college level. The format of instruction is correct. If you end up training with us for four years, you’ll end up having the skills that you’d have to travel the world to get,” says Tracy Greiff, the wrestling strategy coach for the club and system. ASU’s group is but a branch of the entire universal connection.
For beginners, this particular branch bares a fruitful experience. According to Funicello, “a little bit of everything” is included. Anywhere from grappling to jujitsu, jujitsu to kickboxing, the educational opportunity is vast.
“This is definitely based on competition and building great values. It keeps everyone down the straight and narrow path. It’s just about building your arsenal and confidence,” says senior Kyle Dubay, a Kinesiology major. “It’s mentally exhausting. You’re body’s screaming at you to quit but you keep pushing. You win. If you don’t, you get back on the horse. Same with life.”
Coinciding with the “straight and narrow path,” the group also partakes in off-the-mat community services. For one, they are affiliated with the Wounded Warrior Project where the team builds wheelchair ramps for the homes of wounded veterans. Dubay sees the team as a very “patriotic” one, one that gives back to the veterans when given the opportunity.
Giving back and preparation is key.
“There are three things. First, position before submission. Secondly, you can’t fight if you can’t breathe. Lastly, what I have my group repeat, protect yourself at all times and put yourself into the position to deliver an effective attack,” says Funicello, who lives by these “mottos”.
According to Funicello, the fundamentals are all you need.
“People who win championships win with fundamentals. Your body only moves in so many directions. You just need to feel the window of opportunity,” Funicello says.
Currently, Arizona State’s club is training for Desert Quest, a submission tournament held in Mesa, Arizona; it will be held on Oct. 2 at the Broadway Recreation Center.
Got sports? E-mail me at bcapria@asu.edu
