Interview with Pono Pananganan * PP; by Robert Fain - MMA Hawaii Reporter (Kauai) MMA Hawaii; How many people train at KTI? PP; Off hand I would I would say that we have over 80 members.
MMA Hawaii; How did you get into MMA? PP; I'm not the kind of guy that likes to fight. I just said if I'm ever going to do it, I was going to fight in front of my DAD. When my Dad was diagnosed with cancer, the Dr. said that he had an estimated 3-5 years to live. So I decided that I'd better do it while he's here. MMA Hawaii; Do you have any fights lined up? PP; No dates set for anything. Just eating and getting fat!
MMA Hawaii; Do you feel like you're able to train enough while working full time? PP; No, I really don't get to train as much as I would like to, with a 40 hour work week and teaching classes right after that. As well as finding time for everything else there is to do.
MMA Hawaii; What do you enjoy more, fighting or teaching? PP; For myself, I really enjoy teaching! Especially kids, they’re great! You get to see them grow up so fast and help guide them into the right direction in their lives. Teaching is great, you also get to see everyone progress throughout the years, from the day they walk in the door to their next belt. I take great honor in teaching so many incredible people! MMA Hawaii; What are your goals in MMA? PP; I just want to represent the sport and martial arts as best as I can. I Love jiu jitsu! That is my main concern. One day I will join a small group of people as a Relson Gracie Black belt, if I train and keep working hard! MMA Hawaii; On the MMAHawaii forum, a forum user wrote you were "told not to fight anyone under Relson's name". Can you elaborate? PP; My friend Kaleo trains and instructs at Relson Gracie O2 as well as fellow fighters from the East of Oahu. Because all Relson affiliates are family we do not fight between ourselves.
MMA Hawaii; Anything else you'd like to say? PP; Gotta say congrats to RB, Nanea, Keao, and Nick for their beautiful new babies. I would also like to thank everyone that has helped me throughout my life and made me the Man I am today. To my sponsors- Da pool guy, Scrappa, Marshall Construction, Island Athletics, Ment to be, Arroyos Plumbing, Big save, CK builders, Malchor contracting, Kauai Kraze, Roots run deep, and Ainofea. Mahalo nui for all of your support! And to all of the people of Team Relson, Kauai, Ka-mole, KTI, and my Family I love you all and more thank yous than you'll ever know. Previous video interview by Doc Mason - MMA Hawaii Reporter at Gracie Proven Grounds
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