A Fighter Was Born ft. Jacob Hidalgo

Sophomore, Jacob Hidalgo has been a fighter since he was born and he recently started practicing MMA four years ago. Mixed martial arts is extremely difficult to master because it combines many different martial arts into one form of fighting, but Jacob is not afraid of a challenge.
When asked about what made Jacob take up the sport he says “I was picked on a lot as a child and bullied, I also lived in a dangerous neighborhood so my parents made me learn how to fight.” Although the reason he started is not the best, Jacob grew a love for the sport over his life and that’s why he decided to take up MMA.
Mixed martial arts is a sport based on different martial art techniques combined into one activity. Being able to master different types of martial arts and use them together is very difficult. MMA fighting takes a lot of focus and swiftness, However, Jacob trains with his instructor on learning different styles of fighting. Considering how much time martial arts training takes up Jacob still finds time to be part of the wrestling team and practice on campus as well.
It’s already obvious Jacob works hard to manage his time between martial arts and school and he also talks about how his instructor would wake him up at 5:00 am to go train and they would spend the whole day training. Just like other sports MMA requires you to be flexible and diligent with practice. “Ever since I started I have been better at managing my life and more strict with my schoolwork” Jacob states. MMA is a big part of Jacob’s life that makes him who he is today, which is why it’s so interesting.
Jacob has competed in MMA throughout his life as well. He’s placed as high as second place while competing and has many other achievements as well. Jacob says “ Without MMA I would not be the person I am today, my life has been shaped by it.” it shows that some people really dedicate their life to something and in this case, Jacob has decided that a unique sport like MMA is something he’s wanted to do since he was little.
“Martial arts has helped me build my confidence up and taught me discipline in life” Jacob explains. Since he has been practicing martial arts Jacob has found it to change many aspects of his life. This just goes to show that people are more unique than they seem. no one could have guessed that someone who looks nice and gentle on the outside fight MMA.