Thanks in large part to Ultimate Fighting, mixed martial arts (or MMA) has grown in popularity considerably in the last few years, yet few make the commitment to practice it full time. There is one student who is putting in the hours at Garfield. His name is Lewis Wilson.

“I started taking kung fu freshman year,” says Wilson, a senior. “Since then, I’ve taken each wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, and muay thai. I wrestle for Garfield. It all helps with mixed martial arts.”

Mixed martial arts is exactly what it sounds like: a battle in which the fighters utilize a variety of combat sports and disciplines. The goal is simple: to dominate.

“The easiest way of looking at it is as a combination of boxing and wrestling,” says Wilson. “You can stand up, but go to ground too.”

Brute strength is, obviously, important to success, but as a result, the martial art aspect becomes that much more crucial. The ability to stay balanced and force the opponent off-balance plays a major role throughout a match, which is decided by one of a number of outcomes, most often a submission (like mercy) or a knockout.

Organizations like Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) have become successful because of the natural intensity of the sport. Originally an underground group, UFC was proclaimed “human cock fighting” before it was forced to tighten its in-ring regulations. Since then, it has made a comeback on Pay-Per-View. Popularity reached new heights this year; The last championship broke HBO records; in May, it was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Wilson’s first match comes December 8th. In preparation, he follows a rigorous workout regimen.

“During the two month peak training period, I would work out 5 hours a day, 6 days a week,” says Wilson. “I’m only working out a couple hours a day now. I don’t to wear out before my fight.”

That two month span had Wilson testing his physical and mental strength on regular basis. Everyday after school, he ran and lifted weights at the YMCA, then sparred and engaged in technical drills at various other gyms.

“I practice each martial art individually, so it’s a little tough,” he says. “It’s enjoyable though.”

Wilson loves martial arts not for the combat that comes inherently, but for the stoicism it requires. This comes as little surprise; the enormity of his muscles is surpassed only by the gentleness of his heart, as many can attest.

“Martial arts is an art. It’s a discipline,” says Wilson. “I really appreciate that side of it, and want to get to know it better.”

Whether it be an art or a fight, it’s easy to believe Wilson has this upcoming match on lock, because, simply, he does. He’s been working out 30 hours a week. He has heart. He has the proverbial guns. He has ambition. And, more than anything — as one Garfield student puts it — “he’s filthy.”