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I think a lot of people don't realize that martial arts are just an expression like anything else. It's just that most people are not trained to punch or kick, but you can walk or run or dance, which is also part of expression.

I've been chastised for going into mixed martial arts and backing out. But the reason I backed out was the terms - they wanted me ready to fight in four weeks, but you've got to be out of your mind. So I decided to go back to my roots, back to wrestling.

Martial arts is not about fighting; it's about building character.

I sometimes just don't like to see the Ultimate Fighting. I just find it, as a martial artist, I just find it too violent.

I see martial arts as moving forms of meditation. When you're sparring or drilling techniques, you can't think of anything else.

For me, MMA is like speed chess. It's like I'm herding a person into a certain position. Say my endgame is an arm bar. I'm not gonna actually take you and put you there. What I'm going to do is convince you that it's a good idea to move in the direction I want you to go.

I so admire the discipline, the work ethic, and the sacrifices fighters make to master all aspects of mixed martial arts.

I'm a martial artist, and I don't train because I have a fight; I train because it's my lifestyle, and I'll train every day if I'm not hurt.

I don't enjoy sparring with the audience. It devastates me.