Jake is clearly a rising star. A 30 year old pro MMA fighter with an 11 fight win streak, Jake is doing his best to navigate the waters of the ever growing popularity of MMA which seems to parallel the rise in his own notoriety.

But what seems even more noteworthy is that he’s a man who seems to represent a bridge from our primal past and our civilized future. He has clearly evolved a clear channel to his primitive instincts in regards to sports and fighting AND he maintains a worldview, which is progressive and inclusive.

MMA is becoming THE ‘cool’ sport; today’s MMA fighters (especially the top level fighters) are viewed as some combination of “X-treme” athlete and rock-star. Jake Shields knows who he is, where the sport of MMA is, where it’s going and is keenly aware of the role he and those like him play.

Gil Melendez on Jake Shields:
I met Jake at Gil Melendez’s gym in San Francisco for a workout and interview, it was really a humbling honor to roll with one of three Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belts. As he used our 5-minute roll to warm up, it was clear he was a physically powerful intuitive ground fighter who also knew how to control his power for his training partners so that I could walk rather than be carried out of the gym. This was a self-described ‘light’ day for Jake, having trained hard all week.

Gil gave me a little insight into Jake’s fast paced world and the stamina needed to endure the pressures of being a skillful fighter.

Describe Jake Shields in one word?
Beast.

What is it that separates him from so many others in MMA?
No question, his work ethic.

What are some of the challenges he faces?
He’s still got some improvement in his stand-up to work on, he has to keep learning to deal with being a ‘celebrity’ and part of that is he’s got A LOT of female fans who want his attention.

What would people be surprised to find out about him?
He’s really an approachable easygoing guy who grew up in a hippie family – he’s a great friend.

Jake Shields:
Do you know why you’re a professional fighter, rather than some other profession?
Fighting is the purest form of competition. I’m a perfectionist and because of that have gravitated to individual competition rather than team sports – It’s self-reliance.

How would you describe yourself as a fighter?
An extreme technician. I am relentless, non-stop pressure, this breaks people.

Any thoughts about your childhood and how that relates to the fighter you’ve become?
My brothers beat me up all the time. I did not fit in, in school I had to fight back. I’d fight anyone – I would not back down. I actually got my brothers into a lot of fights, defending me (big smile).
Things are different now. I would not just fight someone; I really don’t care if someone is disrespectful to me. But, it’s not okay to disrespect my friends.

You’re one of just three Gracie black belts yet you reference your style as American Jiu Jitsu, can you talk more about that?
It’s a style that I put together, it’s an MMA based style the combines the technical flow of BJJ with the aggressive pressure of American wrestling – it respects both, taking the best of each. People are learning the counters to BJJ moves adding pressure changes the game.
In my school, I don’t even teach my fighters point fighting, I teach domination positions and finishing. MMA is evolving faster than any other sport in the world, adapt or perish.

You’re on an 11-fight win streak, what is the key to that trajectory?
Of course you have to have the right people around you, but it’s no secret, the key is HARD WORK. It’s your job.

What are some qualities that you respect in other fighters?
Same thing, hard work. I have a lot of respect for GSP (Georges St. Pierre), he works hard. I respect toughness, good technical skills and guys who innovate.

Any advice for young/upcoming fighters?
Find good trainers and a good team. Stick with it – it takes years to get good. Do what others are unwilling to do.

Along similar lines, do you think fighters should ‘take any fight’ or be more strategic?
I started out taking any fight, but I think it’s better to fight at the same relative skill level and be more strategic.

You’ve talked about wanting to fight GSP, are you ready for him?
I think I’m ready. He’s great, but he’s not had to deal with my level of Jiu Jitsu.

Do you think that MMA is or has the opportunity to evolve into a sort of ‘right of passage’ for young people in the modern western world?
Yes, I think it can. We’re in an electronic world with no way to get aggression out.

People need an outlet. Men in particular are meant to fight, hunt, kill, now what?
We’re genetically meant to fight and we’ve lost the avenues to express that. It’s a thrill to fight your heart out.

Do you feel that you (and other top fighters) are viewed as role models?
Yes, it’s just the way it is. I try to do more good than bad.

Speaking of ‘doing good’, you’re involved in several “causes” what are they?
Right now my focus is “Hope of Mother – Afghanistan” and a women’s boxing program there. We get a lot, it’s important to give back. In the future I look forward to doing much more.

What are some misconceptions about fighting/fighters that you’d like to dispel?
I think a lot of people think we’re just in there trying to hurt each other, we’re testing ourselves. The fight community is very tight, I can and do go anywhere in the world and people will take me in. Also, some guys do a lot of shit talking before fights, some of this is the promoters and some guys need to make a fight personal, but it’s not what most fighters go through, we’re professionals.

What are the most non-stereotypical aspects of Jake Shields?
I’m really chill and a normal guy, I keep my ego in check. Most of the top guys are nice, laid back…

What do you think the difference is between the top echelons of fighters and say the second tier?
Work ethic, many of us have been doing this for 10, 15 and 20 years. Yes, they have to have the right team, but it’s the extra work that makes the difference. Some guys are very talented, but that talent has let them skip some of the hard work. The hard work wins out.

You have a video called “I am a fighter”, what else are you?
A father, a son, a brother, a friend.

You have an 8-year old daughter, how does she feel about her dad as a fighter?
Ha, the other kids want her to bring my autograph, so I guess it’s kind of cool for her. I won’t take her to my fights but we do watch them after.

Would you care if she wanted to be a fighter?
If she felt strongly, I would be okay with that.

Any thoughts on female MMA fighting in general?
I’m not against it; it’s slowly growing on me. I think it fills a niche. For sure they fight hard and put it all out there.

What do you do to get your mind away from fighting?
Spend time with my daughter, go on hikes and mountain bike, and spend time with friends and laugh – it’s important to stay relaxed.

Twenty years from now, what place do you think MMA will take in the U.S. sporting landscape?
It’s definitely the fastest growing thing, not just in the U.S. but also around the world. It will be one of the biggest sports for sure – as long as it stays pure and does not become ‘entertainment’.

Jake approaches fighting from the standpoint of mastery, taking his testosterone driven reality with a perfectionist’s eye – so it’s mastery with a purpose. Many ‘sensitive new age’ types see fighting as contrary to civilized behavior, Jake sees it as normal behavior which needs and outlet. Jake is also a vegetarian who puts animal rights and women’s empowerment causes at the top of his list. These two worldviews play easily together for Jake.