Luke Stewart, fighting out of San Francisco California is an unassuming man. Unlike some, Luke speaks of humility and how much he has yet to learn. He gives praise to his coaches, trainers and even opponents – upon meeting him, an unlikely man to be stepping into a cage and being be so dangerous.

Luke’s genuinely amazing tattoos and his deeply cauliflowered ears speak to the key passions in his life, passions he’s been able to turn into a living that he enjoys – this along with his relaxed attitude makes this professional MMA fighter and family man, an enviable guy.

Q: What do you do in your life that is NOT fighting?

My hobbies are fighting and being an artist, I’ve been able to make my living at the things I love to do. Besides that, my girlfriend and my family are my life and I feel lucky about that.

Q: Who are you/what are you like outside the ring?

People are usually surprised to find out I’m a pro fighter. I’m kind of mild mannered. I don’t walk around with aggression. I’m even pretty mellow before a fight, sometimes my coaches have to get me going, slap me a few times (smiling).

Q: How did you make your way to professional fighting?

When I was a kid I was kind of a thug, listening to hardcore music and getting into street fights. Let’s call it rebellious. At 17 I went to a dojo to learn how to kick ass better. But the more I got into it, the more I learned to appreciate the art.
As I matured, the violence component left me. Now when I fight, I do it without emotion, without violent intention, it’s problem solving – like a chess match. So, from youthful aggression to art form to pro fighting without a violent attitude.

Q: It sounds as if you feel fighting has really helped you as a person. Can you expand on that?

I would not do this if it was just about fighting and injuries. Fighting has given me passion and confidence. I have learned about my self and what limits are – for me (and it think for most people) those limits are much farther out than we think, but if they’re not tested, we never know.

We’re more durable than we think we are. I don’t think about getting hurt. What I do realize is that the better I get the more humble I become, the more I appreciate the skills and hard work of other fighters. The more I learn the more I respect what others can do.

There is always someone who can kick your ass.

Ultimately, it’s about self-knowledge.

Q: Do you think fighting is ‘normal’?

I think it’s instinctive. Everyone wrestles as a kid for example. I think people want to be involved in fighting more than they admit. Maybe they’re afraid of being hurt or being embarrassed. But, I do see fighting as normal for people.

Q: What is modern fighting really about from your perspective?

Testing yourself to the fullest! It is the most primal thing. One-on-one. The ultimate contest!

Q: Do you learn more from your wins or your losses?

I’m never really happy with my performance; I’ll always pick it apart. But I definitely learn more from my losses – they motivate me to get in the gym and get better.

Q: What fight do you think you’ve learned the most from?

My loss to Tiki Ghosn. I should not have lost this fight. I had a lot going on in my personal life and my mind was not in the right place. That’s when I really learned how vital the mental part of the game is.

Q: Speaking of that, what kind of mental preparation do you do?

The training itself is brutal, but for me I can’t walk around each day being beaten down. I do not train to survive; I train to win and feel good. I do a lot of visualization leading into a fight. I see the fight in my mind and watch what makes me nervous and I work through all of that. By the time I step in the cage, I’m relaxed, mentally and physically ready to go.

Q: What are some developments you’re seeing in MMA?

MMA is becoming it’s own Martial Art rather than just being a compilation of other arts. Overall the use of techniques are better, more sophisticated and I think that will continue to improve.

Q: What’s your relationship with the audience/fans?

I really appreciate it when people tell me they enjoy my fighting. Given that the fighters are risking everything in the cage, I have the hardest time understanding when fans boo and show disrespect for the fighters. I think the more educated the audience gets the more they can appreciate each individual fight.

With that said, THE most rewarding part of being a fighter is having people being stoked at watching you. Win or loose when I give my all and fought my heart out, it’s the best feeling in the world!

Q: What part of your game are you focusing on right now, in terms of improving?

My background is in ground fighting so, I’m working on my stand-up. The other focus is making sure that it all the ranges of fighting flow together. I want my transitions to be quicker.

Q: What’s the hardest part of your training?

The frequency. The training can be a grind – it’s not glamorous. You’re dragging your gear to the gym and it’s still damp from the day before. Sometimes you’re just worn out, but you must train.

Q: What about coaches and training partners, who are the vital people in your life?

No question, Kurt Osiander is number one. He’s the ROCK at Ralph’s (Ralph Gracie Ju Jitsu); he’s got this invincible type personality, you can punch him as hard as you want and he keeps coming. He’s my first coach, my Ju Jitsu dad – he built my game.

Darren Uyenoyama (who just opened his own called FTCC in Daly City) has been a great asset. He’s like ¼ my size so we don’t fight much, but I’ve learned a ton working with him.

My strength and conditioning coach is Dave Alexander and he’s just amazing. I couldn’t do it without him.

Neungisam out of Fight and Fitness is my Mauy Thai coach – again, just great at what he does.

My key training partners are: Nik Theotkos, Joey Armstrong, Jake Shields, James Cook and Taraq Azin.

This is my crew and I owe them a great debt for all they do for me.

Q: Any thoughts on your recent fight with Joe “Diesel” Riggs?

I’m disappointed. First round went great, second round I got caught. I didn’t respect his power enough.

I’d like to fight him again.

Q: You have some amazing tattoos. Obviously you are a tattoo artist and are a partner in your own shop here in San Francisco. Tell us about your shop and the tat on your back that we have featured here.

In 2006 I came together with two friends to open Seventh Son Tattoo in downtown San Francisco. We are an upscale shop specializing custom work. You can check us out at seventhsontattoo.com.

The tattoo on my back was done by my shop partner Jason Kundell. It took over a year of countless sessions to complete. It goes from my shoulders to the backs of my knees, I would have to say it was my most painful experience.

Q: Where from here Luke?

I love fighting. I’m recovering very well after the Riggs fight. I’ll take it a bit easy for a month or so. I’m sure I’ll have a fight by the spring. I’m looking for a tough fight. I’m still learning. When I’m able to do in the cage what I do in the gym, I’ll be much more dangerous.
Links to things Important to Luke:

www.LukeSteward.tv
www.seventhsontattoo.com
www.ralphgracie.com
www.ftcombatclub.com/

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