Possessing the energy and internal desire to capture titles, awards and rewards in the prime of one's life is something that should never be downplayed. In fact, young people like 20-year-old, Stephan White, the current Flyweight champion of the Caribbean Mixed Martial Arts Championships, should be acknowledged for their ability to shine despite the societal pitfalls with which they are often faced. Set to defend his title on March 24 against another T&T national, Timothy Ramkilawan, White told the T&T Guardian this match was extremely important to him. The big bout takes place at the South Regional Indoor Sorting arena in Pleasantville, San Fernando.
Its not about size
At 19, White became the youngest local Mixed Martial Arts champion. He copped the title on October 15, 2011 while fighting at the Caribbean Amateur Championships. He had been honing his craft in kickboxing and grappling for three years prior, and last October he shone. Describing himself as very confident, the youngster, who weighs 124 pounds, says he is a skilled and relaxed fighter. "Sometimes you get intimidated by size but it's not all about size. I think it's more about skill because I have fought people bigger than me," he explained. Highlighting that he has fought against young compatriots in St Kitts and St Lucia, White said he is eager to jet off to St Thomas in July, where he will come up against another champion for yet another title. In the meantime, however, his focus is here at home where he said his training routine keeps him completely occupied.
Encouragement to youths
White's father, Dave White, was also involved in Martial Arts, and according to the younger White, won a number of trophies and accolades for karate. Acknowledging that he still has some way to go, he says he plans to enter the professional arena, much like the martial artist he looks up to most-Trinbagonian, Dwayne Hinds. He praised the element of martial arts that encourages discipline, saying that the sport is one that allows people with anger management problems to channel those issues into positive energy. "If you come in with anger problems, there are people you can talk too. I was once there. I was a good trouble-maker, fighting all the time and I was very ignorant. Since I started training, I have cooled down a lot," he rationlised.