I had the pleasure of talking with one of our great states founding fathers of MMA, James Lee. James has been a part of Michigan MMA since day one. At only 36 years old, James has put a lifetime of effort into training amateur fighters, professional champions, and helping anyone in need. He has put one hundred percent effort into helping the sport of MMA grow here in Michigan.

If you don't know James personally, he is a very down to earth guy that holds nothing back in conversation; telling you how it is, or should be in and out of the gym. To all of you fighters out there looking for real coaching from a true professional, walk into one of his gyms and spend some time with him on the mat. A few months later you will not only be a totally different fighter, but also a different person. Your game could be elevated to levels you never thought attainable.

James has fought and coached fighters all over the world from Japan to Australia. He has put time into the sport he loves, and it shows. Aside from his own credentials he has trained most of our states World MMA Champion fighters, as well as amateur champions. If you put in the work, he'll give you the knowledge and opportunity to compete in world class events. James Lee is one of the state's only world class mixed martial artists. He is one of four fighters in Michigan to make it to the UFC. In addition to his UFC debut, James has also fought in Pride Fc, King of the Cage, and Pancrase. Within these reputable promotions, James has fought some of the sport's top fighters along the way such as Vernon "Tiger" White, Travis Wiuff, James Fanshier, Kengo Watanabe, Dean Lister, and James Te Huna.

James is the head coach and founder of the Detroit based MASH FIGHT TEAM. James is now opening up new schools state wide, and also affiliates programs in existing camps. James Lee's plan is to help train and promote the new fighters in our state with the right kind of training and managing a fighter should have. So stop into one of his MASH FIGHT TEAM locations and work with the best this state has to offer. A true world class fighter and trainer here in our very own state of Michigan.

I go to many shows throughout the state, and around the midwest. I find many fighters that lack the integral parts of the game. I see many new fighters now that try to fight off athletic ability and/or heart alone because they have not been taught the correct techniques to protect themselves in competition. It's very important for green fighters to train properly in order to gain the skills and knowledge it takes to win in the cage. I'm writing this article in support of all the new fighters and am one hundred percent supportive of all the fighters and want the best for this sport.

"The more you sweat, the less you bleed"

MASH FIGHT TEAM locations: Farmington Hills, Travers City, Lansing, Grand Rapids and many more to come. Check out the MASH FIGHT TEAM website for info and directions; www.mashfightteam.com!

Written by Josh Lawrence

Owner of Michigan MMA Underground