The United Gracie Tournament, Sept 22-23rd in San Francisico California just might prove to be one of the best tournaments ever. People from all over the world are training numerous hours in order to take 1st place in sunny California. One of those shooting for the number one spot is purple belt Mikyo Riggs, alsoknown as "Mikyozhino". He is truly passionate about the ART of jiu-jitsu. Mikyo is no knuckle dragger in a gi trying to prove himself worthy of praise. He is a rare gem in terms of strength, technique and philosophy. Mikyo is one of the stand out players from the United Gracie Team (of which there are many). Luckily, I was able to interview Mikyo about his unique history in martial arts, and what he does tostay motivated on the mat.


Adissa- Mikyo is an interesting name, where does it come from and what does it mean?

Mikyo- My parents had originally named me Mikael (after St. Michael the arc angel) When I was still a baby my parents were studying religion and spirituality with the Tibetan lamas or priests. We were very involved in the Tibetan monastery, and the lamas renamed me Mikyo Dorje. Mikyo Dorje was a renowned Buddhist teacher, leader, artist and warrior in the 1500s. Mikyo Dorje itself translates to "Omnipotent One". Big shoes to fill huh?

Adissa- How long have you been training in martial arts?

Mikyo- I can always remember being attracted to the martialarts from an early age. I didn't begin to train until I was 16 though. I began to study a style calledpractical martial arts or freestyle fighting as it came to be called. It was primarily boxing and kickboxing, and tae kwon do, with some trapping, self-defense, and basic wrestling and judo takedowns.I did that until I earned my black belt in 94. Then I began focusing on my kickboxing and boxing skills. I helped train some amateur fighters mostly as a sparring partner and was teaching lots of classes a week. I was also around this time that the UFC came out. Like everyone else, I was completely fascinated by jiu jitsu and its effectiveness. I went to try out jiu jitsu in Pleasant Hill under my first instructor Caesar Gracie. I trained there for a few months only once or twice a week. I never really understood jiu jitsu at that time and was a strong believer in striking. The training was very hard and I remember always feeling happy just to survive a class without getting injured. Around this time I was teaching classes and training and wondering what else was out there for me so I decided to go to college at the university of Colorado in Boulder. During this period of time, I realized I wanted martial arts to be a focus in my life as well as fighting in the UFC a goal. This was an important turning point in my career. So I moved to Los Angeles to train with one of my favorite fighters at the time Vitor Belfort. I had no money and no job so training was very difficult and expensive. I decided to move back home to northern California and hook up with Caesar and Ralph. I went to Cesar's for about a month but didn't have a car and it was over an hour from my house. So I just trained at my old school mostly by my self until I heard that Ralph opened a school in the San Francisco, (which is still an hour from my house). I went down there the first week it opened and saw my old friend Kurt. Kurt was the main instructor and it all kind a fell in place. I have been training there for about 2 years and 9 months. I am a purple belt under Ralph, which is a great honor for me.

Adissa- How did you come to train at Ralph Gracie's?

Mikyo- I met Ralph at Caesars back before I went to college. He had started to teach at Caesars before I left. When I was living in Colorado is when Ralph was fighting in the extreme fighting championships. I saw it and waslike "Damn, that's the guy I used to train with. I always knew he was a savage!" It was at this time I began to believe that Ralph could help me reach my goals in no holds barred. When I moved back to northern California, Ralph already had his own academy. It was closer to my house than Caesar and I stopped by. I saw Ralph and he remembered me and trained with me. I knew his jiu jitsu was effective.

Adissa- What are some of the recent tournaments you have placed in over the last few years?

Mikyo- The last one I fought was the Pan Ams. I was doing OK. My first match I kind of paced myself and won 12-0. Then I was fortunate enough to submit my next 3 opponents. In my last match, it seemed a little controversial. They changed the referees around, and I could tell from the beginning that if the fight was close I was going to
lose. I almost had his arm and a choke but never got advantages. The score was 0-0 and he won. I kind of lost my temper after that which I was and am very apologetic for. I ended up getting third but my teammate Luke won so it was all good. I also fought at the grapplers quest west in the advanced division. This was my first no gi competition and I got third place. I am also a California state champ, Hawaii state champ, and Joe Moriera international champion for jiu jitsu. I fought in a few striking tournaments also. I got second in the sparring division at tat Wong's San Francisco championships black belt division. I fought in Navarro's North California championships and was the sport jiu jitsu grand champion, and second place in the Muay Thai tournament. I am hoping with more experience, I will have better results in competitions.

Adissa- You have a very impressive guard. How would you describe your mat strategy?

Mikyo-With my guard I like to focus on out teching the guy. I like to always be attacking sweeps and submissions in combinations and series. My teammate Dave Camarillo told me "Your guard has to be a place people hate and fear to be" so I try to emulate that by staying aggressive. I try to figure out which attacks are suited for my opponents, and keep throwing different positions at them, keeping the pressure on at all times. I want to physically and mentally dominate the guy, and just methodically beat him down. I try to rely on my technique because Ralph told me "You have to believe 100% in your technique," which I think is true. I have a lot of faith in the techniques of jiu jitsu, and I work very hard on my game so that my confidence is solid. I am always trying to upgrade my guard with new sweeps, and attacks, and make my positions stronger. Every day I train I learn something. I love this sport!

Adissa- That is some awesome footage they have of you at www.onthemat.com . Do you remember your matches when you compete? Or, do you just do your job and remember details later?

Mikyo- Competition is one area where I feel I have a lot of room to improve. I think each fight for me is completely different so I try to go with the flow and take advantage of any mistakes my opponent makes. At the same time I want to stick with my strategy and attacks. When I fight my body just seems to know what