Garrett Holeve, an MMA Fighter With Down Syndrome, Is Changing the Sport

**Azatdawn** · Posted On: 1/10/2013 5:11am

I think it's nice that he trains, but I'm not sure if he should fight... for a number of reasons.

***Tranquil Suit*** · Posted On: 1/10/2013 5:36am

Originally Posted by Azatdawn

I think it's nice that he trains, but I'm not sure if he should fight... for a number of reasons.

A guilt trip for his opponent would be one.

**doofaloofa** · Posted On: 1/10/2013 8:51am

Originally Posted by Sarzis

Far as I know they just tend to have shorter limbs, shorter neck and more flexible ligaments. "Retard strength"... they have difficulties naturally calculating how much strength is enough to do something. So they use a lot of it. Just in case.

My trainer did a special needs judo course and told me that due to some weakness (or something) in the kneck of Downs people, any contact around that area should be avoided

Originally Posted by Tranquil Suit

A guilt trip for his opponent would be one.

But having a special needs only match, in the hyperbolic atmosphere of an MMA event would seem a little on the 'Freakshow' side

Having said that there are plenty of Downs people doing judo, but comments like

"I'll hurt a guy real bad," Garrett brags. "I'll be covered in too much blood, and I'll keep hurting him. Kick him in the mouth so hard the mouth guard flies out."

Might put the avarage SNJ student off

I found that quote a bit disturbing. I wouldn't accept it from a 12y/o (which is his stated mental age)

**thrutch** · Posted On: 1/10/2013 12:18pm

Originally Posted by doofaloofa

But having a special needs only match, in the hyperbolic atmosphere of an MMA event would seem a little on the 'Freakshow' side

I was thinking that. Seems to have barely raised a ripple in the US, but I suspect that over here the press would have a fucking field-day.

**Vieux Normand** · Posted On: 1/10/2013 6:59pm

Döppelposten.

**Vieux Normand** · Posted On: 1/10/2013 7:00pm

Originally Posted by Middlefinger

"A pungent combination of protein-powered farts, dirty laundry, and ball sweat permeates the air."

Was this line even necessary?

The author may have thought he needed MMA-practitioner common-characteristic legitimacy.

***battlefields*** · Posted On: 1/11/2013 12:43am

Originally Posted by Middlefinger

"A pungent combination of protein-powered farts, dirty laundry, and ball sweat permeates the air."

The new cologne from Ultimate Fragrance Company.

**Raving&Drooling** · Posted On: 1/11/2013 12:43am

Originally Posted by battlefields

Now, I may be showing my ignorance, but isn't there an increased muscle density as part of the Down Syndrome condition?

Gonna corroborate what Sarzis said re: ligament laxity (good for grappling? Maybe?) and muscle weakness. Doofaloofa is spot-on about the neck as well.

**pepto_bismol** · Posted On: 1/12/2013 1:58am

It looks like he is part of a good team and his coaches have a great attitude. Not sure regarding the health concerns that have been raised in this thread since i'm not a physician; did anyone else notice all the judo going on in the interview video? Isn't that a bit unique as far as most mma clubs are concerned? The ones i visited so far didn't seem to have much throws going on and if they did they were mostly double leg takedowns or greco roman influenced.

**Syphilis** · Posted On: 1/15/2013 11:29am

Originally Posted by pepto_bismol

It looks like he is part of a good team and his coaches have a great attitude. Not sure regarding the health concerns that have been raised in this thread since i'm not a physician; did anyone else notice all the judo going on in the interview video? Isn't that a bit unique as far as most mma clubs are concerned? The ones i visited so far didn't seem to have much throws going on and if they did they were mostly double leg takedowns or greco roman influenced.

It is usually a stylistic choice or what is available locally. He was wearing a BJJ gi; they might have just asked him to demonstrate a few of his favorite grappling moves. Throws look cooler than double legs (Usually). I don't think this video was indicative of his regular training.

Super cool though, everyone should train! (though not everyone should want to inflict pain, the beauty of fighting is not wanting to inflict pain but just finish the fight asap)