Interview with Full Contact Fighter KJ Noons Interviewed by Ben Tatar of CriticalBench.com - May 2008
CRITICAL BENCH: Critical Bench is here with Full Contact Fighter KJ Noons! KJ, give us a brief introduction about yourself!
I was Raised in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii until I was 16. Moved to Houston, Texas and now currently live and train at City Boxing San Diego.
CRITICAL BENCH: Wow, you have lived in some amazing places! When did you get started in MMA? Are you just a fighter or are you into all different sports?
I did an open hand vale tudo match back in 2002 for fun. I grew up playing football every year starting at age 10 to 18 yrs old. I love all sports and will try anything and will be competitive at it.
CRITICAL BENCH: Tell us about your fighting background before you were a pro MMA fighter! Is your family tough or does your family have any fighters?
I started in American Kenpo Karate at age 6. My father put me in it because he used to be a pro kickboxer. Started boxing and learning muay thai at the age of 7 or 8. Did amature fighting in boxing, kickboxing, and muay thai until I turned 18.
CRITICAL BENCH: When you are walking into the fight ring, what is going through your head?
Before fight I think about my game plan and just visualize and how I'm going to execute my game plan. As I'm walking into ring I laugh inside my head about how #1 I'm getting paid to fight, and #2 I'm doing what I love. During the fight I'm doing what I planned on doing through out the training camp. Fighting philosophy is kind of my life philosophy, "never give up".
CRITICAL BENCH: do you have any sick stories about destroying someone in a fight?
Knocking people out is always cool. Sick? Yeah, one time I broke this guys nose and he was purposely trying to get his blood over me. The fight was eventually stopped, but that was pretty sick.
CRITICAL BENCH: Do you have any powerful or funny fight stories to share? Which moment was your most powerful and funniest?
I would have to say winning the Elite World title was the most powerful because of all the hard work I have been putting in after all those years. Can't think of too many funny things in ring while getting punched in face. lol.
CRITICAL BENCH: Hahaha! We hear you! Have there been any moments in your fighting career that have really changed you?
Anytime I lose a fight, it motivates me to come back better and stronger.
CRITICAL BENCH: A lot of people are curious about fighters and whether they are mostly good or evil because they live their lives differently than most people. Overall, how would you mostly describe yourself?
I would describe myself as mostly good, but no ones perfect especially me, and I have my evil days. I would describe myself as just outgoing, funny, kind of goofy guy that if you never saw me fight, you would never think I was a fighter and I never come off as some type of tough guy.
CRITICAL BENCH: Sometimes the toughest and best fighters are the ones that people would least expect. The other thing is, A lot of people would like to be more hardcore and gutsy like you. They would like to be able to beat everyone up whether they compete or for self defense. What is your advice for the sissies of the world and how to make fearful people brave?
Take risk, if you don't, you'll never know. Don't be afraid of failure, it's ok to learn and fail. You have to get up, dust yourself off, and try again and again and again.
CRITICAL BENCH: Great advice. Tell us about some of the things you have done in fighting that you are proud of?
I have won a lot of little titles, but the Elite XC Lightweight World Title is nice. I'm just proud that I keep trying to get better and just follow my dreams.
CRITICAL BENCH: Tell us about your workout routine, diet, and supplements? How do you train to be a fighter?
Every morning weights
Run 3 to 4 miles
Jiu-jitsu and wresting for hour and half
And boxing, kickboxing and bag work for like 2 hours
*Some days maybe no run or no jj, just go by how my body feels. Push it to get better but not to take steps back by over training.
Diet is eat good and take supplement drinks if can't eat a meal.
CRITICAL BENCH: what are the best and worst things about being a fighter?
Best thing is doing something I love as a job. The worst thing is being in public eye and people can say things about you that aren't true and who you are.
CRITICAL BENCH: That is true, for people reading this, don't believe the rumors you hear from a horses mouth! Anyone can say anything. KJ, being a bench press site, that sells the Critical Bench program, gotta ask.. How much do you bench press?
I used to bench 315 in high school. I'd be lucky if I can get the bar up now, on a good day. Don't know I'll try next workout.
CRITICAL BENCH: A lot of full contact fighters were very strong lifters, but then their priorities change. I have seen this over and over again. KJ, what injuries have you had to experience before and what adversities have you had to overcome? How did you make it through them and what is your advice for anyone going through a physical or emotional traumatic event right now?
I had shoulder surgery that put me on sidelines for a while and some adversities I have had is losing a fight after all that hard work. I made it through that because I never gave up. When it rains, it pours. When you're at your lowest point or feeling low, there is only one way to go and that is up. NEVER GIVE UP. Time is good and things always get better.
CRITICAL BENCH: what are your future goals?
To win a WBC Boxing title and hold a MMA title.
CRITICAL BENCH: What are your five favorite weapons when it comes to fighting?
I don't have five, but I like knees, elbows, high kicks, and body shots.
CRITICAL BENCH: How do you see the future of MMA?
Olympic sport, and still growing for the positive.
CRITICAL BENCH: What do you like doing away from fighting?
Chill, beach, travel, eat good food.
CRITICAL BENCH: Do you have any sponsors?
City Boxing for all my fights, Rockstar and Da Hui for the last fight.
CRITICAL BENCH: What does your family think about you fighting?
They love it and support me.
CRITICAL BENCH: What is your advice for someone who would like to be a fighter?
Train hard, practice makes perfect.
CRITICAL BENCH: KJ, it has been an honor interviewing you today!! Keep on destroying your opponents and we at Critical Bench wish you the best with everything. In closing is there anyone who you would like to thank?
Thanks for having me on, and thanks to my family, friends, and the fans. Check out kjnoons.com or cityboxing.com
Take risk, if you don't, you'll never know. Don't be afraid of failure, it's ok to learn and fail. You have to get up, dust yourself off, and try again and again and again.
City Boxing for all my fights, Rockstar and Da Hui for the last fight.
