The rally on February 8th marks another pivotal date in the growth and acceptance of mixed martial arts as a legitimate sport, not only in the United States and North America but also on the global scale. M-1 Global and many other organizations have spent countless hours and invested even more dollars into a very young sport so that it can continue to evolve.
Billions of people tune in to watch Olympic sports, many of which form the basis of a mixed martial artist's fundamental skillset. This quest hinges on the ability to educate politicians on the reality that MMA is a legitimate sport and not comprised of thugs having 'tough man' contests without rules. In a tough economic climate, MMA is a business generating revenues for cities around the world. Today's professional MMA athletes are role models for today's youth to develop self-dicipline, self-confidence and to achieve goals through dedication, commitment and hard work - qualities which are valued at every level in society.
With a common, educated voice speaking to the few who make decisions for the majority, there is great hope that a positive outcome can be acheived. Take this valuable time to speak with fact and influence to correct the inaccuracies within MMA that some believe to be true.
Good luck!
Evgeni Kogan and your friends at M-1 Global!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Endorsement from Evgeni Kogan, M1 Global Director of Operations
Thanks to Mr. Kogan and M1 for their support!
New endorsement from Donovan Craig, Editor-in-Chief of FIGHT! Magazine
Thanks to Mr. Craig for his spupport!
At FIGHT! we support the legalization of the great sport of Mixed Martial Arts in New York. We plan to cover the demonstration and perhaps some of us may even attend.
Donovan Craig
Editor In Chief
FIGHT! Magazine
Thursday, December 30, 2010
New endorsement from Jean Francois Court!
The Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York recieved another endorsement today!
"A big day next February 8th, 2011 for all MMA fans!!! I support 100% MMA in NY State and its legalization."
-Jean-Francois Court, 1984-88 Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler for France and now Dollamur International Sales Manager
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tune in to Cage Radio (Mid Atlantic) on January 1, 2011 - 1:30PM
I am pleased to announce that Stephen Koepfer of the Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York will be joining host Peter Lampasona of Cage Radio MAT (US Combat Sports), outgoing NY Assemblyman Michael Benjamin, and other guests, to bring in the new year with discussion regarding the movement to legalize mixed martial arts in New York State in 2011.
Cage Radio can be heard live at 1:30pm EST and can also be downloaded on iTunes as a podcast after the show is completed.
Cage Radio MAT can be heard live on these sites:
Cage Radio Live on Blogtalk Radio
Go Fight Live
Sports Action Network Radio
The show will also be archived here:
US Combat Sports: Cage Radio
Cage Radio can be heard live at 1:30pm EST and can also be downloaded on iTunes as a podcast after the show is completed.
Cage Radio MAT can be heard live on these sites:
Cage Radio Live on Blogtalk Radio
Go Fight Live
Sports Action Network Radio
The show will also be archived here:
US Combat Sports: Cage Radio
Statement from outgoing Assemblyman Michael Benjamin (D-Bronx)
I am pleased to be in communication with Michael Benjamin, co-sponsor of AO2009C (the bill to legalize MMA in NY) in the Assembly last year. I am thankful to Mr. Benjamin for his offer to assist the Coalition in its mission to get MMA legalized in New York in 2011. Mr. Banjamin forward this statement to me to post here:
Since 2009, I have advocated for the legalization of Mixed Martial Arts competitions in New York. The sport has grown beyond its gory beginnings into a respectable sports entertainment entity. The economic benefits of regulating professional mixed martial arts in New York would generate almost $50 million on an annual basis. This estimate is based on data extrapolated from an independent economic analysis conducted last fall by HR&A, a consultant that has done work for New York State and City, on potential benefits of holding competitions in the Buffalo and NYC regions. This estimate is based on a conservative annual estimate of two mixed martial arts events in the New York Metropolitan region and four events in upstate New York. It does not include economic activity from increased training facilities and other related economic activity that would naturally accompany the holding of events in New York.
The HR&A study concluded that $11.5 million would be generated for a single event in New York City and $5.5 million for an event in the Buffalo area. The benefits include direct spending on the event (staffing, food, merchandise and television production), visitor spending (lodging and restaurants) and indirect spending. Especially importantly in the upstate areas, these events are expected to generate significant lodging and restaurant activity over a two or three day period. For example in the Buffalo study, a mixed martial arts event would require over 4,000 hotel rooms out of a total stock of 12,000 rooms in the western New York region. The same event would require 300 staff working on the event or the equivalent of creating 57 local jobs.
Mixed martial arts competitions have generated immense economic benefits across the country. For these reasons, I urge the State Assembly, State Senate and Governor Andrew Cuomo to legalize MMA in NY. Our state needs the eonomic activity genereated by MMA events.
Statement by outgoing Assemblyman Michael Benjamin (D-Bronx)
UFC and MMA Legend Guy Mezger Endorses our February 8th Rally
From MMA, Pancrase, and UFC Legend Guy Mezger:
February 8th is a important date for you New Yorkers who claim to be MMA fans. You have an opportunity to step up and really show your support by attending the upcoming rally in Lower Manhattan. Politicans are politicans (that is not a good thing or a bad thing, is what it is) and they are going to be motivated by what the voter say or are willing to do. If there is enough support at this rally then the politicans will listen. You have a choice to either sit in the corner wishing for it to get done or get in the ring and be part of making it get done.
One word of caution, you will be representing MMA as a whole so don't be a jerk. Act responsible and with dignity. Don't give the nay sayers any ammo to use against the effort to get MMA legalized in New York. Steve Armstrong and myself had this same battle years ago in our successful efforts to get MMA legalized in Texas, so, I am talking from experience here and not just wishful thinking.
Good luck - Guy Mezger
Assemblyman Joe Lentol Comments on MMA in NY
I had the pleasure of having an exchange with Assemblyman Joe Lentol regarding Mixed Martial Arts in NY.
With his permission, I am quoting him here:
With his permission, I am quoting him here:
Stephen: I have voted in favor of the legalization of Mixed Martial Arts - particularly when Legislation moved out of the Committee on Codes (which I chair) for the first time. We all know there are underground events in New York. So, those events should be legal and monitored to ensure that they are safe and that the fighters and the spectators are protected. I think this about says it all. My vote clearly indicates my support on the matter.
Thanks.
Joe Lentol
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Post Rally Bullshido Throwdown! 4pm, February 8th, 2011
I have often hosted Bullshido Throwdowns at my gym for the kind folks at Bullshido.net.
Bullshido member War Wheel suggested a coordinated Throwdown on the same day of our NY MMA NOW rally. Ask and you shall recieve! Bullshido is planning a Throwdown (open group training sparring meet-ups) at 4pm, on February 8th...after the rally. I will host it at my gym (http://www.nycombatsambo.com/).
If you want to learn more about attending the rally as a Bullshido contingent as well as attending the post rally Throwdown visit this link:
Damaging propoganda - even among supporters!
This is a major concern that we have to address:
Even in an article which "supports" legalized MMA in NY, it is still presented as a "blood sport", "ultimate fighting", "freestyle fighting" and "bare-knuckled fighting" among other inaccuracies.
http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/26/all_as_ultimatefighting_2010_06_25_bk.html
We as a coalition need to actively change the language that people use! Be mindful that words mean a great deal.
Even in an article which "supports" legalized MMA in NY, it is still presented as a "blood sport", "ultimate fighting", "freestyle fighting" and "bare-knuckled fighting" among other inaccuracies.
http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/26/all_as_ultimatefighting_2010_06_25_bk.html
We as a coalition need to actively change the language that people use! Be mindful that words mean a great deal.
February 8th Rally for Legal MMA in NY!
Hey folks, this is a downloadable and printable version of the press release for our February 8th NYC rally.
Press Release
Please print and post this in your club, office, gym, school...
Press Release
Please print and post this in your club, office, gym, school...
For Immediate Release
Rally on February 8, 2011, to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York State
NEW YORK, December 27, 2010 -- On Tuesday, February 8, at 12 noon a rally will be held for the support of legalized and regulated mixed martial arts in New York State*. We will gather at 250 Broadway, Manhattan, New York, 10007 (Across the street from City Hall).
This rally is being organized by the Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York, a non-partisan volunteer group of organizations, gyms, business owners, and individuals who support the legalization and regulation of mixed martial arts in the state of New York.
In 2010, with the support of Governor Paterson and former Governor Pataki, legislation to legalize and regulate mixed martial arts was approved by the New York State Senate, but not the Assembly. We thus have chosen to rally at 250 Broadway, which houses the district office of Sheldon Silver, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly.
We ask that you bring picket signs (please keep your comments and images respectful and do not use metal, wood, or plastic rods to hold your signs - only use cardboard tubes to hold you signs), and, f possible, a pair of focus mitts. Please DO NOT bring any audio projection equipment.
"If you are a fan, fighter, gym owner, business owner, or organization official who wants to start the 2011 New York legislative calendar by letting our government know we want legalized and regulated MMA in New York, please come show your support! Let's gather together to show our legislators that New York is not respecting the wishes of its voters! Let's remind our legislators that MMA is a professional sport and in need of regulation! Let's remind our legislators how much business and how many jobs are lost to neighboring states where MMA is properly sanctioned! Let's remind our legislators that we care about the safety of our athletes! Let's remind our legislators that it is the people of New York who vote for them, and that WE WANT LEGALIZED AND REGULATED MIXED MARTIAL ARTS IN NEW YORK STATE!"
-Stephen Koepfer of the Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York.
*Snow date for the rally is Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Rally for MMA in New York to be held February 8
Thanks to Peter Lampasona and US Combat Sports for their support!
"The Coalition is self-described as a "a non-partisan volunteer group of organizations, gyms, business owners, and individuals who support the legalization and regulation of mixed martial arts in the state of New York." The February rally will be focused on swaying the vote of key local politicians who have either opposed or remained silent on MMA..."
Read the full article here:
http://uscombatsports.com/index.php?option=com_flexicontent&view=items&cid=234%3Amid-atlantic&id=7998%3Arally-for-mma-in-new-york-to-be-held-february-8&Itemid=325
"The Coalition is self-described as a "a non-partisan volunteer group of organizations, gyms, business owners, and individuals who support the legalization and regulation of mixed martial arts in the state of New York." The February rally will be focused on swaying the vote of key local politicians who have either opposed or remained silent on MMA..."
Read the full article here:
http://uscombatsports.com/index.php?option=com_flexicontent&view=items&cid=234%3Amid-atlantic&id=7998%3Arally-for-mma-in-new-york-to-be-held-february-8&Itemid=325
Thursday, December 23, 2010
No Holds Barred: Stephen Koepfer on Advancing Sambo and Legalizing MMA
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Stephen Koepfer, the president of the American Sambo Association (http://www.ussambo.com/) and the head coach at New York Combat Sambo (http://www.nycombatsambo.com/).
In an interview conducted at the New York Combat Sambo school in midtown Manhattan on Thursday, we discussed the history and development of the different types of sambo, including sport sambo and combat sambo. Since sambo was originally developed in the former Soviet Union during the early twentieth century, Russia and Eastern Europe remain the current strongholds of sambo. We discussed what techniques and types of submissions are allowed in both sport and combat sambo, why sambo is very useful for mixed martial arts, the history of the major international organizations which have governed sambo, and more.
We also discussed the newly-formed Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York (http://nymmanow.blogspot.com/). This is a non-partisan volunteer group of organizations, gyms, business owners, and individuals who support the legalization and regulation of mixed martial arts in the state of New York.
The Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York will be holding a rally on Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at 12 noon, in support of legalized and regulated mixed martial arts in New York State, at 250 Broadway, Manhattan, New York, 10007 (across the street from City Hall). We discussed this rally and why all those in the combat sports should support it.
You can play or download No Holds Barred at
http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/entry/2010-12-23T18_43_49-08_00.
You can also download No Holds Barred at http://www.mediafire.com/?5d6ym40jdswxpbu.
If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter
(http://iancarpenter.com/).
In an interview conducted at the New York Combat Sambo school in midtown Manhattan on Thursday, we discussed the history and development of the different types of sambo, including sport sambo and combat sambo. Since sambo was originally developed in the former Soviet Union during the early twentieth century, Russia and Eastern Europe remain the current strongholds of sambo. We discussed what techniques and types of submissions are allowed in both sport and combat sambo, why sambo is very useful for mixed martial arts, the history of the major international organizations which have governed sambo, and more.
We also discussed the newly-formed Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York (http://nymmanow.blogspot.com/). This is a non-partisan volunteer group of organizations, gyms, business owners, and individuals who support the legalization and regulation of mixed martial arts in the state of New York.
The Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York will be holding a rally on Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at 12 noon, in support of legalized and regulated mixed martial arts in New York State, at 250 Broadway, Manhattan, New York, 10007 (across the street from City Hall). We discussed this rally and why all those in the combat sports should support it.
You can play or download No Holds Barred at
http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/entry/2010-12-23T18_43_49-08_00.
You can also download No Holds Barred at http://www.mediafire.com/?5d6ym40jdswxpbu.
If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter
(http://iancarpenter.com/).
Rally on February 8, 2011, to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York State
On Tuesday, February 8, at 12 noon a rally will be held for the support of legalized and regulated mixed martial arts in New York State*. We will gather at 250 Broadway, Manhattan, New York, 10007 (Across the street from City Hall).
This rally is being organized by the Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York, a non-partisan volunteer group of organizations, gyms, business owners, and individuals who support the legalization and regulation of mixed martial arts in the state of New York.
In 2010, with the support of Governor Paterson and former Governor Pataki, legislation to legalize and regulate mixed martial arts was approved by the New York State Senate, but not the Assembly. We thus have chosen to rally at 250 Broadway, which houses the district office of Sheldon Silver, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly.
We ask that you bring picket signs (please keep your comments and images respectful) and, if possible, a pair of focus mitts. Please DO NOT bring any audio projection equipment.
"If you are a fan, fighter, gym owner, business owner, or organization official who wants to start the 2011 New York State legislative calendar by letting our government know we want legalized and regulated mixed martial arts in New York State, please come show your support! Let's gather together to show our legislators that New York State is not respecting the wishes of its voters! Let's remind our legislators that mixed martial arts is a professional sport and in need of regulation! Let's remind our legislators how much business our state loses and how many jobs are lost to neighboring states where mixed martial arts is properly sanctioned! Let's remind our legislators that we care about the safety of our athletes! Let's remind our legislators that it is the people of New York State who vote for them, and that WE WANT LEGALIZED AND REGULATED MIXED MARTIAL ARTS IN NEW YORK STATE!"
-Stephen Koepfer of the Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York.
Be sure to subscribe to this blog and join our Facebook group!
*Snow date for the rally is Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Article Worth Reading: Shifting the Legalization Debate in New York, by Justin Klein
"On Wednesday, December 1, 2010, I coordinated a discussion on the legalization of mixed martial arts (“MMA”) in New York for the Sports Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association. The participants included: (1) New York State Assemblyman Bob Reilly, who is widely considered the voice of the opposition to the legalization of MMA in New York; (2) Nick Lembo, Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey, Counsel to the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board, and involved in the drafting and passage of the Unified Rules for Professional Mixed Martial Arts as New Jersey, in 2000, was the first North American jurisdiction to fully legalize and completely regulate mixed martial arts events; and (3) the members of the Sports Law Committee, i.e., lawyers who represent sports leagues, athletes, and who are in-house counsel for various sports teams and leagues in New York...."
Read more here:
Shifting the Debate
Read more here:
Shifting the Debate
Write your NY Legislators NOW!
Do you want to see Mixed Martial Arts at Madison Square Garden?
Do you want to see Mixed Martial Arts at Nassau Coliseum?
Do you want to see Mixed Martial Arts at the HSBC Arena?
Do you want to see Mixed Martial Arts at the Blue Cross Arena?
Do you want to see smaller local shows in your town?
YOU HAVE TO ACT NOW!
THE NEW YORK LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR BEGINS JANUARY 5TH, 2011.
LET OUR OFFICIALS KNOW WHAT WE WANT ON DAY ONE!
For years now, we have sat back and let the lobbyists do our work for us with little result. It is time to admit that pettitions don't work, lobby dollars only go so far, and that the only way our elected officials will act is if we tell them to act...ourselves!
Below are links to letters which I strongly encourage you to download, print out, fill out and mail to your NY State Senator AND Assembly person. THEY NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU DIRECTLY!
If you are a business owner, gym owner, promoter, or just a fan there is a letter for you.
Please do not ignore this.
Gym owner's letter: http://ussambo.com/mmany/gymletter.doc
Business owner's letter: http://ussambo.com/mmany/businessletter.doc
Promoter's letter: http://ussambo.com/mmany/promoterletter.doc
Fan's Letter: http://ussambo.com/mmany/fanletter.doc
To find out who your local Senator and Assembly person is and where to mail your letters, visit the following links:
If you are not a New Yorker, but still would like to see MMA legaized in New York, please use these letters as a guide and mail one to Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo.
http://www.ag.ny.gov/contact.html (currently)
Thank you in advance for all your support!
LET'S MAKE THIS HAPPEN IN 2011.
Assembly Majority Leader says New Yorker's are Mute
Peter Lampasona writes: "With the battle to sanction mixed martial arts in New York starting a new in January, New York State Assembly Majority leader Ronald Canestrari has officially come out against the regulation of the sport. Canestrari made it clear that his issue is not with any particulars of the bill to sanction MMA, but with the sport itself..."
Read more here:
Canestrari Claims Local Businesses Have Been Silent!
Read more here:
Canestrari Claims Local Businesses Have Been Silent!
Educate Yourself! Last Year's Assembly Bill!
This is last year's Assembly bill (that never made it to the floor for vote thanks to Sheldon Silver). While this bill is not available for viewing yet, I don't suspect there will be too many changes. Once we have a bill for 2011, I will be sure to keep everyone posted as soon as I have a link. But, please, educate yourselves and read what is being discussed.
2009 Assembly Bill
2009 Assembly Bill
Stephen Koepfer talk Legalization on Cage Radio: January 1, 2011
Announcement: Stephen Koepfer will be on US Combat Sports Mid Atlantic: Cage Radio on January 1st, 2011 along with others, discussing what needs to be done regarding getting MMA regulated and legalized in NY State. Everyone tune in!
Get Up to Speed with your MMA and NY History!
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman presents the audio from the panel discussion at the 2010 MMA World Expo on the "Past, Present and Future of Mixed Martial Arts". This panel discussion took place Friday, November 12, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York.
I strongly suggest everyone listen to this episode of No Hold Barred with Eddie Goldman, MMA Reporter (moderator of panel); Justin Klein, Attorney, Satterlee Stephens Burke & Burke LLP, The Fight Lawyer; and Edward Anthony, President & CEO, New York Jiu Jitsu. There is much important discussion regarding MMA in NY and the history of MMA in NY.
No Holds Barred News: Past, Present, and Future of MMA from the 2010 World Expo
I strongly suggest everyone listen to this episode of No Hold Barred with Eddie Goldman, MMA Reporter (moderator of panel); Justin Klein, Attorney, Satterlee Stephens Burke & Burke LLP, The Fight Lawyer; and Edward Anthony, President & CEO, New York Jiu Jitsu. There is much important discussion regarding MMA in NY and the history of MMA in NY.
No Holds Barred News: Past, Present, and Future of MMA from the 2010 World Expo
Cage Radio pushes NY Letter Writing Campaign
A big thanks to Peter Lampasona for helping push our letter writing campaign here in NY. Take some time to listen to this episode of Cage Radio where Peter briefly touches on the issues of Legalization of MMA in NY State.
Cage Radio: Mid Atlantic - December 17th Episode
Cage Radio: Mid Atlantic - December 17th Episode
Welcome to our new blog!
Under the direction of Stephen Koepfer, Eddie Goldman and many volunteers, The Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York will be taking an active role in getting martial art legalized and regulated in the state of New York. The Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York is a non-partisan group of organizations, gyms, business owners, and individuals who volunteer to support the legalization and regulation of mixed martial arts in the state of New York.
It is important for people interested in helping us out to know that this coalition is not funded by any partisan group like Zuffa. The coalition is comprised of volunteers and supporters who want to see ALL brands of mixed martial arts legalized and regulated in NYS. Strikeforce, Bellator, UFC, KOTC, Ring of Combat. We support the professional sport of mixed martial arts
We have some great things in store, so please join the group and support us! If you think you have ways to help us, e-mail NYMMANOW@gmail.com
It is important for people interested in helping us out to know that this coalition is not funded by any partisan group like Zuffa. The coalition is comprised of volunteers and supporters who want to see ALL brands of mixed martial arts legalized and regulated in NYS. Strikeforce, Bellator, UFC, KOTC, Ring of Combat. We support the professional sport of mixed martial arts
We have some great things in store, so please join the group and support us! If you think you have ways to help us, e-mail NYMMANOW@gmail.com
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