ZenRhino's MMA Blog: 10 Questions with Clark Young

Clark Young - Mark Shrader MMA Fighter

One of my first MMA events I attended in Altoona was Complete Devastation 2 back on November 12, 2011. In either the first or the second fight of that event an HW out of Washington, Pa. making his amateur debut named Clark Young caught my attention as he won impressively by Unanimous Decision over Zack Byrd. I didn't realize it that night, but I also ran into Clark after his fight as he was walking around. I say I didn't realize it at the time because it took me until his third fight with Complete Devastation for me to make the connection between the beast I saw win in the cage and this unassuming, polite guy walking around with a big smile saying "Hi" to anyone who wanted to talk to him. Back at Complete Devastation 2 he actually shook my hand & said "Nice to meet you" (but he didn't say his name at the time, or if he did I don't remember that part) and I was impressed by how he handled himself that night & on the two successive events where he also won. Finally, at Complete Devastation 4 in Johnstown, Pa. did I realize that these two were the same person. If you watch the opening montage from the MMA RunDown you might recognize Clark Young from his fight at Complete Devastation 4 against Lance Phillips included in the footage.

Clark Young is definitely an amateur fighter that acts like a total professional - both in and out of the cage. I feel the sport needs more fighters like him, especially with the way some fighters have been seen conducting themselves outside the cage in regional/national MMA this year. Clark Young is humble, and polite... but he is also someone to be reckoned with inside the cage! If you attended Complete Devastation 3 you'll definitely remember his barn-burner Unanimous Decision win over Adam Smith-Urbany - where the rack of lights illuminating the cage was rocked (almost being knocked over) when Smith-Urbany was slammed into the cage by Young as he was attempting a takedown. If you didn't blink, you may remember his lightning fast 27 second submission by Kimura over Lance Phillips at Complete Devastation 4.

Simply put, Clark Young is a fighter to watch - and I see big things in his future if he continues developing his potential as an MMA fighter! 2013 could be the year of Clark Young, so if you have a chance to see him fight, by all means DO IT! See him fight locally before he turns pro & gets called up to the larger promotions... you can thank me later.

Recently I had the honor & privilege of interviewing Clark as he is preparing to fight for Gladiators of the Cage in Pittsburgh in January 2013. (I am also glad to hear that he is scheduled to fight again at Complete Devastation 8 in Altoona, Pa. on March 2, 2013) I am very impressed with him as a fighter and as a person, and I hope you enjoy this interview.

Here's 10 Questions With Clark Young.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

Hey MMA fans. MY name is Clark Young. I am 27 years old, I live in Washington, Pa. I have been involved with this amazing sport for almost 6 years now. Currently I am an amateur fighter with a competitive record of 3-1 under the direction of Master Mark Shrader at Mark Shrader's Mixed Martial Arts Academy.

2. How did you get started in MMA?

Well, I grew up with an identical twin brother, Keith, and we fought a lot in our younger years. So, I guess you could say I got an early start. Later, I wrestled for 4 years on Trinity High Schools JV team, but didn't have any major accomplishments in the sport. Once I graduated high school I never wrestled again. Most of my interest in the sport came from watching it on TV. I was always a competitive person, but other than scrapping with Keith, I was not much of a fighter before signing up at Mark Shrader's MMA Academy.

3. Where do you train and how has this helped you in your MMA career?

Well, I do all my training in my humble little hometown of Washington, PA. The MMA Academy where I do my training is only about 10 minutes from my family's farm. So, it is quite convenient for me during the busy season at work, or on days i don't feel like driving to the gym. Other than training in all the aspects of MMA at the academy, I do my weight training at Veltri Fitness under the direction of Matt Veltri. Usually I work on my own but when I've got fights to get ready for, Matt is a very knowledgeable asset to have around to get my muscles into the best fight shape they can be in so that i have the endurance it takes to be a fighter. I also try to get about 3 miles under my running shoes as often as possible.

4. What do you feel are your strengths are as a fighter?

As a fighter I feel that my strength is my focus on technique and commitment to training. I came into this sport with little to no knowledge of boxing, Muay Thai or Jiu-Jitsu, or how these three individual disciplines meshed together to create the beautiful carnage we see today. My stand up definitely follows at a very close 2nd as boxing was my first true step into the sport. Over the years I have made it my goal to fine tune the other aspects of my fighting game. So far, I am very pleased with the progress I have made, but there is and will always be room for improvement.

5. What areas do you feel you still need to work on to become a more complete fighter?

This ones easy. I need to work on setting up my take downs a bit more, and probably on keeping my hands up as well. I tend to get a bit cocky when I notice that I'm winning the round or even just landing more punches. I have always prided myself on my stand up abilities and even my ground game, but when it comes to the transition between the two... I would say that is where I need the most work.

6. I see your amateur record is listed at 3-1. How many more amateur fights do you expect to have before you want to turn pro?

To be honest, I don't know. I really hope to go pro some day and to be able to make a name for myself in this sport, but I have been leaving most of the decision making to my coach. I have worked with Mark for a long time, and I trust that he has my best interests in mind when we schedule fights. In the past I think we considered 8-10 amateur fights before attempting to go pro, but I'm not sure if that has changed in his mind or not. I guess we will see after my next show.

7. You have had impressive wins for the Complete Devastation MMA promotion. What is next for you as a fighter?

Thanks to Robert Joseph and the people of the Gladiators of the Cage promotion, my next show will be on January 26, 2013 at Stage AE, in downtown Pittsburgh. I am really looking forward to this one. It really is an honor to be part of this event and be able to show the city of Pittsburgh what I have to offer in the MMA world. Other than that, I have an offer to fight under the Complete Devastation MMA promotion again in March, and really hope to be on that card as well. It would be fun to show the fight fans in Altoona how far I've come since they first watched me fight back in November of 2011, and I promise to bring a heck of a show.

8. Who are your role models?

In MMA every fighter out there, Pro or Amateur is a role model to me. There is a lot to say when someone is willing to devote their life and sometimes overall health to the sport they love. Otherwise, good role model is hard to find these days. More often than not I would have to say it would be, everyone and no one. What I mean by this is that everyone I have come into contact with in my life has had some impression on who I am today. My Mother, Debbie, has been such an asset to my life and I consider her to be my "warrior angel." Come on, any single mother who can raise a family of three with a set of rowdy twin boys like mine did has to have a warrior's spirit. Also, any and all of the men and women that serve in our nations military. I am truly honored to call each and every one of them my brothers and sisters in arms. Hooah, soldiers! Specially those of B Co 1-145th Infantry out of Cleveland, OH, and those of B Co. 1-110th Infantry out of Waynesburg, Pa., my brothers, my friends, and the finest unit I have had the pleasure of serving with these past 5 years.

9. What would you like to accomplish as a fighter?

As a fighter, I just hope to continue in the sport as long as I can. I hope to put on the best show of skill and technique possible each and every time I enter the cage. If by chance I ever decide to stop competing, I hope to be able to give back to the MMA community by passing of my knowledge of the sport to the new and upcoming fighters . For now though, My mind is focused on training for my upcoming events. The Gladiators of the Cage show at Stage AE on January 26, 2013 is going to be one for the books.

10. Is there anyone you'd like to thank?

First and foremost, to God be the Glory. I would be lost without such Supreme guidance. I've also got to thank my coach, Master Mark Shrader. I came to his gym as a blank slate with nothing more than a want to learn, and over the past few years he has helped and continues to mold me into the fighter I am today. I want to thank, Matt Veltri of Veltri Fitness for helping me increase my strength and agility as a fighter. To all my family and friends for all the love and support you have given me. It is you who keeps me going. To the fans... you make this dream a reality. Thank you. And... Finally, to the men and women in the armed forces, be it overseas or right here on home soil, God bless you all and thank you for your selfless service to this great Nation we call home. Hooah!!