Mixed martial arts would have saved Lionel Tate
You might remember Lionel - at 13 he was sentenced to life in prison for the death of 6 year-old Tiffany Eunick that occurred in 1999. While Lionel’s notorious conviction was overturned, his path to trouble seemed inevitable. On May 18th of this year, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for gun possession, the latest (and saddest) chapter in this youth’s troubled life. Observing this sad story and being an enthusiast of jiu jitsu and MMA, I can’t help but think that this fast growing and explosive sport could have been Tate’s saving grace, as it has been and can be for many a troubled youth. Sadly, Tate’s story is not singular in our culture. Gangs are rampant in our cities and violent crimes committed by young people is an epidemic spiraling out of control – often leading to reactionary outcomes like the initial Tate sentencing. As a society, we must look for viable, sensible solutions for our “at risk” society. Training in mixed martial arts can provide a distraction and safe ave