Elite Federation Of Grapplers

Meet Matthew Linsemier.  Matthew is one of the E.F.G.'s biggest fans, and he is definitely a very busy individual at each event!  Matthew is either coaching, competing (or both) at each event.  Below is an in depth interview with Matthew.  Check it out!!!

Your Name:  Matthew Linsemier

Your Age: 38

Your Weight/Division: 205, Heavyweight (190-199.9)

What martial arts styles have you trained in, and what ranks have you achieved?

Hapkido (Under Master Gagne, Red Belt), Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Under Ryan Fiorenzi, Machado Two Stripe Blue Belt)

How long have you been training in the martial arts?

On and off since I was a kid. The last two and a half years I have been really serious about it

How long have you been coaching?

I have been coaching for about the last year and a half.  While I still love to compete, I love coaching.  It brings an entire new aspect looking at things from an outside view.

What's the name of the team that you coach?

MAGIC

What sets your team apart and makes it different from any other team?

We have some sexy women competitors!  J In all seriousness, I have never been around a more close-knit group of people.  Everyone on our team is dedicated and puts as much time as they can afford into not only improving their game, but everyone else’s around them.  Overall I think that our positive and respectful attitude, win or loose, sets us apart.

What school do you currently attend?

East West Martial Arts in Canton, MI

Who is your instructor(s)?

My Brazlian Jiu-Jitsu instructors are Ryan Fiorenzi and Tyrone Gooden.  They are fantastic teachers and my grappling game has excelled since I started training at East West Martial Arts.  In addition to these great instructors, I try to make it a point to learn from everyone that I grapple with, regardless of rank.

What age did you begin training in the martial arts?

I did some training as a kid, but nothing that I would call serious.  My dedicated training was in the early 1990’s when I started Hapkido and then when I started grappling in 2007.

What attracted you to grappling?

About two and a half years ago I was seriously overweight and was looking not only for a way to get in shape, but to learn and enjoy what I was doing at the same time.  I came to a crossroads of picking up Hapkido again or trying something new like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  I had never wrestled or grappled in my life and knew very little about any type of groundwork so I opted to take up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Soon after I started training, one day a week became two days, which soon after became three days, then four, and now is six to seven days a week of teaching and training.  I found something in life that I enjoy and am truly passionate about.

How does it feel to be a coach AND a competitor?

I really enjoy both aspects of this.  The funny thing is that I have had people ask me if I feel like I lose “respect” or “face” in front of my students if I lose a match.  In my mind, everyone taps or has been tapped.  In a grappling match there is always a winner and loser.  When two black belts grapple (or any belt for that matter), and one loses, I certainly don’t loose any respect for either of them. Honestly, the biggest worry I have on tournament day is not even my match; it’s making sure that each of our team competitors has a coach (when matches overlap).

How difficult is it to prepare yourself for competition WHILE preparing/training your students?

I am a very fortunate individual with some unique opportunities and an understanding family.  I’m instructor four days a week, and a student two days.  Not only to I get to work with my students which push me hard on a day to day basis, I also get some great direction from all of the students and instructors at East West Martial Arts when I am in “student mode” training there.   I am also a strong believer that one grows their game, both mentally and physically, through teaching itself.

What are your thoughts regarding the Elite Federation Of Grapplers tournament circuit?

I have been to a good amount of tournaments over the course of the last few years and I must say that I am impressed with the way that EFG runs things.  The locations are all clean, their mats are top quality, and the business side of things is run very professionally.  All of the tournament staff are always very friendly and respectful.

Will you be competing in the next E.F.G. tournament?

Health permitting, I will be competing.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but you haven't missed a single E.F.G. event since the circuit has been in existence....is that correct?

I believe that I have been at every EFG tournament, either as a coach, competitor or both.

How does the E.F.G. compare to other tournaments/circuits in your opinion?

One of the best things that I like about the EFG is that it holds it’s tournaments four times a year and offers both gi and no-gi variations.  I think this sets them apart from other tournaments as it gives competitors more frequent opportunities to compete.

What do you do in your spare time besides train and teach?

I enjoy playing indoor soccer over the winter months as well playing computer and console games.

How does your family feel about you fighting?

I get great support from all my family and friends about both competing and teaching.  It doesn’t hurt that my girlfriend also grapples along with my fifteen-year-old son.

Before we conclude this interview, give the grappling community some positive words please.

If you surround yourself with positive people (instructors, training partners, friends and family), positive things will happen for you.  Keep training hard and stick with it even at the low points because the end result will be something amazing.

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