NOWADAYS, it’s even harder to “pin down” mixed martial artist (MMA) Mark Striegl.
The gladiator of the octagon ring, aside from further sharpening his fighting acumen, is in the midst of a rigorous training for what could very well be a defining moment in his career, as he will don the country’s colors in November for this year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Of late, Striegl has been shuttling around various venues: from gyms in Greenhills, San Juan City for high-intensity workouts, to as far as up north for high-altitude endurance training.
As reported early this year on BusinessMirror’s Health&Fitness, Striegl, at the age of six, had already manifested his very competitive nature when he joined combat sports in school. His innate passion for fight sports and other fitness activities introduced him to different arena of contact sports. It eventually opened avenues for the fighter toward international recognition.
“[Striegl] was a wrestler back in high school, and later on trained for taekwondo, aikido, Brazilian jujitsu and other forms of MMA, until he realized that he was really meant to embrace the world of combat sports,” according to the weekly health guide.
En route to Baguio City, Striegl indulged Envoys&Expats on a quick e-mail interview:
Envoys&Expats: Your family name sounds European… Please share with us your journey coming to the Philippines.
STRIEGL: Actually, my dad, Frank Luther, an American, is of German descent. It’s a strange last name; it actually means a horse’s bridle.
I am Filipino-American. My mom, the former Sonia Martinez, is from Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro, but I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. My parents were international schoolteachers over there.
Not many are aware that you have been competing under the Philippine flag. Briefly tell us about your athletic career.
I grew up in Tokyo and went to college in San Diego, California.
After college, I moved to the Philippines and started my professional mixed martial arts career. I’ve been fighting professionally since 2019 and have been representing the country since.
I am the current URCC global featherweight champion, having won the title last year here in Manila.
What got you into martial arts? What is it about competing that gives you a sense of fulfillment?
My older brother got me started on taekwondo and wrestling when we were young. Being the younger brother, I looked up to him and copied what he was doing.
Then I slowly went into training. I just took one step further and went professional.
I enjoy martial arts because I believe it is the purest form of competition. It’s “black-and-white:” there’s always a winner and a loser. It always comes down to two people expressing themselves and all their years of training.
You go by a certain moniker, “Mugen.” Tell us about its essence and why it speaks about you.
Mugen means “limitless” in Japanese. It became my mantra and fight moniker early in my fight career.
As a wrestler, MMA and now sambo athlete, I’ve had to deal with adversity throughout my career. It’s normal to have these struggles. It’s about rising to the occasion.
I believe that we all have the potential to do great things and that we should always strive to be limitless in whatever we do in life. Anything is possible with the right attitude.
E&E: We heard you will compete for the 2019 SEA Games. Which categories will you be in? Could Filipinos expect a podium finish from you?
STRIEGL: I will be competing in combat sambo. It is a hybrid form of martial arts. To put it simply, it is basically a sport version of MMA.
I definitely hope to medal and get that podium finish here in Manila. It would be an honor, and I am working very hard to make it happen.
E&E: What is it about the Philippines that you love, or have come to love?
STRIEGL: I love the culture and food here in the country. I consider eating sisig a guilty pleasure. But since I’m on training, I have my meals specifically designed for that.
I’m all about family and friends, which I believe is a very Filipino trait. The family unit is very important to me.
E&E: What pieces of advice could you give to aspiring martial arts fighters like yourself, as well as athletes who compete for the country?
STRIEGL: My advice to aspiring martial artists or fighters competing for the Philippines would just be, to do your very best and surround yourself with good people.
Fight sport is a crazy game, so it’s important to have good people around to support and cheer you on. I know every Pinoy has got my back and will be there to rally and even pray for me.
And lastly, but not least: Watch your diet. Train smart, and be disciplined if you want to be among the best in the world.
E&E: Where can we check on your progress and learn more about you?
STRIEGL: Please follow me on my Instagram and Facebook page under the handle, @markmugen.
I promise to fight my hardest and represent the country this coming SEA Games.
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