It took four years of training and then it was all over in 38 seconds.
Clearwater resident Julius Huhs took part in his first Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) professional bout the weekend before last.
The fight was held as part of an event called The School of Hard Knocks held in Medicine Hat on May 27.
Competing in the lightweight (155 lb) class, Huhs quickly took his opponent to the ground and knocked him unconscious. The Lethbridge fighter had a background in boxing and apparently was not adequately prepared for groundwork.
This was Huhs’ second MMA bout. Fighting as an amateur last year, he won by a unanimous decision.
The local resident trained for the event through Axis Jiu-jitsu Canada (AJJC) and coach Andre Taniguti. At present he and training partner Ray Chenier are the only ones in the class, but more students are welcome. Taniguti, who trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Japan, moved to Clearwater about four years ago. The trio meets every day to train, when possible.