Mixed martial arts champion comes to Jewell County

David Simpson, a native of Virginia, recently moved to Jewell County and is now giving MMA instructions in Mankato. David is an accomplished in mixed martial arts. He holds a champion title in this sport. David, Kaeley and their three sons decided to move here to be closer to some of his family who live in Nebraska and made the move eight months ago.

David grew up learning martial arts as his father was an instructor. His younger brother, Chris, is also a MMA champion. The two brothers enjoy getting together and sharing their interests in the sport. They earned their champion status competing in the Spartyka Fight League held on the East Coast. David currently is teaching 17 students, youth and adults, from five-years-old, to high school age and adults. His classes are held in the basement of Dr. Tyler's office in Mankato. He said, "I enjoy teaching. I've been teaching for 15 years." He teaches Jiu Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do. The lessons can focus on boxing and wrestling. He holds a Third Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.

David's personal current interest is in bare knuckle competition. It is fairly new sport and was introduced about three years ago. "It's becoming popular and I'm currently in training to compete in the championship. It's the NFL of bare knuckle competition." He recently qualified to compete for the championship title through try-outs. Out of 100 competitors, only two are chosen to go on to the championship competition and David earned first place in the try-outs. The championship will be held in August. He is currently in training for this championship. According to David, the training takes a lot of muscle endurance and cardio exercising. "Bare knuckle fighting is done without gloves and opponents can be grabbed." he adds.

When not training or teaching, David likes to spend time with his family. He and his family like the move that they made and are getting acquainted.