Interview with Gilbert Jamal Smith-TUF 17 Competitor and Owner of Victory MMA in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Interview with Gilbert Jamal Smith-TUF 17 Competitor and Owner of Victory MMA in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

I had the pleasure to speak with Gilbert Smith on June 6, 2013. We all know Mr. Smith from “The Ultimate Fighter” season 17 as a member of Team Jones.

As a professional fighter, gym owner and trainer, Gilbert is much more than all of these accomplishments. He is also a husband and father, coach, mentor and a soldier.

When I asked him what his proudest achievement is, his answer was quite inspiring. His wife and children are #1 on the list. However, another achievement that he ranks high on his list of proudest moments was graduating from California University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Exercise Science. Having the chance to walk across the stage and receive his diploma in front of his mother, wife, and kids will be something he will never forget. Having served 6 years in the US Army and spending over 3 years in Iraq as a Civilian Contractor, Gilbert could only study part-time by taking 1 or 2 classes  at a time and settling for online courses. When he graduated, he was actually able to travel to the campus for the first time, which is located in Pittsburgh. He was impressed with the Campus and actually wished he had the opportunity to be there physically. As he was walking the stage, he was extremely proud that his children were able to see his accomplishments and to be able to show them that they can achieve anything.

Gilbert began training in BJJ with Marcelo Garcia as a means to stay in shape. He became addicted to the challenges and techniques that he learned. When he went overseas to Iraq, because of the lack of training opportunities and isolation he started buying DVD’s by legendary American kick boxer and trainer Duke Roufus, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace Cesar Gracie, Robert Drysdale and legendary wrestler Dan Gable. These DVD’s became an important part of being able to further his knowledge of the techniques in Mixed Martial Arts. Gilbert then began training soldiers and civilian personnel.  There he would establish the beginnings of what was then called Victory Top Team.

Being competitive by nature, Gilbert gravitated towards MMA and began competing on an amateur level, compiling an undefeated record of 7-0. When he began submitting guys that had more experience and more credentials than him, he realized that he could actually do something with his abilities.

Gilbert has had the opportunity to train abroad in countries like Brazil and Thailand where martial arts are ingrained in the culture. Along with the opportunity to train under the consensus #2 pound for pound fighter UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones on TUF 17, and with UFC superstar Chael Sonnen in West Linn, Oregon, whom he considers it an honor to know, Gilbert has also trained with Robert Drysdale and adds that nothing compares to actually training with these guys in person. He also wants to congratulate Robert Drysdale on his recent signing with the UFC.

Mr. Smith has sound advice for up and coming fighters.”Always surround yourself with great people. Always be willing to do what other guys are not willing to do. When you practice an arm bar, you do it 100 times just to be able to do it once in competition. Make the moves part of your muscle memory.”

I will leave you with this great quote he imparted to me. “Seek out knowledge and then be humble enough to accept it with an open mind.” That is advice we can all use whether we are fighters or not.

Gilbert would like to give a shout out to the following:

Doug Ericson - Owner of Peak Krav Maga where Gilbert’s studio is located

Curtis Hill at Castle Rock Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Team Victory

‘The Sports Guy Mike Show’ on AM1300 
‘The Animal’ for helping to promote his name and business

His sponsor Panino’s Italian Restaurant in Colorado Springs, Colorado owned by the Frasca family on 8 St. “They have excellent food and they have always supported me.”

Jeremy Snyder, his physical therapist, at Rocky Mountain Rehab Center

Factory X out of Denver, Colorado with Head Coach Marc Montoya, Chris Camozzi and Brian Camozzi

A special thanks to Dr. David Lauritzen and Chirocare Recovery Center who has been there since the beginning and has become his best friend and brother.

Once again, thank you, Mr. Smith for taking the time to speak with me. I wish you nothing but success.

With Respect, Randy Casjens

On Twitter @SavageRandy