Warrior Hunk; Dan Digby, Feb 11

Daniel 'Gravedigga' Digby
-Modern Warrior-
by Sarah Parr, www.fiercefitness.co.nz. Napier      

"The basic difference between an ordinary man and a warrior is that a warrior takes everything as a challenge while an ordinary man takes everything either as a blessing or a curse"-Carlos Casteneda.

For most of us, this quote would hold little meaning- but not for modern warrior Dan 'Gravedigga' Digby. This professional MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter hasn't just taken life's challenges- he's searching for more. 

His nickname ‘Gravedigga' was given to him by his main training partner Gareth Burke.  "My first 4 fights I was cleaning up and my favourite song to walk out to was "go to sleep " by eminem. The lyrics are pretty brutal. All about killing and burying someone in there grave. Plus Gravedigga digby has a nice flow to it." Dan said. left: Jerry Sargeant and Dan Digby

Considering he's a lethal weapon Dan has a surprisingly quirky style- Renowned in MMA circles for sporting outrageous hairstyles in the cage. He once fought with dyed-blue hair shaved into the shape of giant fluffy earmuffs. 

A natural fighter from a young age, Daniel has literally blitzed through the MMA ranks, disregarding the amateur arena altogether by going straight to pro. He's fought an impressive16 pro fights with 12 wins to date, most of these being won in the first round.

Daniel's background is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has been training and fighting in the MMA arena for 4 years. During his relatively short but shattering MMA career, Daniel has fought in all of NZ'S main shows, competed in Both Australia and Hong Kong and is always looking for that next challenge.

Daniel now instructs others in his chosen sport, and although opinion on combat sport will likely remain divided, we must admit that warriors still walk among us. 

The lust for combat is buried inextricably in us all, and modern warriors like Daniel 'Gravedigga' Digby have simply revived and honed our primordial instincts.

In his own training, Dan does not split his body parts. He is not a body builder. He trains to fight so focuses on Olympic lifting which builds strength and explosive power. His conditioning programmes focus on sports specific exercises that will enhance the sport he competes in.  Dan says he practices the different arts involved in MMA everyday.  He does boxing, wrestling and Thai Boxing.  He also spars about 20 rounds per week.

Dan says he starts his mental approach to his fight on the day he finds out that the fight has been confirmed.  "From then on I imagine every possible scenario with my hand being raised at the end of the fight.  Ten to fifteen minutes before the fight I start psyching myself up. Picturing that I have just witnessed my oppenent killing or hurting my family or parents.  That's usually enough to make me want to hurt someone.  You have to into MMA with bad intentions otherwise you will be the one getting hurt."

MMA is a brutal sport. So is Dan afraid of getting hurt?  "Yes ofcourse. I'm afraid of getting seriously hurt or paralysed. But in general getting punched or kicked in the head is not a worry.  I've been attached by two guys in the street , I've been knocked out with a cricket bat in the street so when it comes to 1 on 1 with doctors and referees on hand, I just look forward to the challenge." Dan explained.

 

Daniel and his team are zeroing-in on a world title shot in America with the 3 years. Giving up work was the natural step for such a driven athlete and the demands mean that Daniel needs sponsorship to sustain a fighter's punishing lifestyle. Daniel has a target, he has the talent, the support but most of all a big heart.