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Revgear World Open Contest - Signed Babalu Poster

Posted by Revgear on Jun 2nd 2014

Dustin Jacoby’s route into the ranks of the GLORY World Series is like something out of a movie. The American light heavyweight had just finished a Thursday night training session when he got a phone call asking if he was able to take part in a one-night, eight-man Road to Glory tournament on the Saturday.

Road to Glory tournaments are designed to unearth the brightest prospects and best emerging talents to be developed into contenders for the main GLORY ranks. Jacoby entered a tough tournament field on short notice, but managed to stop all three of his opponents in succession, including the tournament favorite.

Afterwards, it emerged that he had had to drive hundreds of miles overnight in order to make the weigh-ins the day before and had not eaten or drank while doing so, because he needed to cut weight to reach the 95 kilogram limit.

His story and performance are among the most remarkable of anyone in the kickboxing world, a true Rocky moment.

bio via GLORY World Series

What was your first experience with Martial Arts?

My first experience with Martial Arts dates all the way back to my childhood. My twin brother and I began Taekwondo when we were 5 or 6, and then started wrestling soon after that. Those days ended when our family moved from Colorado to Illinois in 1999, however competition never stopped for me, and almost one decade later I began training Mixed Martial Arts.

At what age did you train and which disciplines have you trained before pursuing MMA?

I began training here and there while I was still in college and playing football. My twin brother started training/fighting and it didn't take long for me to follow in his footsteps. The two of us grew up playing sports and competing with each other since the day we could walk.  I started training full time in June of 2010 at what was then Matt Hughes' gym; The H.I.T. SQUAD. My career really took off from there, and here I stand today.

Who has been the most influential person in your Martial Arts training and career?

I have been very blessed in my Martial Arts journey and life in general.  I have got to train and learn from a lot of great coaches, I have met and trained with a lot of great guys and great fighters from all across the world, and I have been surrounded by great people who really take care of me. I can honestly say there have been too many influential people that I have met along my Martial Arts career to just name a few. I get inspired by people chasing their dreams and I get inspired by coaches willing to share their knowledge and dedicate their time and energy every single day. Those are the type of influential people I have met in my career that I have to Thank!

What are 5 training items that you couldn't do without?

The 5 training items that I couldn't live without are in no particular order and as follows:

1. My custom mouth guard (special Thanks to the crew at Factory X Muay Thai) 2. My Revgear Extra Long 200" Hand Wraps 3. My revgear 16 oz. boxing gloves/10 oz. Revgear Leather Bag Gloves 4. My Revgear Professional Leather Shin Guards 5. My elastic stretch band

What is your favorite Revgear product?

My personal favorite Revgear product(s) are my Revgear Air Mitts, and my 10 oz. open thumb combat gloves AKA the Revgear Leather Bag Gloves! The focus mitts are extremely comfortable, easy to strap on/off, and they are light. My 10 oz. open thumb combat gloves are literally my favorite pair of training gloves I have ever used. Great for light sparring, flow grappling, and of course combat gear (aka fight simulation training).

What are three things anyone can do to get in shape?

Three things ANYONE can do to get in shape are as follows:

1. Eat Healthy & Drink Water! Eating healthy does not mean you eat 1-3 times a day, consisting of salad, tuna, and a gas station soda/meal bar. Eating healthy means you eat 5-6 times a day, consisting of healthy carbs (whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables), unsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, fish, flaxseed), proteins, good sources of dairy, etc. AVOID soda, DRINK WATER!

2. Be Active! Each day you should do some kind of extra activity that will help you sweat and push your heart rate. This will also help to clear your mind and focus on your daily chores. Walking/Jogging/Running is a good start! Body squats, push ups/sit ups/pull ups, jumping jacks and burpees are all things that will make you sweat and push your heart rate. Oh yea, MMA & Kickboxing training are a couple different ways to be active as well! :)

3. Last but not least, FOCUS! Set goals, think positive thoughts, and challenge yourself to be a better you each day. Get your EYEZ ON THE PRIZE, and remember every day is YOU vs. YOU!

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