IN his first match in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Corwin D’Anjou walked away with not only a win but with the respect of the MMA community in Trinidad and Tobago at the Caribbean Ultimate Face Fight (CUFF) Hometown Throwdown.
For the 23-year- old judoka, the transition to MMA happened three years ago at the age of 20, after practicing Kana Jujitsu from the age of 12-20. According to D’Anjou, the reason for the transition was as a result of being able to test what he had been practicing for years. It was this reason that led him to the Rising Sun Judo Club and sensei Bruce Fraser.

“It’s something that I was interested in due to the fact that a lot of time you would find persons in the other arts not getting to test what they learn so I thought that his would be a perfect opportunity to see if all the hours in the gym were applicable in a realistic setting,” he stated in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport.
For D’Anjou, his opportunity to test his knowledge and ability came on the November 26 when he fought karateka Josiah Joseph from Elite Phantom in a lightweight matchup. According to D’Anjou,he was sitting at home when Coach Fraser called him to inform him of the fight.

“He (Fraser) called me and said we organised a fight for you, you think you could make it;and I was like hell yeah and we started preparing for it and I went through a three-month training camp to get ready,” said D’Anjou.
After the training camp it was time to head to Trinidad.However, before the day of departure, two of his teammates who were supposed to make the trip were unable to do so. Additionally, Coach Fraser was also unable to make it because his wife recently gave birth. However, D’Anjou was determined to make the trip.
“I knew I had extended family in Trinidad and I thought that if I went and did well and put forth a good showing it would open opportunity for the entire team to travel.”
Create opportunity it did since D’Anjou won the 10 minute 2 round fight despite only having one person in his corner.

“I was lucky enough to have Kerry Grant who has his own MMA club in Southern Warriors in my corner and I also was psyching myself.”
According to D’Anjou he executed his game plan and enjoyed the fight with his only frustrations coming when the fight ended early due to Josiah breaking the rules and kneeing him to his head three times.
“Kneeing was against the rules and before the fight the promoter Ian Adam stressed on no knees to the head and I guess he (Josiah) got frustrated and kneed me twice after being warned by the referee for one kneeing before and he was disqualified.”

D’Anjou dominated the fight up to that point,registering 6 takedowns in the match as well as trading blows with the Trinidadian. He is thankful for the sponsors who played a part in his travel to Trinidad.
“If it wasn’t for Ricks and Sari, Fitness Express, Track Max and the Maison family I would not have been there.”
The youngster also expressed appreciation to Electra Grahame and Ena Joseph who were responsible for him on the Trinidad front and who provided lodging for him.
“I’m thankful for the experience and if I could do it over I definitely will,” D’Anjou added.