by Travis Partington | Feb 19, 2018 | Blog
Chad (L) & Mike (R) getting ready to face off
Saturday was go time for Michael Darrah. The Soldier, Army Ranger, husband and father said he was going to step into a ring having never done it before. He did.
I went to Warwick last night to check out Brawl for it All 5. There is some who would say that the boxing scene is dead. After last night, I think that there are some hard working talented athletes and trainers who made the trip worthwhile. These are dedicated, talented people.
Mike was the last card before the main event. He and Team Darrah came out to the “Lion Sleeps Tonight” with flags waving and the crowd loved it.
Speaking of crowd, all I saw was “Team Darrah” shirts and swag everywhere. A big shout out to Mike Smith, who worked behind the scenes to promote and sell tickets. Also it was cool to hang out with Matt D, who is considering following Michael’s footsteps. Good stuff.
Chad and Mike faced off and people around me were like, “Who is this guy?” I was like, “Mike has never fought before, ever…” People started to look at this fight differently.
I don’t know much about boxing. So I respect the hell out of the dedication and effort it takes to get into the ring much less go the distance. Putting my spin on the fight won’t count for much here. All I will say is after watching multiple boxers go down in the first or second round, it was bad ass to see Mike go all three rounds.
In the end, he lost the match by the scorecard, and like that it was over. I walked up to him and saw that he was literally covered in sweat and blood. Some people say it, some people sing it; however, here was a man who walked his talk. So while he didn’t win the match, I will never say that he was beaten.
You made all of us proud Michael. Glad to have met you and let’s train or go riding soon.
by Travis Partington | Feb 16, 2018 | Podcast
Episode 80 – Team Darrah
Mike and Shaun talking before the training session.
My producer, Sinista1 aka., Keith Hayes hits me up and says I want you to contact this guy who is fighting in a couple of weeks. Michael Darrah is an Army Airborne Ranger Veteran, and has a good story. TeamDarrah was getting ready for Brawl for it All, Saturday February 17th at the West Warwick Civic Center. Brawl for it All 5 – February 17th 2018. Family honor is at stake here, but also something more.
I got a hold of Michael and we set a meet. He wanted to introduce me to his instructor, Shaun Shubert. Shaun is the founder and owner of R.E.D S.E.A.L Martial Arts Company located in Lakeville, MA. (http://www.redsealma.com/). I like going mobile, so I was pumped to get there and check this all out.
The first thing I notice when I walk into Red Seal is there is not so much a wrapper on the floor of the gym. All the equipment is staged, cleaned up and ready to go. There are other places where I can’t say that at all. It tells me that the owner, and his students take care of gym.
Mike arrived and we said our hellos. I was looking forward to meeting him. I had been following some of his progress on Facebook and he wasn’t what I would consider the typical fighter. He had just started this, was in my age range, and time to prepare was short. My initial impression was changed when I watched Shaun put him through his paces. This was different than some TV shows I watched about fighting. There wasn’t any yelling or screaming, just a student and instructor working together. I got tired just watching him train. Mike is a beast! I think that he really lives the Army Ranger way….
After the session, Mike and Shaun sat down to give me some background on why Michael was fighting and Shaun’s approach to training students. There is a lot more to Michael’s story, and I hope to get to talk to him again. For now, check out the podcast, and take the drive to West Warrick Saturday February 17th.
If you are looking for a different type of fight training, then get with Shaun at Red Seal Martial Arts Company. He trains all ages and types of students. I can’t wait to see #TeamDarrah roll heavy. I kidded Michael about being in the Army, but we all know Rangers Lead the Way.
This is just the warm up……
155 Millennium Circle, Lakeville, MA 02347 – (774) 259-9258
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
