Young MMA fighter Conrad Bernhardt
When and how did you start MMA?
I started MMA a year ago to date. Two of my friends namely Jayden Caldwell and Darren Ovenstone introduced me to the sport. I started off with normal training sessions with my friends at Parabellum Fight Club (PFC) in Margate, which soon developed into a stronger interest in the sport. Soon after, I met Gary Smit (now being my personal trainer) who encouraged me to take the sport to an entirely new level hence my beginning in a career with MMA.
What made you fall in love with the sport?
In general, I am a sport lover- and once introduced to MMA it became an immediate addiction! From there on, I decided to take the sport on a more serious note to improve my skills- since then, I haven’t looked back! MMA is now my favourite sport!
What’s your favourite part of MMA?
My favourite part of MMA is the techniques involved in the sport. There is so much to learn every day- every training session there is something new to learn, develop and focus on, no matter how good you think you are there is always room to grow and improve. I obviously thoroughly enjoy the boxing side of MMA as each person has a different style of boxing which you need to learn how to match and dominate.
Where do you currently train, and who helps you with your training?
I currently train with Parabellum Fight Club (PFC) in Margate- My trainer is Gary Smit whom trains with GORGEOUS Boys Hardcore, in Durban. Gary assists me daily with my training- providing me with incredible assistance and guidance- never failing to prepare me for my upcoming fights.
Gary Smit, Ryan Preston, Jayden Caldwell, Kyle Krummeck and Rob Forsyth play a constant role in assisting with my training-providing me with aid for my fitness tests, ground work, stand up, clenching and general training sessions. They also provide me with immense support and encouragement during my training, the build up to my fights and ultimately at my fights- without which, it would be impossible to achieve!
Who’s your manager, and who inspires you to be better at what you do?
My manager is Kevin Krummeck of PFC, whom has always provided me with endless support, encouragement and wisdom, win or lose. My inspiration draws from my father whom was a boxer at my age- he supports me with my MMA however cannot attend any of my fights as he has been a boxer and is fully aware of the possible outcomes.
What advice can you give to someone that might want to follow in your footsteps?
MMA involves fitness, dedication, willingness and perseverance to learn- as said previously, this sport involves a lot of different techniques which in order to understand and maximize effectiveness you need to be prepared to put in the effort, the hours and to ultimately listen to your mentor/ trainer.
What was/is your ultimate feeling to date during a fight?
With every fight, the walk in generates a huge amount of adrenaline, a feeling only another fellow fighter could relate to. Upon entering the cage, the next most ultimate feeling of pure pleasure is the ending, holding both hands up in the air with your trainer picking you up around the waist- sharing the pure excitement, relief and power of the win.
Which part of Mix Martial Arts would you say you the greatest at?
Mix Martial Arts involves several different aspects which we’re all trained adequately in, however, upon entering the cage your strong point is all those different aspects combined at the right moment as required and played out by your opponent.
Please tell us who Conrad Bernhardt is when you are not in the cage or training in the gym?
I’m known by my family, friends and girlfriend as an out-going person. I enjoy spending time with friends and my girl by hitting the town every once in a while, having braais and card nights. My girlfriend, Anna Stapleton, and I are not big clubbers thus spend a lot of our time at home watching series, relaxing and thriving on each other’s company- We’re known as the ‘Perfect Two!’ And when given the opportunity we enjoy travelling together, living life to the fullest!
Explain to us, how a normal training day look like to you?
To push my fitness, to learn new techniques, to step up my game by 10% each day! Closer to a fight, Gary Smit assists me by putting extra hours into my training to make sure that I’m 100% ready for the upcoming fight. If I do have an upcoming fight Gary Smit gets a few guys to come help out on my fitness test. Whilst I’m training with the other guys, Gary coaches me throughout the fitness test to help go that extra mile.
Do you follow a special diet?
Yes and no, I follow a healthy eating plan over-all but do allow myself to have ‘treats’ on occasion which accommodated with my every day training does not affect my fighting weight.
Do you currently have any sponsorship’s on-board to help you with your career?
At the moment I do not have any sponsorships but the most important sponsorship I could ask for and have right now is my girlfriend, Anna Stapleton! My biggest fan too!
I also promote my fight club PFC via my fighting shorts as well as supporting HunterMMA, being my every day chosen clothing brand.
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