For Tyler Belan, sophomore, fighting is not just about beating people up and getting aggression out; it is about having a fighter's heart. His passion to help others, the drive to succeed in the ring and elsewhere, along with his love for the sport, create a heartbeat unlike any other.

Belan's love for fighting started at a young age. Yet, his parents did not approve of organized fights in the backyard.

"They told me about Muhammad Ali and how he has Parkinson's disease now," said Belan. "That encouraged me to read books about him and what he stands for. If anything, I wanted to be more like him."
Aside from wrestling in high school, he continued to dive deeper into fighting literature and discovered a form of mixed martial arts (MMA) called Muay Thai.

Basic Background of Muay Thai:

Muay Thai is a form of kickboxing that allows the use of fists, elbows and knees and is largest throughout Thailand. It is the most dangerous martial art because of the use of elbows.

The art of Muay Thai dates back roughly 2,000 years. Although it is the most dangerous form of fighting there is (ACCORDING TO WHOM?), the history and valued characteristics such as the respect the sport teaches are why Belan loves it.

Why Fight?

Belan realizes most people do not understand why someone would choose to get involved in an art so dangerous.

"People have a really bad feeling about fighters," Belan said. "They think we're all cocky and while that is true for some, that is not me."

Muay Thai involves much more than simply getting in a ring and fighting. Belan spends two to three hours training at Charlie's Combat Club in Everett five days a week when preparing for a fight. He pays close attention to his eating habits and has to regulate his intake on a regular basis.

While diet and training are important, they are not the only factors that help Belan thrive in this sport. Respect and determination are also highly valued traits throughout all MMA and especially among Muay Thai fighters.

Support from family, his church, and friends drives him to fight not only for himself, but for them as well.

"When I'm in the ring, I think about all the people praying for me and supporting me," said Belan. "If I lose, I'm letting down all the people who've supported me."

Belan considers respect and support very important. Because of these values, Belan has taken what he's learned inside the ring and applied it elsewhere.

Investing in Others
When not on campus or at the gym, Belan teams up with local programs at the Marysville YMCA. Through a program the YMCA offers called Strong Kids, he teaches children ages 8- 12 who are at risk of obesity.

Robert Spreine, chief Tae Kwon Do instructor, personal trainer, and Strong Kids leader for the YMCA is grateful for the work Belan has put into helping out at with the program.

"He's always been a huge asset [to Strong Kids] because he's always there when you need him," said Spreine.

Setting Sights Elsewhere/b>

Organizing events where money can be raised is another big part of Belan's life. He is focused on a three-month trip to Thailand this summer and is doing all he can to raise funds for that and for the YMCA. He has sold hot dogs, put on car washes and is doing a Zumba-thon to help gain support.

Belan also contributes 20 percent of his fundraising earnings directly to the Invest in Youth programs at the YMCA. These programs offer aid to local youths in areas such as schooling, nutrition and physical fitness.

"If there is anyone worth supporting, it's Tyler," said Spreine. "He's the kind of kid you invest in and your return is tenfold."

At each event, Belan places a donation jar out to support Invest In Youth, and hopes to raise awareness about the goal of the program.

"Fighting for a cause is different than just fighting," Belan said. "People knew Ali was an amazing fighter but he fought for people's rights too. I want people to not only know that I'm a fighter, I want them to know what I'm fighting for."

During the trip, he will be training with some of the best MMA fighters in the world.

"Lots of people talk, but he follows through. This trip is a pilgrimage and I'm excited for him," said Spreine.

The Final Round

Belan's passion for the sport and for others, and inspiration from books such as the Bible and Virgil Hunter's book, "A Fighter's Heart," keep him fighting.

"Now whoever has courage and a strong collected spirit in his breast, let him come forward, lace up his gloves and put up his hands," Belan said, quoting "A Fighter's Heart."