By Felix Rodriguez, Staff Writer
Nael Chavez Discusses How His Religious Background Affects His Career as a Fighter and Promoter
Natanael “Nael” Chavez (Amateur 2-2) is a jack of many trades. The former U.S. Armed Forced veteran leads a hectic and busy life that requires his juggling the roles of parent, pastor, coach, promoter and fighter every day. Currently Nael is preparing to fight this Saturday for Premiere Combat Group in San Antonio while simultaneously working to promote his own fight card, The Belts of Honorius, June 29th in Austin. TXMMA caught up with the Mexican-born fighter to discuss what it is like to handle both these duties while still tending to his martial arts students, church and children. The underlying message of what Nael had to say was back your actions with words. Here is his interview, enjoy!
TXMMA Interview – Nael Chavez (Enlightened Warriors)
Nael, what is your background in martial arts?
Primarily Judo. I trained under Dr. Didier who is a judo black belt. I just got hooked on BJJ, but it is new to me. I train wrestling under Laren Umphlet as well; I love all martial arts!
What area of MMA is your strongest?
My throws.
Aside from being an MMA fighter what else do you do?
I am also a fight promoter, the founder of the Enlightened Warriors, and the reverend for the Church of Compassion.
What is it like to manage being a pastor, coach, promoter and fighter?
I love helping people so this comes easily to me. As a fighter it tests my spirit so I love the challenge.
You mentioned the Enlightened Warriors (EW), what can you tell us about this organization?
Enlightened Warriors is for boys & girls aged from the 5th to 9th grade. The Enlightened Warriors curriculum teaches youth about self-esteem, leadership, teamwork, and good grades through the lens of physical fitness and MMA. This program is donation-based and we have chapters in Waco, Austin, Leander and Mexico.
Can you tell us a little about your life as a pastor?
I love who Jesus Christ was and I try to be his hands and feet, teaching others to not be a sermon, but a sample, to walk the talk. Also, I believe that god is love and everyone is perfectly made, no judgment – just compassion and help for our community.
Is it difficult to manage all of these roles plus being the parent of a teenager?
No it’s not hard. Being myself, I will rest when I die. Fortunately, my kids are good and responsible. My oldest son is the director of the EW-Austin. He is attending college in the fall and sells a fitness DVD marketed for teens called Empowerment Workouts. My youngest has his own club he started called “Tree Climbers United” and my many foster kids and godchildren are doing amazing. I am blessed!
What is the next event you’re promoting and what event will you be fighting in next?
I am promoting Belts of Honorius in Austin Texas on June 29th. The event will take place at 507 Calles, Austin Texas 78702. Then I am fighting again in August.
Tell us more about the June 29th card. What can Austinites expect form Belts of Honorius?
Unlike most promoters that say it’s about the fighters –who are first priority- I actually back this up. I have three female warrior bouts and many incredible athletes on my card and I am paying 20%of ticket sales to all of my amateur fighters on the Belts of Honorious card. If we want MMA fighters to be taken seriously we got to have elite productions, not barnyard events with promoters that really have no clue of the hard work that is put into being an MMA fighter. I’m so grateful that I learned the MMA promoting business from Seth Daniels, Trevor Bird, Randy Galindo and Jennifer Ray. It takes a lot of money and hard work to throw good fights.
What about your fight this Saturday, any details on that?
I am fighting Kevin Holland for PCG’s Cowboys Extreme Cagefighting. The Fight is in San Antonio’s Cowboy Dance Hall. The address is 3030 NE Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas, 78218. It’s going to be a great event. I always fight tough guys so I am excited for the challenge.
What is more nerve-racking for you between fighting, giving service, putting together an event or watching/coaching your son in his own fights?
I am a warrior. I served in the U.S. Army Infantry and grew up in the middle of a country’s civil war. For me fighting is a joy. It’s always an honor to step into combat. That said, I think watching my 11 year-old at tournaments. It’s weird, but I get so nervous! He is the joy of my life, my oldest never worried me, but my wife has to coach my youngest when he fights. He is really good!
Do you get a lot of backlash for your choice to fight from the religious community? If so, how do you rationalize your involvement in both worlds?
Well, that is a hard one for me. I have gotten threatened with excommunication from my church a few times because of fighting. I asked my elder reverend to give me his blessing for the fight and he refused because he couldn’t condone violence. I know God loves me just the way I am and they do not know my sport. Also, my Bishop loves me and knows that my heart is right with God and that sets me free. I never have ill intentions towards my opponent. I actually pray that God allow the best athlete to win. When I fight it’s all about testing my strength of mind, body and spirit; that’s why I love fighting. It is the ultimate high. I see fighters angry and that is just fear. I am confident in what I can do and that allows me to be happy all the time. When that cage closes it’s time to work without emotions.
Thank you for your time Nael. Is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?
Please check out our website, www.enlightenedwarriors.org, maybe you can start a chapter in your community and help us empower the youth of our nation.