Airman trains hard between swing shifts to fight Published Sept. 8, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Amber R. Kelly-Herard 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- A 15th Operational Weather Squadron weather forecaster has a workout regime that can be compared to that of a professional athlete. Senior Airman Dominic Brisbin, who currently holds the Missouri Grappling Champion title, spends most of his day training when not working or sleeping. His coach, Mike Rethmeyer said, "He's a very proficient grappler, he understands it well and is gifted, which makes him a good fighter. He's trainable, which makes it easier for him to pick up things fast. He's the kind of guy who trains hard, and I think he's an Ultimate Fighting Championship contender." As a shift worker, he starts his day at 1 a.m. When he gets off at 9 a.m., he goes for a two to three mile run and then goes to sleep. When he wakes up, he does Muay Thai and kickboxing to train. Then he works out for about three hours by doing calisthenics. On top of this, he also trains at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle Academy so he can fight competitively. "I like the competitive nature and winning," said the Monterey, Calif., native. "I come from a military family, and I was always involved in martial arts. Then, about three years ago, I saw an Ultimate Fighting Championship commercial and showed up and got started." To compliment his workout, Airman Brisbin has a strict diet. "I can eat pretty much anything I want because of how I work out, but I've actually been very health conscious for the last five years," he said. Airman Brisbin said on a normal day he eats seven egg whites, a cup of oatmeal, a mango and a banana for breakfast. For a snack he has tuna. Then for lunch, he has a chicken breast with brown rice and spinach. Before going to the gym, he has a protein shake. Then for dinner he has sushi and a chicken salad. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has five belts, white, blue, purple, brown and black. Airman Brisbin wears a blue belt. "In order to move up, you have to test by competing," said Airman Brisbin. Although Airman Brisbin practices a variety of martial arts, he said he prefers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because it is well known and its techniques are more refined and modern. "Being strong helps, but strength eventually runs out--technique doesn't, which is why it is key," said Airman Brisbin. Aside from learning skills, Airman Brisbin has also gained life-long lessons from his training. "I have learned to focus and stay calm under trying times," he said. "After hours of putting constant strain on my muscles I'm not tired, I feel a sense of accomplishment. I try to always leave better than when I walked in. If I didn't learn anything, then it was a waste of time." Last Friday Airman Brisbin fought in the "Brawl in the Ballroom" at Fischer's in Belleville during which he beat his opponent in a very quick fight. "To me, a punch in the face is a good time," said Airman Brisbin. "With every fight, I would like to be finished and standing before the round has ended, otherwise I haven't done what I needed to do or trained as hard as I could." Airman Brisbin said he wants to remain involved with martial arts and fighting in the future. "I wouldn't mind becoming a UFC professional, but I would like to open a gym and teach when I get out of the Air Force," he said. "I just see myself as more of a teacher with my personality." In his free time, Airman Brisbin enjoys reading and watching movies. Airman Brisbin is married to Alessia and they have a 3-year-old daughter named Alessandra.