So I hear we are one step closer. If I'm not mistaken, which usually I
am, it is up to the assembly to pass the bill.

Cortland students - our assemblywoman is Barbara Lifton. She can be
contacted via the options on this page -

http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=125&sh=contact

Here is a copy of the note I sent her, hastily written I might add, but
to the point. Feel free to insert a pot shot at Senator Riley or the
government in general, it might make you feel good!

Assemblywoman Lifton,

I am writing to you in hopes of encouraging you to vote for the passage
of Mixed Martial Arts competition in New York.

The sport has changed dramatically over the years since Pataki banned it
back in the 90s. It is well regulated and safer for the competitors
than many other nationally supported sports - boxing and football to
name a few.

As well as providing a direct financial boon the State, it will
indirectly provide jobs and a healthier lifestyle for many of the
state's population.

I recently changed jobs to become the General Manager/Program Director
for Central New York Mixed Martial Arts. We have over 750 students in
our three schools, located in Cortland, Binghamton and Watertown. We
not only provide students with an avenue towards competition, but what
has given us our stellar reputation has been helping people achieve
weight loss and a state of health that some never imagined they could
achieve.

We have helped individuals lose anywhere from the couple extra pounds
they carry, to well over 100 lbs of pure fat. Some have even rid
themselves from prescriptions for blood pressure, hypertension and high
cholesterol. All through training in martial arts. We provide beginner
friendly classes, conducted in a very safe manner.

By legalizing competitions in NYS, it will introduce this fantastic form
of exercise to thousands of people who may have never heard of martial
arts, or considered it due to the negative stereotype portrayed by
ill-informed politicians like Senator Riley, who knows nothing of the
sport but does not let that deter him from acting like an authority on
the subject.

I encourage you to support the passage of this bill and help small
businesses like us continue to help people achieve a healthy and active
lifestyle. One that can be achieved without the government stealing
property through eminent domain to build parks and walkways (Ithaca), or
hope for a healthy lifestyle through doctors that are soon going to be
paid for by each individual in the form of government health care. We
should be encouraging and supporting all forms of exercise, not
demonizing them.

Thank you for your time,

John Ryan
Central New York Mixed Martial Arts
Cortland, NY 13045
john@cnymma.com
cnymma.com