It seems more and more religious Jews and rabbis are getting involved in physical sport, whether boxing in Thailand, kickboxing by night (and studying by day), or even engaging in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Now, Fox News reports that an orthodox Jewish rabbi from California, 22-year-old Yossi Eilfort, has won his first amateur MMA match, by a technical knockout in the second round.
Eilfort, who promotes fitness throughout the Jewish community, was noticeably elated.
Training with judo expert and Cameroon-based fighter Thierry Sokoudjou, the young rabbi was reportedly taking part in the match to expose his community to security and safety, in addition to promoting the health aspects of the sport.
According to the report, Eilfort doesn’t train on Saturdays – naturally – and before training had “never hit anyone in his life.”
“It was very uncomfortable hitting someone,” he added. “I actually held back.
He also explained his beginnings into the world of martial arts, saying that he sought out a “physical, mental, personal challenge.” After winning his first match, Eilfort’s coach said “I never thought that a rabbi would be interested in fighting. But I was stoked.”
He also made a crack about giving Eilfort the moniker ‘The Rabbi’ on the fight bill. Sounds like something out of a Quentin Tarantino movie.
YOSSI EILFORT En este momento lo sigo por twitter y face!!!