Why Jake Shields Is My Favorite MMA Role Model

*Photo by Ester Lin, Strikeforce

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Jake Shields has been one of my favorite MMA fighters about whom to write.

He is a product of a successful homeschooling and a life of hard work.

What I like best About Jake is his big heart and the way he lends himself whole heartedly to humanitarian causes.

He worked very hard to pass a bill in California to regulate how farm animals were housed and promoted allowing them to be kept free and not confined as the modern meat industry so often does.

Certain industries lose sight of the way nature intended animals to live with grass, in the fresh air, with fresh running water always available and sun shining on them.

Had the world the same concern about animals being kept in close confinement and had something been done to prevent the abhorrent practice of close confinement, perhaps there would be no swine flu epidemic haunting the world now.

Although he is only thirty years old, because of his animal activism he seems far older and wiser to me in his forward thinking and efforts to make the world better for everyone living in in it, even the animals.

When I think of worthy role models for young people, Jake Shields is at the top of my list.

Not only is he a very good fighter, as everyone who watched his defeat of Robbie Lawler on Showtime tonight can attest, he is a most gracious and generous person.

The credit and praise that he gave to Robbie Lawler was an example of the fine type of gentleman Jake is.

No trash talking or posturing, just humble, gracious and full of gratitude for Gracie Jui-Jitsu skills that he worked very hard to obtain and the solid team he has supporting him.

How refreshing to see someone who deserves recognition on so many fronts win for a change.

My wishes for Jake are that he will go very far in his chosen sport and inspire many of our youth to do as he does and champion causes for the betterment of our planet.

Imitating his work ethic wouldn't hurt either!