I just wanted to E-mail you and thank you for putting out Rich’s Equations, they truly inspire me..  I was reading “My Most Dangerous Opponent”,  which was the biggest one that’s made an impact on me, I always read it when I’m feelin’ a bit down.  So I woke up this A.M to go train, and I didn’t want to, and the quote that kept revolving in my mind was “Some days, when I’m worn out, I feel it’d be a lot easier to just passively let outside forces control my existence. Then I think about it again and I say to myself “No, I don’t think so.”  Something so simple to you guys; could make a big difference in an individual’s life.   I just wanted to thank you    -Eric

Great read Rich.  
 
The sport needs more level headed guys like you.  You truly represent the sport well.  It is athletes like you that are going to get this sport legalized in every state.  
 
Keep up the great work my friend.
 
‘Ace’ Uliski

Rich, et. al.:
ON TATTOOS FOR CHRISTIANS

I’m a member of Black Belts of the Faith, International and for my 40th birthday considered getting our “emblem” tattooed somewhere.

Coming straight out of the Old Testament in Leviticus, we are NOT to tattoo, or cut, our bodies in reverence to being made “in God’s image”.

But there are two problems with this; one, Leviticus is a “book of rules” intended for the young, Jewish nation.  In fact, the prior verse about tattooing is to “not cut the hair off the sides of your heads”.  O.K., but I’m not a Hasidic Jew.  Number two, the entire  OT is balanced by the GRACE offered in the New Testament.  I don’t live under RULES, I live under the GRACE provided me by a risen Christ.

So, in short, my SOUL belongs to God and I am his instrument.  My BODY is my vessel while I’m here on earth temporarily.

So I got my faith tattoo on my left (leading) shoulder, an everyone I fight asks me about it.  It plainly says “Holy Bible” on the picture of the Bible within the group’s triangle, and it helps me witness!  If someone compliments me on my technique, I’m quick to say “by the Grace of God, dude!”  If anyone says to me, “Wow, you’re still pretty strong!”  I say, “Do you want to know about REAL strength? Do you know what Christ did for you?”

It’s awesome.

Brad Barlow
Newbury Park, CA

Rich! I’ve loved watching you fight for sometime now. I’m a regular viewer of your website. Your Franklin Equation “My Most Dangerous Opponent” truly inspired me to begin training again about 6 months ago. My life has been different ever since I read that. I’m working out 6 days a week. I feel healthier and happier.

I am writing you right now now because of your hit and run on tattoos. I am 23 years old and recently got my first tattoo less than two weeks ago. Like you I am a christian. Like you I was unsure if I could ever want something on my body forever. However I came across the biblical verse on your site sometime ago and it really sank deep with me. Working in law enforcement I truly believe I am at war, which is waged through me personally, and ultimately inspired by God. After a lot of thinking and much debate I had an image in my mind drawn up at the local tattoo shop. A week later I have it inked on my. It is my only tattoo, and I doubt I will ever get anything else. I couldn’t be happier with how it looks. Thanks again for everything Rich. You are the prime example of a prestigious fighter both on and off the mat.      – Philip Poirier