A day in the gym

Fighter profile of Darsin Bleak by Outlaw Bleak

Darsin Bleak walks in the door at 5:45 am, giving himself 15 minutes to settle in and get ready for his workout to start at 6am.  The gym will not be officially open until 7 today, it’s Saturday after all, but that won’t stop him from getting in some cardio work as he waits for his sparring partners to arrive.  Outlaw gave him his own set of keys long ago, and he has taken full advantage of that privilege.  Having once called this gym home, he knows his way around well.  Now, it’s his second home, even though he spends more time here than his actual home.

As he’s doing some speed drills on the speed back the sun starts to creep through the windows.  The shadow of “Outlaw” taking its early morning place on the floor next to the octagon cast by the light of the morning sun hitting the new decal on the large window front.    He knows the rest of the team will soon be walking though the door, save for Jake who’s recently retired.  He can’t help but wonder if he had something to do with that early retirement from the brutal sparring sessions they frequently held.

“Morning, Bleak!” shouts a voice as Renji makes his way into the gym.  He knows he should respond, but he’s focused on his training for his upcoming fight and he still has a few more minutes left on the speed bag before moving on to the ground and pound dummy.  And no, he doesn’t mean Renji.

A few minutes pass and Renji walks back into the gym floor from the locker room.  “Morning, Renji.  How was the party last night?”  said Darsin.

“I didn’t stay long, my woman was being all pissy about hanging out with Jake instead of her.  And you know me, I’ve gotta get my late night workout or I’m not quite right the next day, and she’s grumpy for a week.”  Renji joked.

About that time, Yip made his way into the gym.  “Sorry late guys, traffic was bitch.”

“Sure it was, Yip.  You were hanging out with Jake all night.  No need to lie, we’re all brothers here.” Laughed Renji.  “Get changed, I’m ready to spar!”

“You no spar me today, not on schedule.  I spar Darsin to help with fight.” Yelled Yip.  “He need real fighter help prepare for since Jake no more here.”

“Neither of you are real fighters compared to me!” Joked Darsin.

“Blow it out your ass, Bleak!  I’m the only other former champ here right now.  And I’m a DMMA Hall of Famer!  You’ve just been beating up on some second rate fighters at Blaze!” boasted Renji

Yip chimed in “Bleak beat your ass anytime.  Better watch mouth or I let him spar you!”

“Bring it!” exclaimed Renji.

“Neither of you are adequate sparring partners for me for this fight.  Gracie is a black belt with every bit of the wrestling skills as me.” Mumbled Darsin,  “You guys wouldn’t stand a chance in that world.”

Eventually, they sorted themselves out and Yip and Renji started sparing in the cage.  Bleak continued his personal workout, now hitting the weight room.  He knew his brother Bruno would be here soon.  And though he was twice the size of Darsin, the only grappler other than him who could provide proper ground challenges.  He wishes he had someone to immolate Gracie’s speed, but he would make do.

A few hours passed, the sparring in the books.  Bruno proved the challenge Darsin had anticipated, but only because of his brute power.  Bleak was still the superior grappler, but when facing someone twice as large and three times as strong as you are, the challenge is still real.  When Bruno managed to get to mount, Bleak was in trouble.  But any other time, Bleak was able to reverse and change position.  Once, from side control, Bruno was trying to control and advance to mount when Bleak managed to sweep into top guard and did some form of a flip maneuver that landed him in full mount with his knees on Bruno’s shoulders.  The whole gym erupted at the display and that’s when they knew it was time to call it a day. 

The boys all left together and went to a late lunch at Keens Steakhouse on west 36th.  Nothing like a good steak after a great workout.  They discussed strategies of their upcoming fights with each other, taking advice from each other and tweaking their game plans based on each other’s experiences.  Bleak seemed distant, focused on his fight he was often lost in thought.  But the others were used to it, besides, it was his unwavering determination and focus that has carried him to 17 strait wins, after all.

After lunch, they went their own ways and Darsin headed back to the gym.  He didn’t need to work out anymore today, but somehow being in the gym helped him center himself and give himself peace of mind.  If he went home now, he’d be stir crazy and restless.

Tomorrow is another day, and one day closer to his next big fight.  Tomorrow, it would be Renji’s turn to step into the cage with him.  They would mostly be sparring the standup game, but it was more for Renji’s benefit than Darsins.  His next opponent will not have any plan to keep it standing.  But that’s another day, and a story for another time.

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