Jerin Valel discusses the learning curve for MMA judging, the musicality of grappling sequences, and advice for prospective MMA referees

Bowks Talking Bouts #91 showcased a super artistic/ insightful talk with well regarded MMA referee/ judge/ analyst Jerin Valel. We got into several topics throughout. 

 

 

 

We talked about how he got into mixed-martial arts despite initially finding it barbaric, why Jerin gravitated towards becoming an MMA referee (5:35), Jerin's experiences as a pro fighter and how it informs his efforts as an MMA ref (9:05), the evolution of MMA judges becoming more aware of how to score grappling exchanges (13:10), the international travel associated with his job (17:45), Jerin's XFFC experience deducting points on low blows and the culture of MMA refs admonishing fighters without penalizing them (19:32), Jerin's best advice for any prospective mixed-martial arts referees (29:30), the musicality of jiu-jitsu and how the undulating movements between grapplers creates it's own underlying rhythm/ groove/ music (32:10), and more!