Interview with Duane Ludwig (March 2001)

This is an interview with Duane "Bang" Ludwig, one of Americas up and coming young martial arts stars. He holds the IMTC North American Super Middleweight title and the WKA American Middleweight title.

When did u start training? Who with?
I was 15 when I met James Tigrett who then started training me in Thai Boxing. I was always fascinated by the Bruce Lee and the movie scene. My mom got me into Karate and at the dojo, there was a guy who could make the heavy bag fold in half with a kick. That was James Tigrett. I stopped Karate and started Thai Boxing. Thai Boxing is by far the best stand up art. It teaches you to hit hard as can be with every technique. There is just so much power in it.

When was your first fight? How did it go?
My first fight was when I was 16 at a local gym where I now train called 3D martial arts. It is ran by Clarence Thatch. I won my first fight by decision. I think that I got tired as soon as the bell rang for the first round. I was very nervous.

You've been focussing on No Holds Barred a lot more recently, why is that?
I got into NHB because of Bas Rutten. I trained with him for a few months and thought "I can do this". After my first fight, I got so much exposure that I could not stop. With the King of the Cage in every store, I love being a part of it all. I have had 20 something Thai fights and never been in one Magazine but after my first NHB, I was all over.

What about boxing, don't u feel you could make money that way?
I would like to Box, depending on what happens in Thai boxing and NHB.

How important is your muaythai training to your NHB fights?
Thai boxing is very important for me in NHB because I like to strike and the only reason why I get exposure is because of my striking ability

Can you see muaythai becoming more of a mainstream sport in America in the future?
I don't think that Thai Boxing is going to go anywhere but where it is right now, NHB is the future, at least in the US anyway.

How often a week do u train?
I train 5 days a week for about 2 hours a day. I run then do pads spar twice a week and work the double end ball and speed bag. Depending on the day, I will drill different things and also depending on the fight and fighter.

Is there anyone you would like to fight in particular?
I would love to fight Alex Gong in Thai Boxing and fight for the Light weight title in the King of the Cage.

Who do you respect in muaythai and other disciplines?
I respect Bas Rutten, Peter Cunningham, Rob Kaman, Frank Shamrock, Lion's Den I guess everybody that fights. Who ever steps into the ring or cage.

When's your next fight?
My next fight is on Saint Patricks Day against Pedro Villalobos out of Atlanta.

What are your long term plans for the future?
My long term goal is to win every title I can and make as much money as possible.

Is there anything you would like to say in closing?
I would thank God, Jesus, Bas Rutten, Sven Bean, King of the Cage, Warriors Cup, Stephen Qadroas, THEOCTAGON.COM all my fans and the late James Tigrett.

Duane with Walter "Sleeper" Michalowski.