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Daniel
Manriques
CONNECT
15593921040
Certified Official
How did you get into MMA?
My journey in MMA started in 2003. I was on active duty with the Marine Corps in Camp Pendleton, Ca. The Marine Corps had developed a new hand to hand program and added techniques used in MMA and the world of Jiu Jitsu. I found the techniques very effective and helped me in my civilian career as a police officer.
What is your martial arts background?
I stared to learn Shotokan Karate when I was 12 years old (1979) from an old Marine by the name of Gene Davis. Later in my developmental years I wrestled in High School and learned boxing. I started MMA Training in 2003 with the Marine Corps. I joined an MMA gym in Fresno (FKA) and trained in Muay Thai/Jiu Jitsu. as a result, I took 5 Cage Fights with CAMO. I opened a gym (MAOSD) and trained fighters along with self-defense techniques to the public. I am currently a brown belt in BJJ.
Why do you officiate MMA?
Being a Referee and Judge in the MMA World matches my career field as a police officer. There has to be rules and they need to be enforced or else competitors get hurt unnecessarily. I believe referees and judges keep the game on point and preserve the integrity of the sport. Last Note: There is a purity in the cage when the action is going that can't be matched in our normal lives. The Cage will never lie to you.
What is your career background?
I am currently a police officer for a large school district and assigned to alternative education here in California. I work with students that are less advantaged, i.e. on probation, live in group homes, affiliate with gangs and have difficulty attending a comprehensive high school. Before I spent 21 years working as a deputy sheriff assigned to custody, patrol, swat, dive team, honor guard, training officer, court officer, and assigned to the department training unit. I retired from the Marine Corps Reserve (24 years) as a Sergeant Major. Served in both Iraq and Desert Storm.
What do you do on your time off?
I am married for last 22 years and have four sons. I spend a lot of time at home watching my kids grow up, I love showing them the path and feel I am a teacher on their journey. I like to read biographies of other people. Enjoy studying the law and am soon to enter a Juris Masters Program. Just Because. I also watch a lot of news. I like to stay current with politics. Other than that, I like to fish on my tin boat. I always throw them back. Old Habit, I guess.
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