Rousey gives back

History will be made Saturday night when Ronda Rousey enters the octagon against Liz Carmouche as she defends the UFC women’s bantamweight championship. The UFC 157 main event fight not only headlines the pay per view but symbolizes the growth of women’s mixed martial arts in a male dominated sport.

This will not only be the first time two women fight in the octagon but also the first UFC women’s championship fight.

Fans of the sport have seen Rousey’s rise to fame from the Olympic games where she became the first American woman to earn a bronze medal in Judo to Strikeforce where she won the 135 pound title.

Now as a UFC champion, the spotlight is bright on her with shows such as Primetime and HBO’s Real Sports featuring her.

Beyond the octagon fans may not be aware that Rousey has always found a way to give back, even before she made it. Rousey upon return from the Olympics got involved with teaching Judo in the inner city of Los Angeles.

In 2008 Rousey began teaching children in an after school program at Gompers Middle School located in Watts. Just how did this all happen, well her mother Ann Maria DeMars who is a Judo champion herself explains it all.

“It all started whenRonda’s sister, Jenn, brought her to school as a visual aid when teaching about Asian history,” said Demars.

What started off as a trip to the school her sister’s school would soon turn into a chance for the students there to learn Judo from one of the best in the world.

“Her sister, Jenn, who is a year older, was a student teacher at Gompers and asked Ronda if she knew anyone who would volunteer,” said DeMars.

The rest is history as Rousey began teaching, once her fighting career got going, she would have her mother substitute for her on days she couldn’t make it.

“Ronda started the program and taught there for two years. I only took over after her MMA career took off,” said DeMars.

Now even after reaching the UFC, she still finds time to teach in between fights. After her fights she will still stop by and make time to visit the students and teach a class.

So do the students realize that the girl who started teaching Judo in 2008 is now a UFC champion who fights at the highest level?

“Sure they know. She gave them all signed shirts for Christmas. The kids are great. You can see them on my youtube channel,” said DeMars.

Rousey has plenty to be proud of in terms of accomplishments she generates inside and outside the cage. The biggest one may be the way she gives back to those less fortunate teaching the one thing that has given her so much.