Grab your jump rope and prepare to be seriously motivated.

Daniel Morales is a rising star in the MMA world. The Chicago-based fighter is a multi-time amateur champion in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and boxing, and he trains with a DynaPro jump Rope. During his rough childhood, a single teacher turned Daniel’s life around with a simple feature in National Geographic magazine. We caught up with him to learn more about that day, his training routine, and where he finds inspiration.

DynaPro Direct: How did you get into fighting? What was your first big win and how did it feel?

Daniel Morales: I feel as though I've been fighting my entire life. Directing my energy towards a destructive path as a young kid led me to learn things the "hard way." However, when I was in the Juvenile Department of Corrections at the age of 17, I met a bible study teacher, Mr. Camp, who was a great mentor. I think we’re all artists in a way and I have always loved to draw and write. Especially while locked in a cell, I always expressed myself with a pencil and a piece of paper.

One day, I asked Mr. Camp to bring a National Geographic magazine so I could draw some pictures from it. I flipped through it and found an article on Mixed Martial Arts in Brazil and saw a picture that sparked an idea that changed my life.

From that moment, I knew what I wanted to do. While in juvenile detention, I told my parents this is what I wanted to do. They supported it as long as it kept me out of trouble.

Only three days after I was released, I received a call to compete in a mixed martial arts exhibition. I said “yes” immediately. From there, doors of opportunities began to open.

DD: Your story is inspirational. Do you have any inspirational quotes that keep your head in the game for fighting?

DM: Yes. These are some of my favorites:

"You are what you do, not what you say you'll do." -C.G. Jung

"Only the self-sufficient stand alone — most people follow the crowd and imitate." -Bruce Lee

"Water cuts through rock, not because of its power but because of its persistence."-James N. Watkins

"If you love life, don't waste time, for time is what life is made of."-Bruce Lee

DD: Aside from your mental game, your fitness game has to be on point too. You train with a DynaPro jump rope. How much time do you spend jumping rope each day?

DM: I jump rope at least 15 minutes a day. Most fighters use a jump rope. It's a great way to switch it up from long distance runs. Jumping Rope works most of the muscles in your body – your arms, shoulders, core, and legs are all engaged when jumping rope. I highly recommend it.

DD: You said Muhammad Ali never picked up a weight during conditioning and only picked up a jump rope. Why did he do that?

DM: He practiced this way because he would never be able to bring weights into the ring with him. It helped him condition to his famous quote, "Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.”

DD: What upcoming fights do you have?

DM: Everyone always asks me, "When is your next fight?" (laughs). I respond, "Everyday."

I always get a confused look after that.

I think life gives us daily challenges to grow and push forward. If someone has it easy, they must be comfortable — they must not be growing. As human beings, we’re meant to grow in all levels of life — physical, mental and spiritual. When new challenges present themselves, I don't ask, "Why me?" I say, "Try me."

To actually answer your question, Glory World Series is returning to Chicago Friday, February 24th. It’s the greatest kickboxing organization in the world and the matchmaker always does a great job, so there are never any easy fights. You face the best of the best. You can catch it on UFC Fight Pass at 7pm CT.

The post MMA Champ Daniel Morales on Jumping Rope and Finding Inspiration appeared first on DynaPro® Direct.