Dickinson resident, father and former school teacher Jason Carter is fighting this month (May 18) against Marcus Andrusia for the IXFA Lightweight (Mixed Martial Arts)  title in IXFA 9 at the Delta Downs Casino in Vinton, Louisiana. The SCENE recently caught up with Carter for a quick Q&A.

How long has this been a way of life for you?  I started in martial arts when I was 4 years old, and I have never stopped.

What are the main areas of training and what type of mindset do you have to have to be successful at accomplishing your goals? I am an extremely determined person – many call it stubborn. It has always worked for me, and it keeps me positive during training. Discipline and focus are a way of life, and getting your mind as well as your body prepared is very important. I train hard in kickboxing, wrestling and BJJ, as well as lots of explosive strength and conditioning.

What is your day job? Teaching Martial arts is my full-time job. I own and operate Furia Training Center, a MMA gym in Dickinson/League City. We teach students of all ages in American Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA and fitness.  We stay busy and operate six days a week.

What's your favorite thing about this sport? Mixed martial arts is realistic, and it's the best way to learn how to defend yourself.

What is one of your more memorable moments as an athlete? My first fight, I trained like I was fighting a world champion and knocked my opponent out in 15 seconds.

What are your next aspirations or goals for yourself? My aspiration is to put Furia Training Center at the highest level of mixed martial arts and compete with the best. I would love to coach one of my fighters into the UFC.

Who inspires you athletically and why? Bruce Lee; he is bad ass!

How do you overcome the challenges balancing life/work & fitness?  Balance is the key word. I am lucky to have my business where doing martial arts is my job. I am able to have my family at the gym with me where they also train.

Can you share any eating tips? Eating healthy is essential to be a competitive athlete. There are a lot of crazy diets out there, but I stick to the basics. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and lean meats.  My favorite hobby is gardening and raising chickens. I like to eat organic, and know where my food comes from. My biggest tip is there is no such thing as junk food: There is food, and then there is junk.

IXFA 9 Extreme Fighting:  Saturday, May 18 starting at 8pm at Delta Downs (2717 Delta Downs Dr, Vinton, Louisiana) • www.ixfa.tv