CREATING YOUR OWN FIGHTER APPAREL

A lot of fighters young and old should give themselves another option to making money in the world of professional fighting. 

I have heard old and middle of the road professional boxers and mixed martial artist complain about the slow ascension up into the rankings or that they been robbed out of their career.  Some have resigned themselves to becoming part time pros and working salaried jobs outside of the boxing world.

Everyone won’t make it to the big time.  But you can always build additional revenue streams in the world of the fighting sports.  One way is building you own line of fight apparel. Whether it is boxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling, or any other fighting art.

You do not have to be an expert on garments and fabrics to break into the garment industry.  The clothing manufacturing industry is more competitive than the fighting arts.  This industry has more thefts, espionage and court battles than the fight industry.

If you think there are many fighters in the world that has had broken hearts from not making it in the fight world.  Then take a hard look at the world and clothing design.  There are so many brilliant people who have graduated from such prestigious design schools such as The New York School of Design and spent years trying to make it in the industry with little or no luck.

They are no different from us in the fight world.

But don’t fret.  The world is full of aspiring designers and you can align yourself with them to start a product line that will bring in an additional revenue stream to help your career.

There are new design companies that are starting up everyday and from my experience they are open to ideas because of the competitive nature of the business.

Starting your product line takes time and perseverance.  Let’s just remember the Rap industry.  These young men and women in the early 1970’s follow the old rhythmic poets of the 1960’s; such as Nikki Giovanni, Gil Scott Heron and The Last Poet’s.  They develop their own style which was uniquely urban in nature, which related the joys and problems of urban ghetto life, instead of civil rights.  Now the concept of Rappin’ is in every part of the world.

These musicians did not stop at the record executives doorsteps when rejected while trying to sell their music, instead they recorded and put their music in the trunks of their cars and peddled it in the streets.  This practice is still continuing today in every major city in the US.

Your boxing designs and attire will not be laugh at.  New and unique ideas in the garment industry are never dismissed.  But remember, you are not the only design hopeful out there.

Don’t worry about the big boys like Everlast and Ringside to expose your products.  There are many companies out there, domestic and abroad who are capable of helping you to develop, patent and distribute your product.  The power of negotiation is the key.

If one company is not sold on your idea, remember there are many others out there that are willing to listen to you.

Don’t forget about the educated and frustrated designer out there.  They are waiting for their big break too.  You can send out an ad for new and unique sporting designs for your sport.  Make it a contest and pay a cash prize for the best new and unique design. You don’t have to be an expert on apparel to buy the design and work with the designer on developing it.

You can check the internet and you will find many players out there developing athletic apparel. 

Who says that you have to stop at martial arts, grappling or boxing apparel, as you get more experienced, you can diversify your product line into other sports, like basketball or soccer.  

Remember, there is no limit to the world’s taste in clothing. You will have to believe in your success.

Everyone is hoping for success and it seems that the folks that continue to work at it find it. 

Just because you are a fighter, don’t make the mistake of limiting yourself.  Your fight career can end on a moments notice from one unforeseen circumstance. Garment manufacturing and design is one option, if you cannot continue your career.

Align yourself with designers, partners, financial, advisors and investors and start a product line.  Remember, the big boys, Everlast, Century, and Ringside had to start somewhere.

You will not meet success if you do not make a start.

If you don’t have a big distribution network, a website with shopping carts and an email campaign are a start.

Don’t forget making it in the world of sport fighting takes more than just throwing and receiving punches. If you talk to the big power players in the sports, you will find out that their interest and money are varied within their sport among many unique ideas.

AS ALWAYS, KEEP YOUR GUARD UP AND KEEP ON PUNCHING!