BJ Penn

A couple weeks ago I flew to Hilo, Hawaii to shoot a mini-documentary character piece on the MMA UFC Legend BJ “The Prodigy” Penn for RVCA. I really cant express enough how humble, genuine, talented and an overall great guy BJ is. It is often rare to be such a successful public figure and maintain grounded, true to family and friendly values, not be over zealous with money and material things and overall to be respectful to any and everyone you come across. To me, MMA and the UFC in particular have a pretty negative connotation, filled with jock mentality, steroids, bad graphics, and tough ego guys. The practice and discipline of training however, is something I appreciate, and BJ breaks all those stereotypes and more in my book. This was shot a week before his latest fight. BJ has been fighting in MMA and UFC for over 10 years. Thanks BJ for the hospitality in Hilo.

click more for a couple other photos