IBEW 26 Member Electrifies Crowd With Martial Arts Win

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Apparently, installing high-voltage electrical systems isn’t challenging enough for local electrical worker Stephan Tanner. In his spare time, the IBEW Local 26 member practices Mixed Martial Arts – formerly known as Ultimate Fighting – and earlier this year Tanner (left) won the Cruiserweight Title at a local MMA competition. The sport has its roots in martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, known for requiring a tremendous amount of both physical and mental strength and discipline. With more than 20 of his fellow J.E. Richards employees in attendance, Tanner earned a standing ovation and was declared the winner after he gained clear control of his opponent in the February match, landing strikes, taking his opponent down, and positioning himself for the triangle choke. - adapted from a report in IBEW 26’s latest “IN Charge” Magazine; photo courtesy IBEW 26