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I had the chance to speak with Rod Strait from Provoked clothing. Rod gives us some insight behind his brand of clothing and what it represents and where it is going in the future.

Hey Rod, I understand Provoked was started by an ex US Military service member. Did he partake in mixed martial arts or was he just a fan of the sport?

No, I didn't compete in MMA, just a huge fan. Went to many PRIDE and K-1 shows when I lived in Tokyo for 10 years and during that time watching all the UFC's on PPV. Trained BJJ and wrestling in Tokyo and competed in freestyle wrestling competitions around Tokyo during that time.

Can you tell us more about Provoked's slogan "Invite Conflict" ?

"Invite Conflict" is an attitude about standing up for yourself and what you believe in, how you think things should be, speaking your mind without holding your tongue, not rolling over for anyone and getting after what you want. For your life to be what you want it to be, you'll have conflict with others because everyone has their own desires and they value their desires more than yours. Don't run away from conflict or let it cause you to back down, you have to challenge others and yourself to make your life the way you want it to be.

Does Provoked have any outside influence from outside the United States? I noticed it stated you guys have help from Thailand, Australia, and Japan.

I've been lucky to have met people from different regions of the world that have contributed to Provoked. Some Australian fighters saw me wearing a Provoked shirt in Bangkok, Thailand and said how much they liked it and asked if it was an MMA brand. They ended up buying one of each design and started spreading the word about Provoked in Australia. I had some artistic help in Thailand from some graphic designers who liked my ideas for designs and they wanted to contribute and they did an excellent job. Same goes for Japan, some fighters and grapplers really liked the designs, name and slogan and gave me a lot of exposure at some gyms there.

I see you guys sponsor numerous fighters, schools and athletes. Can you fill us in on the reasons for these sponsorships?

Regarding the the professional athletes, I sponsor them because I'm proud of them for having the determination to train hard to succeed, and the sponsorship is my way of being there with them. I sponsor the high school wrestling team because it promotes youth sports and it's a great base for future MMA athletes! And it's a way for them to possibly get a college scholarship and further their education. The Tiger Elite Sports sponsorship is because the owner is a father of two boys and cares about the community youth and wants kids to train BJJ and MMA instead of just hanging out. He also allows underprivileged kids to train for free which shows he really cares. Here are some pictures of fighters and teams we sponsor:

What is one thing that makes Provoked different from other clothing lines within the Mma space?

The Provoked clothing line is unique because our designs MAKE people look twice due to some of the graphics being offensive to the general population or make them question the true meaning. We aren't general fashion, you're not going to see many people wearing our shirts because they are afraid what people might think. That's fine, if you're that weak to not wear something you like, then I don't want you wearing my clothes. Go wear an Affliction shirt and hang out with the college frat boys who are just trying to fit in and look cool because they have no individuality. aren't trying to copy other MMA brands. We're an aggressive, unique brand, we're not trying to copy other brands. Check out the Hangman and Teamwork designs for now, I have some more designs being released in 2011 that will offend half of the world. I can't wait!

What can we expect from Provoked in the future?

As I stated directly above, the designs for 2011 are going to offend a lot of people, but those who identify with Provoked are going to love them, I can't wait to release them! Hoodies, shorts, rashguards, and caps will be coming in 2011 also to further expand the line. We're growing quickly and having a great time doing it! You can also expect continued support by Provoked of athletes of all types and of youth sports.

"Provoked Apparel was founded by an ex US Military service member, then grew with the help from friends from the USA, Thailand, Australia, and Japan. All the designs are hand drawn, unique, aggressive, offensive to some, but definitely make an impact. You'll find no cheap clip art here copied from some photo stock website. You'll only find images that convey the attitude and personality of people who connect with the brand name "Provoked", and the motto "Invite Conflict".

Our slogan "Invite Conflict" doesn't relate only to physical combat of any sort, but instead refers also to not being accommodating to others, not rolling over, not simply doing what you're told without question, standing up for what YOU want against the wishes of others, putting yourself first, all that. You say and feel that "I come first". You're Provoked to get after what you want, no matter what it is, because you think you deserve it, and you'll do what it takes to get it.

Everyone involved with Provoked and those who identify with our brand and motto share certain characteristics: determined, we don't make excuses, we don't expect anything for free, we're self-made and independent, we do what it takes, we do it ourselves and we don't quit. And if given the choice, we'd rather be hated than forgotten!"

Invite Conflict!

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