Warrior roots
Encyclopedia
Warrior Roots is a commercial genetic genealogy
and sports company based in Kensington, Maryland. Warrior Roots offers analysis of YDNA for genealogical purposes based on DNA samples collected using a cheek swab method with a kit supplied by Warrior Roots to its customers. Warrior Roots also offers genetic analysis of specific genetic markers for the purpose of sports training.
Wetherby saw a strong connection between the sports world, and in particular Mixed Martial Arts
, and the desire for genealogical information. With his background in genetic analysis Wetherby began mapping out genealogical data as it pertained to historical military traditions.
In 2009 Warrior Roots went from development to a commercial enterprise. Tom Murphy
serves as CEO of Warrior Roots.
, MCT1, HIF1, ADRB2, DIO1-D1a, DIO1-D1b, NOS3, PPARGC1A
, ACE
These genes play a role in aspects of athletic performance, such as Vo2 max
, muscle power and fatigue
, body fat
and Aerobic exercise
.
After a customer's DNA is analyzed they receive a packet detailing how these genes impact their athletic performance and how to adjust their training exercises to adapt to the genetic test results.
. Many notable competitors within the sport have been genetically tested by Warrior Roots for both their ancestry and also for specific genetic markers related to physical performance. Among those tested:
Genetic genealogy
Genetic genealogy is the application of genetics to traditional genealogy. Genetic genealogy involves the use of genealogical DNA testing to determine the level of genetic relationship between individuals.-History:...
and sports company based in Kensington, Maryland. Warrior Roots offers analysis of YDNA for genealogical purposes based on DNA samples collected using a cheek swab method with a kit supplied by Warrior Roots to its customers. Warrior Roots also offers genetic analysis of specific genetic markers for the purpose of sports training.
History
Warrior Roots began development in 2006 by Keith Wetherby. Wetherby was involved with several government projects including the Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC) , and the Comparative Vertebrate Sequencing project.Wetherby saw a strong connection between the sports world, and in particular Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed martial arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
, and the desire for genealogical information. With his background in genetic analysis Wetherby began mapping out genealogical data as it pertained to historical military traditions.
In 2009 Warrior Roots went from development to a commercial enterprise. Tom Murphy
Tom Murphy (fighter)
Tom Murphy is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the heavyweight division. He last fought on February 21, 2010 at MFL 2: Battleground against Bruno Hosier, winning by TKO in the first round. He was a cast member of the second season of UFC's hit reality show The Ultimate Fighter. He...
serves as CEO of Warrior Roots.
Scientific background
Warrior Roots uses modern DNA analysis techniques to determine your ancient ancestral roots (Y-Chromosome DNA) and your genetic tendencies for various athletic characteristics (Athletic Testing). Both of these tests begin with individual DNA collection. Customers receive a sterile DNA collector with which they swab the inside of their cheek to collect cells containing their DNA. The collector is specifically designed to protect and preserve the DNA until it can be extracted by Warrior Roots Scientists. Once the customer sample reaches the lab, portions of the DNA collector are submerged in an extraction solution designed to collect and stabilize the DNA. Next, the DNA is sequenced and analyzed. For the ancestral test, markers (or genetic variations) specific to known genetic populations are identified in the DNA sequence, allowing Warrior Roots to determine which ancient warrior group the customer has descended from. For the athletic test, a different set of markers are analyzed in nine different genes associated with athletic performance, allowing Warrior Roots to determine the customer’s genetic athletic potential.Y-Chromosome DNA
Warrior Roots offers the analysis of Y-DNA for identification of the ethnic and geographic origin of the paternal line. A haplogroup is determined and the customer receives a packet detailing the test results and providing extrapolated information on military ancestors.Athletic Testing
Warrior Roots offers the analysis of nine different genes which are associated with sports performance. These include: ACTN3ACTN3
Alpha-actinin-3, also known as alpha-actinin skeletal muscle isoform 3 or F-actin cross-linking protein, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ACTN3 gene....
, MCT1, HIF1, ADRB2, DIO1-D1a, DIO1-D1b, NOS3, PPARGC1A
PPARGC1A
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PPARGC1A gene....
, ACE
Angiotensin-converting enzyme
Angiotensin I-converting enzyme , an exopeptidase, is a circulating enzyme that participates in the body's renin-angiotensin system , which mediates extracellular volume , and arterial vasoconstriction...
These genes play a role in aspects of athletic performance, such as Vo2 max
VO2 max
VO2 max is the maximum capacity of an individual's body to transport and use oxygen during incremental exercise, which reflects the physical fitness of the individual...
, muscle power and fatigue
Muscle contraction
Muscle fiber generates tension through the action of actin and myosin cross-bridge cycling. While under tension, the muscle may lengthen, shorten, or remain the same...
, body fat
Adipose tissue
In histology, adipose tissue or body fat or fat depot or just fat is loose connective tissue composed of adipocytes. It is technically composed of roughly only 80% fat; fat in its solitary state exists in the liver and muscles. Adipose tissue is derived from lipoblasts...
and Aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercise is physical exercise of relatively low intensity that depends primarily on the aerobic energy-generating process. Aerobic literally means "living in air", and refers to the use of oxygen to adequately meet energy demands during exercise via aerobic metabolism...
.
After a customer's DNA is analyzed they receive a packet detailing how these genes impact their athletic performance and how to adjust their training exercises to adapt to the genetic test results.
Warrior Roots and Mixed Martial Arts
Warrior Roots the company has directed its message towards the world of Mixed Martial ArtsMixed martial arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
. Many notable competitors within the sport have been genetically tested by Warrior Roots for both their ancestry and also for specific genetic markers related to physical performance. Among those tested:
- Clay GuidaClay GuidaClayton Charles Guida is an American mixed martial artist and currently fighting in the UFC as a lightweight. Guida was the first Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and held the title until being defeated by Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce: Revenge...
tested positive for the SarmatianSarmatiansThe Iron Age Sarmatians were an Iranian people in Classical Antiquity, flourishing from about the 5th century BC to the 4th century AD.... - David LoiseauDavid LoiseauDavid Loiseau is a Canadian mixed martial artist from Montreal, Quebec. He has fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, EliteXC, and TKO Major League MMA and is the former TKO Middleweight Champion. He was the first French Canadian to fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship...
tested positive for the Briton - Denis KangDenis KangDenis Kang is a Canadian mixed martial artist of Korean French descent. He was the PRIDE FC welterweight grand prix finalist in which he lost to Kazuo Misaki...
Result: Han Warrior - Dorian PriceDorian PriceDorian Price is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter. He was a cast member of SpikeTV's The Ultimate Fighter 6, fighting on Team Hughes.-The Ultimate Fighter:...
tested positive for the Briton - Dustin HazelettDustin HazelettDustin Tyler Hazelett is a American mixed martial artist. He is best known for his fights as a welterweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.-Martial arts background:Dustin Hazelett was born in Louisa, Kentucky, USA...
Result: Scot/Irish Celt - Georges St-Pierre tested positive for the Celtic
- Jonathan GouletJonathan GouletJonathan Goulet is a retired French Canadian mixed martial artist. He has most recently fought as a welterweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he made his successful debut at Ultimate Fight Night 2, defeating Jay Hieron by technical knockout.-Mixed martial arts career:Goulet is...
Result: Briton - Jorge GurgelJorge GurgelJorge Valente Gurgel is a Brazilian-American Mixed martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who currently competes in Strikeforce's lightweight division.- Early life :...
Result: Phoenician WarriorPhoeniciaPhoenicia , was an ancient civilization in Canaan which covered most of the western, coastal part of the Fertile Crescent. Several major Phoenician cities were built on the coastline of the Mediterranean. It was an enterprising maritime trading culture that spread across the Mediterranean from 1550... - Keith JardineKeith JardineKeith Hector Jardine is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the light heavyweight division and is best known for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship...
Result Phoenician WarriorPhoeniciaPhoenicia , was an ancient civilization in Canaan which covered most of the western, coastal part of the Fertile Crescent. Several major Phoenician cities were built on the coastline of the Mediterranean. It was an enterprising maritime trading culture that spread across the Mediterranean from 1550... - Kenny FlorianKenny FlorianKenneth Alan Florian is a Peruvian-American mixed martial artist who competes as a featherweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He has a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, and is known for his cerebral approach to the sport based on his meticulous game plans and...
Ancient warrior result: Celtic - Michael Patt Result: Celtic
- Nate Marquardt tested as Celtic
- Rashad EvansRashad EvansRashad Anton Evans is an American mixed martial artist from Niagara Falls, New York, currently signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship where he is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Evans won the heavyweight division of The Ultimate Fighter 2. Evans lost the UFC Light Heavyweight...
Result: Kushite - Rich FranklinRich FranklinRich Jay Franklin II is an American mixed martial artist and former Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight champion.-Background:...
Ancient warrior result: Celtic - Shane CarwinShane CarwinShane Bannister Carwin is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship , where he was previously the UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion...
Ancient warrior result: SaxonSaxonsThe Saxons were a confederation of Germanic tribes originating on the North German plain. The Saxons earliest known area of settlement is Northern Albingia, an area approximately that of modern Holstein... - Tom Murphy tested positive for the Celtic
- Waylon LoweWaylon LoweMichael Waylon Lowe is an American mixed martial artist.-Amateur wrestling career:Lowe was a two time state champion for Jefferson County High School in Dandridge, Tennessee before wrestling for the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio. Lowe recorded 112 victories during his collegiate career...
Ancient Warrior Result: VikingVikingThe term Viking is customarily used to refer to the Norse explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided, traded, explored and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia and the North Atlantic islands from the late 8th to the mid-11th century.These Norsemen used their famed longships to... - Brendan SchaubBrendan SchaubBrendan Peter Schaub is an American professional mixed martial artist and former professional football player for the AFL's Utah Blaze and as a member of the Buffalo Bills practice squad. He was a finalist and the runner-up of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights.-Biography:Schaub was...
Result SumerSumerSumer was a civilization and historical region in southern Mesopotamia, modern Iraq during the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age....
ian - Chris Cariaso Ancient Warrior HanHan ChineseHan Chinese are an ethnic group native to China and are the largest single ethnic group in the world.Han Chinese constitute about 92% of the population of the People's Republic of China , 98% of the population of the Republic of China , 78% of the population of Singapore, and about 20% of the...
- Duane BangDuane LudwigDuane Paul Ludwig is an American Muay Thai kickboxer and mixed martial artist. He is the former Middleweight Muay Thai world champion, and currently fights for the Ultimate Fighting Championships in their welterweight and lightweight divisions...
Result: Germanic Warrior - Eliot MarshallEliot MarshallEliot Andrew Marshall is an American mixed martial artist. He was a cast member on SpikeTV's The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir.-The Ultimate Fighter:...
Result: Kushite - Firas Zahabi Result: Phoenician WarriorPhoeniciaPhoenicia , was an ancient civilization in Canaan which covered most of the western, coastal part of the Fertile Crescent. Several major Phoenician cities were built on the coastline of the Mediterranean. It was an enterprising maritime trading culture that spread across the Mediterranean from 1550...
- Jacob Miller tested positive for the Celtic
- Jon Chaimberg
- Jonathan JonesJon Jones (fighter)Jonathan Dwight Jones is an American mixed martial artist from Endicott, New York. He is the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion....
Result: Kushite - Olivier Reynaud tested positive for the Celtic
- Steven Thompson Result: Briton
- Tom Hayden Ancient warrior result: VikingVikingThe term Viking is customarily used to refer to the Norse explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided, traded, explored and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia and the North Atlantic islands from the late 8th to the mid-11th century.These Norsemen used their famed longships to...
- Yves JabouinYves JabouinYves Jabouin is a Haitian-Canadian mixed martial artist who currently competes in the bantamweight division of the UFC.-Mixed martial arts career:...
Ancient warrior result: Celtic
Media
- MMA Authority Magazine February/March 2009 issue http://www.authoritymag.com/
- MMA Authority Magazine August/September 2009 issue http://www.authoritymag.com/
- MMA Junkie 4/27/2009 Tom Murphy and Warrior Roots go high-tech
- MMA Junkie 3/8/2009 Shane Carwin proves he's the real deal at UFC 96
- ESPN Radio 5/12/2009 Between Rounds
- Yahoo! Sports 3/8/2009 Carwin proves he's the real deal
- MMA Madness 7/24/09 http://mmamadness.com/insight/article/485
- University of Connecticut Magazine Fall / Winter 2009 http://magazine.uconn.edu/fwin2009/newsandnotes.html
- Suburban News 12/10/09 http://www.northjersey.com/news/78940432.html
- Keith Jardine on MixedMartialArts.com http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=news.detail&gid=209400
- Shane Carwin on MixedMartialArts.com http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=news.detailv2&gid=228838