People who’ve frequented Palisades Oil and Palisades Kitchen here in Garretson will recognize Joseph Karnof of Pipestone, MN. Until very recently, he worked the counter and in the kitchen at Palisades (though he started a new job with Wells Fargo just two weeks ago).
But Joseph has another job that he enjoys. He’s a part of Midwest All-Pro Wrestling (M.A.P.).
Earlier this summer he did tryouts and became part of the company. This included an extremely grueling workout and rehearsal schedule.
“I’d be lying if I said that the workouts didn’t kick your ass,” he said jovially. “I was pretty sore at the end of the first week, and heck I’m sore after every practice. Learning flips, tumbles, backdrops… even though this is “entertainment” wrestling, this is a full-contact sport with a lot of difficult stunt work. You need to be tough and train hard to do it. It’s also been nice and a new experience for me to learn acting. To be a professional, play a character telling a story, and be part of a company telling that story together. Everybody knowing their part and working together.”
His last three shows have been in Valley Springs at the end of August, on Friday, Sept. 27th at Siouxpermania at Siouxpercon convention at the Denny Sanford Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, and just this last Saturday at Big Dummy’s in Mitchell. Karnof said that they’ve taken the show all over the Midwest, too, their previous show was in Dickerson, North Dakota.
“I think I’ve traveled about 500 miles plus so far doing this, we get around,” he said. “My character isn’t quite ready for the main floor yet and I don’t want to reveal too much before he debuts, so you’ll see me serving as one of the referees at Siouxpercon.”
Karnof said that the comradery and the fans have really made it an enjoyable experience.
“Oh man, our fans are fantastic people. Super passionate and they really get into it. It’s also been great working out and training with these guys. It’s not just the fact that I really enjoy doing this, I enjoy doing it with this company. The practices aren’t just good for my body, they’re making me a better person too.”
The next Midwest All Pro Wrestling event will be at the Icon Lounge in Sioux Falls on Oct. 13, doors opening at 4 p.m, wrestling starting at 5 p.m.
