Interview

Interview with Aisling Daly Senior Coach of Celtic Mixed Martial Arts.

Aisling Daly is 18 years old. She is a senior coach in Celtic M.M.A. Academy and has won many Irish, European and World titles in different styles of martial arts. Aisling is also a Blue belt in B.J.J. that she received from Matt Thornton of SBG.

At what age did you start martial arts?

I took up Kenpo Karate when I was 10, under the instruction of Ian Ward & Colm O'Reilly, at my local youth club.

So why are you not still at Kenpo?

I didn't like the traditional elements of Kenpo, such as the pre-set self-defense techniques and the forms.

What's the difference between the traditional martial arts and M.M.A.?

I would say the main difference between M.M.A. and traditional martial arts is the training. M.M.A. is based on an alive form of training against a resisting opponent, so you can see what actually works for you. Traditional martial arts usually involve a co-operating opponent, which doesn't really give you a realistic level of your ability as a fighter.

Have you fought in any Submission or M.M.A. competitions?

I've fought in a few submission tournaments; there aren't a lot of women who take part in M.M.A. or B.J.J. here yet in Ireland, so finding women to compete against is difficult. I often find myself thrown in with the guys, and I am pleased to say I did quite well against them. I haven't competed in M.M.A. in quite some time, but although I had little experience the last time I did fight I was able to defeat female competitors who were older and who had much more experience than me. I hope to improve my M.M.A. record by fighting more regularly.

You spar and compete against men; do you get beaten up most of the time.?

Well training is male dominated so I find that most of the time my training and sparring partners are male. I can gladly say a man has never beaten me up, not yet anyway. Similarly in competitions I find I can hold my own with the guys and have even won quite a few fights.

Is M.M.A. rough, do you get hurt much?

I don't think that M.M.A. is particularly rough; it's the individuals who can make it rough. If you train smart by using protective equipment and setting limits there should be no reason why anyone should get hurt. I've never been seriously injured in training and any of the minor injuries I have received have been my own fault or purely accidental.

Do you think any female can do M.M.A. or is it only for the "Tomboys"?

I definitely don't think M.M.A. is just for tomboys; it is definitely something that any woman can do. Although I understand that not all women are comfortable with the idea of getting sweaty and not looking very pretty, especially in front of men. But other than the restraints women put on themselves there are no barriers to them entering the sport.

Is M.M.A. strict like traditional martial arts and does it teach discipline?

M.M.A. is not as strict as traditional martial arts in that there is no set ceremony to be followed, but the same emphasis is placed on respect for other people with whom you train and helping each other as there is in traditional martial arts. M.M.A. is in a way more about self-discipline than following orders. It is up to you to find your own way of doing things by listening to what others have to teach you and then leaving behind what doesn't suit your ability.

Do you recommend M.M.A. for children or does it turn them into the psycho's of the future?

I would definitely recommend M.M.A. to children and I don't think it will turn them into the psycho's of the future. The same elements if self-discipline applies from the tiniest student right up to the pros. Taking part and progressing in a sport such as M.M.A. can also be confidence building for the younger kids and can greatly improve self-esteem. Besides occupying kids spare time keeps them away from the crap that could eventually turn them into psychos.

M.M.A. is the fastest growing combat sport but do you recommend it for the self-defense in the street?

M.M.A. would definitely be one of the best means of self-defense on the street and would be suitable for all kinds of people. Women in particular would benefit as the techniques used are not purely strength based but rely on good technique and positioning. M.M.A. would be ideal for those who do not wish to compete but just want to have some peace of mind.

Do you want to fight in a cage like you see on television or would that be too scary and dangerous?

I'm a little busy at the moment with college to commit myself to it but in the future I would love to compete in M.M.A. at a higher level. I'd love to be the first Irish female cage fighter. I don't find anything particularly scary or dangerous about it, to me it is more exciting and challenging. You never know maybe in the future you might see me on T.V.

Can you give us any last thoughts before we go?

M.M.A. is definitely becoming more popular but people need to disregard the stereotypes and strange ideas associated with the sport so they can become involved. This especially applies to women who may wish to train but have a fear of the butch masculine stereotype that goes along with it. There are no reasons why anyone who is interested should not be able to train. So why not drop into a training session and give it a go, you never know you might just enjoy yourself.

SINCE THIS INTERVIEW AISLING HAS BECOME THE IRISH B.J.J. FEMALE CHAMPION, 2006.