Conscious Combat Club

Fight Science is a new episode format in which you'll get to hear the authors of peer reviewed papers related to martial arts and combat sports explain their papers in a way that you will be able to understand. Each episode will include practical advice you can implement based on the research. This is part of our commitment to bridge the gap between research and practice.

This paper is:

Matthews, C. R., Hurrell, A., Oliver, T. B., & Channon, A. (2023). Boxing, myths and reality building in sport for development programmes. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 58(3), 531–549. https://doi.org/10.1177/10126902221112878

Georgia speaks with Dr Alex Channon. Alex's research has explored how gender relations, gender identity, and sexuality impact on participation in martial arts; the value of martial arts within physical education curricula; media representations of professional fighters; the construction of meaning around notions of 'violence' among martial artists; the provision of medical support in combat sports; the roles of referees in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions; and the social practice of consent in combat sports.

To get involved with the Conscious Combat Club:

• Visit our site https://www.consciouscombat.club/
• Join the waitlist for Melbourne classes https://www.consciouscombat.club/naarm
• Join our online kickboxing classes https://www.consciouscombat.club/online
• Become a conscious combat coach https://www.consciouscombat.club/coaching
• Join our mailing list "Mat Chat' https://www.consciouscombat.club/mat-chat
• Join our facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/640626287248147

SUPPORT LINKS:

Some listeners might find parts of this conversation distressing. Please take care, link in your support networks, or refer to one of these organizations if you need:

Mental health support: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support

Domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Sexism in sport https://www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/

DirectLine (Alcohol & Drug Support) – 1800 888 236 (24/7)

http://www.directline.org.au/

QLife (Queer-Specific Peer Support) – 1800 184 527 (3pm – midnight) – https://qlife.org.au/

Lifeline (Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention) – 13 11 14 (24/7)

http://www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Fight Science is a new episode format in which you'll get to hear the authors of peer reviewed papers related to martial arts and combat sports explain their papers in a way that you will be able to understand. Each episode will include practical advice you can implement based on the research. This is part of our commitment to bridge the gap between research and practice.

Our first paper is:

Channon, A., & Matthews, C. R. (2022). Communicating consent in sport: A typological model of athletes' consent practices within combat sports. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 57(6), 899–917. https://doi.org/10.1177/10126902211043992

Georgia speaks with Dr Alex Channon. Alex's research has explored how gender relations, gender identity, and sexuality impact on participation in martial arts; the value of martial arts within physical education curricula; media representations of professional fighters; the construction of meaning around notions of 'violence' among martial artists; the provision of medical support in combat sports; the roles of referees in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions; and the social practice of consent in combat sports.

To get involved with the Conscious Combat Club:

• Join our free webinar May 12th 2023 https://www.consciouscombat.club/registration-page-42f55003-bf70-460d-876b-af7dc5c62a82
• Visit our site https://www.consciouscombat.club/
• Join the waitlist for Melbourne classes https://www.consciouscombat.club/naarm
• Join our online kickboxing classes https://www.consciouscombat.club/online
• Become a conscious combat coach https://www.consciouscombat.club/coaching
• Join our mailing list "Mat Chat' https://www.consciouscombat.club/mat-chat
• Join our facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/640626287248147

SUPPORT LINKS:

Some listeners might find parts of this conversation distressing. Please take care, link in your support networks, or refer to one of these organizations if you need:

Mental health support: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support

Domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Sexism in sport https://www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/

DirectLine (Alcohol & Drug Support) – 1800 888 236 (24/7)

http://www.directline.org.au/

QLife (Queer-Specific Peer Support) – 1800 184 527 (3pm – midnight) – https://qlife.org.au/

Lifeline (Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention) – 13 11 14 (24/7)

http://www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Nicole Sawin (she/they) is a nonbinary and autistic 29-year-old living in Prince George, BC, where they work in child and youth mental health. They grew up in rural, northern Canada, completed their undergrad in Honors Sociology at McGill University, and finished their Master of Social Work at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). Nicole is the founder of Connection Martial Arts, a trauma informed kickboxing program that is an affiliate of The Conscious Combat Club.

To connect with Nicole:

[email protected]

www.connectionmartialarts.ca

@connectionmartialarts

Georgia and Nicole discuss:

• The differences and similarities between martial arts and social work
• Karate, kickboxing and body connection
• Martial arts and flow states
• Embodying confidence
• Boxing as bilateral stimulation (Please check out Danielle Salber who has done great work in this space! @daniellepopfitness @boxing_therapy_place)
• How Nicole includes dialectical behavioural therapy in their trauma informed kickboxing program
• What does trauma informed even mean?
• Neurodiversity in martial arts
• Being non binary in martial arts
• Small town dynamics
• So much more!

To get involved with the Conscious Combat Club:

• Free webinar about body connection in martial arts: https://www.consciouscombat.club/registration-page-42f55003-bf70-460d-876b-af7dc5c62a82
• Visit our site https://www.consciouscombat.club/
• Join the waitlist for Melbourne classes https://www.consciouscombat.club/naarm
• Join our online kickboxing classes https://www.consciouscombat.club/online
• Become a conscious combat coach https://www.consciouscombat.club/coaching
• Join our mailing list "Mat Chat' https://www.consciouscombat.club/mat-chat
• Join our facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/640626287248147

SUPPORT LINKS:

Some listeners might find parts of this conversation distressing. Please take care, link in your support networks, or refer to one of these organizations if you need:

Mental health support: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support

Domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Sexism in sport https://www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/

DirectLine (Alcohol & Drug Support) – 1800 888 236 (24/7)

http://www.directline.org.au/

QLife (Queer-Specific Peer Support) – 1800 184 527 (3pm – midnight) – https://qlife.org.au/

Lifeline (Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention) – 13 11 14 (24/7)

http://www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Welcome to the first episode of the Conscious Combat Club podcast. Why have we changed our name and updated our branding? What is the Conscious Combat Club? What are our plans for the future? How can you be part of our journey?

To get involved with the Conscious Combat Club:

- Visit our site https://www.consciouscombat.club/

- Join the waitlist for Melbourne classes https://www.consciouscombat.club/naarm

- Join our online kickboxing classes https://www.consciouscombat.club/online

- Become a conscious combat coach https://www.consciouscombat.club/coaching

- Join our mailing list "Mat Chat' https://www.consciouscombat.club/mat-chat

- Join our facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/640626287248147

SUPPORT LINKS:

Some listeners might find parts of this conversation distressing. Please take care, link in your support networks, or refer to one of these organizations if you need:

Mental health support: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support

Domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Sexism in sport https://www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/

DirectLine (Alcohol & Drug Support) – 1800 888 236 (24/7)

http://www.directline.org.au/

QLife (Queer-Specific Peer Support) – 1800 184 527 (3pm – midnight) – https://qlife.org.au/

Lifeline (Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention) – 13 11 14 (24/7)

http://www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp

SHOW OUTLINE

The Rebranding

I explain the reasons behind the rebranding from the Fight Back podcast to the Conscious Combat Club. I discuss how our values have evolved, and how we want to incorporate more mindfulness, mental health, and community building into our podcast and other offerings.

What is the Conscious Combat Club?

I provide an overview of what the Conscious Combat Club is all about, including our mission, vision, and values. I discuss our commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space for all combat athletes, regardless of their background or identity.

Our History

I give a brief history of how the Conscious Combat Club came to be, including how I got started as a trauma informed kickboxing facilitator.

Our Plans for the Future

I share our plans for the future, including upcoming guests, topics, and events. I discuss our commitment to continuing to provide informative and valuable content to our listeners and building a supportive community of combat athletes.

Thank you for tuning in to the first episode of the Conscious Combat Club podcast. We hope you found this episode informative and helpful in understanding our vision for the future. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for future episodes, and we invite you to join us on this journey towards a more mindful and inclusive combat community.

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

***Content warning: Gender Based Violence

Today, December 10th, is Human Rights Day and marks day 16/16 of the 16 days of activism. Georgia (she/her), Meesh (she/her) and Penny (she/they) have a fireside chat about how you can be more resourced as we end the 16 days and enter the Christas period.

The news has been very heavy recently. We hope this discussion about womanhood, radical joy and survivorship will help fill your cup.

Penny Mckay (she/they) responsible for all things people, culture and inclusion at The Fight Back Project. Penny is a graduate of TFBP with a wealth of experience in LBGTQ+ inclusion and mental health.

Meesha Hall (she/her) nurtures our purpose and relationship at The Fight Back Project. Meesha is a world champion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a graduate of TFBP Online.

Georgia, Penny and Meesh discuss:

• Making ongoing space for disclosure and non-hierarchical survivorship celebration
• Radical joy
• Womanhood and being expansive in our relationships with womanhood
• What we hold in our roles as women and nurturers
• How practicing collective and self care is key to sustainability
• How the most radical thing trauma survivors can be is just themselves without apology

To contact Penny on Instagram: @voiceofsmallchange

To contact Meesha on Instagram: @meeshabjj

Sign up to the Conscious Combat Club newsletter here to get the latest updates about mindful and trauma-informed martial arts practices, clubs

and research.

Join the Conscious Combat Club on Facebook to meet fellow listeners of this podcast and help us transform martial arts into more inclusive sports for everybody.

If you'd like to join The Fight Back Project, you'll find the waitlists for Melbourne here and online here.

If this podcast has inspired you to create your own trauma-informed martial arts program, you can register for my 12 week online course here.

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

The Fight Back Project acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, live and play. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land.

Leading up to International Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, people and organizations around the world participate in Transgender Awareness Week to help raise awareness of trans and gender diverse people, address key issues for our communities and explore ways to promote active allyship. We hope that through promoting the full inclusion of trans and gender diverse people in martial arts, we can break down stigma and reduce barriers to participation for our wonderful communities.

Transgender Day of Remembrance honours the memory of trans lives lost due to transphobia and the impacts of discrimination. You can find out more about this here: https://tdor.org.au/

In this episode, Penny McKay (she/they) and Pharrell Shaymar (he/him) answer:

• What does it mean to be an ally?
• What do the terms "trans" and "gender diverse" mean?
• What happens when we include vs when we don't include trans and gender diverse people?
• What are the impacts on mental health on trans people when they are excluded from martial arts?
• How can martial arts/sports benefit trans people, mentally and emotionally?
• What are the very best and very worst things you've seen coaches do around LGBTQ+ inclusion?
• Being inclusive by words instead of actually taking accountability, what is the difference? And how can an ally support the community that shows inclusivity?
• Where does being trauma-informed fit into this topic? Do coaches need to be trauma informed to be inclusive?
• What language and framing is useful in addressing transphobia? E.g. if a gym member is casually repeating TERF talking points, how can coaches approach it constructively and minimise defensiveness?
• How can we work with instructors that refuse to include trans women in women's only classes?
• What advice do you have for parents/Guardians who aren't understanding of non binary and trans within facilities ?
• How do you manage staff and or parents who aren't accepting and inclusive?
• What is 1 actionable step for martial arts coaches and practitioners to implement this week?

Content warning: Please note this discussion may include topics which are distressing - please take good care and link in your own support networks or the organizations below if you need.

All things trans including language guides: https://www.transhub.org.au/

Young people and their families https://transcend.org.au/

Transgender Victoria https://tgv.org.au/

Pride in Sport www.prideinsport.com.au

Queer Combat Collective on instagram

QLife - 3pm to midnight every day: https://qlife.org.au/

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Rainbow Door: https://www.rainbowdoor.org.au/

13YARN - First Nations Crisis support

To contact Penny on Instagram: @voiceofsmallchange

To contact Pharrell on Instagram: @pharrell_shaymar

Sign up to the Conscious Combat Club newsletter here to get the latest updates about mindful and trauma-informed martial arts practices, clubs

and research.

Join the Conscious Combat Club on Facebook to meet fellow listeners of this podcast and help us transform martial arts into more inclusive sports for everybody.

If you'd like to join The Fight Back Project, you'll find the waitlists for Melbourne here and online here.

If this podcast has inspired you to create your own trauma-informed martial arts program, you can register for my 12 week online course here.

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Pharrell Shaymar (he/they) AKA "The Pad Technician" Pharrell is a professional boxing coach with over 10 years' experience coaching athletes, amateur boxers, women's self defence programs, and group fitness. Pharrell is an accomplished speaker LGBTQ+ Advocate and community leader. Pharrell uses the prism of boxing through advocacy, breaking down barriers, educational videos and breaking stereo types of trans people in combat sports. His key message is "I will never become biologically male, but I am a gentleman"

***TRIGGER WARNING: Self harm***

Contact Pharrell on instagram: @Pharrell_shaymar

Georgia and Pharrell discuss:

To join the LIVE podcast, register here.

Sign up to the Conscious Combat Club newsletter here to get the latest updates about mindful and trauma-informed martial arts practices, clubs

and research.

Join the Conscious Combat Club on Facebook to meet fellow listeners of this podcast and help us transform martial arts into more inclusive sports for everybody.

If you'd like to join The Fight Back Project, you'll find the waitlists for Melbourne here and online here.

If this podcast has inspired you to create your own trauma-informed martial arts program, you can register for my 12 week online course here.

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

*TRIGGER WARNING: SEXUAL ABUSE*

Bobbie Lewallen (she/her) has been practicing Muay Thai for 10 years. She is a survivor of sexual abuse from childhood to early adulthood

Georgia and Bobbie discuss:

• · Starting Muay Thai at age 12 after being abused as a child
• · Growing up getting to training in a shady area as a young woman under 17
• · The conflation of thinness with health and the difference in comments Bobbie would receive as a teenager with an eating disorder vs now
• · The impact of Bobbie's family's culture and traditions on perpetuating her abuse
• · How Muay Thai helped her to leave an abusive relationship
• · Why Bobbie is so passionate about sharing her experiences with Muay Thai through her IG blog @lifeofmuaythai

To contact Bobbie:

Instagram: @lifeofmuaythai

Email: [email protected]

To join the group FightHERS:

Instagram: @_fighthers

Join the discord group: https://discord.com/invite/wF8SYT7JcG

Sign up to the Conscious Combat Club newsletter here to get the latest updates about mindful and trauma-informed martial arts practices, clubs and research.

Join the Conscious Combat Club on Facebook to meet fellow listeners of this podcast and help us transform martial arts into more inclusive sports for everybody.

If you'd like to join The Fight Back Project, you'll find the waitlists for Melbourne here and online here.

If this podcast has inspired you to create your own trauma-informed martial arts program, you can register for my 12 week online course here.

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Martina is a queer intercultural / international martial artist living in the US. Martina is a queer teacher, storyteller, & communication consultant. Martina is a commitment to women, children, the oppressed, all beings and our planet.

Georgia and Martina discuss:

• Martina's experiences facilitating self defense for feminists with disabilities in Germany
• Historical lessons from second wave feminism
• Being a queer white feminist living in the US
• How to hold space for all the oppression in the world and be open to hope and change at the same time
• How interoception saved Martina's life

To contact Martina:

Facebook: Martina Hildegard

Email: [email protected]

Sign up to the Conscious Combat Club newsletter here to get the latest updates about mindful and trauma-informed martial arts practices, clubs and research.

Join the Conscious Combat Club on Facebook to meet fellow listeners of this podcast and help us transform martial arts into more inclusive sports for everybody.

If you'd like to join The Fight Back Project, you'll find the waitlists for Melbourne here and online here.

If this podcast has inspired you to create your own trauma-informed martial arts program, you can register for my 12 week online course here.

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

**Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault**

Sammy was a victim of rape and sexual assault, and she made the journey back into Jiu Jitsu

Georgia and Sammy-Jo discuss:

• Close contact training problems and how to deal with it
• Benefits of talking to trusted people about what has happened
• Healing and how it can be difficult
• Returning to competition
• How returning to training was beneficial in Sammy's healing

Please contact Sammy via Instagram: @sammyjolawler

Sign up to the Conscious Combat Club newsletter here to get the latest updates about mindful and trauma-informed martial arts practices, clubs and research.

Join the Conscious Combat Club on Facebook to meet fellow listeners of this podcast and help us transform martial arts into more inclusive sports for everybody.

If you'd like to join The Fight Back Project, you'll find the waitlists for Melbourne here and online here.

If this podcast has inspired you to create your own trauma-informed martial arts program, you can register for my 12 week online course here.

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

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