Its Not About The Fight

In this episode of It’s Not About The Fight, Ross Cameron is joined by one of the most influential figures in UK mixed martial arts — Carl Prince, founder and head coach of Manchester Top Team.

From humble beginnings and a casual interest in martial arts to becoming a coach and promoter at the forefront of the UK MMA scene, Carl shares his powerful story and hard-earned insights into what it takes to succeed in the fight game.

We go deep into the evolution of MMA in the UK, from the early days to the emergence of professional-level gyms like Manchester Top Team. Carl breaks down the challenges of gym ownership, the critical role of community, and why sparring, media training, and mindset are as important as any technique.

🧠 Topics Covered:

• The origins and growth of UK MMA
• Building a world-class fight team with local roots
• Creating a culture of discipline, respect, and development
• The role of youth development in MMA
• Why sparring must be smart, not savage
• How to protect your fighters and still push them
• Managing the amateur-to-pro journey
• The importance of media training in the modern fight game
• Leadership, consistency, and removing negative influences
• Advice for new coaches and team leaders

💬 "Your chin’s got an expiry date."
💬 "We want to be the Manchester City of MMA."

Whether you're a coach, athlete, gym owner, or martial arts fan, this episode offers raw, valuable insight from someone who’s shaping the next generation of fighters.

🔗 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform.

💥 Follow Ross Cameron and the It’s Not About The Fight podcast for weekly conversations with the world’s leading martial artists, coaches, and thinkers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Carl Prince and His Journey

02:21 The Evolution of MMA in the UK

04:58 The Culture of Manchester Top Team

08:51 Building a Supportive Community in MMA

12:26 Training Philosophy and Sparring Practices

20:07 Identifying and Developing Young Talent

23:45 The Importance of Media Training in MMA

28:45 Mindset and Coaching Philosophy

31:01 Challenges of Gym Ownership

33:48 Community Engagement and Impact

35:17 Building a Strong Local Fight Community

38:19 Advice for Aspiring Coaches

42:57 Future Aspirations and Fighter Development

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Welcome to another episode of It’s Not About The Fight, where we explore the people, stories, and values behind the world’s most dedicated martial artists.

In this episode, we’re honoured to be joined by Angie Parr and Jesse James Parr—two integral members of the legendary Parr family, whose impact on Australian and global combat sports is undeniable.

🥊 Angie Parr, a seasoned Muay Thai world champion and co-owner of Boonchu Gym, opens up about her entry into martial arts at age 17. What started as a quest for self-defense turned into a lifelong journey of purpose, passion, and world-class fighting. Angie talks candidly about the challenges she faced as a female fighter in the early days, balancing motherhood and professional fighting, and what continues to drive her today as a mentor and gym leader.

🥋 Jesse James Parr, son of Angie and legendary fighter John Wayne Parr, reflects on growing up in one of the most respected fight gyms in the world. From holding pads as a toddler to competing in Jiu Jitsu and chasing his own MMA dreams, Jesse shares how living in a combat sports household shaped his mindset, discipline, and identity. He also discusses his training philosophy, the lessons he’s learned from his parents, and how he’s carving his own path in the fight world.

🎯 In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• What motivated Angie Parr to take up martial arts and the hurdles she overcame
• Jesse’s experience being raised in the Boonchu Gym environment
• The Parr family's approach to training, discipline, and mental strength
• How Angie and Jesse manage the balance between family and fighting
• Jesse’s vision for the future in BJJ, MMA, and beyond
• Insights into the culture and values that define Boonchu Gym and the Parr legacy

🎤 Whether you're an aspiring fighter, coach, parent, or fan of martial arts, this episode delivers a rare inside look into the values, lifestyle, and training culture of one of the most influential families in combat sports.

📲 Follow Our Guests:

• Jesse James Parr
  Instagram: @JessieJamesParr
  TikTok: @JohnWayneParrsSon
• Angie Parr
  Instagram: @AngelaParr

🎧 Listen to “It’s Not About The Fight” on all major platforms.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that go beyond the ring and into the heart of martial arts.

📌 Hashtags:
#CombatSports #MartialArts #ParrFamily #AngieParr #JesseJamesParr #MuayThai #BJJ #MMA #BoonchuGym #FightcrossPodcast #ItsNotAboutTheFight #AustralianMartialArts #NextGenFighter #WomenInCombatSports #MartialArtsLegacy #GymLife

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In this powerful episode of the Ross Cameron Podcast, we sit down with one of the true pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA—Master Ricardo Liborio, co-founder of American Top Team. Liborio opens up about his decades-long journey through martial arts, the cultural evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the deeper meaning of training, community, and mentorship.

Together with Ross Cameron, they explore what it really takes to build champions—not just on the mats, but in life. From the emotional challenges of competition to the science of modern training, this conversation is packed with life lessons, coaching insights, and real talk about how martial arts can shape the next generation.

💬 Topics Covered:

• The cultural shift in martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Mentorship and youth development through martial arts
• Emotional support for competitors
• Old-school vs. new-school training philosophies
• The importance of fundamentals and discipline
• Teaching kids and the joy of watching them grow
• Life after fighting and giving back to the community
• Martial arts as a business and a calling

✅ Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or lifelong martial artist, this episode is a must-watch.

🔗 Subscribe for more interviews with the world’s top martial artists and coaches.

📌 CHAPTERS:
00:00 The Journey of Martial Arts
03:36 Cultural Evolution in Martial Arts
06:17 The Role of Community in Martial Arts
09:16 Adapting to Age in Martial Arts
12:13 Training Philosophy: Old School vs. New School
15:03 The Science of Training
17:57 The Importance of Fundamentals
20:53 Emotional Preparation in Competition
23:35 Lessons from Losses
26:22 The Privilege of Teaching Martial Arts
32:30 Ownership Mindset in Business
35:25 The Importance of Community
38:30 Learning Through Experience
41:47 Youth in Combat Sports
44:41 Life After Fighting
47:38 The Role of Education
50:25 Impact of Teaching Kids
53:54 The Value of Relationships
57:21 Reflections on Life and Success

🎯 Hashtags & Keywords:
#RicardoLiborio #BrazilianJiuJitsu #MartialArtsPodcast #RossCameron #AmericanTopTeam #BJJCommunity #Mentorship #LifeLessons #YouthDevelopment #MartialArtsLife #EmotionalSupport #Discipline #CoachingPhilosophy #BJJTraining #MartialArtsBusiness

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In this powerful episode of It’s Not About The Fight,  Ross Cameron sits down with Adam Tibbitts, founder of Death Roll Submission Wrestling, for an in-depth discussion on the values, challenges, and evolution of martial arts coaching in Australia.

From humble beginnings in wrestling to becoming a respected coach and gym owner, Adam unpacks his personal journey through MMA, No-Gi grappling, and the martial arts community. But this isn’t just about fights or medals—this conversation focuses on what it truly means to build champions through character, not just competition.

Adam shares his insights on:

• Why developing a strong, ego-free gym culture is essential for long-term athlete growth
• The qualities he looks for in future champions, including humility, discipline, and the ability to listen
• The role of mental health and well-being in high-performance combat sports training
• The importance of foundational skills over flashy techniques, especially for beginners and youth athletes
• His experience running a martial arts gym in Australia, and the business values that must align with martial arts principles
• The difference between coaching youth vs. adults, and how to adapt your teaching style to individual learning needs
• His philosophy on modern coaching, lifelong learning, and stepping back to mentor the next generation

Whether you’re a coach, competitor, gym owner, or someone passionate about martial arts culture, this episode is full of authentic, practical wisdom from one of the most thoughtful voices in Australian grappling.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Character matters more than championships
• Listening is a superpower for athletes and coaches
• Culture is your competitive advantage
• Mental health and training must be balanced
• True teaching adapts with the times

📌 Chapters Include:
00:00 – Adam Tibbitts' Martial Arts Origins
03:30 – Building Character Over Champions
07:05 – Ego at the Door: Creating Strong Gym Culture
10:35 – Identifying Future Champions
13:04 – Mastering the Basics
15:00 – Balancing Mental Health in Training
16:04 – Youth vs Adult Coaching
17:27 – Lessons from the Gym Floor
18:31 – Sharing Knowledge: The Next Step
20:39 – Advice for the Next Generation

🎙️ Quotes From the Episode:

“Nobody’s better than anybody.”
“The ability to listen is key.”
“Do it.”

🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more.

📲 Follow Ross Cameron MMA for updates, behind-the-scenes, and more great content:
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Shorts

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Master Fari Salievski, a globally respected martial arts instructor, entrepreneur, and mentor. In this episode, Master Fari dives deep into his martial arts journey, from his early days as a passionate practitioner to becoming a leader in martial arts teaching philosophy and business strategies.

Discover how cross-training, MMA, and evolving training methods have shaped his approach to developing successful martial arts schools. Master Fari shares powerful lessons on leadership, mentorship, and integrating technology into martial arts training, offering actionable insights for instructors and school owners who want to grow their programs and impact their communities.

Whether you’re a lifelong martial artist, an aspiring coach, or an entrepreneur seeking proven strategies to thrive in the martial arts business, this episode is packed with valuable advice and personal stories that will motivate you to elevate your own practice.

🔥 Tune in to learn about:

✅ Crafting a compelling teaching philosophy
✅ The benefits of cross-training and modern MMA integration
✅ Business growth strategies for martial arts schools
✅ Leveraging technology to enhance student learning
✅ The role of mentorship and leadership in building lasting success

💡 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the martial arts industry’s most respected voices.

Takeaways

Master Fari has 43 years of teaching experience.

Cross-training has naturally influenced his teaching philosophy.

Experience in martial arts saves decades of heartache for students.

Adapting traditional martial arts is essential for modern relevance.

Building a successful martial arts school requires commitment and structure.

Marketing strategies should focus on student experiences, not just the instructor.

Technology can enhance martial arts training through online resources.

Mentorship is crucial for personal and professional growth in martial arts.

A successful martial arts school should prioritize student retention and satisfaction.

The future of martial arts lies in evolving industry standards and practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Master Fari and His Journey

02:46 The Evolution of Martial Arts Training

05:02 Cross-Training and Teaching Philosophy

07:44 The Importance of Experience in Martial Arts

10:52 Adapting Traditional Martial Arts to Modern Needs

13:39 The Role of MMA in Martial Arts Training

16:09 Building a Successful Martial Arts School

18:57 Marketing and Business Strategies in Martial Arts

21:36 The Impact of Technology on Martial Arts Training

24:30 Mentorship and Leadership in Martial Arts

27:05 Advice for Aspiring Martial Arts Instructors

29:50 The Future of Martial Arts and Industry Standards

32:39 Personal Reflections and Life Lessons

35:28 Conclusion and Future Endeavors

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In this inspiring episode of It’s Not About The Fight, host Ross Cameron sits down with Arlene Blencowe, a pioneer in women’s MMA and world champion combat sports athlete.
Arlene opens up about her tough upbringing, how she channeled her emotions into boxing and MMA, and what it truly takes—mentally and physically—to succeed at the highest level of fighting. She reflects on the evolution of women’s MMA, the growing number of young girls entering the sport, and her journey navigating the balance between motherhood and a professional fighting career.
Arlene also shares her vision for empowering women through self-defense training and creating a female-only gym, and emphasizes the importance of mental health in sports. This episode is a deep dive into the transformative power of martial arts, resilience, and personal growth.
🔥 Don’t miss this powerful conversation with one of Australia’s most respected fighters.
👉 Subscribe for more real stories behind the fight.
 
📌 Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro
2:10 – Arlene’s early life and mental toughness
6:35 – Discovering combat sports as an outlet
11:40 – Balancing motherhood and fighting
16:55 – Growth of women’s MMA
22:00 – Mental health in elite performance
27:30 – Arlene’s vision: female-only gym and empowerment
33:10 – Advice for young fighters
39:00 – What’s next for Arlene Blencowe
45:00 – Final reflections with Ross Cameron

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🇦🇺 The Rise of Aussie MMA | Ross Cameron Talks with Joe Lopez, Coach of UFC Champion Alex Volkanovski | Ep.8

In this powerhouse episode of It’s Not About The Fight, Ross Cameron sits down with Joe Lopez, legendary MMA coach and the longtime mentor of UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski. Dive deep into the untold stories behind Volkanovski’s rise to the top, the evolution of Australian MMA, and what it takes to build a world-class fighter from the grassroots up.

🔥 Timestamps & Highlights:
00:00 The Early Days of MMA in Australia

02:45 Transitioning to Coaching and Building a Gym Culture

05:18 Identifying Talent: The Rise of Alexander Volkanovski

07:51 Coaching Philosophy: Balancing Beginners and Elite Athletes

10:23 Mistakes Coaches Make and Learning from Experience

12:43 The Evolution of MMA in Australia

15:25 The Future of MMA: Emerging Talents and Opportunities

19:25 The Role of a Coach in Team Success

20:29 Sparring Philosophy: Controlled vs. Heavy Contact

23:30 Analyzing Opponents: Strategy and Preparation

24:56 The Psychology of Fighting: Mindset Matters

27:13 Cornering Techniques: Communication and Strategy

31:46 The Future of MMA in Australia: Growth and Perception

34:57 The Benefits of Martial Arts: Discipline and Focus

🎙️ About the Podcast:
It’s Not About The Fight explores the mindset, discipline, and deeper philosophy behind martial arts, sport, and personal development. Hosted by Ross Cameron—Vice President of MMA Australasia and Chief Instructor of Yun Jung Do International—this show goes beyond the cage to uncover what it really means to be a martial artist.

💥 Topics Covered:

• The early days of MMA in Australia were challenging due to a lack of resources and information.
• Transitioning from traditional martial arts to MMA required experimentation and adaptation.
• Coaching is about giving back to the sport and helping athletes succeed.
• Building a strong gym culture is essential for athlete development and team dynamics.
• Beginners and elite athletes require different coaching approaches and mental preparation.
• The MMA scene in Australia has grown significantly, producing world-class fighters.
• Maintaining a positive gym culture involves addressing bad behavior promptly.
• Sparring should focus on skill development rather than just hard contact.
• Martial arts teaches valuable life skills, including discipline and control.
• The future of MMA in Australia looks promising with increasing talent and opportunities.

📍 Keywords for Search & SEO:
UFC Australia, Alexander Volkanovski, Joe Lopez interview, Aussie MMA, Ross Cameron podcast, MMA coaching, Freestyle Fighting Gym, UFC featherweight champ, MMA in Australia, martial arts mindset, Australian UFC fighters, how to become a UFC fighter, MMA gym Australia, Volkanovski coach, fight IQ, sports psychology MMA

📲 Subscribe for more exclusive interviews with elite coaches, fighters, and thought leaders from the world of martial arts and MMA.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share if you want to see Aussie MMA continue to rise!

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Join Ross Cameron as he sits down with Peter Hickmott, Head of Officials for Mixed Martial Arts Australasia and seasoned UFC referee, to discuss the evolution of safety protocols and rule sets in MMA. They delve into how regulations differ from amateur to professional levels and the measures taken to protect fighters in the cage

Takeaways

• Peter Hickmott's journey into martial arts began in 1985.
• He transitioned from martial arts to officiating in MMA.
• Referees play a crucial role in ensuring fighter safety.
• The importance of clearing one's mind before stepping into the cage.
• Referees must predict fight dynamics to position themselves effectively.
• Training for referees is evolving with structured programs.
• Fighter safety regulations are critical in MMA events.
• The amateur scene is essential for developing future fighters.
• Education for coaches and fighters is lacking in some areas.
• The evolution of MMA in Australia has seen significant growth.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey into Martial Arts
03:33 Becoming a Referee in MMA
06:42 The Role of a Referee in the Cage
09:41 Training and Best Practices for Referees
12:31 The Importance of Fighter Safety
15:51 The Evolution of MMA Regulations
18:39 Comparing MMA Practices Globally
21:42 Future Directions for MMA in Australia
39:36 Memorable Moments in the Cage
44:55 Advice for Aspiring MMA Officials
47:30 The Importance of Experience in Refereeing
53:19 Building a Professional MMA Environment
57:17 Understanding Human Behavior in Combat Sports
01:11:28 The Evolution of Respect in MMA
01:15:28 Crowd Dynamics in MMA Events

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In this conversation with Cameron Quinn shares his journey into Kyokushin karate, detailing his early experiences, the influence of Mas Oyama, and the philosophies that shaped his martial arts practice. He discusses the importance of loyalty, dedication, and the evolution of martial arts training, particularly the intersection of karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The conversation also touches on the impact of competition, the role of money in martial arts, and the speaker's motivation for writing a book about Mas Oyama's legacy.

Takeaways

•               The power of Mas Oyama's gaze was legendary.

•               Training in martial arts requires dedication and consistency.

•               Character is defined by the promises we keep to ourselves.

•               Loyalty in martial arts is paramount, even amidst changing styles.

•               The techniques taught in Kyokushin extend beyond tournament rules.

•               The Olympics can commercialize and dilute martial arts traditions.

•               Cultural influences shape the philosophies of martial arts.

•               The journey of a martial artist is often filled with personal growth.

•               Writing about Mas Oyama was driven by a desire to share his legacy.

•               Martial arts training is a lifelong commitment to learning and improvement.

Chapters

00:00

The Beginning of a Martial Arts Journey

03:52

Experiences in Japan and Training with Masters

06:51

The Impact of Mas Oyama and Hombu Dojo

09:51

The Evolution of Martial Arts: Striking vs. Grappling

12:34

The Influence of Jiu-Jitsu on Karate

15:39

Interpreting Kata: The Art of Bunkai

27:41

The Evolution of Martial Arts in Australia

30:18

Training with the Machado Brothers

33:55

Influence of John Donahue

39:10

The Melting Pot of LA Martial Arts

44:33

The Legacy of Jean LaBelle

47:48

The Impact of the Olympics on Martial Arts

53:43

Inspiration Behind 'The Buddha Karate of Masayama'

56:24

The Power of Gaze in Martial Arts

01:08:04

Legacy and Loyalty in Martial Arts

01:20:57

Humility and Greatness in Martial Arts

01:21:05

Its Not About The Fight outro Video.mp4

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In this engaging conversation, John Will, one of the first non-Brazilian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts, shares his journey into martial arts, the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the impact of competition on the sport. He discusses effective teaching methodologies, the importance of curiosity in continuous learning, and the future of BJJ in terms of Gi and No-Gi training. John emphasizes the significance of building a positive coaching culture, the role of storytelling in teaching, and the value of community in martial arts. He also reflects on personal growth, memorable experiences, and the importance of sharing knowledge within the martial arts community.

Takeaways

John Will's journey into martial arts began with being bullied at school.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's culture has evolved significantly over the years.

Competition has driven the development of new techniques in BJJ.

Effective teaching requires prioritizing communication and class design.

Curiosity is essential for continuous learning in martial arts.

The future of BJJ will likely include both Gi and No-Gi training.

Coaches must model the behavior they want to see in their students.

Storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging students in martial arts.

Personal growth is a continuous journey for martial artists.

Sharing knowledge is crucial for the growth of the martial arts community.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey into Martial Arts

03:02 Exploring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's Evolution

06:07 The Impact of Competition on BJJ

09:12 Teaching Methodologies in Martial Arts

12:16 The Role of Storytelling in Coaching

15:05 Future Trends in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

28:00 Integrating Techniques Across Martial Arts Styles

30:12 Establishing a Positive Coaching Culture

32:39 The Continuous Journey of Learning

36:57 Memorable Experiences in Martial Arts

39:37 Influential Figures in Martial Arts

45:04 The Importance of Sharing Knowledge

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