10 Questions With Julie Kedzie (by Darrick Patrick)
Julie Kedzie is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as EliteXC, King Of The Cage, Battlequest, ShoXC, Bodog Fight, HOOKnSHOOT, Ultimate Cage Wars, and Freestyle Combat Challenge.
Darrick: What led you to competing in professional mixed martial arts?
Julie: I think I was born to be a competitive athlete - I have always had a competitive nature and I am incredibly unhappy when I am not physically active. Those two factors, in addition to being raised in the martial arts world (I have been involved with martial arts on some level since I was four years old) kind of established the pattern that has led me to this point. I knew I wanted to try fighting and to me MMA seemed to be the epitome of fighting.
I became a professional mixed martial artist as a result of being inspired by other female MMA fighters. Having no amateur MMA options at the time I started, I felt that it was either fighting pro or no MMA fights at all...and I really wanted to fight. To this date, I have had nineteen professional matches, but still consider myself relatively new to the sport. I've only truly been trained in MMA for about four years, and only in the past year or so have been able to commit myself full time.
Darrick: Do you feel as if there any extra hurdles being a female in pro MMA?
Julie: Yes. I could sit here and say that it sucks ass that I don't have all of the opportunities that the men do. However, I choose to view the struggle that female fighters face as a potentially positive factor in the development of the female MMA community. Struggling together can make us stronger.
I think that until very recently when the sport became more widely recognized, the MMA community was collectively facing the hurdles of being recognized in America as a legimate sport. Now that the public has had more exposure to MMA, the fighters who have worked so hard to prove their worth as athletes and fight the prejudice of the public misconceptions are that much better. As a female fighter, I know what it's like to face prejudice and unfair judgement...but I honestly think it fuels my desire to prove people wrong and become the best fighter that I possibly can be.
Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?
Julie: The list is so long! First and foremost, I respect my coach Greg Jackson. He is a constant source of inspiration, motivation, and hope in my life...I can't say enough good things about him and what he's done for my life. The same goes for my team - I am in an environment that I can never take for granted, surrounded by some of the best athletes in the sport. Georges St. Pierre, Keith Jardine, Joey Villasenor, Rashad Evans, Nate Marquart, Holly Holm...it sounds silly, but sometimes walking into the gym is like looking up at the stars at night - you feel so small and so in awe at what you are a part of.
In terms of other fighters, I put my training partner Michelle Waterson at the top of my list for inspiration and respect - I love her! Outside of my camp, every girl who has beaten me has my gratitude and respect. Tara LaRosa, Shayna Baszler, Amanda Buckner, and Tonya Evinger are notable badasses in my book. I know she gets a lot of flack, but I have tons of respect and love for Gina Carano as well. I also really look up to the fighters such as Debi Purcell, Rosi Sexton, and Molly Helsel who work daily for the recognition of women in the sport. These fighters have taught me lessons about myself that I needed. Thank you!
Darrick: What does a "normal" training session for you consist of?
Julie: Well, this is not a fixed schedule, as I have to listen closely to my body - but ideally Monday through Saturday I'll carpool with Coach in the morning and do a morning run depending on my weight and if there is an impending fight. Around mid-morning, there is a practice at the gym for the pro fighters, which generally lasts about an hour or two with conditioning at the end.
About an hour after that, Coach teaches a technique class for the non-fighters, which I like to attend because I basically want to learn everything I can. In the afternoon, I lift weights (something I recently reintroduced to my training) and then in the evening there is kickboxing sparring and another grappling technique class, and then I do another cardio. On Sundays, I try to do a slow mountain run.
Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train for the sport?
Julie: Well, you have to make sure you are training your body properly. Train your ground, train your stand-up, and train the wrestling techniques in between! And cardio, cardio, cardio! Equally important is belief in yourself. Try to surround yourself with people who will catch you when you fall - you absolutely need to be pushed beyond your comfort zone if you want to succeed as a fighter (and in life actually). I also think a positive outlook is something you need to train daily along with your technique.
Darrick: What personally brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?
Julie: My fulfillment comes from personal growth - I know I sound really cheesy, but I am totally addicted to the process of learning, being inspired, and challenged. Martial arts can provide so many opportunites to chart your self-growth, whether it is through the ups and downs of fights, or trying to master a new move. As Coach says, "It's all a process." I guess my fulfillment is the process - I love the journey.
Darrick: Outside of competitive fighting, what are your other interests?
Julie: I love to read - I have a degree in literature and I would love to write someday (when I have something to say). I love visiting art museums, zoos, and exploring new places. Since I work for Coach full time, I have developed a lot of the same interests such as hiking and exploring old ghost towns. I also watch entirely too much television - I love the Iron Chef!
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
Julie: When I was younger, I used to believe the Care Bears were real - I shit you not! (Laughs)
Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.
Julie: Ummm...see above answer? Just kidding! I guess not too many people know that I used to study art, and spend hours and hours drawing - I have always been fascinated with the human body and form. I love portraits, but I doubt I would have had much success as an artist because I lack the blend of talent, discipline, and "crazy" it takes.
Darrick: What moments in your life have you been proudest of so far?
Julie: Coach trains us to see that our best days are in front of us, and I'm trying to adopt that mentality! I think that chief among my past proud memories would be winning the HOOKnSHOOT tournament in 2005 - that and when I beat Julia Berezikova. Berezikova was my first fight under Greg and the first fight I had after I lost to Carano. At that point I had lost two fights in a row, transplanted myself to New Mexico, and was undergoing quite a few tough mental struggles. She initially overwhelmed me with her speed and broke my nose almost immediately. I had a moment where I had to subdue my inner doubt and fear of failure, and place utter faith in my trainer. It paid off. But again, I believe that my best fights are in front of me!
Also, I just wanted to add that I'll be appearing on the upcoming season of the Tapout television show and would like to extend a big thank you to the TapouT team!
FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835
You can also check out Julie Kedzie in the following places:
Official Julie Kedzie MySpace Profile:
http://www.myspace.com/julesk_fighter
Julie Kedzie on Fight Finder:
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=10093
Julie Kedzie Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:
http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=10093@@Julie%20Kedzie
Tags: Julie Kedzie Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts Fe
