MMA gym welcoming for all

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) isn’t for the faint of heart, but it isn’t just for elite athletes, either.

MMA is a blend of different martial art styles with its own rules.

The hybrid combat involves incorporates striking, grappling and ground fighting techniques from several combat sports, including Brazilian jiu jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, judo, jujitsu, karate, Muay Thai, taekwondo and more.

MMA training is an intense, full body work out combining strength with cardio.

It is known for its physical and mental health benefits, helping focus the mind and overcome a challenge.

But the sport isn’t only for elite athletes or people with tattoos, there are many everyday people who train and compete regularly.

One of these everyday people is local fighter Samantha Barriball, a Geelong support worker who has been training in MMA for three years.

“I’m a support worker, I work in disability… It’s just my personality, I’ve always enjoyed caring for people and being sympathetic and empathetic to others,” she said.

Now, Barriball has a blackbelt in Taekwondo, and will compete in her third MMA competition on Saturday, March 18, against Taylor Ly in the Salt Fight Series.

She is described by the Bones MMA team as the most kind, caring person you could possibly encounter, but in the ring is known as a fearless, resilient, and ferocious competitor.

Barriball said she trains in MMA because it is mentally stimulating, physically empowering – and she is looking forward to her next competition.

“I feel great whether I win or lose I always feel really great, just because I’ve faced this huge challenge,” she said.

“And I feel like I’m incredibly physically fit at the moment leading into a fight.

“It makes me really confident… in my physical abilities, not just in fighting.

“I know I can do physical activities like hiking on weekends, or sports, on anything really.”

Barriball said she believes the sport is for everyone, not just those who have a background in fighting.

“No matter what ability or age group or gender, especially women or people who might feel a bit lost.

“It’s a really great way to get in touch with yourself and your body and realise you’re not made of glass, you’re tougher than you think.”

Barriball said MMA had also given her a community of supportive friends, which is why, despite being based in Norlane, she travels daily to Torquay to train at Bones MMA.

“That’s just how good the gym is. I think it’s just the community in Torquay, it’s a very family oriented and… welcoming and really supportive, it’s kind of unwavering.”

Matt Williams, who co-owns Bones MMA in Torquay along with his wife Lani Williams, said they had found the MMA community at their gym was made up of everyday people — a diverse reflection of the Surf Coast community, often introducing people who would otherwise never have crossed paths.

“We’re really trying to break some of the stereotypes that exist around the sport,” Williams said.

“People are often surprised when they meet someone involved in MMA, they’re surprised because these are just everyday people, not tattooed, jacked men.

“We run MMA sessions for young people involved in the NDIS, we have women only programs, people who train at the gym in their 60s, a mental health program…. it’s a cross section of the community; kids to right up to people in their late ’60s.

“While we have professional and amateurs training at our gym, we all train together and no one is put on a pedestal.”

Williams said many people train in MMA to improve their mental wellbeing, develop resilience, improve physical health and to find a welcoming, supportive community.

“Developing resilience is a really big one people sign up for,” Williams said.

“I think something that is really overlooked but what a lot of people stick around for – you are part of a community that really supports and backs them… a lot of people meet lifelong friends.”

Williams said ultimately MMA was physically difficult, but it was open to anyone who was prepared to get on the mat for the first time.

“It is for anyone willing to embrace that challenge for personal change.”

To find out more about Bones MMA, head to bonesmma.com.