Interview with Helena Donkin

Interview with Helena Donkin

(17.02.12)  On Sun 26 Feb 12 at Supremacy Fight Challenge 5 you’ll see Helena Donkin, training out of Fight Factory and MMHA in South Shields, as she makes her MMA debut in a 68 kg semi-pro bout against Mel Churchill who fights out of Sheffield Martial Arts Centre.

 

Interview with Helena Donkin

 

 

What's your martial arts background?

 

I have trained TTA Taekwondo as a child, from about 8 years old and was a black tag. As an adult I switched to ITF and graded up to red belt. I've competed all my life. Then around 18 months ago I began training MMA.

 

 

How did you come to be involved with The Fight Factory and who are your coaches and training partners there?

 

I became involved after attending TFC, a fight show run by Alex Enlund who coaches Sixth Sense MMA at Fight Factory. I have trained with a number of coaches over the past year, I feel learning from several perspectives improves you massively.

 

I've trained mostly with Jack Sexton and Alex Enlund, these guys have taught me a lot. I don't have training partners as such as I'm a firm believer in team training.  

 

 

Tell us about what your MMA journey has been like so far?

 

I'm not going to lie; it’s been fun but very hard work.  Not just a strain on my body but financially too. However, I thrive on training, on learning as much as possible. When I started I was very quiet, I can't believe how confident I've become, it’s helped me to be happy in my skin.

 

 

How did your family feel about you getting into MMA?

 

My mam had never heard of MMA and I made the mistake of showing her Cyborg vs Carano on youtube. Since then she hasn't been too happy about me wanting to fight, she's starting to support me a lot more now though. I think she's realised it’s not just a 'phase'.

 

My daughter on the other hand loves it. She's only 6 and has trained a little Taekwondo and Jits. She wants to fight when she's older.  My aim is to show her that hard work and determination can get you anywhere you want to be.

 

 

What was your inspiration to do MMA and what do you like so much about it?

 

I know it’s a bit of a cliché that people with tough pasts want to fight but I think in my case it’s true.  I've had some battles that I've managed to win and some I'm still fighting.  I suppose I feel I have to show I'm strong inside and out, I have a point to prove.

 

MMA gives me a way to push and test myself. I love feeling part of a team; it can feel like a second family. Being around people who share the same passion as you is pretty addictive. Whether I've learned a new technique or felt fit during rounds sparring, I love the feeling of walking out the gym after a hard session.

 

 

How are you preparing for your upcoming debut fight on 26 Feb 12 at Supremacy Fight Challenge 5?

 

I'm training 6 days a week at the minute, it’d be 7 but I've been told repeatedly "you need to rest". I eat reasonably clean as it is but I'm being extra good these last few weeks, I want my body to work as well as possible for me once that cage door closes. 

 

 

I note that you have come off of Facebook prior to the run up to your fight; why did you feel that was necessary and how important do you think the mental preparation is?

 

I have noticed that I'm not the only one who has 'good days' and 'bad days' when training, especially when you add in the stress of a debut fight.  On the good days I'm updating my status all day, I'm a facebook addict, but I think it’s important some days to shut your mind down. Whether it’s to forget about MMA for a few hours or run through strategies in your head, or like me, spend some well-deserved downtime with family and friends. 

 

And yes I think mental preparation is key. My biggest fight is always in my head before I compete. Everyone has the ability to win or you wouldn't even be in that cage, you just need to believe it.

 

 

Obviously fighters always strive to improve their game; is there any area in particular you would like to polish up on?

 

I've always had a love hate relationship with wrestling. I know how important it is but it’s never come easily to me, I have to work my hardest at it. It’s still not where I'd like it to be if I'm honest but I'm determined.

 

 

Do you think there is enough help and information out there for young women wanting to start out in MMA and can you pass on any pearls of wisdom?

 

I'd love it if there was more encouragement for females in MMA! I don't think women realise how awesome a sport it is to be part of. Women spend their lives looking for diets and exercise programmes to keep in shape, self-defence courses to stay safe and always wish we were the confident girl at the party who is happy just being her. I honestly think MMA is a solution. Whether you want to fight or not, you should definitely give it a try. Be a little bit brave and step outside your comfort zone, you won't regret it. 

 

 

What are your future career plans in MMA?

 

I'm a realistic girl, I'm 27 in May so know I don't have that long to fight in terms of a 'career'.  I'd ideally like to have at least 5 semi-pro fights then move up to pro.  I hope to gain as much experience as I can and train with the best people where ever possible as I would one day love to eventually teach MMA to women.

 

 

What message do you have for females wanting to start out in MMA?

 

Firstly, I have an amazing amount of respect for you. It’s not easy entering a male dominated sport.

I'd tell you to keep YOUR goals in your head and not be swayed by others. A lot of people can have a pull on you. Never be pushed onto anything and never be held back. Work hard, stay dedicated and be true to yourself.

  

 

 

 

Cage Queen would like to thank Helena for speaking with us about her debut fight and history in MMA. We wish you all the best and look forward to catching up with you soon.