Captain’s Corner: MMA | Varsity
Charlie gives him full blue steelGuantong Tue
Why is your sport the best? No other martial art is as complete. Mixed Martial Arts integrates the best techniques from Boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. It’s as realistic and effective as it gets.
What was your best moment as captain? The overwhelming interest at Freshers’ Fair and watching our complete beginners grow in confidence and ability. Some of them are even making their Varsity 2023 debut!
What is your best sporting moment? My first amateur MMA fight in varsity last year at Oxford. It was an honor to share the cage with my opponent who was an absolute warrior.
What was your worst sporting moment? I lost my varsity match (which I won) due to injury. I ended up hurting my shoulder from hitting my opponent!
Is MMA safe? Beyond the protective gear, our trainers emphasize developing a relationship with training partners so that sparring intensity can be controlled. Usually we “play spar”, which allows us to focus more on technique while reducing the risk of injury.
No really, is it safe? Safe in the knowledge that if confronted on the street I have the heart to run away.
What’s it like getting kicked in the face? Depends on. Through a shin guard and controlled? Like a punch. Shin on jaw or temple? Lights out.
what kind of fighter are you I like to think of myself as a composed and technical fighter who has a full game. That aside, I’m guilty of the occasional troll movement.
favorite train? The spinning back kick is on the feet. Difficult to pull off, but hurts when it lands. Favorite template is probably the arm triangle because it’s so high-proof [highly effective] Move.
Would you describe yourself as a masochist? No, I’m a sadist. Joking aside, I take great care of all my training partners.
Who is the funniest on the team? Ayman – he makes an uncanny impression of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Grapples like him too.
The ones to watch at Varsity 2023? Definitely our new members of the competition squad Myles and Robert. It was heartwarming and really impressive to see her come this far this year.
How can we see you in varsity?? MMA Varsity makes its Cambridge debut on Saturday 18 March at 3pm in the University Sports Centre’s Gymnasium. Tickets are available on FIXR via our Instagram (@cambridgeunimma) and Facebook bios.