Its Not About The Fight

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...

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...

🇦🇺 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 i...

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...

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 require...

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...

Martial arts is more than just physical combat—it’s a way of life built on tradition, discipline, and continuous learning. In this episode of It’s Not About The Fight, Ross Cameron and Tino Ceberano dive deep into the evolution of martial arts, from its cultural roots to modern-day training methods.

They explore the balance between hard and soft techniques, the impact of technology on skill development, and the fundamental difference between martial arts and combat sports. More importantly, they discuss why teaching and sharing knowledge is key to keeping martial arts alive for future generations.

This conversation explores the life and experiences of a Grandmaster in Taekwondo, detailing his journey from Korea to establishing martial arts in Australia. It covers his early life, the challenges he faced in promoting Taekwondo globally, and his philosophy on martial arts as a holistic approach to personal development. The discussion also touches on health, longevity, and the importance of legacy, providing insights into the evolution of martial arts practice and the impact of mentorship.

Takeaways
Martial arts is not just about fighting; it's a holistic way of life.
The journey of establishing...

In this conversation, Robert Drysdale shares his journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), discussing the evolution of the sport, the challenges it faces, and his teaching philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, the value of the journey in martial arts, and the need for integrity in coaching. Drysdale also critiques the commercialization of BJJ and the impact of social media on the sport's authenticity. He reflects on the future of BJJ, the significance of teaching methods, and the legacy of influential figures like Carlson Gracie.

Takeaways
Robert Drysdale's early attraction to combat sports shaped his...

In this conversation, Ross Cameron and Eric Nicksick delve into the intricate psychology of fighters, focusing on the balance between confidence and overconfidence, the emotional impact of losing, and the importance of effective communication in coaching. They discuss the structure of fight camps, the significance of sparring techniques, and the role of community and culture in training. The conversation emphasizes the need for leadership, accountability, and the continuous development of skills and mentality in fighters, all while upholding the standards and legacy of their gym.

Takeaways
Confidence is essential, but overconfidence can hinder training.
Building...

It’s Not About The Fight with Ross Cameron is more than just a martial arts podcast—it’s a deep dive into the mindset, training, and philosophy behind combat sports. Hosted by  Ross Cameron, a lifelong martial artist, coach,  this show explores the skills, discipline, and life lessons that shape true martial artists.

From high-performance training to mental resilience, Ross sits down with elite fighters, world-class coaches, and industry leaders to break down what it takes to succeed—inside and outside the cage. Expect raw insights, expert strategies, and real stori...