Its Not About The Fight

EP14 - Carl Prince - Your Chin's got an Expiry Date - Manchester Top Team founder

In this episode of It’s Not About The Fight, Ross Cameron is joined by one of the most influential figures in UK mixed martial arts — Carl Prince, founder and head coach of Manchester Top Team. From humble beginnings and a casual interest in martial arts to becoming a coach and promoter at the forefront of the UK MMA scene, Carl shares his powerful story and hard-earned insights into what it takes to succeed in the fight game. We go deep into the evolution of MMA in the UK, from the early days to the emergence of professional-level gyms like Manchester Top Team. Carl breaks down the challenges of gym ownership, the critical role of community, and why sparring, media training, and mindset are as important as any technique. 🧠 Topics Covered: * The origins and growth of UK MMA * Building a world-class fight team with local roots * Creating a culture of discipline, respect, and development * The role of youth development in MMA * Why sparring must be smart, not savage * How to protect your fighters and still push them * Managing the amateur-to-pro journey * The importance of media training in the modern fight game * Leadership, consistency, and removing negative influences * Advice for new coaches and team leaders 💬 "Your chin’s got an expiry date." 💬 "We want to be the Manchester City of MMA." Whether you're a coach, athlete, gym owner, or martial arts fan, this episode offers raw, valuable insight from someone who’s shaping the next generation of fighters. 🔗 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform. 💥 Follow Ross Cameron and the It’s Not About The Fight podcast for weekly conversations with the world’s leading martial artists, coaches, and thinkers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Carl Prince and His Journey 02:21 The Evolution of MMA in the UK 04:58 The Culture of Manchester Top Team 08:51 Building a Supportive Community in MMA 12:26 Training Philosophy and Sparring Practices 20:07 Identifying and Developing Young Talent 23:45 The Importance of Media Training in MMA 28:45 Mindset and Coaching Philosophy 31:01 Challenges of Gym Ownership 33:48 Community Engagement and Impact 35:17 Building a Strong Local Fight Community 38:19 Advice for Aspiring Coaches 42:57 Future Aspirations and Fighter Development Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2455428/open_sms]

EP13 - Angie & Jessie James Parr - A legacy of combat sports inside the Parr Family

Welcome to another episode of It’s Not About The Fight, where we explore the people, stories, and values behind the world’s most dedicated martial artists. In this episode, we’re honoured to be joined by Angie Parr and Jesse James Parr—two integral members of the legendary Parr family, whose impact on Australian and global combat sports is undeniable. 🥊 Angie Parr, a seasoned Muay Thai world champion and co-owner of Boonchu Gym, opens up about her entry into martial arts at age 17. What started as a quest for self-defense turned into a lifelong journey of purpose, passion, and world-class fighting. Angie talks candidly about the challenges she faced as a female fighter in the early days, balancing motherhood and professional fighting, and what continues to drive her today as a mentor and gym leader. 🥋 Jesse James Parr, son of Angie and legendary fighter John Wayne Parr, reflects on growing up in one of the most respected fight gyms in the world. From holding pads as a toddler to competing in Jiu Jitsu and chasing his own MMA dreams, Jesse shares how living in a combat sports household shaped his mindset, discipline, and identity. He also discusses his training philosophy, the lessons he’s learned from his parents, and how he’s carving his own path in the fight world. 🎯 In This Episode You’ll Learn: * What motivated Angie Parr to take up martial arts and the hurdles she overcame * Jesse’s experience being raised in the Boonchu Gym environment * The Parr family's approach to training, discipline, and mental strength * How Angie and Jesse manage the balance between family and fighting * Jesse’s vision for the future in BJJ, MMA, and beyond * Insights into the culture and values that define Boonchu Gym and the Parr legacy 🎤 Whether you're an aspiring fighter, coach, parent, or fan of martial arts, this episode delivers a rare inside look into the values, lifestyle, and training culture of one of the most influential families in combat sports. 📲 Follow Our Guests: * Jesse James Parr Instagram: @JessieJamesParr [https://www.instagram.com/jessiejamesparr] TikTok: @JohnWayneParrsSon [https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwayneparrsson] * Angie Parr Instagram: @AngelaParr [https://www.instagram.com/angelaparr] 🎧 Listen to “It’s Not About The Fight” on all major platforms. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that go beyond the ring and into the heart of martial arts. 📌 Hashtags: #CombatSports #MartialArts #ParrFamily #AngieParr #JesseJamesParr #MuayThai #BJJ #MMA #BoonchuGym #FightcrossPodcast #ItsNotAboutTheFight #AustralianMartialArts #NextGenFighter #WomenInCombatSports #MartialArtsLegacy #GymLife Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2455428/open_sms]

EP12 - Ricardo Liborio - Community, Mentorship & the Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In this powerful episode of the Ross Cameron Podcast, we sit down with one of the true pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA—Master Ricardo Liborio, co-founder of American Top Team. Liborio opens up about his decades-long journey through martial arts, the cultural evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the deeper meaning of training, community, and mentorship. Together with Ross Cameron, they explore what it really takes to build champions—not just on the mats, but in life. From the emotional challenges of competition to the science of modern training, this conversation is packed with life lessons, coaching insights, and real talk about how martial arts can shape the next generation. 💬 Topics Covered: * The cultural shift in martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu * Mentorship and youth development through martial arts * Emotional support for competitors * Old-school vs. new-school training philosophies * The importance of fundamentals and discipline * Teaching kids and the joy of watching them grow * Life after fighting and giving back to the community * Martial arts as a business and a calling ✅ Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or lifelong martial artist, this episode is a must-watch. 🔗 Subscribe for more interviews with the world’s top martial artists and coaches. 📌 CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Journey of Martial Arts 03:36 Cultural Evolution in Martial Arts 06:17 The Role of Community in Martial Arts 09:16 Adapting to Age in Martial Arts 12:13 Training Philosophy: Old School vs. New School 15:03 The Science of Training 17:57 The Importance of Fundamentals 20:53 Emotional Preparation in Competition 23:35 Lessons from Losses 26:22 The Privilege of Teaching Martial Arts 32:30 Ownership Mindset in Business 35:25 The Importance of Community 38:30 Learning Through Experience 41:47 Youth in Combat Sports 44:41 Life After Fighting 47:38 The Role of Education 50:25 Impact of Teaching Kids 53:54 The Value of Relationships 57:21 Reflections on Life and Success 🎯 Hashtags & Keywords: #RicardoLiborio #BrazilianJiuJitsu #MartialArtsPodcast #RossCameron #AmericanTopTeam #BJJCommunity #Mentorship #LifeLessons #YouthDevelopment #MartialArtsLife #EmotionalSupport #Discipline #CoachingPhilosophy #BJJTraining #MartialArtsBusiness Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2455428/open_sms]

Ep11 - Adam Tibbitts - Building Champions through character - MMA, Wrestling & coaching philosophy

In this powerful episode of It’s Not About The Fight,  Ross Cameron sits down with Adam Tibbitts, founder of Death Roll Submission Wrestling, for an in-depth discussion on the values, challenges, and evolution of martial arts coaching in Australia. From humble beginnings in wrestling to becoming a respected coach and gym owner, Adam unpacks his personal journey through MMA, No-Gi grappling, and the martial arts community. But this isn’t just about fights or medals—this conversation focuses on what it truly means to build champions through character, not just competition. Adam shares his insights on: * Why developing a strong, ego-free gym culture is essential for long-term athlete growth * The qualities he looks for in future champions, including humility, discipline, and the ability to listen * The role of mental health and well-being in high-performance combat sports training * The importance of foundational skills over flashy techniques, especially for beginners and youth athletes * His experience running a martial arts gym in Australia, and the business values that must align with martial arts principles * The difference between coaching youth vs. adults, and how to adapt your teaching style to individual learning needs * His philosophy on modern coaching, lifelong learning, and stepping back to mentor the next generation Whether you’re a coach, competitor, gym owner, or someone passionate about martial arts culture, this episode is full of authentic, practical wisdom from one of the most thoughtful voices in Australian grappling. 💡 Key Takeaways: * Character matters more than championships * Listening is a superpower for athletes and coaches * Culture is your competitive advantage * Mental health and training must be balanced * True teaching adapts with the times 📌 Chapters Include: 00:00 – Adam Tibbitts' Martial Arts Origins 03:30 – Building Character Over Champions 07:05 – Ego at the Door: Creating Strong Gym Culture 10:35 – Identifying Future Champions 13:04 – Mastering the Basics 15:00 – Balancing Mental Health in Training 16:04 – Youth vs Adult Coaching 17:27 – Lessons from the Gym Floor 18:31 – Sharing Knowledge: The Next Step 20:39 – Advice for the Next Generation 🎙️ Quotes From the Episode: “Nobody’s better than anybody.” “The ability to listen is key.” “Do it.” 🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more. 📲 Follow Ross Cameron MMA for updates, behind-the-scenes, and more great content: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Shorts Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2455428/open_sms]

Ep10 - Fari Salievski - Proven lessons from 43 years coaching martial arts

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, and integrating technology into martial arts training, offering actionable insights for instructors and school owners who want to grow their programs and impact their communities. Whether you’re a lifelong martial artist, an aspiring coach, or an entrepreneur seeking proven strategies to thrive in the martial arts business, this episode is packed with valuable advice and personal stories that will motivate you to elevate your own practice. 🔥 Tune in to learn about: ✅ Crafting a compelling teaching philosophy ✅ The benefits of cross-training and modern MMA integration ✅ Business growth strategies for martial arts schools ✅ Leveraging technology to enhance student learning ✅ The role of mentorship and leadership in building lasting success 💡 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the martial arts industry’s most respected voices. Takeaways Master Fari has 43 years of teaching experience. Cross-training has naturally influenced his teaching philosophy. Experience in martial arts saves decades of heartache for students. Adapting traditional martial arts is essential for modern relevance. Building a successful martial arts school requires commitment and structure. Marketing strategies should focus on student experiences, not just the instructor. Technology can enhance martial arts training through online resources. Mentorship is crucial for personal and professional growth in martial arts. A successful martial arts school should prioritize student retention and satisfaction. The future of martial arts lies in evolving industry standards and practices.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Master Fari and His Journey 02:46 The Evolution of Martial Arts Training 05:02 Cross-Training and Teaching Philosophy 07:44 The Importance of Experience in Martial Arts 10:52 Adapting Traditional Martial Arts to Modern Needs 13:39 The Role of MMA in Martial Arts Training 16:09 Building a Successful Martial Arts School 18:57 Marketing and Business Strategies in Martial Arts 21:36 The Impact of Technology on Martial Arts Training 24:30 Mentorship and Leadership in Martial Arts 27:05 Advice for Aspiring Martial Arts Instructors 29:50 The Future of Martial Arts and Industry Standards 32:39 Personal Reflections and Life Lessons 35:28 Conclusion and Future Endeavors Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2455428/open_sms]