JRE MMA Show #115 with Valentina Schevchenko

22-Oct-21

JRE MMA Show #115 with Valentina Schevchenko – Topics and Summary

This podcast features Joe Rogan interviewing Valentina Shevchenko, the current UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion, diving into her unique journey as a martial artist and exploring various aspects of her life and training philosophy.

Topics and Summary

1. Valentina Shevchenko’s Multilingualism and Cultural Immersion:

Shevchenko speaks three languages fluently (Russian, English, and Spanish) and is currently learning Thai.
She actively immerses herself in new cultures, believing it enhances her understanding of the world and enriches her life.
She emphasizes the importance of practicing languages with native speakers, advocating for complete immersion.
Her linguistic journey reflects her dedication to personal growth and exploration.

2. Shevchenko’s Early Martial Arts Journey:

She started training in Taekwondo at age 5, driven by her mother’s passion for martial arts.
Her coach, Pavel, emphasized a well-rounded approach, exposing her to various martial arts disciplines from a young age.
She competed in numerous martial arts styles, developing a versatile skill set that included Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Wushu Sanda, and karate.
This early exposure to diverse martial arts formed the foundation for her exceptional fighting style.

3. The Importance of Finding the Right Coach:

Shevchenko highlights the crucial role of a skilled coach in a fighter’s development.
She believes that even talented fighters can falter without the right guidance and approach.
She emphasizes the importance of a coach who understands individual strengths and weaknesses and tailors training accordingly.
Shevchenko’s unwavering loyalty to her coach, Pavel, who has guided her since she was 5, underscores the vital impact of a strong mentor-student relationship.

4. The Unique Benefits of Training in Thailand:

Shevchenko credits Thailand with fostering a specific “spirit” that elevates the Muay Thai training experience.
She advocates for immersive training, encouraging fighters to explore Thai culture and immerse themselves in the local environment.
She believes that understanding the cultural context deepens the appreciation and understanding of the martial art itself.
Shevchenko’s commitment to training in Thailand reflects her belief that enriching experiences beyond the gym contribute to overall growth and success.

5. The Interconnectedness of Learning and Growth:

Shevchenko believes that diverse experiences, including language learning, cultural immersion, and even dance, enhance a fighter’s overall skillset.
She emphasizes that learning new things not only expands knowledge but also refines existing skills through a broader perspective.
She sees this interconnectedness as a key element in achieving mastery in any area of life.
Her journey exemplifies the idea that a well-rounded individual is a more capable and adaptable fighter.

6. The Importance of a Balanced Approach to Life:

Shevchenko embraces a philosophy of balance, believing that a fulfilling life involves pursuing diverse interests and passions.
She credits her mother for fostering this balanced approach by encouraging her to pursue both martial arts and dance from a young age.
She believes that integrating diverse activities enhances personal growth and provides a richer experience.
Shevchenko’s own life serves as an example of how a balanced approach can lead to success in multiple domains.

7. The Value of Humility in Success:

Shevchenko recognizes the importance of humility even in the face of success.
She believes that excessive self-confidence can hinder a fighter’s growth and performance.
She emphasizes the need for a constant drive to improve, acknowledging that complacency can lead to downfall.
Shevchenko’s humble approach reflects her understanding that continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for sustaining success.

8. The Mental and Physical Demands of Mixed Martial Arts:

Shevchenko acknowledges the demanding nature of training, emphasizing the mental and physical toll it takes.
She describes her approach to mental preparation, prioritizing intense training sessions that push her beyond her physical limits.
She believes that pushing through physical exhaustion strengthens mental resilience and builds the capacity to endure pressure.
This mental and physical fortitude is key to her ability to perform at the highest level in the octagon.

9. Shevchenko’s Unique Training Approach:

Shevchenko eschews traditional strength and conditioning exercises, preferring to focus on functional training that simulates real-fight scenarios.
She prioritizes intense sparring sessions, believing that the dynamic interactions with a resisting opponent provide the most valuable training experience.
She avoids excessive running and other cardio activities, believing they can deplete energy reserves needed for training and fighting.
Her unconventional training methods demonstrate her commitment to a holistic approach that optimizes performance.

10. Shevchenko’s Perspective on Sparring and its Importance:

She emphasizes the importance of sparring as a key element of fight preparation, but also warns against the dangers of excessive and unprotected sparring.
She advocates for protective gear and a measured approach, believing that unnecessary injuries can compromise a fighter’s long-term health and performance.
She believes that sparring should be a tool for development, not a means to prove bravery or toughness.
Shevchenko’s approach to sparring exemplifies a balanced perspective, emphasizing both the benefits and potential risks.

11. The Importance of Respect in Martial Arts:

Shevchenko believes that martial arts cultivate respect for oneself, opponents, and the training environment.
She describes her gym as a “temple” where she prioritizes respectful conduct and disciplined training.
She believes that a respectful approach fosters a safe and productive training environment, minimizing the risk of injuries.
Shevchenko’s commitment to respect reflects her deep appreciation for the transformative power of martial arts.

12. Shevchenko’s Passion for Shooting and its Historical Significance:

Shevchenko shares her love for shooting, describing it as a passionate pursuit that has become a significant part of her life.
She highlights the historical significance of firearms, emphasizing the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship involved in their creation.
She participates in competitive shooting, demonstrating her skill and dedication to this discipline.
Shevchenko’s passion for shooting illustrates her wide-ranging interests and her appreciation for diverse forms of skill and precision.

13. The Benefits of a Well-Rounded Approach to Training and Life:

Shevchenko’s holistic approach to training, which encompasses cultural immersion, physical preparation, and mental discipline, reflects a belief that a well-rounded individual is a more capable fighter.
She emphasizes the interconnectedness of diverse experiences, advocating for a balanced approach to life and training.
Shevchenko’s success serves as a testament to the power of a well-rounded philosophy.
Her journey inspires others to embrace a holistic perspective and explore their full potential.

14. Shevchenko’s Thoughts on the UFC’s Female Division:

Shevchenko believes that the UFC’s female division has rapidly evolved, showcasing a high level of skill and competition.
She credits this growth to the dedication and talent of female fighters and the increasing popularity of women’s MMA.
She recognizes the depth of talent in the 125-pound division, highlighting the numerous strong contenders she could potentially face.
Shevchenko’s observations demonstrate her awareness of the evolving landscape of women’s MMA and her commitment to competing against the best.

15. The Importance of Understanding One’s Body and Training:

Shevchenko emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s own body and its unique needs, rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach to training.
She prioritizes her own intuition and body’s signals over reliance on gadgets and external metrics.
She advocates for a personalized approach to training and nutrition, believing that individual needs vary.
Shevchenko’s approach to training highlights the importance of self-awareness and individualization in maximizing performance.

16. The Power of Intermittent Fasting and its Benefits:

Shevchenko practices intermittent fasting, consuming her last meal before 5 PM and abstaining from food until after her morning workout.
She believes that this practice enhances her endurance and performance, allowing her to train intensely without feeling weighed down by food.
Shevchenko’s experience highlights the potential benefits of intermittent fasting, suggesting it can be a valuable tool for athletes seeking to optimize performance.
Her approach to intermittent fasting is an unconventional method that showcases her commitment to finding what works best for her.

17. The Importance of Respect for Gun Culture and Safety:

Shevchenko highlights the importance of respect and safety in gun culture.
She emphasizes the need for education and understanding of firearms, advocating for responsible ownership and use.
She believes that gun culture, when approached with respect and responsibility, can contribute positively to society.
Shevchenko’s perspective challenges common misconceptions about gun culture and underscores the importance of responsible ownership.

18. The Role of Martial Arts in Combating Bullying:

Shevchenko advocates for integrating martial arts into school curriculums to combat bullying and promote healthy self-esteem.
She believes that martial arts training instills self-confidence and teaches conflict resolution skills, reducing the likelihood of bullying.
Shevchenko’s perspective underscores the potential of martial arts as a tool for positive social change.
She proposes a proactive approach to addressing bullying through the transformative power of martial arts.

19. Shevchenko’s Thoughts on the Evolution of Mixed Martial Arts:

Shevchenko acknowledges the rapid evolution of mixed martial arts, highlighting the increased skill level and athleticism of fighters today.
She emphasizes the importance of well-rounded training, acknowledging the need for fighters to excel in multiple disciplines.
She celebrates the growth of mixed martial arts, recognizing the incredible talent pool that exists in the sport.
Shevchenko’s perspective underscores her appreciation for the sport’s dynamic evolution and her commitment to staying at the forefront.

5 Memorable Quotes

“You are overestimated, it’s going to be like not an interesting fight. You’re going to be like just afraid of throwing anything.” – Shevchenko emphasizes the importance of remaining humble and not overestimating opponents.
“It’s not just a sport, it’s like family.” – Shevchenko describes the strong bond she shares with her coach and sister, highlighting the importance of teamwork and shared passion.
“Everything happened like instantly and I have to be sure that my brain and my body are ready to act.” – Shevchenko highlights the importance of instinct and preparedness in the heat of the moment during a fight.
“I just want to continue to have the way of life what I have, the style, lifestyle what I have.” – Shevchenko expresses her desire to maintain her current lifestyle and approach to life and martial arts.
“I don’t drink, but I’m not against it. I’m not like a person who’s judging people for drinking.” – Shevchenko demonstrates a balanced approach to personal choices and respect for others’ choices.