Mixed Martial Arts couple could change the face of the sport

Jan 17 2013 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

The most dangerous couple in Mixed Martial Arts could change the face of the sport forever.

Joanne Calderwood and James Doolan began carving out names for themselves in the sport well before deciding to move their MMA outfit Higher Level from South Lanarshire to West Lothian last winter.

And after Joanne dominated her fight against Livia Von Plettenberg last weekend before winning the fight on decision, both have now enjoyed success in the cage since the move.

The pair have the chance to solve MMA’s image problem and influence how it’s viewed in the UK and beyond.

Articulate

Speaking to them, there is no sign of the devastating skills they possess.

Joanne is a softly spoken former nurse who comes across as both polite and warm-hearted - far from the aggression she shows in the cage.

Likewise, James is a pleasure to talk to - articulate and happy to offer his time.

The couple could prove to be gold dust for the development of the sport in the United Kingdom.

Reputation

Mixed Martial Arts has a bit of a bad reputation at times for being brutal and unsafe.

Much of this has been pedalled by media sources and television programmes.

The image of the sport as “cage-fighting” with “no holds barred” may have got MMA off the ground and in the public eye, but it did nothing to promote it as a discipline or skilled martial art.

It’s certainly not a sport for the faint of heart, but that doesn’t mean it deserves the criticism and reputation it often carries.

That view has hampered the sport’s development in the UK, with boxing and karate being seen at times as superior sports: art forms compared to MMA’s brutality.

Respect

Watching the preparation and dedication shown at Higher Level’s Whitburn gym, there is no sign of this.

The fighters show each other respect and there is a real camaraderie.

These guys are focused on being the best they can be in the sport and training hard to get there.

The fighters I have met aren’t interested in kicking lumps out of people or causing harm.

They are focused on winning - like every other sportsman and woman I have spoken to.

Mixed Martial Arts is now attracting martial artists from various other sports, mostly through the word of mouth.

"Egos are left at the door."

Most have gone to the sport after hearing through friends who have fought in the same discipline but made the move.

The appeal is the chance to develop into the ultimate all-round fighter.

When I first met members of the Higher Level club, they stated: “Egos are left at the door” and fitness and technique was the main focus.

That’s the image the sport needs to project if its fighters are to get the recognition they deserve.

An articulate and mild-mannered couple like James and Joanne can go a long way to helping change the face of the sport.

They come across as determined and passionate about their sport, but not egotistical or brutish.

And those are the attributes that will emulate the sport to where it wants to be.