Issue 004

June 2005

Emma comes from a Judo background and currently holds a 1st Dan in this discipline. While serving with the military in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, Emma trained at Catterick Garrison Martial Arts Club — home of Team Shotai Kai — under Mick Nokes and started to train in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Emma has had two contests as an amateur, both against female fighter Natalie Kendal from Doncaster Gracie Barra, both of which she won. 

FO: So why did you start training in martial arts?

EW: I was introduced to martial arts as a child by my father, Vince Whyte, who is a qualified Judo coach. With his support, and patience, I graduated through the ranking system, finally obtaining my 1st Dan. I enjoyed Judo as it also gave me confidence to look after myself, and it also helped me to keep fit and supple. While studying Judo I entered many competitions and have several trophies on display at my parents’ home in Sunderland.

FO:What attracted you to MMA?

EW: While serving with the army in Catterick Garrison, I ventured down to the Martial Arts Club in the hope of continuing my Judo training, but when I got there I found that it was an MMA club, with the instructor

Mick being a Dan grade in several martial arts, Judo being just one of the disciplines. At the club I found the mixture of training, and the mixing of the different arts fascinating, and also I was really pleased to find the club was made up of a group of friends, like an extended family, unlike any club I had been to before. At the club we all venture to different clubs and events across the country together, and it was during one of these trips that I saw my first MMA event — at Ultimate Combat in Chippenham, where one of the club members beat his opponent in around 15 seconds. After seeing the event I felt even more determined to get into the ring and test my skills myself.

FO: So when was your first MMA contest?

EW: My first contest was around three years ago, at the Goshin Ryu event in Chilton, Co. Durham. Here I fought a girl named Natalie Kendal. It was a good fight, and we both fought well. I won the fight by decision.

FO: How did you feel getting into the ring for the first time?

EW: Chilton Working Mens Club, where I had my first contest, was very much a male orientated club, full of shaven headed, beer-swilling, rowdy North East working men, and to be truthful I was more afraid of getting to and into the ring in front of the crowd than I was of facing my opponent. As I got changed, in the toilet of the changing room, I felt really nervous but also excited as I was looking forward to proving to myself and my club and team that I had what it takes.

FO: So what was your training regime prior to the fight?

EW: At the club we would do a minimum of 40 minutes cardio at the start of every session, followed by skills and drills training for the next hour, and sparring for the last 20 minutes. These sessions were held two to three times per week, and on top of this I also did my own cardio training every day, as well as weight training three times each week. During the training and sparring sessions I was treated as an equal by the lads at the club, and no quarter was asked for or given. In fact, several times I left the club with a black eye or bloody nose; saved me loads on make-up!

FO: So, how did your first fight go?

EW: I won the fight by decision. At the time I didn’t know how I did, but on watching the footage of the fight afterwards I was glad to see that I dominated the fight from the start, with some good takedowns and ground control, but I was just unable to get a submission hold on Natalie, who was, and still is, a very strong girl. Following the event, I was really pleased with myself, not just in that I had won but also because I had not let my instructor and my team-mates down.

FO: I believe you and Natalie have fought again since that first event. How did the rematch go?

EW: Yes, that is correct. We fought again at the Pride & Glory: Battle of the Ages event in Newcastle. Again, we had a good fight, and again this time I won, but only just. Natalie is a really strong girl and had improved a lot by the time we fought for the second time, and I am sure she will be a name to watch out for in the future.

FO: So what are your plans for the future?

EW: At the moment I am studying to become a Psychiatric Nurse. And although I still train, I am not planning to compete again for a while as I want to dedicate my time to my career and my studies.

FO: What are your thoughts on women being involved in MMA in the UK.

EW: When I started training there were only a few girls active on the UK MMA scene, such as Natalie, Rosi Sexton and Kelly Salone, and it was really difficult to get opponents. Now I am glad to see that more and more girls are stepping into the ring and proving that they have the skills and the determination to prove that MMA is not a male-only sport.