Team Elite Muay Thai Joanna Blevins Elite Sports

Biography

At age 34, Joanna started cardio kickboxing for fitness. Prior to this, she had never thrown a punch or had any type of martial arts training. After attending her first Muay Thai event to watch one of her instructors fight, she decided it was something she wanted to try. She had her first exhibition fight nine months after stepping into the gym and hasn’t stopped since.

Video

Q&A Session Between Joanna Blevins and Elite Sports


Question: What inspires you about BJJ? MMA?

Answer:: The challenge. There’s always room for improvement, even in the most basic techniques. Also, the way that I’ve seen it change people. Some become more confident. Some become more humble. The change is always positive.

Question: Who inspires you, past or present? Why do they inspire you?

Answer:: Joanna Jedrzejczyk. I like that she doesn’t do anything too fancy, mostly just crisp, clean striking. The volume and accuracy of her strikes is amazing. Also, my teammates. Their dedication to training is inspiring and helps keep me going.

Question: What are your goals for this year? Next 3 years? Next 5 years?

Answer:: My goal for this year is to win my first title. Beyond that, I have no idea.

Question: How long have you been training?

Answer:: 3 years

Question: How often do you train?

Answer:: 6 days per week. 2-4 hours per day.

Question: Any major accomplishments you’ve been able to achieve in that time?

Answer:: Not really any notable accomplishments yet, but in the past year, I’ve managed to turn my record around from 0-2 to 3-3 and get my first shot at a title.

Question: Do you have a go-to finishing move?

Answer:: Not yet. Every fight has been completely different from the previous one.

Question: What do you think it takes to be a champion in your sports?

Answer:: Discipline and determination. Finding the right coach and team.

Question: What sort of gear do you usually keep in your gym bag before hitting the gym? Do you have different items for specific days?

Answer:: Jump rope, core sliders, mouth guard, towel, knee brace, clean t-shirt, Boxing Gloves water bottle and grippy socks for cold days. Most of my gear stays at the gym.