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

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In this inspiring episode of It’s Not About The Fight, host Ross Cameron sits down with Arlene Blencowe, a pioneer in women’s MMA and world champion combat sports athlete.
Arlene opens up about her tough upbringing, how she channeled her emotions into boxing and MMA, and what it truly takes—mentally and physically—to succeed at the highest level of fighting. She reflects on the evolution of women’s MMA, the growing number of young girls entering the sport, and her journey navigating the balance between motherhood and a professional fighting career.
Arlene also shares her vision for empowering women through self-defense training and creating a female-only gym, and emphasizes the importance of mental health in sports. This episode is a deep dive into the transformative power of martial arts, resilience, and personal growth.
🔥 Don’t miss this powerful conversation with one of Australia’s most respected fighters.
👉 Subscribe for more real stories behind the fight.

📌 Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro
2:10 – Arlene’s early life and mental toughness
6:35 – Discovering combat sports as an outlet
11:40 – Balancing motherhood and fighting
16:55 – Growth of women’s MMA
22:00 – Mental health in elite performance
27:30 – Arlene’s vision: female-only gym and empowerment
33:10 – Advice for young fighters
39:00 – What’s next for Arlene Blencowe
45:00 – Final reflections with Ross Cameron

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🇦🇺 The Rise of Aussie MMA | Ross Cameron Talks with Joe Lopez, Coach of UFC Champion Alex Volkanovski | Ep.8

In this powerhouse episode of It’s Not About The Fight, Ross Cameron sits down with Joe Lopez, legendary MMA coach and the longtime mentor of UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski. Dive deep into the untold stories behind Volkanovski’s rise to the top, the evolution of Australian MMA, and what it takes to build a world-class fighter from the grassroots up.

🔥 Timestamps & Highlights:
00:00 The Early Days of MMA in Australia

02:45 Transitioning to Coaching and Building a Gym Culture

05:18 Identifying Talent: The Rise of Alexander Volkanovski

07:51 Coaching Philosophy: Balancing Beginners and Elite Athletes

10:23 Mistakes Coaches Make and Learning from Experience

12:43 The Evolution of MMA in Australia

15:25 The Future of MMA: Emerging Talents and Opportunities

19:25 The Role of a Coach in Team Success

20:29 Sparring Philosophy: Controlled vs. Heavy Contact

23:30 Analyzing Opponents: Strategy and Preparation

24:56 The Psychology of Fighting: Mindset Matters

27:13 Cornering Techniques: Communication and Strategy

31:46 The Future of MMA in Australia: Growth and Perception

34:57 The Benefits of Martial Arts: Discipline and Focus

🎙️ About the Podcast:
It’s Not About The Fight explores the mindset, discipline, and deeper philosophy behind martial arts, sport, and personal development. Hosted by Ross Cameron—Vice President of MMA Australasia and Chief Instructor of Yun Jung Do International—this show goes beyond the cage to uncover what it really means to be a martial artist.

💥 Topics Covered:

• The early days of MMA in Australia were challenging due to a lack of resources and information.
• Transitioning from traditional martial arts to MMA required experimentation and adaptation.
• Coaching is about giving back to the sport and helping athletes succeed.
• Building a strong gym culture is essential for athlete development and team dynamics.
• Beginners and elite athletes require different coaching approaches and mental preparation.
• The MMA scene in Australia has grown significantly, producing world-class fighters.
• Maintaining a positive gym culture involves addressing bad behavior promptly.
• Sparring should focus on skill development rather than just hard contact.
• Martial arts teaches valuable life skills, including discipline and control.
• The future of MMA in Australia looks promising with increasing talent and opportunities.

📍 Keywords for Search & SEO:
UFC Australia, Alexander Volkanovski, Joe Lopez interview, Aussie MMA, Ross Cameron podcast, MMA coaching, Freestyle Fighting Gym, UFC featherweight champ, MMA in Australia, martial arts mindset, Australian UFC fighters, how to become a UFC fighter, MMA gym Australia, Volkanovski coach, fight IQ, sports psychology MMA

📲 Subscribe for more exclusive interviews with elite coaches, fighters, and thought leaders from the world of martial arts and MMA.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share if you want to see Aussie MMA continue to rise!

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