If we are talking about the future of the women’s divisions of MMA, look no further than the IMMAF.
Their youth divisions for athletes under 18 have provided a secure environment to grow and learn. It also gives them an opportunity to prove their skills against others and win championships.
In the coming weeks we are highlighting some of these athletes.
Andrea Frisque got the silver at the 2021 IMMAF Youth Championship in Bulgaria, which solidified Kihon MMA even more as a hotbed for young talent. Having trained in taekwondo at a young age, Frisque soon met Coach Eddie Bates and transitioned into MMA and has been training in it for five years.
Wombat Sports: What got you interested in competing in MMA?
Andrea Frisque: I started MMA all because I met my coach at a sushi restaurant when my parents & I went to go eat out. From day one of trying it out I loved it & I knew it’s what I wanted to stick with it.
Wombat: What do you enjoy about it?
Frisque: One of the things I enjoy most about this sport is being able to build the bond with my teammates, we’re all family & we all train together. The other thing is being able to fight in the cage, the adrenaline I get from it is unmatched to any other feeling.
W.S.: How have your friends and classmates reacted to you competing?
A.F.: When I first started to fight no one really knew of it, but the longer I continued it the more the word spread. All my friends are pretty much used to it by now but I also know that they are proud.
W.S.: How about your family?
A.F.: As for my family, they have had my back since day 1. They are my backbone to everything & my #1 supporters, especially my parents.
W.S.: Who do you look up to in fighting?
A.F.: I don’t have a particular person that I look up to in fighting, but if I had to choose one I would say probably Zhang Weili. It is really fun to watch her fight.
W.S.: How do you feel about the future of females in MMA?
A.F.: As for the future of female MMA fighters, I have really high hopes. Just by seeing & watching how many girl competitors were at the IMMAF event was incredible. I personally think we were a lot more aggressive & entertaining than the boys.
W.S.: What comes naturally to you in MMA? What have you found difficult?
A.F.: In MMA, I personally feel like stand up is my strong point. Sometimes simple submissions like armbars or my favorite move, the perruvian, come naturally but I don’t feel as comfortable yet going on the ground. This just shows me how much work I still need to do for myself.
W.S.: How has it been to compete in the IMMAF?
A.F.: Being able to compete for IMMAF again feels like an honor. People from all around the world came to this event to showcase what they’ve got. I even got to make some new friends from different countries!
W.S.: What are your aspirations in fighting?
A.F.: I really would like to continue fighting, I love this sport & I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for it. It’s practically my whole life. I want to become the best I can be for no one else except myself.
W.S.: Anyone you’d like to thank/add?
A.F.: A few people I would like to thank are my parents, my family, my friends, my teammates, & my coaches for helping me get to where I am now. Without them I couldn’t be close to where I am now. Thank you have an amazing evening!
Wombat Sports 