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Shantelle’s ‘girl power’ performance

Posted on September 30, 2011

By VINNIE RODI

“LOOKS can be deceiving.” It may be an old adage, but it’s one that is very accurate when discussing Mildura’s Shantelle Thompson.

FIGHTING SPIRIT: Shantelle is pictured with fellow Jui Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts enthusiasts – and fellow Pan Pacific medalists – Mick Moloney and Doug Hren.

Looking every bit the lovely mother of three when the Mildura Weekly caught up with her this week, Shantelle, 27, is also a keen participant in Mildura’s growing Mixed Martial Arts movement, trained in the art of self-defence, and capable of bettering men double her size.

One of only a handful of women taking part in the sport across the district – and the only woman participating under Mildura Mixed Martial Arts’ Extreme Jiu Jitsu umbrella – Shantelle was part of a local group to participate in the recent 13th Annual Pan Pacific Jiu Jitsu Grappling Competition.

Held recently at Melbourne’s Sports and Aquatic Centre, the three-day event attracted close to 800 competitors from Australia, America, Brazil and Japan, with an estimated 1415 bouts held.

Shantelle finished the tournament as one of the better performed local competitors, finishing with two gold medals (in the 71 kilogram No-Gi and Open No-Gi divisions), and a silver in the 71 kilogram Gi category.

It was an experience the young mother said had proved extremely rewarding.

“I’ve been participating on and off in Mildura Mixed Martial Arts for close to seven years,” Shantelle said. “But it’s only been in the last few months that I’ve started competing.

“It’s one of the great things about Mildura MMA, it’s up to each individual if they want to go away and compete.”

Coming up against competitors of varying ages, experience levels – and in the case of the Open Division – weight classes, Shantelle pushed herself to the limit, surprising herself with her results.

“It was fantastic,” she said. “All my fights were held as one, five minute round elimination bouts.

“Just to be in an environment where I was able to interact and talk with other women interested in the sport was an awesome experience.

“Everyone was really friendly, and keen to network and learn more about their competitors.

“And once in the ring the fights were extremely challenging, and taught me a lot about the sport, and the areas I can improve in.”

Of the other local grapplers to travel to the event, Mildura MMA head coach, Mick Moloney, and Doug Hren also won medals in their respective divisions.

For Shantelle, her passion and love for MMA started at the age of 20.
Attending a training session out of curiosity, Shantelle was encouraged by Mick to have a go.

“It’s something Mick is big on,” she said. “He knows that the moment you give it a go you’re going to be hooked.”

Shantelle admitted she was hesitant at first, but was soon amazed by the amount of care and dedication local competitors – especially the men – have when it comes to improving their craft.

“Like a lot of people I was hesitant,” she said. “I immediately thought that I wasn’t fit enough, or that the boys would probably get too rough with me.

“Mick and everyone are fantastic, they teach at a pace that suits you, and it’s not all about testosterone, it’s about getting the technique right.”

Shantelle said that from a female perspective, the sport was great for self-defence.

“It teaches you what to do in any situation,” she said. “When most women are attacked by men, the first reaction is for the guy to try and get them to the ground.

“Jiu Jitsu is all about ground grappling, and teaches you how to protect yourself in those positions.

“It’s certainly a sport that I encourage others to become involved with – especially women.”

Taking part in training sessions for close two years, Shantelle said she had then taken close to five years off to start a family, only recently returning to the sport.

“When I decided to come back, it was to challenge myself physically again, and regain the type of fitness that can’t be gained in any gym,” she said.

“I actually had no interest in competing, but an opportunity to travel to the South Australian titles came up, and I jumped at the chance.”

Competing well at the SA titles, Shantelle soon developed a ‘bug’ for competition, which led to her entering the Pan Pacific titles.

And while caring for her three children – Nacinta, 4, and twins Jaida and Soane, both 2, and completing her Secondary Teaching degree through the Koorie Institute of Education – were her main priorities, Shantelle admitted MMA was fast becoming a close second.

“I love being able to wear so many different hats,” she said. “While on one hand I get to be this ‘girly-girl’ and mother of three, I also get to embrace my ‘tomboy’ side every now then – which is fantastic.

“I’m really passionate about MMA and Jiu Jitsu, it’s something that I can have to myself, and go as far as I want with it.”

In addition to participating in MMA, Shantelle is also completing her teaching degree – a course she is completing via correspondence.

It’s a goal that recently received a massive boost, with Shantelle awarded the Governor-General teaching scholarship – the only person in Victoria to receive the prestigious award.

Accepting the scholarship at Governor House in Canberra, the award will help cover the costs of study, with Shantelle saying it had been a honour to be recognised.

“I’ve got one year left of study, and to receive this scholarship is just amazing,” she said. “It will allow me to further focus on my course, while also having more time with the kids.

“It’s also an achievement that I credit with my time in MMA. It’s a sport that has taught me self-discipline, and it’s something I’ve been able to include in my study and everyday life.”

In terms of her MMA career, Shantelle – along with Doug, and Mick – will now set their sights on a possible overseas trip, with the trio earning the right to compete at the Mundials Jiu Jitsu Championships in Brazil next year.

More information on Mildura Mixed Martial Arts is available by contacting Mick on 0427 567 798, or via email; rskmma@hotmail.com.

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