By Joshua Johnson

When Da Fam Sports Group decided to begin doing features on athletes and individuals other than the ones we represent, the goal was simple: find talented, hard working individuals and put them and their stories on display. It seems with this week’s feature we’ve arrived at our goal and then some. Cammie Jurkowsky is a graduate of Penn State University (which she attended on a scholarship for playing lacrosse), a Mixed Martial Arts fighter and fitness model. All of the above certainly require talent and a lot of hard work. Now read as our Joshua Johnson talks to Cammie about her story.

Can you explain to the people out there really what Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is?

MMA is a form of Martial Arts that combines everything from Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, sambo, judo and many other forms of martial arts and combat.  MMA rules allow both striking and grappling techniques to be used in the competitions. So as you can see, it takes a WIDE variety of skill and focus to be able to be successful with the sport of MMA. Just like with any sport, you have to be good at several things in order to be successful.  I always try to compare it to other sports; you can’t be a successful basketball athlete by just having a good lay-up, you gotta be able to shoot 3′s and be able to play defense in order to be successful.  My main focus is Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (or referred to as BJJ).  There is much more to MMA than just ‘being a cage fighter’, which it is commonly referred to as.

What made you choose the career path of an MMA fighter?

I needed a challenge.  I wanted to push myself and do something that was ‘outside’ of the box, especially for women. Fortunately, I have a flexible job as a personal trainer, and can get my conditioning workouts in when I need on my breaks at work, and can go to MMA training 3-4 nights a week for a couple hours each time.  MMA training keeps me focused and determined.  One thing I always tell my personal training clients is that you should ALWAYS have goals; and with MMA,
there is ALWAYS a goal for me to reach, whether it’s just mastering a single move, placing in a tournament, or learning something from another student, there are always goals to be reached.

How did people around you react to the decision to become a fighter?

It’s funny, people react in complete opposite ways. Either ‘THAT’S BADASS and AWESOME!’ or ‘WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!’  But the people that matter most, my family and friends, are completely supportive.  I think they questioned it at first, but, again, completely supportive. I think more people were confused on actually figuring out WHAT MMA is and not so concerned about the actual act of the competition.  Very few people are negative, and I have learned to just shrug em’ off and keep moving.  I have learned that with life, you absolutely cannot please everyone. It’s impossible. So do what makes YOU happy and give it your all.

What are your fighting techniques/styles?

I train mostly Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  I am fortunate to be apart of a great program at Ivey League MMA in Severna Park, Maryland, where my coach(s) bring in tons of other fighters and competitors who are at an extremely elite level that do seminars and clinics with various forms of Martial Arts. I have been exposed to boxing, judo and wrestling. My head coach, Danny Ives, is a black belt in BJJ and does all of my BJJ training. I work with Jason Farrell on my Muay Thai. They both are amazing individuals and have taught me so much in my almost 2 years of training.

Currently being nationally ranked 3rd as a Amateur Mixed Martial Arts fighter in the 135 pound weight class right now, do you think you have what it takes to capture that #1 spot and eventually turn pro?

Absolutely! I have all the energy and drive to do what I have to do to make myself turn pro. Right now I am just looking to get as much experience as possible. Just like with anything, it takes a ton of time and energy in order to be successful in this sport. Your body takes a major beat down with this sport, so you also have to know when to step back and take a day off.  Rest and recovery are just as important as training, both mentally and physically. I look forward to what is coming for me in the future.

How does training for a fight differ from your daily routine?

Training for a fight is a little bit more intense when I have an ’event’ coming up. But, for the most part, the training never stops.
There is always something to improve and gains to make. I go see my conditioning coach in Baltimore when I have a fight lined up, but that’s the only aspect that gets ‘added’ in when training for a fight. Other than that, I train in the morning on some days, and then go to work, then go back to training at night. Other days, I just go to work then head to training at night. I’m not home much, and always have tennis shoes and workout gear in my car.

What made you also decide to become a fitness model? Have you been published in any magazines?

I was on the cover of ‘Whats Up Annapolis’ in the January 2011 issue of ‘People to Watch’.  That was pretty cool because a lot of people that I have met in the past 10-12 years in Annapolis recognized me and I got a lot of nice comments and letters from old friends, colleagues and former clients. I started doing some photo shoots with a couple photographers in the area and it just sort of snowballed from there. I started doing modeling just to get some good shots for my website and for advertising. I was then convinced to submit some pictures to agencies and I am now in works with them!  It’s a very competitive industry and you need to be on the top of your physical appearance game at all times.  Always dieting!  Lots of cardio!! It never ceases. I have a couple big gigs that I am working on getting contracts for in the very near future.  I can’t talk much more about that, but will keep you posted when they are concrete!

How does your career affect your personal life in regards to peoples perception, balancing free time with two careers, dating etc?

For the most part, all the people that I associate with understand that I am busy and being pulled in several directions at the time. Personal training, mma training, working out, dieting, photo shoots, networking, etc. etc. My Sundays are sacred! I do all my grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry and preparing food for the week on Sundays. If I don’t get it done, I feel like I’m behind!! I am also trying to fit in studying for another training certification. I don’t have a serious boyfriend, but when I do, he is going to have to understand my lifestyle and will have to support it! You have to make time for fun and relaxation, and I do. I just got back from Mexico with one of my best friends. We had a great time and it was very hard to go back to my ol’ routine.

How do you handle the contrast between being a fitness model and a fighter?

For the most part it’s easy. I’m not a ‘diva’. I have a passion for learning the different aspects of MMA and the physical challenges that it provides me.  There is something about getting all sweaty and mixing it up on the mats with my teammates that keeps me intrigued! At the same time, when I have a photo shoot, or when I meet with an agency, it makes me feel very feminine and strong. I’m still a girly girl and love to get pampered!  It just happens to be that my two passions are complete opposites. Call me crazy, but to me, there is something sexy and empowering about a strong woman being able to hold
her own on the mat or in the cage, yet being able to throw on a pair of heels and carry herself like a lady.

What would you say about the importance of fitness to a person looking to get in better shape?

Do something that you enjoy. And set goals. Exercise shouldn’t ALWAYS be a chore. Believe me, there are multiple days where I just DON’T want to run or do cardio, yet when I think about my goals, I know that I have to do it!! That’s why i encourage setting goals to everyone! I know it sounds so simple but believe me, it helps. Whether it’s losing weight, gaining muscle, being healthy, healing an injury, or doing a competition, it is always important to sit back and evaluate why you are doing certain things. This will help set benchmarks and to actually have more concrete reasons behind your exercises routines. And if you don’t know what you should be doing to reach your goals, ask someone. Hire a trainer. Get a routine down that’s going to help you reach your goals. Having a trainer or even a friend hold you accountable to your goals will help. I have people that train with me once a week just to hold them accountable to their diets, their routines, and to get new ideas and motivation.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Honestly, my dad. When you’re younger, I think it is hard to appreciate your parents and all that they do for you.  But as I have gotten older, my appreciation has grown for my father, and mother of course! My dad has served in the Military for 30+ years, worked for a prestigious defense contractor and now works for the Government. Now that I am older, I have met so many people that have worked with and for him, and have had a chance to see the respect and admiration that they have for him. No one has a bad thing to say about him. And that says a lot, especially when he has been in the Public Affairs/Media field for over 30 years and with the amount of people he has met. It’s really incredible. He’s amazing. I come from a very supportive and awesome family. I would not trade it for the world. My mom is also an inspiration in herself; she has lost over 150 pounds!  That is dedication. She has a pretty decent trainer too,it’s me! But in all honesty, she did a lot of the work alone. Now I just help out and support.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love to bake and cook. I am always trying new recipes out. And testing out new things for my clients. I am starting to like
traveling more as well. I used to not like it believe it or not, but there is nothing like traveling and learning new things about
different cultures and people, and relaxing at the same time! Sometimes I find it hard to actually relax in my home because I feel like there is always something I should (or) could be doing. But relaxing is important as well.

What is your ultimate goal in life?

Eventually, I would love to be a pro fighter and run my own business of some sort. It will definitely be health related, whether it’s exercise or nutrition based, or a combo of both. Exercise and ‘diets’ are all part of making a lifestyle change, and that’s what I want to instill in the fitness industry.

For more Cammie, please visit her website : http://cammiejmma.com

To have yourself or someone you know who excels in fitness & health featured by Da Fam Sports Group, contact Joshua Johnson at joshuajohnson@dafaminc.com