Lady Justice, the Roman Goddess is most often depicted with a set of scales typically suspended from her right hand, upon which she measures the strengths of a case’s support and opposition. She is also often seen carrying a double-edged sword in her left hand, symbolizing the power of Reason and Justice, which may be wielded either for or against any party. How hard could it be!
So the Alpha Female got the facebook message she never expected, to be a judge! Of what cooking or fashion, definitely not sowing, absolutely useless at that 
No, the MMA Boxing Clinic Amateur Fight Night 2 in Cork last weekend.
First off, I was very happy to be asked by Stewart but was a bit fearful that I wouldn’t do a good job. But as usual my faithful sidekick Dermot told me “I was well qualified in the fight business”.
For men some of these guys are good fighters!
I then started to see it as another challenge that I should push myself to do and represent the ladies.I have only seen over the years a handful of female judges in Ireland MMA scene.So no choice then to Cork I go with the new David Guetta CD in the car to get me in the mood. I really love the last track Titanium!
It was also a great way of being around my love MMA as I have been out with my injury for the last 3 months and watching these fights was a great way of reminding me to keep doing rehab so I have that wonderful feeling back again, the fighters heart and mind.
Man did that feeling return the minute I got to the event.
So first things first, talk to ref Neil Hall one of Cage Warriors finest, who explained what to look for. He sat us down and pulled out the manual on why leg kicks don’t win fights, only kidding!
No it was witten by Marc Goddard and it was a very clear system on what to score in the fight. It was a relief for me because most of it was what I would score. I take this role very seriously because I’m judged when in cage and I have seen bad calls that have dishearten fighters. I know they are working hard inside the cage so I must do the same for them.
So to the best seat in the house I go. I could see the crowd were, I think , surprised to see a female judge, I did my Naomi Cambell walk to show them I meant business and I’m tougher than judge judy . Well in my head that’s what I think it looked like..ha..ha.
I also debuted my new Alpha Female Tshirt which is so cooooooool. And available right now at www.catherinecostigan.com.
The next weird thing was hearing my name called out now, normally I’m getting ready to kick the hell out of some poor soul in the cage. Catherine Costigan offical, really I still can’t believe it but I like it.
Game on first fighter up, his music hits, man now I’m really into this. I start head bopping a bit but with control as I don’t want to get kicked out:). I loved the first fight, one fighter landed a big shot at the start that shook the room and the other fighter but again this is why mma is brillant as other guy came back to win.
So I had a scary bit now, my first score card to hand up to head judge Wayne Fagan and score keeper Dermot Mc Grath. Was so worried I made the wrong call but I was bang on.Yipee!
That to me was like the first round of a fight once its done and went well your set for a good time. Now the second fight but this finishes with a tap. I’m really annoyed now, I want to judge, is it to much to ask for a 3 round war!
A good few fights go this way, but I have a feeling before who’s going to win and who will cave under pressure. I see it in their faces before the start, young faces trying to hide nerves and fear. But only experience and time make the face of steel. Another thing I hate is when guy gets hit clearly doesn’t know how to handle it and goes for the Hail Mary takedown and I want to shout hips in, back straight, drive through the fighter, head tight but I must stay quite.
Even though he just signed his death warrant. I know I’m quite hard on myself and my fighters, but I will never accept not drilling my weaknesses or my fighters. If I lose because of this then I screwed myself and that I never accept. That is why I train with the best because they won’t let me away with it.
I see the coaches looking on, hoping that they have given their fighters enough tools in the bag to get out of any situation. I’ve offen been in that position and it’s a great job if your fighter is listening and securing the win but when no matter how hard you shout the fighter is not responsive or is a deer in headlights, that let me tell you sucks. I did hear a couple of times from the corner “listen to what I’m saying,finish this fight” and they are shaking the cage hard with their hands to almost wake the fighter up and let them know it’s not just the fighters rep on the line but the coaches as well.
We as fighters must never forget this, we must have pride for our club and coach. That to me is what is important in MMA and I always remember it.
I must say coaches should get way more fanfare to be honest they are as good if not better than the victorius fighter because they came up with the plan and reflected it in our brains. I love my coaches, couldn’t live without them, they are my oxygen. They give me confidence, which is one strong shield in the cage.
Anyway that’s my rant over now. I really was sad to leave the table at the end of the night but now have a greater understand of MMA and I hope to keep my judging education up. Thanks again to Stewart who during the evening shouted to me “we’re all up for womens mma in cork”, great to know I have his and the Cork peoples support.
As Dave Keane, a fine Cork man would say Booooooooommm!!!
Click on my pic to sponsor me!
March 30, 2012
Categories: Uncategorized . Tags: alpha female, catherine costigan, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Women Fighters . Author: catherinecostigan . Comments: Leave a Comment
ha ha ha
