10 Questions With Liz Carmouche (11/4/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Liz Carmouche (by Darrick Patrick)

Liz "Girl-Rilla" Carmouche is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Strikeforce, Ultimate Warrior Challenge, C3 Fights, and Native Fighting Championship. At the time of this interview, her next scheduled match is against Jan Finney in Strikeforce at ShoMMA 12: Wilcox vs. Ribeiro on November 19th, 2010.

Darrick: How did you end up competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Liz: I was a very active child growing up. My father got me into martial arts as a child and my mom supported the decision, but where I grew up it got too pricey to continue. I didn't pick back up with a martial art again until my last year in the Marine Corps. I was just looking for something that would challenge me. It had always seemed to be on the back burner, but at the core of who I was.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Liz: Have no limits, have a strong support system, and only have a corner you can trust.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Liz: The unknown people. I train with really tough and highly talented guys that have a great record, but haven't made it on to TV. I've seen them take a fight against an opponent with only a few days notice. I respect them more than I can express.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Jan Finney on November 19th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Liz: Every match I've had has been increasingly more challenging and awarding. I expect this one to be even better than my last.

Darrick: Do you feel as if there are any extra hurdles being a female in mixed martial arts or do you believe it to be basically the same struggle for both genders?

Liz: I absolutely feel as if there are more hurdles. The fight purse alone shows that we aren't yet equals in the eyes of the sport of our male equivalents. I don't think society is fully ready yet to see women endure pain and I think that is holding us back.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Liz: Helping others. When I get to see things click in place for them and to know that I had any part in making that happen is amazing for me.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Liz: I love to skydive, snowboard, surf, ride my motorcycle, hang out with my pets, and spend time with my girlfriend.

Darrick: If you had superpowers, what would they be?

Liz: I'd want to fly because that would make skydiving free and snowboarding wipeouts a thing of the past.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Liz: Most people don't know that I grew up in Okinawa, Japan and that I'm a college student.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Liz: I don't know about oldest memory, but the one that sticks out is girl's night with my mom and younger sister. It was a time for just the girls to watch movies, dance around the house, and sing at painfully high levels.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Liz Carmouche in the following places:

Official Liz Carmouche Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000785266587

Liz Carmouche on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Liz-Carmouche-67007

Liz Carmouche Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/67007