Aphrodite Patsalidou Interview
Coach G • March 29, 2020
Aphrodite is one of the recent additions to the family. She has been working hard, showing massive improvements all round while traveling all the way from Portsmouth to Windsor. Dedication at its finest. We have the same 10 questions, lets see what she has to say...
Why do you fight?
Fighting gives me a sense of direction and purpose.
How and when did you start?
I decided to try martial arts as I needed a healthy coping method after battling mental health issues for some time. Having goals and keeping fit while surrounded by like minded people helped keep me sane and kept me going when things were hard. Joined Gym01 at the end of my first year of uni.
Who is your inspiration and why?
When I think of people that inspire me there isn’t someone specific that comes to mind. Any person that managed to make something good out of a bad situation is an inspiration to me. Pulling yourself out of a bad place is hard and it’s easy to give up and fall back to the same patterns that keep you from improving and growing as a person.
Do you fight full time or do you have to work? How hard is one or the other?
I am currently finishing my degree in mechanical engineering and plan to do a master’s next year. Doing martial arts competitively while also studying can get quite stressful. You have to carefully manage your time and unfortunately you cannot focus 100% on both.
Your advice to young fighters and kids wanting to do this for a living?
Have a backup plan because a lot can go wrong when you are pursuing a professional career in any sport.
How did you come across GK1STRIKING and what's your experience and benefit working with Coach G?
A friend recommended working with Coach G to improve my striking. Even though I haven’t been working with him for a long time, I already see how my ability is improving. I had an issue with my confidence and his way of coaching is helping me overcome my fears and motivate me to try new things and not give up the moment something goes wrong.
Favourite martial arts movie star growing up?
Wasn’t into fighting growing up as I spent most of my formative years doing horse riding competitively.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I cannot think so far ahead and do not know where my decisions will lead me in 5 years. I can only hope that I will be doing something that makes me happy.
Favourite Female Fighter?
Valentina Shevchenko
Up and coming fighter to look out for?
All my training partners
