Harry "Headkick" Shaw Interview
Coach G • August 6, 2020
Harry Shaw is one of the most talented upcoming fighters in the sport as well as in my stable of fighters. Let's see what he has to say.
Why do you fight?
I think it’s good to take one thing in your life really seriously. I’ve always been more practical rather than academic and I absolutely love training in martial arts. In the beginning there’s an influence to fight from your coaches and your training partners. You do the first one and the next thing you know you’re 5 fights deep and asking your coach about shows coming up that you want to fight on.
Firstly, fighting builds character. There’s nothing more raw about fighting someone who’s trained, and is coming to take your head off. You learn an awful lot about yourself in training but particularly when it comes to competition.
Secondly, for the amount I think about my training, I’d like to see how far I can push my athletic potential and my understanding of martial arts in a competitive setting.
How and when did you start?
My dad used to do karate so I was always asking him how to get out of headlocks and all that. We then watched a film together called never back down and I said I wanted to learn how to fight like them in the film so he said well go on then! Next day we found a local martial arts club and I’m still training 10 years later!
Who is your inspiration and why?
Typical but I love GSP. He’s your consummate martial artist, very respectful, never has a bad word to say about anyone, but an absolute martial arts genius when it comes to competition.
Do you fight full time or do you have to work? How hard is one or the other?
I manage fighting and working quite well. I teach martial arts as a job so my work hours are flexible which means I can train when I like, so my work doesn’t conflict with my training at all I’m very fortunate.
Your advice to young fighters and kids wanting to do this for a living?
I’m all for it I think it’s a great choice. However dedicate yourself to it I don’t think you can take fighting half-heartedly given the negative effects of sustained head trauma you’ll be taking over the years. There’s always going to be someone out there’s who’s dead serious about doing this for a living, if you’re training half-heartedly and you come up against them in competition you’re in trouble.
How did you come across GK1STRIKING and what's your experience and benefit working with Coach G?
I love Greg. Greg and we have been beating the s*%t out of each other since day one. He’s helped me with pretty much every fight I’ve ever had, just so happens he’s a wizard on the pads too. Definitely helped me get some additional power in my shots. Greg has a creative mind. He blends attacks off orthodox and southpaw stances together very well which opens up your striking game massively if you haven’t done this before.
Favourite martialarts movie star growing up?
Michael J White
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I’d like to be fighting on the professional mma scene for one of the top organisations
Favourite Female fighter?
Valentina Shevchenko. She’s terrifying
Up and coming fighter to look out for?
Adam “Apex” Amarasinghe and James “The Honeybadger” Hendin!
