Interview with Celine Haga

Interview with Celine Haga

(22.07.11)  As UCMMA 22 approaches on 6th August 2011, so to does the rescheduled and eagerly anticipated showdown between Celine Haga from Team Hellboy in Norway and Michelle Tyler from London Shootfighters. Celine spoke with Cage Queen about her fight life and preparations for UCMMA 22.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself and life prior to Team Hellboy?

I’m just pure energy in motion, in love with feeling alive, being able to do what I love most: fighting. I’m a proud member of team Hellboy and I feel lucky to have such great team mates, they have always supported me and given me motivation to never give up.


What made you want to start out in MMA?

Coincidence - fell in Love with Martial Arts, wanted to learn it all and compete. I see no reason in starting something without the purpose of trying to become best in it.


Who are your current trainers?

 

Joachim Hansen.


What is the MMA scene like in Norway and is there a lot of support for those wanting to start out?

It’s getting bigger, I think there are great opportunities for those who want to start with MMA, if those who want to begin got the will and passion for it there’s no problem.


You spent some time fighting and training in Japan; how did this come about and what did you enjoy the most during this period?

I went to Japan after 7 months of training here in Norway because I wanted to train MMA with girls, I won a couple of poker tournaments and spent all my money on a 3 months trip. Got a lot of new friends and ever since I’ve been back and forth visiting, training and fighting. I enjoy everything with Japan… the people, the food, the training… It’s my 2nd home.


How do you rate the standard of the Jewels fight promotion compared to others around the World?

 

It is GREAT, I think it is cool that they got an all-female MMA event.


Do you believe that the Japanese fighters have better training conditions and technical knowledge than is available in Europe, and why?

 

I think its individual, I’m usually training at AACC and I believe it is one of the best female BJJ / grappling gyms in the world. I think they are way ahead when it comes to grappling techniques, I think that Europe is ahead when it comes to striking.


What was the most useful thing you learnt and brought back to Europe with you after fighting in Japan?


To fight with my heart.

Your only pro win comes sandwiched between four losses; what would you attribute this to?

Then if there’s a pattern it’s time to win this one :D


Mentally, what advice would you give to fighters that are preparing for a fight after having lost their previous one?


Never ever ever ever give up - a lost battle doesn’t mean that the war is lost.


Do you believe that your time spent training in Japan will give you an edge in future European fights and why?


Time will tell.


How are your preparations going for your coming fight at UCMMA 22 against Michelle Tyler?

 

It’s going good, I’m having some great sparring and training partners now, my mind is where it should be and I’m just really really excited.


What are your long term plans for MMA and what are your aspirations for the future?

Train and fight until I die.

 

 

Cage Queen would like to thank Celine for speaking with us and sharing her MMA experiences from Japan. We wish you all the best for your future and UCMMA 22. UCMMA 22: Warrior's Creed takes place at the Troxy Theatre in London. For more information about UCMMA or to buy tickets visit http://www.ucmma.com/


Photograph by Carl Celius of Norweigan Martial Arts www.kampsportforalle.no.