A couple weeks ago our resident MMA superstar Joe Doerksen had an opportunity to fly down to Japan and fight in a league called Sengoku. Joe’s notoriety in the city has increased in the last couple years and many of our clients know who he is and are curious what he’s up to.
So for our second athlete profile I sat down with a veteran in leagues from UFC, Pride, Sengoku and many more and talked to Joe about fighting, training and life in general…..
Joe doerksen
DB: Joe, you recently returned from your first overseas trip from a fight in Japan, first off how was the trip, and secondly how was the fight experience?
JD: The trip itself was a little tiring. It’s a 13 hour flight to Tokyo from Chicago, and there’s a 14 hour time difference from here at home. You don’t really have time to adjust, so I just try to get as much rest as possible; so that I’m feeling good when it’s time to fight.
DB: How did the whole Sengoku thing come about?
JD: My manager had mentioned the possibility of this fight to me about a month before it happened. I was preparing for it already, when he confirmed it two weeks away. Basically, the promoter was looking for a North American fighter with a lot of experience, and they wanted an exciting fighter. The opponent that I was facing was known for going to a decision in the majority of his fights, and they wanted someone who could make an exciting fight.
DB: You said earlier in the week that part of the experience was making a big entrance, how did it differ from any North American fights you’ve had?
JD: The entire atmosphere out there is different than it is in North America. The production is unbelievable. There is a big stage, and a long ramp you walk down to get to the ring. The arena itself was bigger than any I’d ever fought in before. It all felt a little strange, like it wasn’t really happening. The fans there are great, as well. It was probably the best experience I’ve ever had, as a fighter.
At the beginning of the show, they had all the athletes walk out onto the stage for the opening ceremony, complete with fireworks, etc. I just remember standing there, looking around, and thinking that’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen or done, in my life. Then of course, winning the fight later that night, made the experience just a little bit better.
DB: You had a few weeks of uncertainty whether or not this fight was even going to happen, where was your head at with this, and how did you decide to train for it?
JD: It’s always tough to eat right and work hard, when you know it may all be for nothing. I like to have a definite date in mind, something to focus on. It was such a big opportunity, though, that I didn’t want to risk going out there unprepared. I basically just assumed the fight was happening, and trained as though it was a sure thing. I would rather be in shape, and not fight, than have to fight, and not be ready. That would have been a disaster. I can’t afford to make mistakes like that.
DB: This past year has been a big one for you. 3 big fights, one of them being UFC 83 in Montreal, and of course this last one in Japan. On top of that you’ve added resistance training to your regime, how have you adapted to the increased workload?
JD: It’s really just a matter of treating my body right. I am more careful about what I eat, and I make sure to get enough rest. I don’t go out or party like I used to. I don’t think my body could handle all that stress. I just focus on working hard, getting rest in between workouts, and staying healthy. I find that if I treat my body right, I can push it much harder than I ever thought possible.
DB: It was mentioned at UFC 83 that they hadn’t seen you in better shape than that… what other advantages have you noticed since you’ve started training with weights?
JD: I feel physically stronger than ever before. It gives me just a little more confidence when I go into a fight. I know my body will perform, no matter how hard I push it. I don’t have to worry about getting tired, or gassing out. I can just focus on the fight, and the job that needs to be done. As a young fighter, I was always more concerned with being technically sound, than being strong and fast. Now I have the same technical skills, as well as a stronger, more athletic body.
Joe Doerksen in action
DB: Now with being in better physical condition, you’re as heavy as you used to be, but a lot more lean, have you found it difficult to cut weight, and what changes have you made in your diet to adapt to your new body?
JD: I find that now I am actually a little heavier than I used to be, by about 5-8 pounds. But the extra weight is all lean muscle mass. I actually feel much better now than I did a year ago. The only real change I’ve had to make is that I have to be a little more careful not to eat too much junk food. I find that the weight cut is about the same, usually, or maybe even a little easier. I am working harder than I ever have before, but I find that if I eat right, and take care of myself, I don’t have any trouble cutting the weight.
DB: What are some of your favorite things to do in the gym, and what would you say is the worst I’ve made you do since you joined us last year?
JD: I really don’t know if there’s anything that I really like, while I’m doing it. I enjoy the challenge of getting through a workout, especially the conditioning. It’s a good feeling when you know you are in great shape, and you can push yourself harder than you ever thought possible.
I think that the worst thing I have to do is the Tred Sled. I hate that thing more than anyone will ever know. And at the same time, it’s my best friend. When you’re in the third round of a tough fight, and you’re feeling like you’re gonna die, but you’re still able to perform, you know it was all worth it.
I’ve had two fights in a row now, where my opponent slowed down in the third round, and I was able to keep pushing myself at the same pace I had in the first round. Now I don’t ever want to fight without that kind of conditioning. In a close fight, that can often be the difference between winning and losing.
DB: With no definite fight coming up you decided to continue to train immediately after your return from Japan. What made you decide to continue so soon?
JD: The last time I fought, I felt good, and wanted to stay busy and get right back to work. But I had a broken foot, and was forced to take some time off. When you are injured, you begin to realize that there is no time to waste. So when I came home from this fight, completely healthy and injury free, I decided I don’t want to sit around and do nothing. I want to be ready for the next challenge, even if it comes on short notice.
This business is often unpredictable, and big opportunities can come without notice. Since I have the advantage of being a full time fighter with no other responsibilities, there is really no excuse for me to sit around, and get out of shape. I am living the life I always dreamed of, and I want to make the most of it, even if that means getting right back on the Tred Sled.
DB: You’ve talked about a few potential opportunities you may have, what are some of them, and in general what’s next for you as a fighter?
JD: I always say that in this business, there are no guarantees, but there are a lot of opportunities. Nothing is a sure thing, but you can be sure that sooner or later, something is gonna happen.
My management has said there may be a chance to fight on a StrikeForce or Affliction show in the future. Of course, that’s not a sure thing, but it’s something to keep in mind. There are also two more fights left on my contract in Japan, so I know I’ll be heading back there in a few months.
There are so many possibilities right now; it’s a very exciting time for me. Hopefully, I’ll be able to fight one more time before Christmas, so I can eat some junk food over the holidays.
DB: Finally, any words for anyone looking to get into mixed martial arts, or any young kids looking to become the next “Joe Doerksen”?
JD: Basically, I tell people that if you want to be a fighter, make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. If you think you’re gonna be rich and famous, stop right now. Being a fighter is a lot of work. Too much work, unless you absolutely love what you are doing.
Secondly, find a good group of people to train with. Find good grappling and striking coaches, and they will let you know when you’re ready to start fighting. The best thing is to find a coach or a gym with actual fighting experience.
The other thing, also very important, is your physical conditioning. It doesn’t matter how talented you are, if you get tired halfway through a fight. You need to be prepared in every way.
Other than that, just go for it. Work hard, and have fun.
Joe Doerksen and Coach Beaks show off the trophy he won in Japan
I’d like to thank Joe for his time and to let you all know that in the upcoming week Joe will be our newest “logger”. Joe has decided that he’ll post his workouts with us so everyone can see where he’s at doesn’t happen by simply showing up in the octagon.
