Exclusive interview with Gjermund Nesland - The man behind the rise of Norway as a Kickboxing powerhouse

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LS: Norway, which has a minimal tradition when it comes to MMA and kickboxing, and only 3 400 members in their kickboxing federation went on to become one of the strongest kickboxing nations in the world. How did that happen and what was the process for the same? How do you think you can increase the reach of the sport in Norway?

GN: Yes, with 3400 members we are a small nation. Several European nations have 50 000 – 150 000 members and Russia has over 600 000. Still, in full contact kickboxing we are ranked as the 2nd strongest nation, after Russia.

15 years ago we built a quality development system for athletes together with experts from the Norwegian Olympic Organization for Elite Sports. This system and very dedicated coaches who focused on creating a strong and supportive team spirit within the national team were important keys to success.

One way increase the reach of the sport is to include it in school sports. That would encourage kids as young as 5 to get into Kickboxing, who can go on to hone their skills. One of our champions Therese started when she was 15 and went on to be a World Champion.

LS: Norway has done a commendable job in producing female World Champions in kickboxing and has some legends in the sport when it comes to female athletes. What is it that makes the nation produce credible female World Champions like no one else? What can other nations learn from this and take away?

GN: It is true that we have been very successful in creating female World Champions for a number of years. In the last World Championship in 2013 we entered the Championship with nine female athletes in full contact and point fighting and came home with four World Champions, one silver medalist and one bronze medalist.

In order to create successful female athletes I believe there are some key elements to be aware of as a coach and as a sporting nation. First of all, we treat our female athletes with the same respect and give them just as much of our time and focus as our male athletes, maybe more actually. In many parts of the world, businesswomen and female athletes are the most valuable untapped resource they have for creating extraordinary successes.

When training and coaching female athletes the key attributes are patience and understanding. You need to be patient and willing to listen to their challenges or worries. You do not need to have the answer, but you need to be willing to listen. Female athletes often require closer follow-up than men, but they are just as dedicated and hard working.

Often it is a bigger challenge for them to stand out and set high goals than their male counterparts. I have deep, deep respect for female top athletes that go beyond peoples’ expectations in their athletic performance. Especially if their sport is male dominated so that they also have to justify their presence within the sport.

LS: Finally an advice for the prospects in India and around the world who wish to take up Kickboxing as a viable career.

GN: I have to say that kickboxing is truly a great sport. I have myself competed in several different sports, but no sport has given me the same combination of a physical, mental and tactical challenge as kickboxing, in a positive way. Kickboxing is most likely not a sport that will make you rich, but it will give you a physical and mental foundation and self-esteem that will help to define your personality in a positive way. So for Indian prospects I have two suggestions.

Firstly, focus on mental training and tactical training as well as physical training. Your mentality and your tactical skills are just as important as your fitness. Secondly, the two important keys to success in sports are the willingness to train and the willingness to learn and improve. Most great athletes were not born with a natural talent or with any special physical advantages. They gained their level of performance through tireless training and step-by-step improvements. If you focus on these two keys you can achieve anything within sports.