Q. Can you tell us about your journey into MMA? What sparked your interest in combat sports?

Jullay! I’m Stanzin Angmo from Hemis Shukpachan. I completed my schooling up to Class 12 at Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School and pursued my graduation from Eliezer Joldan Memorial College. Currently, I’m pursuing post-graduation through distance learning while also doing an internship in hotel management.

My interest in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) began after watching it on TV. I was captivated by the fighters—their resilience, the way they maintained their physical and mental discipline, and the sheer passion they displayed in the ring. It was inspiring, and I found myself wanting to be like them.

That dream started to take shape when a friend, Tsewang, told me about the Ladakh Combat Academy. She encouraged me, saying it was a place where I could truly pursue my dreams—and she was right. I joined the academy in 2024, and that’s where my real journey began.

At the academy, I was introduced to various combat arts like Jujutsu (also known as Jiu-Jitsu), and I got the opportunity to compete in platforms such as grappling. Under the mentorship of our coach, Jigmet Singey Oddan, I’ve learned not just fighting techniques but also discipline, focus, and mental strength. His guidance gave me the chance to represent in competitions, and that’s how my passion for MMA truly grew.

Q. Brief us about Ladakh Combat Academy.

The Ladakh Combat Academy was founded in 2023 with a clear vision: to nurture and produce top-tier athletes in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) at the national level. The academy not only focuses on MMA but also aims to contribute significantly to the Jiu-Jitsu community in India.

Currently, there are around 12 to 15 regular students, with the average age being around 22 years. Despite being a young institution, it has already made a mark in the national combat sports scene.

Recently, I had the opportunity to win gold and silver at the AJP India Nationals, which was a proud moment for me and for the academy. Looking ahead, a team of 7 to 8 athletes from the academy will be representing Ladakh at the prestigious ADCC Championship to be held in Delhi in December 2025.

However, competitions are just one part of the vision set by our head coach, Jigmet Singey Oddan. His broader mission is to build a strong community of like-minded individuals and to engage Ladakhi youth in high-level physical activities through Mixed Martial Arts. It's about developing discipline, resilience, and a healthy lifestyle—not just winning medals.

Q. What was the reaction of your family and friends when you chose this path?

MMA, especially for women, is still quite new—many girls don’t really take an interest in the sport, as it’s generally seen as more popular among boys. When I share my passion for MMA with other girls, their reaction is often casual, like “Okay, that’s cool”, but when I talk about it with boys, they’re usually surprised and say “Wow!”

When I first told my parents about wanting to pursue MMA, they were skeptical and worried, mainly because of the risk of injury. They were scared for my safety, which is understandable. But over time, as they saw changes in me—my discipline, dedication, and how serious I was about it—they began to support me wholeheartedly.

As for my friends, they’ve always known about my interest in combat sports. From the beginning, they’ve been encouraging and supportive, and they’re genuinely happy to see me growing and representing myself as a combat athlete.

Q. Did you face any unique challenges as a woman entering this field?

To be honest, I haven’t faced many challenges specifically because I’m a woman. Yes, MMA is mostly seen as a male-dominated sport, but I believe that if you’re truly interested and passionate, no challenge is too big. You just have to be ready to work a little harder and stay committed. Once you put in the effort, gender doesn’t matter—what matters is your dedication and mindset.

Q. Share with us your journey and experiences in the ADCC and AJP Tour 2025.

In December 2024, I participated in the ADCC Indian Open Championship, a grappling competition held in New Delhi, where I competed in the 55kg category and won a bronze medal. It was my first major national-level experience, and it gave me a real sense of what high-level competition feels like.

Then in June 2025, I took part in the AJP Tour 2025 Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro—one of the most prestigious platforms in the sport. I competed in both Gi and No-Gi categories and was proud to win a gold and a silver medal. Competing on such a recognized stage felt incredible, and securing medals there was truly a proud moment for me.

Both of these competitions helped me understand the sport on a much deeper level. I learned new techniques, recognized mistakes I need to work on, and gained a lot more strength, courage, and clarity about how I want to grow as an athlete. These experiences really tested my patience, strength, and preparation—and most importantly, they shaped me into a fighter in every sense.

Q. How do you see the potential and scope in MMA, especially for women?

In  Ladakh , the participation of women in  MMA  is still very limited compared to men. There’s definitely a  need for more awareness and encouragement so that more women feel confident to take up the sport. I believe  MMA is not just a sport—it’s also a powerful form of self-defense, especially for women. It teaches discipline, builds confidence, and strengthens both the body and mind.

MMA is a full-contact combat sport that combines striking and grappling techniques from various martial arts around the world. It has immense potential—not just as a competitive sport but also as a way to empower individuals, especially women.

Also, being from Ladakh gives us a natural advantage. Due to the high altitude and challenging terrain, people here often have strong stamina and endurance, which can be a real bonus in combat sports. With the right training and support, I believe Ladakh has great potential to produce top-level MMA athletes—both men and women.

Q. Are there any female fighters who inspired or influenced you?

Yes, definitely. I’m really inspired by Sonam Zomba, an MMA fighter from Arunachal Pradesh, and Stamp Fairtex, a Muay Thai kickboxer and mixed martial artist from Thailand. Both of them motivate me to train harder and stay focused on my goals.

Watching them fight with such strength, confidence, and skill makes me feel truly inspired. Sometimes I think, “I wish I had discovered this sport earlier.” Maybe I could have learned so much more by now. But I also believe it’s never too late, and seeing women like them succeed gives me the push to keep moving forward and give my best every day.

Q.What are your short-term and long-term goals in MMA?

Right now, I don’t have any very specific goals, but my main aim is to excel in the sport and keep improving every day. In the short term, I’m focusing on grappling and Jiu-Jitsu, building a strong foundation and gaining as much competition experience as I can.

In the long term, I definitely want to compete on international platforms and represent Ladakh and India. I also hope to learn Muay Thai to expand my skill set and become a more complete fighter. Step by step, I want to grow not just as an athlete, but also as someone who can inspire others, especially young girls from Ladakh, to pursue combat sports.

Q. What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue MMA?

If you’re interested in MMA, I would say—just go for it! But before starting, it’s important to have a conversation with your parents. Help them understand the sport and why you’re passionate about it. Support and encouragement from family can really help you grow and stay motivated.

Many girls worry about injuries, but I believe injuries can happen in any sport. What matters is that we take proper precautions, train safely, and stay disciplined. MMA is not just about fighting—it's about building mental and physical strength, confidence, and self-defense skills.

If possible, start training at an early age. It gives you more time to learn, grow, and get exposure. The earlier you start, the more skilled and confident you’ll become over time.

Message to the Readers

“Mixed Martial Arts deserves more recognition and importance, just like any other sport. I encourage all girls to explore this field, not just as a competitive sport but also as a way to build confidence, strength, and self-discipline. Don’t be afraid to step into something new—you might discover your true strength there.”