the quiet confidence

Courtney Williams

Muay Thai Fighter · Jai Yen Muay Thai

I first came across Courtney when I watched her make her Muay Thai debut in Townsville recently. I followed her on Instagram afterwards and we ended up connecting pretty quickly. We got along really well and have been supporting each other's journeys ever since.

We're both in relationships where Muay Thai is a huge part of our lives, so there's definitely a bit of common ground there. It's always nice connecting with other women in the sport who understand everything that comes with it.

Courtney has also recently started Her Corner Podcast, creating a space for conversations about women's experiences in Muay Thai that don't always get talked about. Between her first fight, her mindset and what she's doing outside the ring, I thought she'd be a great person to feature and get to know a little better.

FOLLOW HER JOURNEY ↓

@courtneywwilliams
@hercorner.podcast

THE BEGINNING

How did you first find Muay Thai, and what made you want to start training?

My sister introduced me to the sport. She would nag me about coming with her and I was always too scared, then one day I randomly decided to go for it.

WHEN SHE WANTED TO FIGHT

When did training turn from something you enjoyed into something you actually wanted to compete in?

When I moved to Jai Yen. That gym and the training there gave me so much confidence in myself. I felt I improved so quickly and I found a love for the competition with the other fighters, especially being the only girl.

THE FIRST FIGHT

You recently had your debut fight in Townsville. What was that whole experience like, from fight camp through to actually stepping into the ring?

I thrive in structure and routine so honestly being in fight camp was exactly where I wanted to be. I love the repetitiveness and consistency. I spent a lot of time getting my mind strong before the fight, journaling and changing my thought patterns. I was prepped mentally just as much as I was physically.

Was there anything about your first fight that surprised you or felt completely different to what you expected?

I was expecting to be incredibly nervous and that just wasn't the case. I woke up fight day feeling amazing. Re-fuelled and ready to go, I was waiting for the "impending doom" feeling to come and it didn't. Even backstage, I was a little bit nervous but nothing like I thought I would be. When I got into the ring my mind went quiet, like I was at peace. That probably surprised me the most.

WHAT FIGHTING TEACHES YOU

What did that first fight teach you about yourself?

Confidence. Real confidence.

FINDING HER PLACE

What has it been like finding your own identity in Muay Thai while being surrounded by people who have been involved in the sport for much longer?

It's exciting, I get to become a combination of everything I admire about everyone else!

What's something about your journey so far that you're particularly proud of?

Mindset change.

LIFE WITH ANOTHER FIGHTER

What's it like being in a relationship where Muay Thai is such a big part of both of your lives?

Perfect, having similar interests as your partner is so important. We are so aligned in all aspects of our life and getting to do what we love together is the cherry on top.

Has training alongside your partner and being part of his gym influenced the way you approach your own training and fighting?

At times I feel like I'm not doing enough when we're doing slow technical stuff. I'm used to having to go balls to the wall to feel like I've trained hard enough when sometimes the slower, more technical sessions are where I learn the most. So balancing training hard and training smart.

WOMEN IN MUAY THAI

What has your experience been like as a woman coming into Muay Thai and starting to compete?

Intimidating. I didn't feel like I was taken seriously until after I actually had a fight. I was often disregarded by fighters as I was not yet one. Even though we were all in the same fight camp.

Is there anything you wish you'd known as a woman when you first walked into a Muay Thai gym?

People are going to have opinions and that's ok. Don't dull yourself.

HER CORNER

What made you decide to start Her Corner Podcast?

When I go on a walk I always seek a podcast about Muay Thai and women specifically. There are none, nothing about the isolation, imposter syndrome or eating disorders and honestly it felt so taboo to talk about. I wanted to break that stigma and created a podcast not only I love listening to but that I know helps so many other female athletes.

What conversations do you feel women in Muay Thai aren't having enough of, or aren't being given enough space to have?

Eating disorders!!!!! And training on your period. There's such a taboo about it and THERE SHOULDN'T BE.

What do you hope women listening to Her Corner take away from it?

Knowing they aren't alone.

WHAT'S NEXT

Now that you've had your first fight and launched Her Corner, what are you chasing next, both as a fighter and within the sport?

Definitely more fights and getting more guests on the podcast as well as growing my personal brand. I want to interview a bunch of females in the Muay Thai scene, whether they fight or not. There's so much knowledge we can all benefit from. Long term I'm chasing an Australian title. Speaking it into existence.

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