Remco Pardoel: The Old Era and The New

Date submitted: 16 February 2007

Interview by: Dino Fuoco

Featuring: Remco Pardoel

Submitted by: White Belt

MMA Universe

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Remco, you are a legendary fighter from the early days of MMA. Do you think there are many differences between the old and new eras?

In the past it was just stand up fighter against ground fighters. The sport has evolved so much in the last ten years. At the moment the UFC is definitely bigger than Boxing.

Also, I think MMA, BJJ and Grappling are on course to replace Wrestling in another ten years.

You are the pioneer of grappling in Holland. How did that come about?

In December 1993, I introduced BJJ to Europe. We built up a great BJJ and Grappling team. I also helped introduce those arts to the guys in Sweden and Norway and set them on the right path.

I was always blessed with the best teachers who would come to my club. Great fighters like Draculino, Ze Marcello, Estima, Lemos, Felipe Costa, Roleta and many more...

Which is better in your opinion, the “Old” Era or this “New” Era?

I have always trained in the “New Era”. My background is Stand-Up, Judo and Ground Fighting. I improved my ground game big time then worked with the best to improve them. In the past I have helped Lee Murray, Gilbert Yvel and Heath Herring on their road to success.

I hope to put together a good team for all the rings around the world.

Are you planning to return to the MMA ring?

At the moment I am suffering from a broken toe. I hope to be in the ring by June or July. As soon as I heal, but it is taking time.

Can you tell us about the training regime in your gym?

We train five times a week. Three times a week we train twice a day. We have a lot of people who are at college or university so they have the opportunity to train twice a day.

What are your goals for the future?

I want to create a really good MMA, BJJ, Judo, Tae Kwon Do and Thai Boxing team. I hope I can make a difference to fighters.

Do you think mastering the ground is still as important as it used to be? Or have other disciplines become more important in Mixed Martial Arts training?

You need to be a decent Boxer, a good Judo or Wrestling player and a good grappler / BJJ fighter. The key is finding weak points in your game and polishing them.

If you are not a complete fighter… It will take a very long time to reach the top and you will need a water-tight strategy.

There are some very promising fighters in Europe who have all those skills

The best of luck and enjoy your time at New Generation Tournament 2. Thank you Remco!