Eugene Bareman's Mission to Stamp Out Street Violence — Why His UFC Stars Are the Best People for It

Описание: What happens when one of the most respected coaches in world MMA starts using his platform to tackle violence outside the cage?

This week on Kiwi Yarns, we sit down with City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman. From coaching UFC stars like Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker and Kai Kara-France, to launching the Walk Without Fear Trust after the tragic loss of friend and fighter Fau Vake, Eugene opens up about purpose, leadership and the responsibility that comes with influence.

We talk about the rise of MMA in Aotearoa, the reality behind UFC culture, why martial arts can transform lives, and the lessons Eugene wants young people to hear before it’s too late. There’s also plenty on family, discipline, adversity and what keeps him grounded through the chaos of life at the top of the sport.

Timestamps:

00:00 Eugene Bareman joins Kiwi Yarns

02:00 The mission behind Walk Without Fear

05:00 Losing Fau Vake and turning grief into action

10:00 Why MMA and street violence are completely different

13:00 Martial arts, discipline and helping young people

18:00 Why gyms can transform lives

21:00 The importance of adversity

23:00 Reaching rangatahi through UFC athletes

26:00 What the trust needs to grow

28:00 Eugene’s daily routine and life at City Kickboxing

33:00 Staying grounded in the UFC world

40:00 Humility and gym culture

44:00 UFC freedom, fame and toxic masculinity

50:00 The rise of MMA in New Zealand

52:00 Eugene’s turning point at school

54:00 His purpose and motivation today

57:00 Family, fatherhood and raising four boys

01:02:00 Carlos Ulberg and the future ahead

1:09:32 - Quickfire questions