#China #Macao #Shi Ming #MMA Fighter #Traditional Chinese Medicine

Shi Ming: Doctor and Warrior

In the heart of Macao, China, a new name has emerged in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): Shi Ming. Following her impressive victory over Feng Xiaocan in a recent UFC tournament, Shi has captured the attention of fans and media alike—not only for her skills inside the cage but also for her unique identity as a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This dual identity brings a fascinating dynamic to her athletic journey, blending the worlds of sports and health in remarkable ways.

The Journey Begins

Shi's interest in martial arts sparked during her college years when she joined her university's martial arts team. Her natural talent and dedication quickly propelled her into the spotlight of local competitions. Initially specializing in Sanda—a traditional Chinese combat sport that combines kickboxing and wrestling—Shi's path took a significant turn in 2017 when she transitioned to MMA. "Many people thought MMA was just Sanda with small gloves, but it extends much further, incorporating a complex set of techniques, especially wrestling," she recalls.

Under the mentorship of Bagher Amanolahi, a US catch wrestling coach, Shi deepened her understanding of MMA's nuances, allowing her to soar to new heights in the sport. Since 2020, she has fought in twelve MMA matches, gradually making her way up to the prestigious UFC arena.

Balancing Dual Careers

What truly sets Shi apart is her extraordinary ability to juggle two demanding careers: that of a doctor specializing in TCM and a professional MMA fighter. Mornings are often spent at the hospital, treating patients, while evenings see her entering the gym for rigorous training. Shi believes that both disciplines complement each other in unexpected ways. "Both medicine and martial arts require immense discipline, empathy, and a lifelong commitment to learning," she explains.

Growing up in Heilongjiang Province, Shi was influenced by her grandparents, who were both TCM practitioners. This familial legacy inspired her to embrace the duality of her careers. "In martial arts, you learn respect for your opponents, much like how in medicine you approach your patients with curiosity and a desire to help them heal," she emphasizes.

The Intersection of Health and Athleticism

Shi's expertise in TCM has not only been beneficial in her medical practice; it has significantly enhanced her athletic performance. As a trained specialist in acupuncture and traditional therapies, she applies these methods to expedite her recovery and assist her teammates. "I often use acupuncture and massage therapy to speed up recovery processes for myself and my team, ensuring we're always at our best for training," she shares.

Her dedication to recovery extends beyond her team. After fights, she frequently offers therapeutic treatments to fellow athletes, leveraging her extensive knowledge in TCM. She notes, "I've seen professionals and Olympians benefit from TCM techniques like acupuncture and cupping—these methods work."

Aspiring for Greatness

As Shi continues to develop her MMA skills, her ambition grows. Inspired by trailblazers like Zhang Weili, China's first UFC champion, she is driven by a desire to compete at the highest level. "For me, the UFC represents the pinnacle of mixed martial arts. Seeing the dedication of the athletes inspired me to strive to be part of that elite circle," she admits.

Despite her remarkable achievements, stepping into the cage presents Shi with a constant internal struggle—balancing her instinct to win with her responsibilities as a doctor. "I want to finish my fights as quickly as possible, but there's always a concern about my opponents’ well-being," she confides.

As Shi trains under elite coaching and engages in sparring sessions with top-tier fighters, her commitment to honing her craft remains unwavering. "I've witnessed wrestlers from various styles, like Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners, and I'm continuously striving to elevate my wrestling techniques to stay competitive," she states.

Cultural Representation and Future Aspirations

Balancing her roles as an athlete and a healthcare professional is no small feat, and Shi is aware that she may need to choose one path over the other in the future. "Right now, I'm managing both, but I know that eventually I may have to focus more on fighting. I'll have that discussion with my coach if it becomes necessary," she hints.

Shi's aspirations extend beyond mere victories in the octagon; she envisions representing her culture in the UFC. "If the opportunity arises, I would cherish wearing a qipao, a traditional Chinese dress, to showcase the strength of Chinese women in sports," she shares, reflecting her deep connection to her heritage.

With a resilient mindset and a vision to emulate champions like Zhang Weili, Shi aims to one day wear a championship belt. She confidently states, "I have a great wrestling coach, a strong training team, and I’m incredibly disciplined. I believe that I will continue to surpass every hurdle that comes my way on this journey."