Harrison after winning her second gold medal, in Rio de Janeiro.
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James Hill for The New York Times
“That pretty much sums up how he and his father feel about it,” Harrison said of Pedro and his father, known as Big Jim. “They just feel like I’ve accomplished everything an athlete could ever dream of, having such an amazing career in judo. And I think personally they don’t want to see me put that all on the line and see me get hurt.”
Still, Harrison will continue to work with the Pedros, as well as adding training in disciplines like boxing and wrestling. She said her serious training will begin in January.
Harrison has no timetable for her first fight. She will start her mixed martial arts experience as a commentator for the World Series of Fighting’s card at the Theater at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 31. The event will feature three championship bouts, including lightweight champ Justin Gaethje against João Zeferino.
For a judoka transitioning into mixed martial arts, the biggest issue is striking, which is not allowed in judo.
“I feel I have a great base, because judo is takedowns and finishes, armbars, chokes,” Harrison said. “When you’re doing judo, you’re gripping, your hands are moving, so I already have that spatial awareness for striking, which I think gives me an advantage learning a new sport.
“I’ve been doing the same thing for 20 years. Everything I do in judo I learned in the first six months with the Pedros. Now I’m learning new things. I’m learning heel hooks and knee bars and a jab and a hook, uppercuts. It’s invigorating.”
Still, Harrison is aware that the differences are there, and that they are real. Soon, for the first time, she will be hitting people in the face, and being hit in the face in return.
“Judo is controlled violence,” she said. “Judo in Japanese means ‘the gentle way.’ It’s about disarming your opponent or defending yourself, but never killing them. But M.M.A. is modern-day gladiating. So, yeah, I’m scared. Absolutely. I would be foolish not to be.”
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