{"id":1933,"date":"2025-02-27T12:33:36","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T12:33:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/?p=1933"},"modified":"2025-02-27T13:44:50","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T13:44:50","slug":"our-burmese-python-fighting-for-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/our-burmese-python-fighting-for-women\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Burmese Python, fighting for women"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alum Nicola Barke was the first female ever to compete in Burmese bareknuckle boxing, a sport reserved for the fearless. She\u2019s ranked number two in the world. Her fighting name is the Burmese Python.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not only a high calibre athlete, Nicola also excels at her career in the male dominated field of banking. She\u2019s Global Transformation Manager at HSBC, managing a team of 170 staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nicola knows that women can do anything they put their mind to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To inspire us to fight for our rights this International Women\u2019s Day, Clare Willard from the Alumni Team spoke to Nicola about her sport, her battles and her mindset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"679\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2025\/02\/image-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1937\" style=\"width:484px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2025\/02\/image-2.png 679w, https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2025\/02\/image-2-300x228.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 984px) 61vw, (max-width: 1362px) 45vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Clare:<\/strong> You studied Biomedical Science at UWE Bristol but ended up with careers in banking, Burmese Bareknuckle fighting and women\u2019s leadership coaching.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>How did you get into martial arts and boxing?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nicola:<\/strong> I didn\u2019t get into fighting to get myself out of trouble!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I was almost a little nerdy as a child. Like the geek at school that tries too hard.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I never had big dreams to become a world champion in martial arts, I just followed my passion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Clare:<\/strong> I heard you used to do ballet but switched to martial arts and then Burmese boxing (Lethwei), widely recognised as the most brutal of the martial arts.\u00a0That was a bold move.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>What gave you the courage to take on such a dangerous and male dominated sport?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nicola:<\/strong> For me it was the only sport that forced me, every time I stepped through the ring, to be the best version of myself &#8211; emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With every fight I had, I&#8217;d step up another level. Not just in the ring, but outside of it, as a person as well.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There was always this little voice saying \u201cWell, if you can&#8217;t deal with that, how are you going to deal with someone who actually wants to hurt you?\u201d. I didn&#8217;t find any other sport that pushed me in that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone sees the brutality of the fighting in the sport, there&#8217;s so much more that goes into it in terms of making sure the rest of your life is in check.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"416\" height=\"701\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2025\/02\/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1935\" style=\"width:315px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2025\/02\/image-1.png 416w, https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2025\/02\/image-1-178x300.png 178w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 416px) 85vw, 416px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Clare: <\/strong>Today is International Women\u2019s Day, and we\u2019re thinking about the need for momentum, urgency and decisive action to address the systemic barriers and biases that women face.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>What has Lethwei taught you in terms of mindset, that you use in your fight for gender equality in everyday life?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nicola:<\/strong> Lethwei has shown me how to step out of my comfort zone. My first Lethwei fight was the most terrifying thing I&#8217;ve ever done. It was a very brutal fight in a third world country with limited access to specialised healthcare support. There were pretty much no rules &#8211; no gloves, head butts, punches, kicks, knees, elbows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was a choice. I chose to grow myself. Once I had conquered my fear, the feeling of euphoria and accomplishment was like nothing I&#8217;ve ever felt before.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s taught me to manage my mindset. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of feeling like the underdog, and seeing the male dominated environment as a negative, I just flipped it on its head. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I thought \u201cI&#8217;m the only female and I&#8217;ve got an opportunity to represent lots of other women who are going to be coming through\u201d. It motivates me to work to the absolute best of my ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s pushed me and encouraged me to be as fit as strong as the men and even see if I can overtake them in some areas. I\u2019ve found that my strengths have come through. It\u2019s given me a relentless nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Burmese Python | Nicola Barke Training For Her Lethwei Fight In Myanmar\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/amPl9vJ1M_0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In my banking work, I see females who want to progress on the ladder, but who just don\u2019t ever feel like they were a valued voice or see a way to progress that\u2019s authentic to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My sport has given me that courage and self-confidence. Now I coach women and help empower them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"464\" height=\"556\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2025\/02\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1934\" style=\"width:333px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2025\/02\/image.png 464w, https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2025\/02\/image-250x300.png 250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 464px) 85vw, 464px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Clare:<\/strong> Life has dealt you challenges. You were born with narcolepsy, survived a life-threatening car crash and have battled PTSD. \u00a0Injuries in your line of work are commonplace, but in 2023 you found out that you have a brain tumour.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>What advice do you have for any of our current female students who may be facing challenges in their lives, on how to overcome them?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nicola:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If there was one piece of advice I could give anyone and everyone, it&#8217;s to talk to someone and share how you\u2019re feeling.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I have to put my hands up to being that kind of person who didn\u2019t have an appreciation for depression or being in a bad mental state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I thought that by talking to others I was going to bring down their positivity, so I just shut myself away from the world. I thought you could just put a smile on your face and control what you feel. But in the end, I just knew that wasn&#8217;t really helping me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t guess how people are going to react. Make sure you go and speak to someone.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Clare :<\/strong> Lastly, you fight professionally, but what else in life would you put up a fight for?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nicola:<\/strong> Equal opportunities. Whether that be actual opportunities or even just pay as a female athlete. I speak to a lot of male athletes, and they never have to negotiate or barter for a fair salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s why I\u2019m passionate about empowering women through coaching. We need more inspiring and authentic leaders, fighting for change.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find out more about Nicola:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/nicola-m-barke\/\"><strong>Nicola on LinkedIn<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/the.burmesepython\/?hl=en\"><strong>Nicola on Instagram<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>UWE Bristol alumni \u2013 quick links<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\">UWE Bristol Alumni homepage<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/stay-connected\">Sign up for offers and fundraising and update your details<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/alumni-connect\">Join Alumni Connect online mentoring network<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/discounts-and-facilities\">Explore Alumni benefits and discounts<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwe.ac.uk\/business\/support-uwe-bristol\/uwe-bristol-fund\">Support UWE Bristol Fund<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Alum Nicola Barke was the first female ever to compete in Burmese bareknuckle boxing, a sport reserved for the fearless. She\u2019s ranked number two in the world. Her fighting name is the Burmese Python. Not only a high calibre athlete, Nicola also excels at her career in the male dominated field of banking. She\u2019s Global &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/our-burmese-python-fighting-for-women\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Our Burmese Python, fighting for women&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":1940,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":5,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,6],"tags":[47,13,48,23,27],"class_list":["post-1933","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","category-profile","tag-alum","tag-alumni","tag-equality","tag-international-womens-day","tag-women"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1933","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/59"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1933"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1933\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1946,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1933\/revisions\/1946"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1940"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1933"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1933"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1933"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}