Inside the Mind of a Fighter and Coach: An Interview with Pro Fighter Shad Walters
At Northern IL Combat Club (NICC), we’re proud to have some of the most dedicated and knowledgeable coaches leading the next generation of fighters. One of those key figures is Pro Fighter Shad Walters, a skilled competitor and passionate youth coach. We sat down with Shad to learn more about his journey, challenges, and vision for the future of combat sports.
Can you share a bit about your background in combat sports and your journey as a professional fighter?
Response: “My love for martial arts began as a kid. Around the age of 9, I started watching the UFC, and I was hooked. I was always a natural athlete and loved sports, but every time I asked to join a team, I was told we didn’t have the money. Ironically, as a teenager, I got into trouble constantly—fighting and stealing. At 16, I attempted to train in MMA, but I was too caught up in bad habits and lacked the willpower to stay on track.
It wasn’t until I had my first child that I started thinking about training again. At 22—eight years ago—I committed to the journey. My initial goal was simply to make it to the professional level, but once I got there, I knew it was only the beginning.”
What have been some of the biggest highlights or toughest challenges in your fighting career so far?
Response: “One of the hardest periods in my career was when I went on a three-fight losing streak—two in MMA and one in kickboxing. All three were against highly skilled prospects, and after that, I had a choice: either change my approach or quit. I chose to become a student again, refine my skills, and push forward. That mindset shift led me to victories, including a win over a purple belt and claiming the PanAm Kickboxing Gold Medal the following year.”
How has your experience as a professional fighter influenced the way you coach young athletes?
Response: “My experience as a youth coach is different from most because I’m actively competing at a professional level. I’m not just teaching techniques—I’m putting them to the test in real fights. When my athletes see me execute what I teach in competition, it builds trust—not only in them but also in their parents. They know I’m giving them battle-tested knowledge that works in real combat situations.”
What do you think are the most important lessons kids can learn from martial arts, both in and out of the gym?
“The most valuable principle martial arts can teach children is that discipline is freedom. Many people associate discipline with being strict or uptight, but that’s not the case. When you take care of your mind and body, move with respect and positivity, and develop self-reflection, you discover your self-worth. And self-worth? That’s priceless.”
How do you balance training for your own fights while also dedicating time to coaching the youth program?
Response: “Coaching the kids is just a part of my life now. I don’t work around my training schedule; I make room for coaching. It’s one of the most fulfilling things I do. Teaching children has taught me patience, compassion, and even made me a better father. Whether I have one kid in class or twenty, I give them my maximum effort because they are the future.”
Do you have any upcoming fights or specific goals for your own career in the near future?
Response: “I will no longer be competing on April 18th as originally planned. I dedicated the first month after my last fight to recovering from injuries, and as I ease back into training, I’ve encountered some setbacks that have prevented me from preparing at the level I expect of myself. At this point, I’m targeting a return on May 9th in Santa Cruz, CA. My focus remains on continuous improvement and growth between fights. While I’m eager to push toward the UFC, I know that rushing the process isn’t the answer—I need to be fully prepared to perform at my best. When I step back into the cage, I’ll be sharper, stronger, and ready to make a statement.”
What are your long-term plans in the sport—do you see yourself focusing more on coaching, competing, or a mix of both?
Response: “The dream, of course, is to make it to the UFC. But beyond that, I want to create a fruitful life for my kids through the opportunities that combat sports have provided me. I plan to coach for a long time, but I know I won’t be able to compete forever. That’s why I’m laying the groundwork now for a future where I can continue contributing to the sport in a meaningful way.”
Where do you see the NICC youth program in the next few years, and what impact do you hope to make on the next generation of fighters?
Response: “I see the NICC youth program thriving in the next few years. I want NICC to be the leader in youth and adult combat sports, and I’m proud to be part of that movement. More than anything, I hope to set a standard of excellence for our next generation—not just in their performance in the gym, but in their character as well.”
Shad Walters is not just a fighter—he’s a mentor, a role model, and a driving force behind the next wave of martial artists. His passion and dedication are shaping the future of combat sports, and we can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next. Whether in the cage or on the mats, he’s leading by example every step of the way.