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Ciarán Clarke: Fighting for Success from MMA Champion to BA (Hons) Physical Education

BA (Hons) Physical Education

Ciarán Clarke

Professional MMA Fighter, Bellator

Ciarán Clarke: Fighting for Success from MMA Champion to BA (Hons) Physical Education

At 29 years old, professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Ciarán Clarke is undefeated in the Bellator cage with a record of 10-0. Representing SBG Ireland under renowned coach John Kavanagh, Ciarán’s focus has always been on dominating in the world of professional MMA.

However, as his career progresses, he’s taking on a new challenge outside the octagon – studying for a BA (Hons) Physical Education at Portobello Institute. 

For Ciarán, balancing a full-time fighting career with education seemed like an impossible feat – until now. 

A Realisation Beyond MMA 

“I never knew exactly what I wanted to do after competing or given it much thought as I was so focused on MMA. But as we know, it has an expiry date, and you cannot do it forever. The timing for me came right to continue with my sporting career and start studying – something I never thought I could do or was even possible,” he said.

Having already been coaching at his gym and teaching martial arts to Transition Year students in a local school, Ciarán found his passion for working with young people.

“I’ve always had an interest in working with the youth because of the positive influence others had on me. I’d like to be a good example and teach them what sports and physical activity have done for me as a person and what it can do for others,” he said.

Choosing Portobello Institute 

When it came to deciding where to study, Portobello Institute’s reputation and flexible learning options were the deciding factors. 

“I heard from other physical education teachers that you can do blended learning to achieve the qualifications. I found Portobello Institute online and saw they offer these courses. The success of former students with sports backgrounds showed me it was achievable,” Ciarán explained.

Now in the first year of his degree, he is thriving in his studies. 

“I love the course at the minute, although it was overwhelming at the start as I was never the academic type. But the tutors and other students have been very helpful, which has made it much easier for me to adjust. I find all the modules interesting, especially Psychology, and I look forward to learning more throughout the course,” he said.

Balancing an MMA Career and Education

One of the biggest advantages for Ciarán has been the ability to maintain his rigorous training and competition schedule while studying. 

“Studying at Portobello Institute has allowed me to keep to my schedule, which was the sole reason I decided to start the course. I’ve found the perfect balance between still being able to pursue my sports career and being a student at the same time,” he said.

Looking beyond his MMA career, Ciarán is excited about the possibilities his degree will unlock.

“I want to continue inspiring young people and show them the value of sports and physical activity.

“Yes, I would definitely recommend Portobello to anyone thinking of going back to education or even starting something new,” Ciarán said. “The flexibility of blended learning makes it possible to pursue what you never thought you could before,” he said.

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