Skip to main content
Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Merab Dvalishvili joined PCYC - NSW for a day of mentorship and training, fostering discipline, resilience, and community during UFC 312 fight week on February 8
Community

UFC Visits PCYC – NSW As Part Of UFC 312 Fight Week In Sydney

UFC Stars Joanna Jedrzejczyk And Merab Dvalishvili Mentor Local Youth At PCYC – NSW During UFC 312 Fight Week, Sharing Their Skills And Inspiring The Next Generation Of Athletes
By UFC Staff Report • Feb. 15, 2025

UFC recently hosted a youth training and fitness seminar with PCYC – NSW as part of fight week for UFCÒ 312: DU PLESSIS vs. STRICKLAND 2, which took place on Saturday, February 8, at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

Established in 1938 as a province-wide charity whose mission is to empower young people to reach their potential through Police and community partnerships, PCYC – NSW provides quality activities and programs in a safe, fun and friendly environment across more than 66 locations throughout New South Wales.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Merab Dvalishvili lead a youth martial arts class at PCYC – NSW, sharing their knowledge and inspiring the next generation during UFC 312 fight week.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Merab Dvalishvili lead a youth martial arts class at PCYC – NSW, sharing their knowledge and inspiring the next generation during UFC 312 fight week

UFC’s youth mentoring initiative is included as part of the PCYC – NSW ‘Fit for Life’ program, which focuses on linking physical, emotional and social wellbeing to promote a healthy lifestyle and positive decision making.

Merab Dvalishvili demonstrates proper punching technique during a youth training session at PCYC – NSW
Merab Dvalishvili demonstrates proper punching technique during a youth training session at PCYC – NSW

“At PCYC-NSW, we believe in the power of partnership to create real change for young people,” said Bree Godden, PCYC GM Fundraising and Marketing. “Our collaboration with UFC is about inspiring resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging, and showcasing the importance of being active in life. By stepping into our clubs and engaging directly with our young people, UFC athletes are helping shape positive futures, fostering self-discovery, and building lifelong skills. PCYC NSW is built by the community, for the community, and together with partners like UFC, we’re creating a place where every young person has the opportunity to build capability, develop agency, and find community."
 

Joanna Jedrzejczyk trains one-on-one with a young student, imparting her expertise in striking and technique at PCYC – NSW
Joanna Jedrzejczyk trains one-on-one with a young student, imparting her expertise in striking and technique at PCYC – NSW

During the event, UFC Hall of Famer Joanna Jedrzejczyk and UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili joined PCYC – NSW coaches to host more than 30 students for a 90-minute seminar that focused on fundamentals associated with self-defense, wrestling, boxing, and judo.

A young student practices judo with Merab Dvalishvili, mastering key techniques and gaining confidence during the session at PCYC – NSW
A young student practices judo with Merab Dvalishvili, mastering key techniques and gaining confidence during the session at PCYC – NSW

“We had an amazing afternoon with the kids here at PCYC today,” said Jedrzejczyk. “Their coaches do a great job of teaching core principles of boxing, wrestling, and judo, and I saw a lot of potential here on the mats. Training areas of MMA is about being strong, both physically and mentally, and you can see becoming strong is one of the key values of this program.”

Merab Dvalishvili celebrates with a young judo student after a successful throw, highlighting their progress and camaraderie at PCYC – NSW
Merab Dvalishvili celebrates with a young judo student after a successful throw, highlighting their progress and camaraderie at PCYC – NSW

Each athlete led separate instructional sessions on both disciplines, providing insights on punching techniques, takedowns, and throws.

Merab Dvalishvili demonstrates a powerful judo throw, showcasing technique during UFC 312 week at PCYC – NSW
Merab Dvalishvili demonstrates a powerful judo throw, showcasing technique during UFC 312 week at PCYC – NSW

“It was great to come here today and share our knowledge with the kids here in Sydney,” said Dvalishvili. “Sharing our training and Octagon experiences from athletes that you admire is one of the ways that I got into the sport. My training began with judo, and it’s an honor to train the next generation. Hopefully a lot of champions will come from here.”

UFC will continue to host seminars annually throughout New South Wales with PCYC – NSW, with high profile UFC athletes leading the sessions at select PCYC – NSW clubs across the state. To learn more, please visit PCYCNSW. UFC’s corporate social responsibility program, #UFCInTheCommunity, strategically collaborates with partners, sponsors, and athletes to develop additional charitable programs and funding sources to help bolster and inspire the local community.

Tags
UFC Community