NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
As life throws curveballs at us we have no choice but to adapt or get run over. Our Q&A this month checks all the boxes you love a good story overcome a dark moment, took a leap and tried something new, and came out the other side stronger and inspirational to all. We take you to California and get to know a young lady who can help you grow your money by day and sweep the leg by night. Introducing Des the Mauy Tai Princess!
Joe Cardoso: Let’s go back it’s 2016 how did you first hear about Muay Thai and why did you fall in love with it?
Desiree Wodicker: In 2016 I was still pretty new to California. I started living a new lifestyle compared to when I was living in Missouri. I was in this weird transition of rewriting my story and creating a new life for myself. I decided to become healthier and started working out lifting at 24-hour Fitness. I met a few friends there and one of them brought up my current gym CSA and how we both wanted to check it out. At the time I originally thought it was a boxing and Crossfit gym because I didn’t know the difference between all the arts. At first, I was just attending the Crossfit class and really enjoyed the new experience and energy of the gym. Then, I decided to take a class. Here is where I learned about the art of 8 limbs. I was surrounded by world-class fighters at the time and got to see how intense and beautiful the sport was. I am an intense human being so naturally I thought it was a fit haha! I pursued the challenge and continued to train because of that.
JC: What were those first few months of training like for you?
Des: The first few months of training were pretty scary. There was a lot of judgment and kinda smack talking of the “new girl” it wasn’t that pleasant at first, to be honest. There were a few that were super kind and supportive of my learning at the gym and that really helped me to just be able to make mistakes and learn. But I really enjoyed it and just continued. The workout was rewarding in itself.
JC: The reaction from family and friends when you let them know this was NEXT for you?
Des: A lot of my family and friends did not know I was taking it so seriously until I decided to do my first PKB which is like a glorified sparring event. My mom was extremely worried and still is about me getting punched in the face. On the other hand, my best friend was super excited and came to my first fight. All of my friends for the most part have supported me 100% in my fighting goals and have tried to make it to my fights.
JC: At what point did you know ok, I want to step in the ring and what was that like for you?
Des: Before I had my amateur debut, my coach had me do several PKB events to see how I reacted to the pressure, adrenaline and most importantly if I listened. As I started to win the feeling of being able to actually do this became a bit more real. I started realizing that I had always been an athlete and this was just an extension of this. I also noticed things about myself that I had never uncovered and fighting exposed those things about my personality and mental strength.
JC: You owe a lot to your coach. How did the relationship begin and what has he meant to you during this journey?
Des: Yes, I have been with my coach from the start of my career. He is the kind of coach that not only has trained me with some of the strongest fundamentals but he has also been a mentor and safe place to confide in over the years. He is extremely supportive and will go out of his way for you. Our relationship has grown over the years and he is absolutely one of the most important people in my journey. Over these last 7 years, he has helped me overcome some of the hardest obstacles personally and in my fight career. He is truly one of a kind. If you are in the market for superclone Replica Rolex , Super Clone Rolex is the place to go! The largest collection of fake Rolex watches online!
JC: How do you balance it all motherhood, kicking ass, and life in general?
Des: This is the constant question I get all the time. It has been hard over the years to manage this. A lot of people will say you have too much going on, there are too many rods in the fire, you need to slow down.. but I do believe in pursuing things you love and we really only have one life. When I was 16 I got into a really terrible motorcycle accident and my uncle died right in front of me. I had reconstructive surgery on my jaw and almost lost my life. After I hit rock bottom it really opened my eyes to the delicacy of life that most people don’t get to experience. Time management is everything in my life, I have had to get really good at time management and learn how to balance all of these things. There is also a fine line between getting burnt out. I have to acknowledge when I need time for myself or to take a few days off because that is what my body and mind are asking for. For people that are high-output individuals, this sometimes can create some guilt but you have to be aware when this is happening and be selfish at times. If you are not ok then everything else you are trying to do will not be ok or thrive. 
JC: What does a typical week look like for you?
Des: A typical week is a bit wild. I work during the day for Morgan Stanley in Wealth Management and then afterward I am training M-F whether I am fighting or not. During the week my son has tutoring and AAU basketball that I share taxi responsibilities with his dad. Saturdays are my sparring days and Sundays I rest and take care of home things as well as prepare for the week by doing content creation and spending time with my boy. It doesn’t always work out on weekends that I just get to chill though because there is always something going on, family, friends, and events happening hahaha but I make it work.
JC: Being a strong female in a contact sport, what does that mean to you?
Des: Throughout the years I have seen such a positive response from people around me or through social media that are inspired by my fighting, especially women. I think it also changes the way men interact with me as well. I get messages all the time about people’s daughters and women that feel uplifted because of it. I didn’t get to grow up with my mom in my upbringing so this really makes my heart warm when I hear this, especially from young women because I wish I had been exposed to this kind of environment and strength when I was younger. As a mom, my son has grown up in the gym. I have shown him throughout the years what hard work and dedication look like. He brags to all his friends and people because his mom is a fighter. It is adorable. But I hope that this example translates into things in his own life as he grows.
JC: Before the end of 2023 one goal you want to achieve is?
Des: Winning my pro debut on a good promotion to set the stage for my competitive level.
Bonus Questions:
JC: When not training we can find Des?
Des: Taking a nap, hanging with my boy and friends, making content, traveling, and riding my horse.
JC: When the bell goes off for a fight what is going through your mind?
Des: This is my time, I trust my training, I will win this fight.
JC: Who is Des?
Des: Des is a strong and resilient human being that has many layers to her. She is kind, hardworking, and believes in living your life in the most authentic way possible in whatever it is. Desiree is a survivor and a complex creature but she does her best to lead with love and an open heart in everything she does. She also is a little spicy and stands by her values and the things she believes in. Desiree believes she is a unicorn and does all things in unicorn fashion 😀
Des is AWESOME. The balancing act alone earns respect and it takes a special kind of person to step inside the ring with anyone. A big thank you to Des for making the time to share her journey and can’t wait to see what is next for her. Her socials are fun and give you a great peek into her life follow her here: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube. Whatever it is you want to achieve in life with hard work, a solid plan, and faith you can make it. Until next time keep dreaming.
