Don't let the cute blond hairdo and ight blue eyes fool you, because Annapolis resident Cameron “Cammie” Jurkowsky is a force to be reckoned with—literally. She is a national competitor for one of the toughest and most rapidly growing sports in the world, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
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Jurkowsky was a former standout student-athlete at Annapolis High Schooland showcased her skills further by playing Division I lacrosse at Penn State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice in 2007. Upon graduation, Jurkowsky sought a career in the Secret Service working with their canine unit, but she grew bored waiting for government clearance and callbacks and decided to get certified as a personal trainer, “to help clients identify, reach and maintain their fitness goals.”When Jurkowsky ventured into the boxing ring to explore new exercises and techniques, she became fascinated by the extreme discipline and multifaceted sport of MMA, which combines boxing, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. Her family and friends voiced their concern about participating in a male-dominated industry when she started training with world-renowned martial arts experts, but the challenge just fueled her determination to make a name for herself.
Since competing in the World Kickboxing Association's MMA Nationals as well as regional matches, Jurkowsky's fan base and reputation have quickly grown. She was recruited by the Lingerie Football League to play for the Baltimore Charm team, but after tearing her knee's medial meniscus during practice she was forced to resign. She is currently training for a competition in Fe uary and says, “I am excited to be back in full competition mode, where a typical day consists of running, conditioning, sparring and classes for up to five hours a day.”This year Jurkowsky is launching her own website (cammiejmma.com) that showcases her fitness modeling portfolio, upcoming fights, personal training tips and sponsorship opportunities. She aspires to become a well-known fitness personality and hopes to one day train and compete in Japan.
- Elyse Exposito
