What got you into fighting?
My mom was a single parent and was looking for something I would find interesting. When I was 9 years old I went to Karate, the instructor was great – I loved it and was hooked!
I competed in forms and point sparring. I wanted to go further, my mom told me, “Have passion and go for it!” we’ve never looked back.

Why does fighting still resonate with you?
I love it, I love everything about it. I love to train, to compete, to push my body; the mental and physical challenges are amazing. It’s easy to keep training hard, I always think, ‘Someone out there might be training harder’.

Where are you planning to take your fight career?
Training and fighting takes a huge toll on the body so it’s hard to tell how long I can keep going but for now I intend to keep
fighting – just staying focused on the next bout.

What is something about you, people would be surprised to find out?
I love Opera music, baking, watching the food network and I’m a group exercise instructor. Oh, and I’ve NEVER been in a fight outside the ring, never.

How would you describe yourself as a fighter?
I’m a passionate fighter who’s deeply self critical about my
fighting. I watch my fights and see so many things I could have done better. I can be serious when training, so my trainer Ganelle Fairtex helps me lighten up. My mom will tell me, You’re not
solving world hunger or curing cancer, just go out and do what you love..

What sacrifices have you made along the way to get where you are?
There are some monetary sacrifices for sure and I never got to attend my prom. But the sacrifices come easily for me because I love what I do – so, they don’t feel like sacrifices. I also know that fighting is not forever, so I can do other things later.

We all know the mental part of sports and fighting is a huge part of the game, any thoughts on that aspect of things?
I can still get very nervous and even feel like I’m going to vomit before a fight but once that bell rings it’s back to ‘Do what I’m trained to do. Thank you for that first punch, if I was not clear before, I am now.
Specifically, when I’m getting ready for a fight, I intentionally replicate the emotional state of a fight. I imagine ALL the details including being in tough situations – this way; I’ve already been there.
The way I train, there is NOTHING more I could have done – that’s a great feeling and gives me the confidence I need, ‘I’m good to go!

Thoughts on your victorious May 1st Championship WCSC fight?
I was scared for sure, it was a great learning experience, I know the things I have to improve – oh, and my hair looked good (laughter).

Name: Jenna Castillo
Height: 5’2”
Weight: 122 lbs
Discipline: Muay Thai
Team: Fairtex (Ganyao Fairtex is head trainer, Mark Tabuso, George Tsutsui)
Hometown: San Jose, CA

Championships:
- WCSC World Bantamweight Muay Thai Champion
- US Sanshou (banned in California) Featherweight Champion
- US Sanshou (banned in California) Bantamweight Champion- IKF
- West Coast Bantamweight Champion
- ISKA California Muay Thai Featherweight Champion