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Introduction:
I've been a big fan of combat sports for years, thanks to my stepdad who introduced me to the world of boxing. He'd often share old clips of iconic boxing legends like George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, and Mike Tyson. Inspired by these legends, I dabbled in boxing for a while, though I never quite committed to it. This being due to my own laziness, with my mind stuck to counter-productive things like TikTok and YouTube. Up until the age of 16, I was very unfit and couldn't run 100m without doubling over out of breath, avoiding humiliation by blaming it on my asthma which hasn’t really been an issue since I was a toddler.
Ali vs Frazier poster, a gift from my parents:
Ironically, considering my less-than-stellar sporting performance during my younger days, I decided to pursue a path in Sports Science during college, to which I am now studying at university. My journey into Sports Science initially stemmed from a personal goal of mine: to improve my fitness and gain weight, which I did by getting myself into the free gym provided and treating myself to a pricey pair of running shoes. Back in my secondary school period, I was significantly underweight, hovering just under 60kg at 6 feet, I was all skin and bone and it took a long while for me to become comfortable in my body.
In this photo, I'm reminded of a phase when I was notably slender, marking a time when my weight had hit its lowest point. It's among the scarce images from that period because I made a conscious effort to conceal my underweight appearance, often resorting to loose-fitting clothing.
Reflecting on this picture from my youth, I now accept the typicality of such adolescent experiences. The fluctuations in weight at this age are normal and are part of the processes of puberty, characterised by profound hormonal shifts and accelerated growth spurts. These changes are part and parcel of the journey from childhood to adulthood.
Despite maintaining a slender physique, I've consistently committed to a healthy lifestyle over the past year. Following my college graduation, I embarked on a job as a Fitness Instructor, initiating a personal training journey. Since then, I've successfully gained around 15kg, a significant achievement for me.
As I transition into university life, I've continued to prioritize my fitness goals. Balancing gym sessions with my studies has become a routine, and I've also embraced kickboxing as part of my approach to well-being. This commitment to a healthy lifestyle not only aligns with my professional role but has also become an integral aspect of my personal growth and well-rounded development.
First boxing event I attended with my stepdad as a Fathers Day present, BYB 18:
My previous boxing stint may have been brief; however, I've been eager to get back into a combat sport. During my college years, I had the privilege of being under the guidance of Richard, our Fitness Training lecturer. He was undoubtedly a favourite among students, despite the fact that he pushed us through what I describe as absolute physical torment. What set him apart was his past as a K1 kickboxing champion during his Navy service. His wealth of experience in the sport served as a significant source of inspiration
Richard's journey was the catalyst that led me to explore K1 kickboxing more deeply. Now, as a university student, I've taken the plunge and embraced this sport wholeheartedly. Through my blog, I hope to share my ongoing adventures, detailing how this newfound passion is influencing my life at university. Moreover, I look forward to connecting with individuals who share the same interests and enthusiasm for this exhilarating sport.
My First Nervous Step:
Attending my first K1 kickboxing session just three weeks ago was a bit nerve-wracking. I stepped into a room filled with strangers, and it was definitely a departure from my comfort zone. The initial unease could have been overwhelming, but as I continued showing up, I quickly learned that, in any new environment, you eventually cross paths with people who share your interests.
It was astonishing how, within this short period, I managed to connect with like-minded individuals who were as enthusiastic about kickboxing as I was. It was reassuring to realize that the shared passion for this sport served as a natural icebreaker, making the sessions much more socially manageable and enjoyable.
I have been getting on very well, with the main thing holding me back is the lack of flexibility I have and how I've never had to raise my leg so high, as pictured here, I'm convinced I'll land myself in hospital after a few roundhouses.
Punching I can deal with but going into kickboxing, it feels like a completely different world and listening to instructions has never been my strong suit, combinations go in one ear and out the other, something that I'm going to have to get a grip with.
I was determined not to be someone who starts a new endeavor, invests in expensive gear, only to quit and declare it's not their thing. I've stuck with my old, worn 12oz gloves since I began boxing at 15. Now that I'm certain about my passion for this sport, I've decided to invest in new equipment. I'll be showcasing these additions on the blog, allowing you to see them firsthand. If there are any beginners out there thinking of starting, they can get a firsthand look at what I'm using and determine if it's suitable for them. I'll be getting new 16oz gloves, shin guards, wraps that haven't been used in the past 4 years, and perhaps a few other essentials I may need.
Thank you
That's it for now, thank you for the support, I will be posting regular updates on how my fitness journey is going and I'm thrilled to share it. If you'd like to see any MMA updates, follow the Instagram at @mindbodyfight it would be greatly appreciated and you can check out posts like these below: