The tipping point May 31, 2015Martial Arts, Muay Thai, Personal Development, SportsCombat SportsThe Little fighter still has a big heart. Today is a good day. I won my fight last night and took a K1 title home. The 6 weeks of hard work, dedication, perseverance and persistent training paid off. It’s funny because when I finished training for this fight I thought to myself ‘I’ve done everything I can do.’ And that little voice I’ve grown to know told me to take that into the ring with me. To be at my best. As a fighter I’ve got a long way to go. I know I have a lot to improve, but today is my day and I am immeasurably happy. Believe it or not It’s not all about me. When I fight, win or lose it’s my gym that are there with me. Win or lose I always have a great corner who have a wealth of fight experience know their stuff, and most importantly know and understand me as a fighter. And I’ve learnt just like with my old camp in Bournemouth, that regardless of the result we’re in it together. We’re a family, and it makes me happy inside to know that I have a home. When it comes to what worked last night.. well, the simple things in life are always the best. I got some nice combinations in and some good low kicks, and the last round of the fight.. knees of death. Despite it being K1 rules I opened up with my knees and didn’t relent. Aaron is a good K1 fighter and he gave me a hard time. He was a lot tougher than last time I fought him,and if I said at no point did he have me in trouble I would be being arrogant. As I said before I have a lot to learn. But I’m pleased that I’m improving. 14 fights in and I am sure it will only get better. I’m sure it’ll get harder too. I really want to take some time to improve my boxing as I have strong punches but want to get my combinations better, and in general although I put the pressure on at the right times last night I still want to get faster. I can be fast,but sometimes I think I focus too much on power. I know I can hurt them but I want to be quicker at doing it too. Although, on the back of that my work rate last night was a big improvement on fights before. I got caught quite a few times too, so although my defence isn’t bad it’s something I want to keep improving. When it comes to the pre fight nerves they were practically non existent up until yesterday. I focused on channelling those nerves into intent in the ring. A key moment for me was at the beginning of the 3rd round when one of my trainers told me that what I was doing was working, but to focus on pushing myself too. I was tired and he was tired but I knew that I had to really start to work to tip the balance. So I gave it my everything and in the end in paid off. At points it wasn’t the tidiest of fights, but I don’t really think fighting is always about being ‘technically marvellous’ as one of my trainers would say. More often than not it gets to a point when it’s about pure grit and the determination to win. As the great Muhammad Ali once said ‘the will must be stronger than the skill.’ Although I’m pleased to say that despite having heart, I’m beginning to fight a little smarter too. It really helped a lot last night having some close friends watching me box, . I’ve always got my camp there, but having those that have known me since before I began on my martial journey watching too gives a much needed boost to moral. I’m pleased they saw me at my best. So next Wednesday I’m off out to Thailand again to Phuket and Sitsongpeenong for a good few weeks of sun, sand and graft.It’s going to be an amazing experience and I know it will improve me a lot. I’ve got a few injuries from last night but they are healing up well, so I’m taking it easy for a couple of days before I get put through hell and back again. Although the thought of training tomorrow and Tuesday is still on my mind. We’ll see. At the very least, I’ll swing by the gym. The past eight or so years has been one hell of a journey and it’s a path I’m going to be on for many years yet. When it comes to fighting.. well that’s a part of what we do, so as long as I can then I will. ‘Improving’ as an old trainer of mine would say. That’s always a good thing. Have a good week, train hard and chok dee for all your fights. I’ll see you on the road. Share this:TwitterFacebookRedditLike this:Like Loading... Related
The Little Fighter With A Big Heart 