Evening all. Despite Sunday evening having crept into the small hours of Monday morning with little to no warning at all I felt that I should find the time to play martial catch up with you all. Besides, it’s always good to touch base and I hope all is well in your world training wise and otherwise.

When it comes to fighting things are currently heading in the right direction.  I’ve made sure my running has been regular and I’m sticking to my weights, sit-ups and fitness training as well as Thai boxing. I’m starting off afresh with some K1 Monday night and then a longer  Thai session which then leads into a big push through the rest of the week and a determination to drop the last of the weight needed for the show the following Saturday.

Pretty soon  I’ll be just about ready. And as always when I’m at the gym I’ll make sure I work hard. The week ahead is the most important one so as I step into all my challenges with everything I’ve got I intend to hit the ground running. Full steam ahead. It’s the only way.

I think it’s fair to say that nerves have temporarily dissipated for now and I’m faster and I’m sharper than 2 or 3 weeks back. I’ve got my fight head on and the energy is absolutely flowing the right way. It always flows where attention goes. That much is a given. As soon as I walk into the gym these days I’m finding it easier to switch my boxing head on and leave the rest of the day behind.

I’m hoping that this week sees me shutting out the constant critic that tries to follow me into sparring rounds. I’m wanting to get past the brief moments of hesitation that pop up from time to time. As an old trainer of mine once said to me it’s not about what he’s going to do to me. It’s about what I am going to do to him. Fear is the mind killer. I need to remember to be first as well as answer back. (I talk a good fight.)

When it comes to aggression in sparring and in training I was pleased to find my old clinching me coming back into play recently and I want to work more on my clinch game before the 13th. It was always a strength and I can see it becoming one again.

I absolutely need to start focusing more on body kicking well against taller people although being honest, I have a little faith and think practically. You can either point score or you can fight to stop someone. I’m still under decided about what should be the best approach. Body kicks are important but Muay Thai has a lot of tools. I believe in me.

I think the hardest part of the next week or so will be dropping the last of the weight I need to cut but I’ll get there. If it means going back to training with 2 layers on I can put myself through that. I think I was 62.5 yesterday and I need to make 61. Yes, it can be done.

I thought I’d leave you this week with a video of one of my favourite fighters Pornsanae Sitmonchai  up against Superlek in 2014. Although here he’s unfortunate enough to get caught with a high kick I still like his fighting style. Speed and volume and pressure. Always the pressure. and speaking of that you can’t beat graft. Here’s to another good week and just like the last time.. I’ll see you on that road.