As you all know, a couple months back Queensland, Australia was having some major flood problems. I've been to Queensland a few times now and know alot of people there. Glad that alot of my friends are safe and homes were not lost. Sadly there were thousands of others who were affected by the flooding still. It must be a real horror and nightmare for those who have lost homes,livestocks or even loved ones. The floods later also affected some places in Victoria, Australia. Hitting some friend's gyms and also places where I've taught my seminars at. no
When I saw that my mate Mat Reid from G.V Martial Arts was doing a fundraiser. I thought I'd offer to help by giving some signed stuff for maybe an auction. I got my sponsors to design a pair of shorts with the events name, my name and Tuff boxing on it. I decided to sign it and send it out to Mat Reid for the fund raiser.
Seriously nice shorts!!! =) Well done TuffBoxing!! Awesome as always!!!
Shorts modelled by sexy man - muaythai superstar Neungpichit Sityodtong
I'm not saying my signature is worth loads..! I ain't JWP or Manny Pacquaio for the matter....but I do hope it can help generate some sort of interest so that people will feel like they've spent their money on something FUN and COOL for the lovely people up in Queensland to help rebuild their state.
Every little bit goes a long way!! Good luck guys! =)
I chanced upon a really amazing video today, so amazing and inspirational that I decided to take time and do a blog about it!! I can't remember who posted it on their facebook page, but I'm glad I clicked on it and watched it. It's a documentary about the late MMA Fighter, Evan Tanner, titled "Once I Was A Champion."
I've been watching some other videos on Evan Tanner and all I can say is "WOW!!" , I really cant wait for the documentary to be released! I'm a huge fan of watching movies and documentaries that are based on REAL,TRUE LIFE stories. I think there's so much you can learn from stuff like that....good or bad....
Anyways, for those that know me personally... They all know I'm not a big fan of MMA. I can probably name you about a handful of fighters!! I have alot of respect for the sport of MMA and their fighters. (some of em!). They are probably the most amazing athletes that push their bodies to the utmost physical capabilities!! I do alot of their strength and conditioning workouts for my fights and trust me it isn't the slightest bit easy or enjoyable at times!... Plus I would say that MMA is by far one of the most LETHAL and most PRACTICAL martial arts.
However, after today I can add another MMA fighters name to my handful! Evan Tanner. The documentary isn't as much about Evan Tanner's fighting, it wasn't about the fame, the glory and all that he achieved from MMA. In a way, the documentary told of the man that Evan Tanner was but more importantly it was about "a message"... a message/purpose that he believed he was suppose to share. He believed he was fighting not just for the sake of fame,fortune and glory...but he was fighting to win, to be a champion and when he was a champion, he would have fans/audience....an audience that would listen...and listen to his message and they would then pass on this message! I know it sounds all fucking tree-hugger, ganja smoking, hippyish, strange and even weird....but I do believe that things happen, and it all happens for a reason.
When I hurt myself during the filming of Contender, on day 1 dislocating my right shoulder....then hurting myself later on in my fight against Zidov by disclocating my left shoulder for the first time! I honestly thought my career in muaythai was over, my dreams were never to be accomplished and that I would only be known for being this loser on the show. I had no insurance. I didn't have alot of money. I didn't know how or what was gonna happen. I had always fought with not punching coz of my right shoulder, but to try and fight without punching with both shoulders....I'm as good as a sitting duck!! I remember saying,"The show was a dream come true, but a nightmare of a way to end." I remember being in tears for days and upset as hell. I didn't know what was gonna happen. I couldn't believe all this was happening to me. =(
I remember after everything settled down , I said that I couldn't and wouldn't give up so easily. Then strangely, insurance came through from the filming company and it covered surgery on BOTH shoulders. (The first incident was bloody their fault anyway!!!!) I started from ZERO after surgery, barely being able to dress myself at times! I took about 4 or 5 months of physio,strength training,correctional work and finally when I was stronger I started my muaythai training again. Then later I was for some reason voted and asked to have my rematch with Zidov at the Finals of Contender Asia, held at the indoor stadium infront of 7000 people and televised to millions! =) So "YES", I do believe that things happen, and it all happens for a reason!!!
Evan Tanner filmed these two videos and it was only posted after he died. He said in these two videos how he felt that fighting was just a stepping stone and that it would all lead to something big, something he didn't know that was yet to come. Now that UFC and MMA has basically now taken the world by storm and with him passed away, maybe this documentary was the way his message was to be told, maybe this was the "something bigger" he had always believed in. Some people say "you become even more famous when you are dead"... I mean look at Martin Luther King, Jr, JFK, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Princess Diana, Elvis.... names that you will never forget....now hopefully Evan Tanner and his message will not be forgotten too.
Watching these videos really made my day. I wish I could have met him. A real inspiration, Evan Tanner, you, your legacy and your message will never be forgotten. R.I.P.
Sorry for the late blog update again. Dec was a busy month with friends visiting and catching up over Xmas lunches,dinners and suppers. And now Jan has also gone by way too quickly! Seriously every year seems to go by faster and faster!!
My mother who lives in Holland is here for a month visiting, so that has kept me extremely busy too! I don't usually get to see her this time of the year. Usually see her in Summer and all so this was a real treat for me and my sis as my mom is an amazing cook and this year we can finally have the traditional Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner with her. It has been a while since we've done it.
I also had my good friends from Hannover, Germany in town. If you go back a couple of blogs, they are the ones who do the big parties in their home town. They took such great care of me when I was there, so this time I had to play tourguide and take em around town to do loads of shopping and have loads of yummy chinese new year treats like my favourite,YU SHENG! =) YUM YUM!!
One of my FAVOURITE things in the world!!
2011 is the year of the Rabbit in the Lunar New Year calender. I'm kinda superstitious at times and I do listen to stuff on fengshui and horoscopes. Just for knowledge and fun. I try not to believe everything they say. I know people who actually listen to all the bullshit fortune tellers and some fengshui masters tell them and they almost LIVE BY IT. ..that's when I think its a bit overboard. Example, Fortune teller tells a girl, "You're going to find the guy you're going to marry this year"....and she believed him sooo much and literally she was lead to believe that every guy she met was going to be "THE ONE!" ......It sounds abit retarded, but trust me it does happen!!!!!
Anyways, this is what the year of the Rabbit holds for me!
The Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
The Dog is wonderfully hard worker, a perfectionist and someone who loves the small details. He is also a bit anti-social, pessimistic and stubborn. They are one of the most honest and loyal signs of the Chinese zodiac and will always go to bat for a worthy cause. The Dog is a fantastic listener and his advice is usually very intuitive. These people don’t always forgive easily, especially those who cross them. But are always willing to listen to others’ problems, and to fight for a good cause.
The Chinese Year of the Rabbit has shining possibilities for all Dogs. The main emphasis will be on their personal life. If attached, the Dog will find their relationship grow and become much more meaningful on all levels. Single Dogs will be particularly lucky in finding someone very special. All social occasions will carry the possibility of meeting someone new, with April, June, August and December being the busiest months on their social calendar. Career-wise, the Dog will see the jobs expanding or promotional opportunities arising unexpectedly. It is crucial he discusses any worries or ideas with friends and family. Increased confidence and self-respect will garner the respect of work colleagues. The most favorable months on the work front are March and September to November. Seize the moment when it presents itself! Financially, the Dog can look forward to an improvement in his situation. This will allow him to indulge his hobbies and perhaps take a trip or two. In the Year of the Rabbit, the Dogs must guard against lost, delayed or incorrect documentation. Make sure everything is as it should be on all paperwork this year. The Dog will have a renewed interest in health, fitness and outdoor pursuits this year, which will greatly benefit his vitality and zest for life. If he can leave the past couple of challenging years behind him, 2011 will be a most gratifying and happy year.
So far sounds pretty good to me!! =)
I've been really busy with a whole lot of things the last few weeks. A couple of projects (can't reveal em yet!) on the side that have really required me to be running around alot, so I haven't had time to sit at the computer to do blogs and answer alot of emails! Need to start looking at different things apart from Muaythai and my Personal Training business to keep me on my toes and motivated!
Muaythai will always be my love and my passion. Sadly Singapore just isn't the right place to be at to do it as a profession. =(
Anyways I'll keep it short on this on this blog update and I'll do one soon in a week or so I hope!
Before I leave, Happy New Year and GONG XI FA CAI!! May the year of the rabbit bring us lotsa wealth health and may all our dreams and wishes come true! =)
