KWest Kickboxing

Fight Camp: Week 1

Posted by Kara on September 16th, 2011

Follow the members of Fall 2011 Fight Camp as they work toward the ultimate goal – the ring!

Week 1 – Wayne

It’s been just over a week into Fight Camp, and I couldn’t be happier. I have really missed getting punched in the face on a regular basis!

Training is going strong, we had a great week of training last week. But this week has been a little tough for the majority of the group. A nasty cold has been dragging down everyone, and they’ve all been fighting to stay healthy. But even though at times they haven’t felt the greatest everyone has brought a great enthusiasm and work ethic!

I am looking forward to Friday’s sparring class.

Follow Wayne on Twitter!

Into the Fire

Posted by Kara on September 2nd, 2011

Screen shots from Into the Fire: Baptism by Fire by the Muay Thai Premier League

Well, it’s September 2 and for many of us Kwesters, that means today we are desperately wishing we were in Long Beach, California, where the Muay Thai Premier League has brought together 24 of the best Muay Thai fighters in the world to debut the League and generally knock the socks off North America. This is a serious “who’s who” list of fighters from across the world and most of us can’t even imagine the level of dedication and intensity that goes into their training day in and day out. It’s a special breed that can sustain this level of training and excel at it, and what I wouldn’t give to get my butt into one of those seats in California tonight to watch it all go down in person.

Since that’s not possible, I’ll be looking for somewhere to watch the show online and in the meantime, since it’s Friday and a long weekend, you should all take the time to watch this video (sorry, I can’t embed it so just click on the link to view) and marvel at the skill, the finesse, the power and the mental endurance that you can get just a glimpse of here, in the best fighters in the world.

PS – “Steel sharpens steel” – Fight Campers, HOW MANY TIMES have you heard Kru Kelly say that?!

Purpose-Driven

Posted by Kara on August 18th, 2011

There’s been a lot of talk about goals around the Kwest gym these days. If you’re like me, fall usually seems more like a “new year” than January does. Nature is slowly winding down, kids go back to school, university students go back to or start classes and summer vacations and all of the indulgences that come along with them are over and it’s time to focus and re-evaluate and for many of us – set new goals.

So rather than wait for the dead of winter to make a New Year’s Resolution, I’d like to suggest that September 1 be New Year’s this year! What are your goals for the coming months? What would you like to accomplish, in and out of the gym? In last Wednesday’s Level 2 class, Kru Jocelyn had everyone write down a goal or goals on an index card, and then follow that by writing down how we were going to accomplish those goals. I would highly suggest doing something like this yourself. Write it down and see it in front of you in black and white – whether it’s mastering skipping for the first time since you were 12, finally conquering the heel pivot in your kick, improving your flexibility (like mine, above!) or taking an armband or Level 2 test, having something to work toward – big or small – is invaluable in motivating you day after day to make choices that will help you reach those goals. Tape the card to your mirror, your computer monitor, your dash board or maybe even your fridge ; ) and watch yourself succeed. If you want to share, we’d love to hear about your goals.

So, Happy “New” New Year to you – and may you all see your goals come true!

A Black Eye and a Medal

Posted by Kara on July 27th, 2011

We at Kwest headquarters had a great time this weekend as we headed to Calgary for the Black Eye MuayThai Gala, where Kwest fighter Wayne Pokornik was stepping into the ring against Calgary fighter Conrad Corbiere. Arguably his best fight yet, this 3-round slug-fest saw Wayne battling it out with big punches and mighty kicks that left him with two of his favourite things – a black eye from a strong right, and a medal for leaving the ring victorious. A majority decision put another “W” on Wayne’s record and made for a good start to what would be a great night of fights. Black Eye MuayThai Gala featured outstanding fighters from Canada, the United States and England and ended with the awarding of the WKL North American Womens Full Muay Thai Rules Title to Nicci Soutiere of Team Miles. All in all, a pretty great way to spend a Saturday night and we can’t wait to do it again.

Congratulations to Wayne, who rocks a black eye with a smile and some new hardware around his neck this week – you can find interviews with Wayne here, here and here and for even more fun you can follow him on Twitter right here.

From the Fighters – Jenn, Joe, Derrick

Posted by Kara on July 14th, 2011

It’ summer time and it’s hard to think about training every day, but remember that soon it will be fall and you’ll be ready to get back at it! Here are a few more reasons to think about Fight Camp and competing from three more of our fighters – Jennifer, Joe and Derrick:

Jennifer Willis

Q. Why should I apply for fight camp?

A. Applying for fight camp is a big decision. My biggest decision was “Am I ready”? A lot of people think they need more experience, need more practice or need to know more before applying for fight camp. This is not necessarily true. The amount you learn in fight camp is huge. If you have the desire and drive to learn then fight camp is where your learning process will begin. You will not only come out of fight camp with more knowledge and respect for the sport and other fighters but you will be in the best shape of your life. If you are willing to work hard the benefits are insurmountable.

Q. Favourite Fight Camp memory?

A. I have a couple favourite memories. The amount of support between the fighters is amazing. There were times where 1 or 2 fighters were required to do a large amount of sit ups. Even though they didn’t have to and they were tired, the rest of the fighters were right in there doing the sit ups with them, supporting them and counting for them. The support from the whole team is what gets you through the day.

Q. Would you do it again?

A. DEFINITELY. There is so much to learn. Once you step in the ring and have completed your first fight the desire to do it again is very strong. The feeling is hard to describe. It is something you really need to feel for yourself.

Joseph Stephenson

Q. Why should I apply for fight camp?

A. The reason one would apply for fight camp is to team up with other club members training for an ultimate goal, whether that may be fighting or personal benefits.

Q. What is your favourite fight camp memory?

A. My favourite memory of one the fight camps I have done is doing the ox cart and almost not being to finish due to physical exertion. It was the encouragement and support of my fellow teammates that inspired me to finish.

Q. Now that you are on the other side would you do it again?

A. I would join in a heart beat. Each fight camp makes you stronger not only as a fighter but as a person.

Derrick Fisher

Q. Why should I apply for fight camp?

A. I applied because I wanted to challenge myself. I spent many years training and learning and wanted to use it. Also I wanted to show everybody the skills that I have learned. One final thing….it’s freaking awesome!!!!!

Q. What is your favourite fight camp memory?

A. The camaraderie, we stuck through the good the bad and the ugly. When one of us started to fall the others were there to catch you and pick you up. Oh yeah, the three hundred sit ups after every session…lol

Q. Now that you are on the other side would you do it again?

A. Yes i would before I am too old and other priorities become more important.

Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies

Posted by Kara on July 13th, 2011

Photo source

I know that the words “healthy” and “cookies” don’t often end up in the same sentence but if you have the itch do see some fresh-baked cookies come out of the oven without the standard amount of guilt attached, check out this recipe for a treat that doesn’t equal a week’s worth of classes per cookie!

Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

Dry

3/4 c whole wheat flour (may need to adjust depending on the moisture of the batter)
3/4 c oats
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
optional: 1 tsp cinnamon

Moist

1 c smooth natural peanut butter
1/2 c honey (easier with liquid honey)
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
optional: 1/3-1/2 c chocolate or carob chips

Preparation:

Combine dry ingredients
Combine moist ingredients
Mix dry and moist ingredients together.
Cool in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Drop teaspoons of batter on a parchment-lined cookie sheet or baking sheet for cookies.
Flatten with a fork if you like.
Bake at 375 for 8-12 minutes – edges will be slightly browned – be careful not to burn as honey browns fast.

Recipe originally posted here.

From the Fighters – James Vargscarr

Posted by Kara on July 9th, 2011

Here’s another perspective on Fight Camp and stepping into the ring, this time from fighter James Vargscarr:

Q. Why should I apply for fight camp?

A. Fighting competitively makes you relate to Muay Thai in a completely different way. The sport becomes a lifestyle for the duration of the fight camp, so the training impacts your life on a new level. You learn and grow as a fighter, but you also learn and grow as a person. It’s a life experience.

Q. Whats your favourite fight camp memory?

A. Definitely all the sparring. The training days when we’d do nothing but spar, each going a few rounds, then sitting out and watching; critiquing each others’ technique.

Q. Now that you are on the ‘other side’ of a fight camp(s)…would you do it again?

A. Absolutely. I’ve done a few now, and there’s still a lot more I’d like to achieve. But fight camps take a toll on your body and they can be mentally exhausting, so before every application I have to ask myself if the timing is right. You have to be ready to make the commitment to training and go in with your eyes open.

See what Wayne Pokornik had to say about Fight Camp here.

Are Fighters Crazy?

Posted by Kara on July 8th, 2011

Happy Friday, Kwesters! Today we start a short series of blog posts answering the question many of you may have asked your selves when seeing our fighters training day in and day out for various Fight Camps – WHY on earth would they want to do that to themselves??

We asked past Fight Campers to share with us their reasons for doing Fight Camp, what they loved about it and now that they’ve done it whether they would do it again. We’re already planning our next fight night this fall and we’d love to hear from you if this is something you may be interested in doing. Maybe in the back of YOUR mind you’ve been wondering, “Could I do Fight Camp? Should I apply?” If so, let this be some motivation to you – YES you can and YES you should! Even if it’s not the right time for you or something you are interested in for the future, check out what our first fighter has to say:

WAYNE POKORNIK

Q: Why should I apply for fight camp?

A: When you go through a fight camp, you will improve your skills by leaps and bounds, all while getting into the best shape if your life. The best part though, is the fight at the end of it all!

Q. What is your favorite fight memory?

A. Stepping into the ring for the first time.

Q. Now that you are on the ‘other side’ of a fight camp(s)…would you do it again?”

A. I would most definitely do it again! I never want it to stop.

Pass It On

Posted by Kru Kelly on June 3rd, 2011

Here is a neat video with a life lesson as well. For as long as I have been in martial arts the tradition of passing down information from Kru to student and then from student to student is a necessity for survival of the a Martial Art.

A four minute short story about a young man’s journey to adulthood in the martial art of Muay Thai. Featuring legendary Thai fighters Samart Payakaroon and Sangtiennoi. Also introducing young boxers Moses and Deelek.

You’ll see some of these techniques still used in Thailand as poverty is an issue in some cases. The splashing of the water is used to help a fighter keep his eyes open to see strikes better. Notice the control of the fighter as they do technical sparring with no gear on.

Wrap It Up! Hand & Ankle Wrapping

Posted by Kru Kelly on May 27th, 2011

One of the most popular questions people ask me is “how do you wrap hands”?

Before I begin – please buy gloves for Muaythai training otherwise you are not going to punch hard and that is half the workout that you are paying full price for.

Hand protection is really important, once you start to use proper technique your punching gets a lot harder, and it is even more important when you don’t have good technique! Hand wraps are not meant to be used as a glove, they are used to support the skeletal structure and muscular network of your hand and wrist.

What’s interesting is that many people have their own methods, so really there is no “one” true way to wrap your hands. Hand wrapping can focus on the knuckles, wrist, thumb or an even combination for all. So if you don’t like this method just Youtube it and you’ll find another that is suitable.

HAND WRAPPING – Here is is a video on ‘one’ method of wrapping hands.

ANKLE WRAPPING – Also, here is a video if you have hurt or want to protect your ankles from further injury. I’ve used this myself and it is an excellent method.