My departure from TKO and my new home.

What can I say? Recently just got back from military camp and what a summer I had. Explosives, shotguns, breaching, more explosives, grenade launchers, claymores.....can't ask for more of an experience! On top of all that the course officers presented me with the Top Candidate title! What a summer.

Like fighting, the long hours in the sun, vigorous PT (physical training) sessions, and of course the cocking (getting screamed at) from the staff made it all fun, in a very sadistic way. Till next year, for now, it's back to Muay Thai Training.

Recently, as in 4 months ago I departed from TKO Fighting Arts. It was a hard decision I had to make but I knew that my eventual departure was inevitable. Why did I leave? Many reasons:

1. My family and friends are from Mississauga/Toronto
2. I wanted to diversify my skills by experiencing other gyms and learning what they have to offer.
3. I will be traveling the world for a year and want no commitments.
4. I wanted to become a full time Muay Thai student again, and focus more on my training rather than teaching.

Although I know this is the right decision, I will miss TKO. Guys/gals like Les, Steve, Kyle, Melissa, Christine, Pat, Jeff, Matt and many more. They have brought me up and gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion without ever demanding for anything in return. Kru Chris who started of as my Coach/ Instructor over the years became my training partner, mentor, and one of my closest friends. The wisdom he imparted on me went beyond Muay Thai. He took me into his home, gave me the keys to the gym, and always had my back. For all that I will be forever grateful.
Boy did we have some crazy battles in that ring. No one as ever put the fire in me the way he did, and no one as ever brought the intensity out of me during sparring like Chris. Can't wait until Thailand next month where I will be Joined by Kru Chris and Mario.

I am temporary residing with my parents, sleeping on a mattress in the basement with most of my stuff packed and ready for my next adventure. I have a couple weeks left in town and trying to make the most of it. Kombat Arts, I martial arts gym in Mississauga is where I will be training until Thailand. Sifu Joey is the head coach there and let me tell ya he's a real intelligent man. Trained by, and training some very talented fighters. To be honest prior to this summer I had much trouble adapting to this gym. I felt a little isolated and like an outsider. I didn't feel at home, but that's probably because I wasn't, yet. I've been known as the "guy from TKO" for so many years and in my head I still felt that way. Today I just signed up at Kombat Arts. It's time to let everything go through me, and fearlessly train like I never trained before. I will keep everyone updated.