International Kickboxer Magazine, Jan/Feb 2013
Kickboxing, as a sport, as been evolving since the early eighties. Its roots in Muay Thai have remained constant, however; Muay Thai continues to exist despite fashion and rule changes and springs up like a hardy flower in the most unlikely of places, taking root amongst passionate practitioners and audiences alike. JARROD BOYLE takes you on a whirlwind tour of the best fighters defining and promoting the art worldwide. Continue reading
Mark Castagnini is one of the key players in Australian Thai boxing. Beginning his career as a fighter, he went through traditional martial arts before taking up Thai boxing almost by accident and discovering that it bought him to the ultimate test of his training. From there, he has been involved with developing and disseminating the sport at every level, editing International Kickboxer Magazine, working as a commentator alongside Michael Schiavello on Foxsports, promoting events and running his own martial arts academy, Hammer’s Gym. Mark spends a little time telling us about his passion for the sport, what its Australian roots are and the directions the branches are moving in. Continue reading
Mel at work – doing what she does
Mel Walsh recently competed at the IFMA (International Federation of Muay Thai) games in Russia, bringing home a silver medal. She talks about family and fitness as the ‘headmistress’ of one of Australia’s premier Muay Thai gyms, Urban Fight Gym. Continue reading
William Luu is a budding fight photographer who uses his skills to support his studies in design. The above photo appeared on facebook recently, and is one of the most striking images published in Australian fightsports this year. I decided to track him down to ask about it. Continue reading
International Kickboxer Magazine, Nov/Dec 2012
Buakaw, known to his parents as Sombat Banchamek, is arguably one of the greatest fighters of the modern era. Over a career which spans a staggering 238 fights, he has established his career with a style and a slew of performances which have thrilled millions. Now, in the ultimate triumph of business over sport, it appears his career has been stolen from him – and us – in a legal quagmire. On the back of sixteen straight wins, he has been forced into retirement. JARROD BOYLE looks back over the reign of a great champion and wonders where to from here. Continue reading
International Kickboxer Magazine, Nov/Dec 2012
Michael ‘Tomahawk Thompson has had 41 fights in the brief period he has been Thai boxing. This is all the more remarkable when you take in to account he is only 22 years old. He tells the story of a remarkable career-in-the-making to JARROD BOYLE. Continue reading
I once trained with Nathan ‘Carnage’ Corbett while writing an article about him for International Kickboxer Magazine. He had a big fight coming up against a European opponent, and Carnage was then, as he is now, in a unique position; he’s almost never been beaten. Continue reading
L to R: Thom Harinck, Marcel, Raul Catinas, and some other dude I don’t recognise.
Marcel Dragan recalls the quotation from William Blake’s ‘Proverbs of Hell’; ‘He whose face gives no light shall never become a star.’ Marcel was the first, and probably the most influential, coach of one of the world’s most talented heavyweight kickboxers, Raul Catinas. This interview provides insight into Raul, as well as Cor Hemmers and Ramon Dekkers, in addition to the culture of Romania and why a hard sport like Muay Thai flourishes under such hard conditions. It’s also a portrait of one of the most unselfish, decent trainers I have met during my involvement with the sport.
Athough, he persists in calling me Jerry. Continue reading
International Kickboxer Magazine, July/August 2012
Victor Nagbe has come to show Aussie Fight Fans the meaning of ‘tough’. Born in Liberia, Nagbe made his way to the NTG gym in Brisvegas via the refugee camps in Guinea, West Africa. He aims to make his mark on the Australian – and international – fight scene in the tradition of the world’s best technical fighters.
JARROD BOYLE explains. Continue reading
Steve Vick was one of the true pioneers of Australian kickboxing. He is best remembered for a fight that took place on the undercard of the infamous Dennis Alexio / Stan ‘The Man’ Longinidis undercard at the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Center in 1992. Vick fought Hector Pena for a world title over twelve rounds. Many believe it to have been the best kickboxing fight this country has ever seen. Continue reading
Theme Park at its Darkest 