The Return of King Karabaw

It's Dec...2015. Most are in holiday mood. Christmas is around the corner and people are looking forward to having year end party. But Rayner Kinsiong is not in mood of partying. He just confirmed taking a fight this 29 Jan 2016, for ONE Championship : Clash of Heroes.

Preparing for a fight in 2 months is no easy task. Meeting an upcoming young fighter in Keannu Subba is even more of a challenge. But throw a challenge to Rayner and he will gladly grab it and run...like a bull...towards the challenger. He is game for any fight. Rayner or better known as his ring name -"King Karabaw"; has been waiting for this fight for a long time.

His last fight in ONE Championship was one and a half years ago in Taiwan. In that fight, at ONE FC 18: War of Dragons, Rayner was set to fight Taiwanese ground game maestro Zhang Zheng Jie, but failing a medical test, Zhang was replaced at the last moment with Eliot Corley. Rayner did not have time to study his opponents style and game but his warrior heart denies him from backing up from a fight. Rayner loss by KO due to elbow in the first round.

After the fight, Rayner placed his energy and focus in developing his gym, Karabaw and his Team Karabaw. Team Karabaw is located in Kota Kinabalu Sabah founded in 2012, with branches in Tamparuli and Sipitang and Papar.

In 2015 Rayner pour his energy in developing grassroots MMA talents. He founded JFL ( Jesselton Fight League ) Borneo's first MMA league. He believe Sabah and Borneo in general has many talents that need to be unearth and by having a fight league base in this region, fighters are not burden with travelling cost to Peninsular Malaysia where most MMA competition are held. In 2015 too Rayner was busy prepping his fighters for many regional fight events such as MIMMA, Ultimate Beatdown, Warriors Championship, Sabah Open BJJ, etc

Pix by Deb Gauges

At 36, Rayner is at the crossroad of his fight career...but the urge to fight is still burning strong in King Karabaw. Rayner gain fame as Malaysia's National Karateka winning Gold in SEA Games 2001. After a brief stint in amatuer MMA reaching the quarterfinals of MIMMA1, he moved up to fight pro in Ultimate Beatdown 13 and F3-4.

Pix by Deb Gauges

Pix by Deb Gauges

For this Friday's fight in ONE Championship, so strong is his heart to develop local talent, Rayner choosed to have his fight camp in Kota Kinabalu. To him this not only enable him to be close to his wife and his baby daughter but also for him to push up the level of training for his team. He also believes Sabah has enough local talent to prepare him for a fight vs Keannu. That is why he is training hard with Adrian Tham ( MIMMA 1 Heavyweight champion, JFL1 Welterweight Champion ) and Allen Solomon Chong ( MIMMA 1 Lightweight Champion and TUF China ). Rayner has his ground game covered as Adrian and Allen are reknown for their ground skills.

As for polishing on his stand up, Rayner also has the help of Bow Sueilek from Dihnar Gym for improvement in his stand up game. as Bow is a multi belt holder in pro muaythai; and also from Eddey and Effendy Kalai, whom are national boxers and active amateur MMA athletes.

Pix by Deb Gauges

Allen's gym - Alpha MMA, Adrian's fight team - NOMAD, and Kalai Borther's Boxing all help in preparing Rayner for this fight. The Sabahan warriors spirit certainly are alive in all of them as they all chip in to give Rayner a good fight camp.

Rayner with Allen and Adrian

According to Adrian, performing at the big stage like ONE is not a problem for Rayner as he has perform at international level during his karate days. " Keannu has very good ground game and overall is very well rounded. What Rayner must do is focus on speed and explosiveness ."

Pix by Deb Gauges

Since cutting weight is not allowed anymore when ONE announces the new weigh in program in Dec 2015, this is after the tragic death of Chinese fighter Yang Jiang Bing, Rayner will be fighting in lightweight. This has ease the burden of drastic weight cut that put lots of stress in a fighters body. The new rules is a first for an MMA promotion and it is good to see an Asian base promotion leading the way in the name of safety for it's fighters.

Pix by Deb Gauges

Training with the Sabahans

Rayner possess the spirit and heart for this fight, but he will need to dig in deep to unleash the "Karabaw" in him. As Keannu is young at 21 and is taller at 5'10" . He debutted in ONE  at ONE Championship : Tigers of Asia with sensational win over Florian Garel via KO by strikes in round one.

Before that Keannu is the posterboy for MIMMA as the Season 1 & 2 featherweight champion.
He is the younger brother of current ONE Championship Flyweight Gianni Subba.
Keannu train out of Bali MMA Muaythai & MMA.

In ONE Championship : Clash of the Heroes, the main card of fellow Malaysian Ev Ting will be fighting for Malaysia's pride as Eric Kelly will have the support of whole Philipines with him as Ev has defeated many Philipinos before including Eric's own brother Edward one year ago in ONE FC 21: Roar of Tigers. Sparks will fly as this two are both prolific strikers and Eric is tough as nail, as proven in ONE FC 18, when he overcome a broken nose and submitted Rob Lisita in Round 2.

Note of thanks to Deb Gauges for the photos of Rayner's training. Deb is an amatuer photographer base in Kota Kinabalu with an artistic eye. PM her for more infor on her photography skills

ISKA Referee Course with The Red Dragon @ Labuan

"Hoong Loong" is in Labuan. Reknown Malaysian martial artist master Khoo Meng Yang aka The Red Dragon will be conducting the ISKA K1 & MMA Referees certification course in Labuan on 22 Jan 2016. The course is hosted by Borneo Combat Gym led by Alvin Chong aka AC Poseidon.
The course will be follow up by amatuer K1 and MMA challenge on 23 - 24 Jan 2016.
Catch BCG's story here from my previous post

Master Khoo is Malaysia's ISKA Representatives and has known Alvin since 2010. He supports Alvin's objective of developing more qualified referees from this region of Borneo. ISKA stand for International Sports Karate Association is an international body body based in the United States that regulate and sanction sport karate and kickboxing matches.

With an international certification, the aim is to upgrade the standard and quality of refereeing in combat sports for this region. Once we have more qualified referees here in Borneo then matches being organise locally too will be properly monitored and judged.

We have seen many occasions where matches results was unsatisfactory due to poor refereing. The victim almost always is the fighter themselves and his team as all the months of hard training, the blood and sweat will go down the drain if they lost a match due to bad decision from the referee. Another crucial point is referee must always put safety of fighters on the top moist priority, especially in amatuer matches. All this is which Master Khoo will be emphasizing on during the course.

Master Khoo is more than qualifies to conduct the course as he himself is a veteran of 38 fight.
24 wins 13 losses 1 draw 11 K.O.( 9 pro muaythai fights, 3 amateur muaythai fights, the rest are all kickboxing, western boxing, Ultimate Warrior and Sanshou fights)

• 3 times Malaysia Taekwon-do Champion ( ITF )
• 4 times Malaysia Sanshou ( chinese kickboxing ) Champion
• 2007 Malaysia Ultimate Warrior 1st runner-up
• 2008 Malaysia Freestyle Kickboxing Champion
• 2008 World Amateur Muaythai 2nd runner-up

infor from : muaythaitigers blogspot

Fans of MIMMA will be familiar with him as he is a one of the most sought after referee in MMA matches.

Warriors of Borneo got in touch with him for a short chat:

Can you give me a personal account of your relationship with him; what do you think of him and his passion for martial arts?

We are friends and we share plenty of martial arts knowledge to each other and helping each other to grow in this industry. He is also my ISKA East Malaysia Borneo representative. He is very keen and passionate in martial arts. What's he is doing is not mainly to earn money but to help the members to grow through martial arts.

As you know he has been helping plenty of bad kids who has been suspended from school. He even went to talked to headmaster so that they can stay in school and study. As I can see he has changed some people’s life and his own life to better as well. And insert plenty of positive energy to others and himself.

Alvin Chong and Master Khoo

You are the instructor for the ISKA ref course …pleases give some inform on the course

My ISKA K1 stand up and MMA referee course will be on 22 to 24 Jan. The theory part will be on 22 Fri.

23 - 24 Jan will be their practical part during Alvin’s BCG ISKA K1 & MMA Borneo Amateur Challenge.

It will be very practical so that participants could fit in and be referee and judge for Stand-up Fight and MMA matches.

Participants will get official ISKA K1 Stand-up Fight & MMA Two referee certificates if they pass the course.

What do you think of Labuan?

Labuan is a small island but have good economy value and good potential as a travel spot for Malaysia; and here all races live in harmony.

What are your thoughts on seeing BCG progress from a shop lot gym to what it is now today?

It is very good and I’m happy to see Alvin’s BCG growing so fast to be the biggest in Labuan and have the best sea view gym In Malaysia. He deserve all these due to his passion and hard work. Plenty of people even his friends kept telling him to quit because it’s like dumping money and hard work to the sea as he will get nothing back. But I have been telling him, 

“Do what is right and do it right. Do what you love and loving it. Filter the negative but absorb the positive comments. You don't live in other people’s world. Make them live in your beautiful peace harmony & hard working gym that you created for them and make them work out happily.”

Turning Dream into Reality with AC Poseidon

What a view!

The yellow ray from the setting sun hits your face, as your sweat rolls down your forehead. You feel energize from it and you strike the bag harder. Each strike you throw and each rep you do you feel pumped and ready to go on some more as the cool breeze from South China Sea refreshes you. After a brutal round of total body workout...you take your break as you lookout into the horizon, lights from ships afar sooth your eyes as you sip your well earn protein shake and ready to go another few rounds.

Sounds like a dream? Nope this is reality. Brought to you by Borneo Combat Gym (BCG). The first martial and fitness gym that has a killer harbour view! Located at the roof top of Times Square Labuan, this gym is the beacon of hope for those who wants to build a healthy body and mind amidst the plethora of outlets that offer the seduction of glitzy nightlife in this tiny tax haven of Labuan.

Founded by Alvin Chong aka AC Poseidon, Alvin knew first hand how damaging the partying lifestyle can affect ones health and life, because he himself was trap in it for years. Alvin was born in Miri and had his early schooling days there and in Labuan. Started his martial arts journey with Taekwondo at the age of 9, and by 16 he was already achieved success being a men Open champion and Junior Champion. After finishing his high school in SMK Labuan, he got involve with the wrong type of people and so begins 10 years of carefree, drinking smoking and partying.

The way his life was heading at that time broke his mom's heart. He was disappointed with himself and vow to change. A friend took Alvin to his farm in a remote town of Menumbok. Alvin toiled in the farm and began to change. Farming life taught him the value of hardwork and the power of determination.

His passion for martial arts is still burning as he took up boxing and began to self train on muay thai and kick boxing. Martial arts structured his life further positively and he was eager to share his knowledge and wants to use martial arts to improve other people's life too. In 2010 Alvin rented a unit on the upper floor of a shop lot and so started BCG.

Alvin knew that Labuan being a tax haven with alcohol & cigarettes easily available and the lure of nightlife it's very easy for youths to go wayward. Getting the youths to make a choice of healthy lifestyle is a challenge, with perseverance and determination, members begin to slowly grow.

Alvin is a firm believer of good nutrition...

"When we talk about fitness, there are two concepts that always go together; exercise and nutrition. Now a lot of us are aware of the exercise part but most of us are still in the dark on the nutrition part. Nutrition is not only about popping a pill or two; it’s about changing your lifestyle. You should also consider the quality of the supplement that you took. I’ve tried other brands before; you name it and most probably I have tried it. Then 1 of my best friend introduced me to USANA. After trying it, I can really feel the difference in the way my body is reacting to the routine that I went through. USANA doesn’t only provide a pharmaceutical grade supplements but they also offer a passive income generating opportunity."

During his competitive fighting days

Alvin also believes in helping youths. He took in Sunny Sabornido six years ago, a deaf boy at the age of 21. Putting in the effort to learn sign language to ensure that he is able to teach Sunny effectively. He molded Sunny into a formidable fighter he is today, winning many championship belt in pro Muaythai. Being the 1st deaf and mute Muaythai and MMA fighter in Malaysia Sunny now is a trainer in BCG itself.

Teaching is now Alvin's passion. " the more you teach, the more you learn " 

To help some of the kids that struggle with their studies, Alvin work together with other members of his gym to tutor these kids. Those who are good in either english, maths or science will each take up the task to teach those subjects to these kids and helping them in their overall studies. One of the kids is Ronald Tee. At only 20 is one of BCG's youngest trainer and already hold two Muaythai Title belt.

Through his pass experience he understands that youngsters pick up bad habits easily from the influence of seniors. Adamant to not let this happen in BCG, he made sure senior members become a positive role models for the young ones. he wants to create a positive environment in BCG where members know that they always have the gym as a safe haven whenever they want to “disconnect” with the real world. By creating this , he aim to reduce the possibility of bad influence sipping into the members’ life.

In 2015, Alvin's landlord gave him a 4 months notice to move out. Alvin knows that its about time he look for a bigger space for members to train comfortably in. Alvin began to scout for a new premises. Meeting the right people that shared his vision to build up Labuan's health and fitness industry he manage to secure the current place at Labuan Times Square. And so began BCG's new journey at a new location. Officially opened in October 2015, BCG has got to be one of the most sophisticated and well equipped martial arts and fitness gym in East Malaysia...and don't you forget...with an amazing harbour view!

Martial arts personality of Malaysia such as Allen Chong pro MMA fighter, Master Khoo - ISKA rep Malaysia and Johan Julian - Fight fest founder lending their support during BCG's grand opening

Maintaining the yellow theme from the old location, BCG now carry this yellow theme in a more energetic way. Inspired by Bruce Lee's yellow suit in The Game of Death, the yellow theme gives BCG a very distinct look that motivates you to workout more. Thanking his friend Clint Seah that has help in the interior design.

The focal point of martial arts and fitness in Labuan

Looking at BCG's current location and facilities, it must be costly. But Alvin believes that
everything goes back to the most basic, your attitude. " When I was in the position of looking for a new training place, I didn’t give up and I always look for opportunities to spread the positive influence for Labuan’s people. I guess when you sincerely wanted to help other people; the universe shall reward you with things that you never even think of. My business partner agrees with my philosophy and he wanted to see the changes that I dreamt of as well. Do good and good things shall head towards you. I am also blessed to have such a loving and supporting family that always believe in what I am fighting for."

Cornering Randall ' The Slayer ' Kadayum at D1FC and celebrating his win

In Dec 2015, BCG hosted Dave 'Hollywood' Hulett for it's 1st MMA seminar. Dave is a veteran pro MMA fighters with 21 wins. The seminar was attended by 30 participants. And coming this weekend of 23 - 24th Jan 2016, BCG will be packed for Borneo Amateur Challenge (BAC)

BAC will have amatuer K1 and MMA matches. 47 fighters has confirmed their participation. ISKA ( International Sports Kickboxing Association ) is sanctioning this tournament. Fighters from Labuan, Sabah and Sarawak will be competing in a total of 38 bouts.
Biggest contingent is from BCG itself at 10 and follow by Team Karabaw sending 8 fighters.
Mohd Hasbullah of Keningau MMA- JFL Bantamweight Champion and Fight Fest 2 SuperFight Champion will be looking to add another win to his record. Johan Julian Abdullah from Kinabalu Fighters, founder of Fight Fest will also be competing in MMA at 56kg. Nurul Khairunnisa of Team Karabaw - MIMMA3 female quarter finalist and JFL Grand finalist will be fighting at bout 32.

Come and support BAC...entrance is free. Come and watch great fights or just come and enjoy the great view from BCG's rooftop

Alvin is the sole representative of ISKA in Borneo. He is entrusted by Master Khoo Meng Yang aka The Red Dragon from the renown TNT Kickboxing in Kuala Lumpur. Master Khoo himself a very accomplished martial artist in Asia is Malaysia's ISKA representative. Back in 2010, when Alvin organises Z1 an international Muaythai event in Miri, Master Khoo send his fighters there to compete and was impress with Alvin's capability, hence offerimng him to be ISKA's Borneo rep.

Master Khoo himself will lead a K1 and MMA referee course on 22 Jan 2016 before fight day on this weekend. This is also Alvin's dream...."I’ve always wanted to build up more local talent and I believe this event can be a platform for the local talent to be noticed on the national level and move forward to the International level under the guidance of ISKA."

Master Khoo presenting ISKA  Instructor Level 1 cert

Looks like Alvin's dream is becoming a reality.

It's amazing to see a Borneon home talent, using what he has learn to contribute back to society. And also creating events and courses to further unearth new talents from Borneo region.
Warriors of Borneo lend supports to BCG and Alvin and wishes the BAC and the referee course a great success!

oh, did I mentioned that BCG has a killer harbour view!

Discover Muaythai - creating hopes & changing lives

Inspiration is an amazing thing. It pushes you beyond your normal limits. It creates in you an urge to do things. It gives you extra energy to pursue your goals. Channel it towards the right direction, inspiration can change the world.
I want to start off 2016 with a poignant story. A story that can inspire others, as how it had inspired me to tell it here. I definitely felt a need to tell this story as it certainly seems like a well written movie script….but it is not fiction, it's base on real life. Proud to say, a real Malaysian life but don’t worry fight fans, this story is still martial arts related.

In Oct 2015 during ONE Championship in KL, I had the opportunity to meet a charismatic young lad name Imran and a bunch of boys from Discover Muaythai. Imran had a dream...a dream to make Malaysia a better place through its youths; this was inspired by his time at myHarapan. This Subang Jaya lad is a graduate from Murdoch Uni Australia armed with a double degree in PR & Communications. Starts his work doing marketing and PR in an event agencies, but Imran always wanted to work with myHarapan…a youth trust foundation that empowers young Malaysians by supporting youth initiatives that contribute to current nation-building efforts.

Hanging with Imran ( center ) and Ayob ( Potosan Corner founder ) and some of the DMT boys  at ONE Championship : Tigers of Asia

Being a patriotic person, he was very inspired by the work carried out by myHarapan. He wanted to make a positive impact in society too. He wants to contribute to make Malaysia a great nation. And he knows Malaysia’s future lies with the youths. But not all youths has the opportunity to grow to their full potential and contribute to nation building. Many are plague by poverty and come from a broken homes which lead to schools drop out, substance abuse and addiction, which further leads to gangsterism and life of crimes.

The time Imran spent at myHarapan enabled him to learn from grassroots level on dealing with the underprivileged youths, these provided him a good understanding of the needs of these groups.

Nurfarini Daing - CEO of myHarapan . Follow them on fB and check out the amazing work done by myHarapan 

Imran believes strongly that these youths must be given a second chance. They are driven and energetic but they need to be guided in the right direction and live in an environment of discipline, respect, pride and positivity. All this can be achieved using Muaythai. Imran’s love for Muaythai provides the backbone to the idea of setting up an academy that houses these so called social misfits under one roof doing everything together.

Imran’s truly believes Muaythai can change people’s life; having experience it first hand, during his training in Phuket. He explained, “Muaythai emphasizes so much on discipline and respect. Most importantly, a Muaythai practitioner has the ability to not only be great in self-defense but also has strong mental toughness. Muaythai like other sports carries strong values; each sport has a unique ability or value, which gives positive outlay to anyone practicing it. However, Muaythai has a special element that brings the spirit of togetherness and family that is hard to explain in words.”

He shared this idea with a few partners and stakeholders and with the help of myHarapan, they began to work out the necessary structure and operational requirement in details. The idea is to use Muaythai as a core activity bringing together under privilege youths ( from background such as from broken families, urban poor, discipline issues, school dropouts and more ) in an academy …training them to lead a life of dignity and independence by developing character and positive values through Muaythai.

Life is a fight ...and Muaythai is life

But as everything needs money to run, the idea must be self sustainable. Hence to make this idea a social business initiative. Again using Muaythai as a foundation, using 3 business modules, namely:
1. Giving out Muaythai classes to corporate, individuals and group at the convenience of their  

    workplace/home. The youths will be the co-trainers so they'll earn some income too.
2. Organizing Muaythai events ( in corporation with Dragon Muaythai )
3. Organizes team building using Muaythai.

After 2 years of planning, finally Discover Muaythai ( DMT ) was born, with Imran as the CEO, Co-founders; Sanul John - CSO & Khairul Azri - COO. Between June to Aug 2015, Imran and his DMT team conducted the selection and recruiting process. 8 under privilege boys from various backgrounds was chosen for the 1st batch. Most of them have a history of indiscipline and always getting into fights. They are reserved and don’t mix well with others. Some has drop out of schools. Most of them do not have a good education.

From the expertise and experience of their partner - myHarapan, in dealing with the underprivileged, they managed to cater a unique way in determining the right syllabus for this group. Even their motivator has 30 years of experience in team building and motivational work. Imran himself will be teaching the boys English and give them additional counseling classes and occasionally train the boys Muaythai.

A four months course that aim to change these boys life positively was put in place. But DMT still needs a gym partner. DMT explored a few options for this gym partner…but Dragon Muaythai was the primary options from the beginning. Dragon is a renowned Muaythai gym located in Jalan Alor KL, having many experienced coaches and successful fighters. Mr. Leko, owner of Dragon Muaythai Gym believes in Imran’s dream and accepted the idea of having the academy at his gym. Kru Slatan a 2 times World Muaythai Council Champion was appointed as their chief trainer.

Leko ( center ), and his Dragon Muaythai coaches & fighters. Standing right to left, Munir Jihan, Kru Slatan, Faizal 'Golden Elbow' Ramli,
Conrado Furlan. Crouching ( L ) Chen Wee 'Dragon Boy', Kru Jack ( inset picture )

With everything set in place, the program kick started in September 2015

Warriors of Borneo managed to got hold of Imran to know more about Discover Muaythai.

What do you teach them in the program? How much does Muaythai plays a role?
Muaythai plays an important role in shaping the boys. They train Muaythai twice a day, in the morning from 7am to 10am and evening from 4.30pm to 6pm. They have English class in the afternoon twice a week, motivational class twice a week and volunteering work once a week. Muaythai teaches them discipline, respect and to increase their mental toughness. It is an outlet to channel all the negative aggression to somewhere positive and in a positive environment.

What is a typical day in the program like?
They wake up at 6am. The Muslim boys do their Subuh prayers and the rest prepare for light breakfast. They cook their own meal and eat together as a family. That is compulsory. At 7am they will jog from Dragon Muaythai to KLCC Park, which is about 10Km after 3 rounds in KLCC Park itself. Once they reach back at the gym, they will have their fitness training (Muaythai style). 

They have lunch at 12pm and English class starts at 2pm. usually in the afternoon it will be either English class, Motivational class or volunteering work, depending on the day. At 430pm they will start their Muaythai training with Kru Slatan, a two-times World Muaythai Council Champion. At night, they work at Dragon Muaythai Gym doing either admin, cleaning and customer relations. It is essential to have these life skills that are hard to get outside. 

Building mental & physical toughness as a team through Muaythai...under watchful eyes of Kru Slatan - chief trainer at Dragon Muaythai

Building unity, tolerance and cooperation through food and cooking

Building confidence, character and team work through team buidling activites, volunteering work, public speaking and project management.

Which is your most cherished experience during this program?
There is so many. When people ask me, “So Imran, do you think the boys have changed and if the first batch is a success?” There are two ways to answer that question. Number 1 is the formal, politically right, black and white, and corporate answer where I will have to proof via the monthly reports, behavior change development report. The other one is through my own personal encounter where it is just so hard to put on paper. 

Twice every month we allow the boys to go back, this are the ones who have homes and I told them to report back at the gym on a specific day and time, when they report back earlier than the time given or on time, I know they want to learn. Like the time when one the boys went to visit his grandmother and her grandmother cried because he changed so much as he is more confident and does not only stay in his room and do nothing at home. That to me is the moments which I most cherished. 

We made it clear at the start that they will have to endure an intensive self-development routine through sports. It was difficult at first, knowing that it is the first batch and have no idea what its like. But they adapted well, they strive and endure all the pain and struggles together. The secret is to start with implementing unity in them; from there they become family. Once they become family, they can adapt and go through struggles together. 

Who else plays an important role for the success of this Academy?
Most important role is myHarapan-Youth Trust Foundation. Dragon Muaythai, AHD Associates and Potosan Corner also played a crucial role.

What was Potosan Corner’s role?
Potosan Corner plays an important role. A strong believer of giving the underserved a second chance, they hired 2 boys to work at one of their 2 branch. They also sponsor apparels for the boys. 

Potosan Corner ProShop founder Ayob distributing apparels and giving the boys opportunity to help there to learn essentials working experience

What about AHD Associates role?
They are our partner, a Team Building company. Their founder Puan Dalila is also the motivator that comes to give team building / motivational classes to the boys twice a week.

Puan Dalila of AHD, in her motivational session with the boys...building healthy minds

What was the biggest challenge you face during this Academy? And who is your biggest motivator and supporter?
When the idea of DMT first came about, people told me that “IMRAN ARE YOU CRAZY?!, IMRAN ITS GREAT WHAT YOU WANT TO DO BUT MAYBE YOU MUST WAIT, YOU’RE ONLY 26 YEARS OLD?! “IMRAN YOU ARE STILL YOUNG TO DO THIS, CAN YOU TAKE OF THE BOYS? YOU CANT EVEN TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

Imran presenting about Discover Muaythai at the ASEAN Youth Social Business Summit (AYSBS), Dec 2015

It’s true, I’m only 26 years old and what are the credentials or expertise that I have to take care and lead these boys? I don’t have a degree in psychology or I don’t study human behavior or a have PHD in Social Work. NO, All I can say is that I am blessed to still have both my parents. My dad is a very generous man, very quiet, tactical, down to earth and most importantly very, very, very patient. My mom is very expressive, very outspoken, THE GARANG ONE and very humble. I have the best of both worlds. So when people ask me how I take care of the boys, I told them that I took care of them like how my parents took care of me. 

Imran's dad, taking time off his busy schedule to give some motivational talk to the boys. Personaly a milestone achievement for Imran having his dad's supporting his cause.

As a social project, how do you get funds to run this Academy? How much involvement does our government has in this or it’s a fully private initiatives?
First and foremost, DMT is a Social Business initiative for underprivileged youths to lead a life of dignity and independence by developing character and positive values through Muaythai. To sustain Discover Muaythai (D.M.T) provides Muaythai-based health and fitness training and services for both corporate bodies and individuals at the comfort of their office, homes or public area. myHarapan has provided the funds and supported us all the way.

Overall what kind of positive improvement have you seen in the kids? Which kids’ progress are you most proud of?
There is just so much that is hard to put in words. It goes way beyond our assessment that we put in out reports that is submitted to our stakeholders. Many who met the boys personally and attended the graduation day can see that the boys are more wholesome and independent now. Full of confidence, loving, discipline and so much more. 

Boys to men

As the 1st batch now already graduated…when will 2nd batch starts?
The second batch will most probably start in March. Depending on our financial situation and support from partners. 

The DMT Boys...meeting MMA superstars, Ann Osman & AJ Pyro of Borneo Tribal Squad and Peter Davis of MuayFit. The Stars gave them some motivational talk to encourage them in their lives 

Will you be tracking the progress of your 1st batch after they graduate? 
Most definitely, we are in constant contact with their guidance, parents, teachers etc. It is compulsory for them to meet up as alumni once every 4 months with their DMT’s teachers and trainers. 

How can public help/support/contribute to this Academy?
It will be great to get the support from the corporate and government sector. To see this as an initiative that can forge unity and hope amongst Malaysians. Seeing the growth in humans are more satisfactory then anything else. The best investments are investments made to people. If we invest our time and effort to people, one day they will definitely give back to other people. Which is something important to have in today’s society. 

The family of DMT

What is your aspiration / hope for 2016?
To take Discover Muaythai to the next level. The first batch is an example that we can do it and the results are proven right in front of our very eyes. I hope that we can get more support from the public, corporate and government. 

What do you aim to achieve in the long term?
I dream of having the first Social Business Martial Arts Gym/Camp in Malaysia if not Asia, that is equipped with proper classrooms, prayer rooms, office and hostels for the underprivileged that could accommodate to 40 people and also for fighters. A sports café and retail all at one place. The trainers will be from the underprivileged; the gym is run by the underprivileged. They work there, they live there, they go to classes there and they earn an income; using Muaythai and martial arts that will give them that second chance.

Dreaming of something greater for DMT

DMT 1st batch graduation ceremony was held at Dragon Muaythai Gym in December 2015. The boys took upon themselves important roles such as coordinating invites, ushering, food & beverage , and also doing the M.C.
You can see in their faces the reluctance of leaving because of the special bond they have build with each others, with DMT and Dragon's Muaythai family...but also a profound joy of finishing the course and trully felt they changed for the better and a great sense of achievement. The best judge for this is their parents and caretaker which felt proud that the boys are now men. Men that care, men that wants to use their lives and what they have learned to achieve something positive.

The 1st batch graduation...When great minds and committed hearts come together,...nothing is impossible.

Malaysia was born as a multi cultural/races nation that prides itself on the races working together and living in harmony. But much has happened recently with racial and religious tension on the raise. Social media is full of comments on who did what and who was the culprit and the blame game never ceases. Many have ideas and suggestions on what to do…but as it is, it remain just an idea. Situation will never improve if we do not materialize our idea.

Imran is a doer, he walks the talks and took the big risk on his idea and pushes it through. Warriors of Borneo look forward to the 2nd batch of intake for DMT. Hoping that they will keep on changing the lives of youth for the better. We need more people like him in building Malaysia’s future. The team that partner DMT to do this such as Dragon Muaythai, Potosan Corner, AHD Associates deserve great commendation, for what they all do here are changing peoples lives positively. I hope what they all do will inspire more people to do so.