The Science of Building Champions

When you think of “slick,” “crafty,” and “unpredictable,” there’s one name that stands out in the ONE Championship Muay Thai world: Eddie Abasolo. Known for his unique, almost unbreakable flow, Abasolo has redefined the approach to fighting for countless Western Muay Thai enthusiasts and fighters. In this interview, we dive deep into his mind, uncovering the techniques, mindset, and work ethic tha...

Asa Ten Pow is a modern martial arts fighter who's upsetting the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai division with a string of recent KO's. From traditional martial arts roots to becoming a knockout sensation in multiple combat sports, Asa Ten Pow’s journey is a testament to adaptability and evolution. Starting with a strong foundation in traditional martial arts, Asa didn’t just stick to one path—he compe...

Johan Ghazali is a teenage fighting success story! With a 5-fight winning streak, including 4 KOs, 17-year-old Johan “JoJo” Ghazali is amazed at how quickly he’s ascended to the ONE Championship pro ranks. Despite his success, JoJo isn't afraid of losses – he values the experience they bring. Patience is key for him, and he's been aiming for the top since he was 10 years old. JoJo exemplifies what...

Janet Todd's Tips – Exclusive Interview with the ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion! Join us for an exclusive interview with Janet Todd, the reigning Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion, as she shares invaluable insights and tips on how to stay at the top of your game while having fun! In this interview, Janet opens up about her mindset leading up to her farewell fight and how she's embrace...

Muay Thai greatness sucks? Step into the vibrant world of Muay Thai with Don and the Muay Thai aficionado, Matt Lucas... With a decade under his belt in Thailand, Matt offers unparalleled insights into the fighting world and what it truly means to train, fight, and evolve. And why greatness sucks! Highlights: – Gearing up for the Showdown: Analysing the imminent ONE Strawweight Muay Thai Champions...

Two-sport ONE World Champion Regian Eersel rarely loses. It's been 7 years since he last experience defeat. So, how has he successfully avoided over confidence? What would he do differently in his training if he could turn back time? And what are Regian's two biggest pieces of advice to any fighter wanting to achieve their best? Regian shares insight into what drives a world class fighter, and pro...

What happens when a 45 year old Muay Thai coach returns to the ring to compete for a Muay Thai veteran title, after 11 years out, and with 20kg to lose in 15 just weeks? …Huge lessons, and a big win! Rich Cadden, former 2x Muay Thai world champion, performance coach and chief instructor at his own gym, Chokdee Academy in York (UK), took on this mission and shares the lessons he learned from it. Ri...

What's the secret to winning in Muay Thai? Iman Barlow can shed some light! In this episode, she shares valuable insight into what it really takes to take your childhood dreams all the way. Part of the first generation of child nak Muay outside of Thailand, and with a competitive career spanning 25 years and counting, Iman knows a thing or two about what it takes to reach the top and stay there in...

Wasted Opportunities! Most of us visiting Thailand to train are fleeting visitors at best, and fail to understand the nuance of Thai culture and the business of Muay Thai in Thailand... This both prevents us from getting the most out of our time in Thailand, and from effectively contributing to the Muay Thai businesses that must remain viable to continue to share their art with us! In this episode...

Panicos Yusuf came to England from Cyprus on a one-way ticket with just £60 in his pocket, and a habit of working hard... He's since achieved an incredible amount in the sport of Muay Thai, owing everything to his family, his friends, his coaches and training partners. And he's grateful to have been noticed by those in the game, and he's keen to pay it forward to those that are working hard too. I...

Bryan Popejoy has found himself at the forefront of American Muay Thai since the 1980's, literally involved from Illinois in the East, through Arizona, to California in the West. His experience both as a Muay Thai fighter himself (in the early "Wild West" period of American Muay Thai), and as a coach to some of the best fighters in the US, provides a valuable insight into what it takes to succeed...

Back home in New York, Angela Chang fell in love with Muay Thai. So much so, she left family and friends to spend the last 5 years training and fighting pro in Bangkok, Thailand. Nothing about this choice was easy. And after the initial honeymoon period, the challenges have come from all directions, and still keep coming! But armed with an incredible mindset, Angela learns from every failure and s...

Martial arts and Muay Thai are all that 25 year old Dan McGowan has ever known. And just when he began to question his own dedication and purpose, Muay Thai gave back – in the form of fantastic opportunities with the other legends at Evolve MMA in Singapore. Dan is poised take what he loves, and all the lessons he’s learned so far, and pour them into becoming the professional he’s always deserved...

Kevin Ross is a pioneer in American Muay Thai, and I think everyone must have seen that photo of him in a mongkon, bowing on the floor, with his outstretched tattooed knuckles, spelling out Muay Thai… But there’s a lot more to Kevin's story than just shiny title belts. He's had some huge struggles, and originally, never saw himself as a fighter at all! Kevin Ross, “The Soul Assassin”, former Lion...

Not every fighter is as frank and honest as Paul Banasiak in their appraisal of themselves, with  themselves , let alone sharing this with others. But, both with more than his fair share of introspective perspective, and also understanding the value of learning from other's mistakes as well as his own... He's happy to "take one for the team", and help you understand the lessons he's learned from h...

I'm hard pushed to think of anyone who has made such an impact on raising the level of worldwide Muay Thai as Tony Myers. And this made for my  biggest podcast episode to date! Tony Myers, Professor in  Quantitative Methods at Newman University, Muay Thai coach, referee and judge.  Turning out fighters like Dean James, Nathan Bendon, & Rob Allen from Pra Chao Suua gym in the West Midlands, and...

In this episode of the Science of Building Champions podcast... Jonathan Haggerty, the 24 year old, 3x World champion, and former ONE Championship Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, after beating none other than the legendary Sam A! "The General" joins us from Singapore ahead of his ONE Championship main event fight against Taiki Naito on ONE:BIG BANG II on 11 Dec 2020.  You can find out more abo...

In this episode of the Science of Building Champions podcast... Liam Harrison, 8x World champion, current UK number 1 and has been for 18 years, renowned Muay Thai coach in his own right, both on the world-wide seminar circuit in-person and online, and more recently, host of the “Kickin’ It” with Liam Harrison podcast… The Hitman has conquered so much in his life so far, and he’s gaining momentum...

In this episode of the Science of Building Champions podcast... Vinny Shoreman, a former Muay Thai coach, a fight commentator, and mind coach who’s in demand around the world from Professional fighters, TV stars, to everyday folks struggling with doubt. With a wealth of knowledge about life struggle (both from personal experience, and helping out his clients), Vinny candidly shares what he observe...

In this episode of the Science of Building Champions podcast... I chat with Ognjen Topic, European born three-times world champion, WKA International Champion, and ranked number 1 in the United States, who’s also trained and fought extensively in Thailand too. Ognjen’s introduction to Muay Thai wasn’t the easiest (on so many levels)… And he shares how he became a champion, and what he believes is...

In the long overdue 2nd episode of the podcast…. Former two-times World champion and owner of L-Star Legacy Gym UK, Damien Trainor generously shares his hard-earned Muay Thai knowledge – from both competing at the highest level in the early 90’s and onwards, and as a world renowned coach in the present day. We cover a lot in our chat together. Get a pen and paper at the ready, and be prepared to m...

In this episode, I’m joined by TJ The Thinking Man, and Mrs Thinking Man, TJ’s wife Daisy, – from Phuket, just a week out from both of their next fights on the same weekend… Originally from Houston, Texas in the US, TJ and Daisy sold everything back home and upped roots to live in Thailand and train full time in Muay Thai for the last 3 years. It’s certainly not your average story, and I’m excited...