The Science of Building Champions
By Don Heatrick
Each episode revolves around my Four Big Questions…
1. What’s Your Story?
2. What’s Your Why?
3. What Makes A Champion?
4. Challenges And Lessons Learned?
Digging into the answers to these questions helps uncover and share both the commonalities, and the differences in the journey to become a champion. And can help inspire and fast-track your journey too.
The Science of Building ChampionsJan 02, 2020
Janet Todd – Remember To Have Fun
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 embraced the journey with a renewed focus on enjoyment. Discover how she maintains composure in high-pressure situations and the importance of balancing structured training with the freedom to experiment and play within your skill development. As a competitive athlete with a background in gymnastics and cheerleading, Janet reflects on her journey from amateur Muay Thai to professional kickboxing, highlighting the role of perseverance and the willingness to push past setbacks in achieving greatness. But it's not just about physical training – Janet delves into the psychological aspects of competition, emphasising the significance of a positive mindset, courage, and the acceptance of vulnerability in the pursuit of excellence. Whether you're a seasoned fighter, aspiring competitor, or dedicated coach, this interview offers a wealth of wisdom and inspiration to elevate your performance and approach to the sport. Don't miss out on Janet Todd's invaluable advice – hit that subscribe button, like, and share this video with fellow Muay Thai enthusiasts, fighters, and coaches. Let's spread the love for the sport and remember to have fun along the way!
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Janet Todd Teaser!
00:38 Lessons Learned From The Last Fight
02:11 Farewell Fight vs Phetjeeja – Tactics
03:43 Designing Muay Thai Skill Sessions
05:01 The Power of Mental Repetitions!
06:23 Remaining Composed in a Farewell Fight
06:43 The Power of PLAY!
09:16 Evolving From Gymnast to World Class Pro Fighter
11:20 Parallel (Engineering) Career – The Lessons
14:27 Champion Traits – Life Traits
17:29 If You Love It, You'll Face Your Fear
19:29 Outro Links! Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2024/03/01/janet-todd-tips-remember-to-have-fun-exclusive-interview/
Matt Lucas – Greatness Sucks!
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 Championship battle between Smilla Sundell and Allycia Rodrigues. How will Allycia strategise against the towering presence of Smilla? – Snapshots of Combat: Delve into the world of combat photography, capturing moments of triumph, despair, and sheer determination. – Muay Thai's Journey: Navigating its evolution from high-stakes betting to a stage that celebrates pure entertainment. What’s been gained, what’s been lost? – Small Gloves, Big Impact: Delving into the heightened risks and rewards of smaller gloves in combat, and what this means for fighters. – Bridging Cultures: The nuanced challenges Westerners face when dipping their toes in the deep waters of Muay Thai culture. Tune in for a mix of personal anecdotes, expert analysis, and a deep love for the sport. If you're passionate about Muay Thai's past, present, and future, this conversation is unmissable. Drop a comment below on what stood out for you, and don't forget to hit subscribe for more deep dives into the realm of Muay Thai. Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2023/09/15/matt-lucas-greatness-sucks/
Regian Eersel: Time Is Limited
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 proves once again that mindset shapes your results. We wish Regian success in his ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title defence on June 9 against Dmitry Menshikov at Lumpinee Stadium! Further notes and resources at https://heatrick.com/2023/06/02/regian-eersel-time-is-limited/
Rich Cadden: Real Deal Muay Thai Veteran
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.
Rich’s approach has always to be “obsessed” with his training, sacrificing his “party years” to take his fight career as far as he possibly could. As a coach, he realises others often don’t have the same level of motivation he’s always had. And that presented an opportunity to distil training down into the most effective elements and doses to achieve the greatest benefit.
This was something he found to be vital during his preparation for his Muay Thai veteran title fight. He had to temper his obsessed nature, and strive for optimal instead of maximal or he would have failed to make the starting line, let alone cross the finish line as the winner. But what was found to be essential for a Muay Thai veteran also proves to be optimal for fighters of any age. Video version and full show notes at https://heatrick.com/2022/07/08/rich-cadden-real-deal-muay-thai-veteran-sobc-podcast-ep-16/ Guest Links
You can follow Rich on Instagram @richcadden https://www.instagram.com/richcadden/, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richcadden/, and follow the Chok Dee Gym @chokdee.gym https://www.instagram.com/chokdee.gym/
And check out the Gym website https://www.chokdeeacademy.co.uk/
Iman Barlow: The Secret To Winning In Muay Thai
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 arguably the most ferocious striking sport there is.
Few fighters start out as early as Iman Barlow, even fewer remain in the game as long she has, and fewer still achieve the kind of long-term success she has while she continues to grow!
She’s been incredibly successful, rarely losing. But here comes a paradox…
The greatest opportunities to level up are exposed when you fall short. And with fewer opportunities to learn this way, Iman has evolved a system of incremental gains designed to stay ahead of the competition.
At the heart of this is the open-mindedness to accept there are always things to improve, and even small things add up to make a huge difference.
Adopting an incremental progress mindset means even fighting at the One Championship is Iman’s new normal!
The secret is not one thing, it’s constantly chasing the challenge level a little higher, having the eye to gleam small wins from every opportunity, and the mindset to see yourself as a continuous work in progress.
Child or adult, beginner or advanced, there’s a lot to learn from Iman’s journey so far. What are the small wins you’re taking away from this episode?
Video version, show notes and further resources at https://heatrick.com/2022/05/13/iman-barlow-the-secret-to-winning-in-muay-thai-sobc-podcast-ep-15/
Guest Links
You can follow Iman on Instagram @prettykiller3 https://www.instagram.com/prettykiller3/, and follow Assassins Muay Thai on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Assassins-Muay-Thai-131679950242442
Dr. Lynne Miller: Making The Most Of Muay Thai In Thailand
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… Dr. Lynne Miller, Founder and director of Sumalee Boxing Gym in Phuket Thailand, and author of her new book Fighting For Success...
Lynne has a PhD in Psychology, a postgraduate qualification in digital marketing, and considerable UK business experience…
And now with over a decade of experience immersed in everything behind the scenes in the business of Muay Thai in Thailand, in this episode you will learn a lot!
You can follow Sumalee Boxing Gym both on Instagram @sumaleephuket https://www.instagram.com/sumaleephuket/ and Facebook @SumaleeBoxingGym https://www.facebook.com/SumaleeBoxingGym
And you can pick up a copy of Lynne’s book, "Fighting for Success: Unravelling the Muay Thai Business in Thailand" from Amazon both in print:
US
https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Success-Unravelling-Business-Thailand/dp/1739816609/
UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fighting-Success-Unravelling-Business-Thailand-ebook/dp/B09J1H7M3Z
And audio book format: https://adbl.co/3hLbeXB
I highly recommend this book to anyone visiting Thailand to train, so you understand the Muay Thai scene and get the best out of your interaction with your trainers...
And of course check out the Gym website https://sumaleeboxinggym.com
Video version and full show notes for this episode with further references and resources at: https://heatrick.com/2022/03/15/dr-lynne-miller-making-the-most-of-muay-thai-in-thailand-sobc-podcast-ep-14/
Panicos Yusuf: The Habit Of Hard Work
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.
In this episode…
Panicos Yusuf, a 2 times Muay Thai World Champion, a fighter and owner of All Powers Gym in Stockport, UK... Not to mention a One Championship athlete and a Yokkao regular too...
And we speak here ahead of his fight against Chris Shaw at Yokkao 49
You can follow Panicos on Instagram @panicosyusuf https://www.instagram.com/panicosyusuf/, and follow the All Powers Gym @allpowersgym https://www.instagram.com/allpowersgym/
And check out the All Powers Gym website https://www.allpowersgym.co.uk, and all of Panicos' Warrior Collective tutorials here: https://www.warriorcollective.co.uk/?s=panicos&post_type=product&type_aws=true
Video version and full show notes for this episode with further references and resources at: https://heatrick.com
Bryan Popejoy: Muay Thai Mentors, Self Belief, Structure, & Adaptability
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 in Muay Thai on the world stage.
In this episode…
Bryan Popejoy, coach and owner of Boxing Works Gym in California, a former IFMA Gold medallist Thai boxer himself, and the first US coach to have a fighter win a One Championship title, with Janet Todd. And not to mention a Muay Thai Golden Era aficionado!
You can follow Byan on Instagram @bryanpopejoy https://www.instagram.com/bryanpopejoy/, and follow the Boxing Works Gym @boxingworks https://www.instagram.com/boxingworks/
And check out the Boxing Works website https://www.boxingworksofficial.com/
Video version and full show notes for this episode with further references and resources at: https://heatrick.com/2021/07/17/bryan-popejoy-the-science-of-building-champions-podcast
Angela Chang: Female Fighters, Thai Culture, & Self-Honesty
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 success along the way. And has built considerable experience in the process.
Fighters like Angela are highlighting the impact that female fighters are making on the world Muay Thai scene – including in Thailand, which traditionally and historically hasn't been encouraging of women in the sport. This is changing.
There's a rising tide of women fighters that can positively shift Muay Thai as a whole.
In this episode…
Angela Chang, a New Yorker now living and fighting in Bangkok, WBC ranked 12 super flyweight in the world, a social media manager and writer, and author of the Muay-Ying website which promotes muay thai for everyone - equal pay, spotlight, and opportunities for everybody…
You can follow Angela on Instagram @angelasitan https://www.instagram.com/angelasitan/, and to follow Muay Ying @muay.ying https://www.instagram.com/muay.ying/
And check out the Muay-Ying website https://muay-ying.com/
Full show notes for this episode with further references and resources at: https://heatrick.com/2021/05/04/angela-chang-the-science-of-building-champions-podcast/
Daniel McGowan: Work Ethic, Patience, The Bulletproof Mindset
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 to be…
Both as a fighter in his own right, but also as a coach to others.
He’s an inspiring guest, and openly shares the hurdles he’s overcome to remain true to who he is and to achieve what he has.
Training at any level, and especially at the highest level, teaches you things about yourself.
Dan is good at listening to, and learning from the lessons in his Muay Thai journey…
This is your chance to learn from someone with over 20 years experience in this game at the highest level.
What would you go back and tell your younger self?
Well uniquely, Dan can tell himself these things while he’s still in his prime!
Listen up, Dan has wisdom way beyond his years… I’d argue, wisdom that many don’t achieve in a lifetime.
Daniel McGowan, 2x World Champion, UK Number 1 Featherweight, unbeaten in Lumpini and Rajadamnern stadiums in Bangkok over a total of 8 fights, and he's still only 25 years old!
You can find out more about Dan and learn about his latests exploits @danmcgowanmt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danmcgowanmt/
And check out his website https://danmcgowanmuaythai.com along with his YouTube channel too: https://www.youtube.com/user/maddog20201888
Also for all things Evolve MMA, check out: https://evolve-mma.com/
And the Evolve University Master Courses at: https://evolve-university.com/courses/
Full show notes for this episode with further references and resources at: https://heatrick.com/2021/04/03/daniel-mcgowan-the-science-of-building-champions-podcast/
Kevin Ross: Proving To Yourself, Win, Lose, Or Draw, You Belong
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 Fight world champion, WBC International Champion-and-USA National Champion, United States Muay Thai Federation champion, WMC Inter-continental champion, AND voted North American Fighter of the year....
You can find out more about Kevin and learn about his latests exploits @dasoulassassin on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dasoulassassin/
And check out his website https://thesoulassassin.com
And if you found this episode valuable, please like, subscribe, and share this with someone else it could help too.
And give me a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
Paul Banasiak: Trust, Honesty, Not Selling Yourself Short
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 his personal Muay Thai adventure so far...
Paul Banasiak, Polish born 2x World champion, 4x North American National Champion, a full-time fighter in Thailand, a Muay Thai coach, and host of the “Muay Thai Guys” podcast alongside Muay Thai Guy Sean Fagan.
You can find out more about Paul and keep up with his adventures @muaythaitechnician on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/muaythaitechnician/
And check out his blog and online striking academy at https://www.muaythaitechnician.com/strikingacademy
And if you found this episode valuable, please like, subscribe, and share this with someone else it could help too. And give me a review or comment, I’d love to hear from you!
Video version of this podcast, complete with show notes & further references at https://heatrick.com/2021/01/09/paul-banasiak-the-science-of-building-champions-podcast/
Tony Myers: Mental Toughness, Skilfulness, & Playfulness
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 a world authority in Muay Thai judging.
You can find out more about Tony’s research on the Newman University website here: https://www.newman.ac.uk/staff/david-anthony-myers/ And of course, you can check out the Pra Chao Suua Muay Thai gym too: https://www.facebook.com/RamakienMuayThai
And if you found this valuable, please like, subscribe, and share this with someone else it could help too!
Video version of this podcast, complete with timestamped and linked points of interest available here
Jonathan Haggerty: Being Noticed, Rodtang, & Aiming For The Top
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 about Jonathan and his exploits on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jhaggerty_/
https://www.instagram.com/teamundergroundmma_official/
https://www.instagram.com/keddle_and_bruce_gym_/
https://www.instagram.com/theknowlesyacademy/
And of course catch the latest on Jonathan’s ONE Championship fight against Taiki Naito @onechampionship on instagram too: https://www.instagram.com/onechampionship/
And if you found this valuable, please like, subscribe, and share this with someone else it could help too!
Video version of this podcast, complete with timestamped and linked points of interest available here
Liam Harrison: Failing Your Way To Success
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 all the time! Join me as I learn from Liam his approach to life, the battles he still faces, and we take a glimpse at a champion's mindset.
You can find out more about Liam and his work from his website https://liamharrisontraining.com/ and @liambadco on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/liambadco/ And his clothing brand Eleventh Commandment – https://eleventh-commandment.com
And if you found this valuable, please like, subscribe, and share this with someone else it could help too!
Video version of this podcast, complete with timestamped and linked points of interest available here
Vinny Shoreman: Winning Isn’t Everything
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 observes separates the champion from the crowd.
Podcast episode webpage, complete with timestamped and linked points of interest:
You can find out more about Vinny's work from his website http://vinnyshoreman.com and @vinnyshoreman on Instagram.
And if you found this valuable, please like, subscribe, and share this with someone else it could help too!
Video version of this podcast available here
Ognjen Topic: Seeking Perfection & Leaning Into Pressure
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 important for anyone to reach the top of their game in Muay Thai, or in fact any chosen field.
You can find out more about Ognjen’s latest fighting exploits through his website http://topicfight.com and @topicfight on Instagram and Facebook
And go to https://topiccreative.com for his graphic design work.
And if you found this valuable, please like, subscribe, and share this with someone else it could help too!
Damien Trainor: Muay Thai Evolution & Fighting Your Own Way
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 make some notes!
You can learn more about, and more from Damien at his gym website https://www.k-starlegacy.co.uk/ and his instructional videos on the Warrior Collective Marketplace https://www.warriorcollective.co.uk/damien-trainor-instructional-videos/
If you found this episode valuable, please like, subscribe, and share this with someone else it could help too!
And I’ll catch you next time.
TJ The Thinking Man: The Fighter’s Mind, Teamwork, Habits & Challenges
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 to share with you our chat together.