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It Will Be Hard, Then It Will Be Easy
One common thing I’ve noticed about success—whether in business, sports, or career—is this: it will be hard for years, and then it gets easy. When I first started boxing, I was stiff and nervous. My muscles would tense up, so my punches lacked speed. There was no grace in my movement. During sparring, I’d last…
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Survivorship bias
I still have a throbbing headache from the last sparring. I got caught with a clean right hook. This got me thinking about the career paths of boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA athletes. It seems like the risk-to-reward ratio is pretty high! You see the greats like Manny Pacquiao, Rodtang, GSP—and one would think it’s…
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Got hit by a clean hook – boxing sparring
I have been back to light/moderate sparring since last week – about 3 to 4 rounds. Sparring is one of the joys of boxing/MMA. It is where you test what you have learned. Is the footwork good? How about head movement? How about feinting? How about speed? Sparring brings me so much joy… Until I…
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Master the Fundamentals
I had a great coach in Bulgaria who was insistent that I learn the fundamentals of boxing the right way. We spent entire sessions doing slow, deliberate jabs and crosses while I looked at the mirror and he gave me feedback. “Focus on the mind-body connection,” he would always remind me. “Focus on the technique—free…
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Vetting fitness influencers on social media
I’m passionate about exercise, movement, and biomechanics. So it’s no surprise that my Instagram feed is flooded with content related to fitness. Earlier today, I was watching a few short reels from fitness influencers and couldn’t help but notice how many of them give out advice without any real credentials. Sure, they have great physiques—but…
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Embrace the suck
It’s 8 p.m. now in Davao City, and I just came out of the gym. I am physically and mentally exhausted. Three rounds of jump rope, three rounds of shadow boxing, three rounds of heavy bag, four rounds of mitt work, and two rounds of light sparring. That has been the routine since January, when…
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My forehand is broken
I just got home after playing tennis, and I am absolutely feeling dejected. My backhand is a weapon. My serve and volleys are getting better. But my forehand is broken! I’ve completely lost confidence in it—I even run around the ball to hit a backhand instead. And if I have no choice but to hit…
