I first came to Phoenix when my dad bought Anthony’s old van still adorned with Phoenix stickers and TTFU logos. After some research, I was curious about the gym itself and after heading in to my first junior dragons class, I had never seen as much commitment, motivation and effort by all different people going into their training. Needless to say, this rubbed off on me.  After my first junior sparring classes I was hooked, and so eager to train as much as I could; alongside a great group of people and coaches that are constantly supporting and encouraging you to go that step further.

The first seminar I attended was an experience I’ll never forget. The coaches, top fighters, advanced to TTFU-intermediate students and beginners like me all training collectively to better their own techniques and help everyone else in doing the same. The sense of community at Phoenix is like no other, as everyone is connected with that goal of improvement, discipline and determination. Training with the fight team for the past couple of years has allowed to realise a whole new side of my training and fighting abilities, through hours and hours of hard slog. The sense of community and how rewarding the feelings are of pushing yourself to your limits and reaping the rewards of your hard training are truly indescribable. There have been countless Saturday mornings where I’ve left sparring completely exhausted, pummelled and covered in bruises with a big smile on my face because however small it may seem, knowing that you worked hard and that you’re improving is enough to make you smile through the pain.

I’ve been able to achieve things I never thought possible through my dedication and commitment to training and upholding the values of Phoenix Gym.  I had my first fight and came away with a win, an experience I would previously have never even considered. The feeling of being in the ring surrounded by lights and noise and filled with adrenaline is one like no other.  I wouldn’t have been able to even come close to that without the encouragement and support from everyone.  The coaches, the fight team, and everyone else at Phoenix.

I can’t deny that training and fighting at Phoenix have been some of the hardest, yet most rewarding challenges I’ve ever faced, both mentally and physically. And I couldn’t think of a gym that gives you an experience anything like it. There has been (minimal) blood, a whole lot of sweat and certainly tears (along with a copious amount of bruising) during my time at training, sparring and being a dedicated member of Phoenix; but this is only just the beginning, I know I am only getting started.