Hanurdeen Hamid: The Humble Hero

Posted on 31 July 201812 September 2023 by Kumar Perumal

Becoming a Better You: Learning Humility from Hanurdeen Hamid, the Humble Hero

Feeling a bit low? Don’t worry; we’ve got just the inspiration you need to lift your spirits! Dive into the extraordinary journey of one of Singapore’s finest national boxers, Mohamed Hanurdeen Bin Hamid.

Hanurdeen secures 2015 SEA Games flyweight (52kg) final with a 3-0 win over Myanmar opponent. — 2015 SEA Games: Hanurdeen advances to the flyweight final with a decisive 3-0 victory.

Let’s talk about some of his remarkable achievements:

2017 SEA Games, 52kg Flyweight – Bronze
2015 SEA Games, 52kg Flyweight – Silver
2013 North Sulawesi Cup, Indonesia – Gold
2013 Kuala Lumpur City Cup – Silver
2012 Penang International – Gold
2010 Penang International – Gold
2010 Sijori Invitational Championship, Singapore – Gold

But there’s more to this story. I’ve known Hanurdeen personally since 2008, when I first spotted him at the U2CAN Boxing Club. His dedication and unwavering commitment have remained an enduring source of inspiration, not just for me but for countless others venturing into the world of sports. Beyond his impressive athletic feats, it’s his humility that truly sets him apart.

Fun fact: Consider me his biggest fan! I’m always eagerly anticipating his next bout.

What’s the key lesson here? Whether it’s sports or life itself, Hanurdeen teaches us one invaluable trait – humility. That’s why we’ve titled this post ‘Humble Hero.’ So, stick around, and let’s have a chat with him, shall we?

Hanurdeen striking a boxing pose with blue boxing gloves. — Ready for action: Hanurdeen dons his blue boxing gloves in style.

1) Hey Hanurdeen! Can you share when you first embraced the world of boxing and what drew you to this sport?

“Hi Readers! I picked up boxing at the age of 13. My elder brother was into boxing too. Back then, he was competing in a local tournament and also insisted I join the same club as him, ‘U2CAN’ to keep myself occupied and stay out of trouble as I was quite mischievous in my younger days.”

2) With over a decade of training under your belt, what fuels your passion and dedication?

“I just love the sport too much and enjoy every aspect of it. Sometimes it can be physically and mentally draining, especially when I’m training twice a day, but I constantly remind myself of my goals & that itself keeps me going again!”

Hanurdeen in the heat of a match at the 2nd HK International Boxing Tournament. — Intensity at its peak: Hanurdeen competing at the 2nd HK International Boxing Tournament.

3) Your achievements are truly remarkable, but could you tell us about your future aspirations and targets?

“My main goal would be qualifying and producing results in the major games like the SEA Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Championships, and ultimately, the Olympics, among others. But right now, I’m focusing more on my upcoming local & international tournaments, which will be a good stepping stone towards my main goal.”

Hanurdeen lands a powerful punch on his opponent during a fight.

4) Along your journey, have you encountered any significant challenges, and how do you handle them?

“I always believe that to produce results in the major games, I’ve to devote myself 100% to my sport. I’ll have to train full-time and it has been very difficult financially. I’m truly thankful to my current sponsors SUMMIT INTERNATIONAL who came forward to support my dreams and ease some of my burdens.”

Hanurdeen takes a break in the corner of the ring with his mouthguard being removed.

5) Who stands as your ultimate role model, and what qualities inspire you in them?

“One of my favourite fighter/role models is Manny Pacquiao. I’ve always admired him for his hard work, humbleness, and the milestones he has achieved despite all the setbacks that came his way. I’m extremely elated to have gotten a chance to speak to him over the phone once! One of the best feelings ever!”

6) What words of wisdom would you offer to newcomers stepping into the sport?

“Well… I always tell myself, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!”. So be passionately driven, and don’t take success to the head. Most importantly, enjoy the sport!”

Hanurdeen enjoys a relaxed photoshoot session with his teammates.

7) Now, for a fun twist! Could you share an interesting fact about yourself that fans might not know?

“I love learning and practicing new card tricks, then trying it on my teammates when we travel!” (Answers this with a smirk!)

8) On a personal note, do you have a preferred punch in your arsenal, and what makes it your favorite?

“I’ve been told by a couple of coaches that I have a good jab. On top of that, I feel that it comes naturally to me. The jab is a great starter move, allowing me to set up all my combos, too!”

Hanurdeen practices his punches on a punching bag.

It’s been an incredible conversation with our humble hero, Hanurdeen Hamid. His journey and wisdom teach us the value of humility on the path to success. So, take that inspiration and carry it with you in whatever you do. Remember, staying grounded is key.

If you’re ready to take your own journey, check out our Schedule + Rates page for more details. Keep striving for greatness, folks!

Signing off with a Fist Bump,

Head-Coach Kumar!

The Beginners Guide to Boxing in Singapore

Posted on 25 July 201812 September 2023 by Team KOS

The Beginners Guide to Boxing in Singapore: Knocking Out Fitness Trends Worldwide

Pair of red and black boxing gloves — Get ready to lace up and hit the bag with these boxing gloves!

Pack a punch, hit ‘em hard! Numerous combat sports exist, but Boxing as a combat sport is one of the most popular and is practiced all over the world. Over the years the popularity of the game has grown. Fitness fanatics in countries like the United States, Mexico, and Russia turn to boxing as a sport to keep fit. The popularity of classic films like the Rocky series, Cinderella Man and Million Dollar Baby is further proof of the sport’s popularity. With a growing awareness of the importance of exercise, boxing is slowly gaining popularity in Singapore as a lifestyle sport that builds cardiovascular and muscular fitness.

Man practicing boxing punches with a trainer — Practising punches and techniques to become a skilled boxer

The Preferred Modern Combat and Lifestyle sport

Boxing might appear as an untamed and wild sport where two adults throw punches to knock each other out. However, to appreciate boxing or a boxer, you need to understand the journey. It’s a journey that doesn’t have a beginning or an end. It is a process.

There is a science attached to this ancient sport. It is not uncommon to be referred to as a game of chess. Boxing has two sides to it. Technique and Strategy. It is also about conditioning your emotions and manifesting them into physical fluidity.

Many fear injury, but the experienced know. When you have studied your opponent well, half your game is set. It isn’t just about the test of power but also a battle of the minds. Champion boxers mentally prepare themselves before they enter the ring. A calm boxer has a higher chance of winning instead of an aggressive one. The trick is to force your opponent to make mistakes so you can play your game!

Two boxers in the ring perfecting their boxing stances and posture — Dedicated boxers honing their skills with precision and focus.

Benefits of Boxing

Boxing is not only about self-defense. This sport works on your entire fitness, reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and mental presence. The psychological benefits are no less. Those who train regularly agree it helps them deal with anxiety and stress. It also helps them build confidence and feel good about themselves.

It sounds like much hard work, but on the plus side, it involves lots of cool gear. You instantly look like a lean, mean fighting machine once you wrap your hands and put on your boxing gloves and protective equipment. Once you get a few basics right after some training sessions, which usually involve pad work, sparring, and shadow boxing, you have set the foundation for honing your boxing skills. Whether you want to learn it as a hobby or make a career out of it, this is one sport where you can laugh over and still be friends after giving each other a black eye and torn lips.

Among the uninitiated, it is a commonly held myth that boxing is a male-dominated sport. The truth is boxing is for everyone. Females are equally involved in the sport. Boxing tones your torso and leg muscles. Let us not forget Laila Amaria Ali, the daughter of the boxing legend Muhammad Ali. She is among the top ten female boxers of all time.

Muhamad Ridhwan celebrating victory with raised arms in the boxing ring — Witness moments of triumph with Muhamad Ridhwan, our local boxing champion!

Boxing in Singapore

In April this year, Muhamad Ridhwan, Singapore’s local Professional boxer, bagged the Intercontinental Featherweight (57kg) title at the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Fitness programs like Boxing and workouts with Gym Equipments rank among the top 10 Activities for Singaporeans according to www.sportsingapore.gov.sg.

As Singaporeans, we tend to feel shag after a long day. Fret not. There are numerous avenues to pick boxing skills. Instructional YouTube videos are one way to get started. Another way is to walk into one of the several boxing Gyms in Singapore and enroll for a trial session.

Coach Krishna demonstrating dodging techniques to a student during training — Our experienced coaches like Coach Krishna ensure you learn the art of defense in every session.

Where to learn Boxing in Singapore?

Learn with us! King Of Strength (KOS) is a well-known boxing gym located in the North of Singapore.

We offer flexible daily, weekly, and monthly sessions at affordable prices. KOS is suitable for all and offers boxing lessons for beginners, too. This boxing gym trains you in the techniques and fitness required for the sport. KOS has highly trained and experienced instructors who teach you with modern equipment.

Learn Boxing professionally. You will learn the right way.

Hit, but don’t get hit. Join a class. You won’t regret it!

Child boxer practicing in front of a mirror — Even our youngest boxers are determined to shine and perfect their skills in the ring!

Taking a break is a MUST!

Posted on 18 July 201831 October 2023 by Kumar Perumal

Discovering the Power of Breaks: How a Trip to Sydney Helped Me to Recharge in Life and Sports

Hi everyone,

It’s been a while since we caught up, and I’ve got some exciting stories to share. Just returned from a rejuvenating 10-day getaway in Sydney, a trip that was a blend of learning and leisure.

(Will be sharing the photos from the trip here!)

Coach Kumar enjoying a scenic view from the balcony — Taking a moment to unwind and appreciate the view

But you know what struck me most during this journey? The immense importance of taking a breather, not only from our hectic daily lives but also in the realm of sports. So, let’s talk more about why breaks matter, how they can fuel your passion, and why I’m convinced you’ll want to hear more about it.

In the hustle and bustle of Singaporean life, we all find ourselves ensnared in the routine grind. Balancing work, responsibilities, social commitments, and countless other tasks can be an overwhelming juggling act.

This ‘juggling’ process could lead to frustrations at some point of time. That ‘frustration’ would lead to breakdown and obviously affect the quality of life. But how is this related to fitness or boxing?

Active studio session with people participating in boxing routines and sparring — Learning and training with fellow boxers in Sydney

Not only boxing, but all sports out there have this term called burn off phase. Have you seen someone who used to be so good at a particular sport and then perform badly for the event? Have you seen a student studying so hard for a particular exam but not performing during the test? The most common one, have you seen someone been so determined to be starting a fitness regime, posting out what they have trained, what they have for their diet but then stopping everything in a couple of weeks?

That’s called BURN-OUT.

Row of cycling machines in 'Fight Gym' with a fighter mural in the background. — Pedal your way to greatness surrounded by inspiring fighter artwork.

Why does this Burnout take place?

1) Pushing yourself for a prolonged period

For example, when someone is preparing for their upcoming boxing competition. The back-to-back training could be intense. Due to other commitments, they might not get proper rest. When this continues for a long period, some tend to lose motivation for training. They are looking forward to finishing the training & competition rather than doing well.

2) OVER-Pushing yourself suddenly

Another example is someone who wants to lose weight. They wake up one day and change their entire lifestyle, working out twice daily, having strict meals, counting calories, etc. This is too shocking for the mind. Rather than a goal, it becomes a torture. Eventually, he/she starts to crave unhealthy food and starts cheating on the routine.

Black and white mural depicting two boxers in an intense fight. — Every fight tells a story of determination and grit

So what should I do?

The answer is in the title of this blog: TAKE A BREAK!

Let’s say you have been so strict with your workout regime for the past 5 weeks & have lost 5kg. Take a day off, and have a “CHEAT MEAL”. Something that has been in your mind, something that you have been craving for. This would give you some kind of happiness, satisfaction & of course GUILT. Haha! But it’s really fine, you DESERVE it. It’s just like giving yourself a reward for sticking to the plan. That “Cheat Meal” motivates you to push for another 5 weeks!

Fun Fact: I ate a bowl of Prawn noodles after sticking to a plan for a couple of weeks, and I still remember how happy I felt when I was having that meal.

For those of you guys who have been training for a long period. I advise my competitive boxers to take a complete 1/2 weeks off to give the body & the mind the time to recover completely. Also, when they are back, I ensure I start from a low to moderate intensity rather than continuing from where they left off.

I trust this article has shed light on the importance of rejuvenating breaks and how they can rekindle your motivation. Remember, a well-deserved break doesn’t have to be lengthy – it’s about quality, not quantity. So, take that short breather and let it propel you towards greater heights, both in your sporting journey and in life. If you’re eager to dive into our schedules and rates for a tailored experience, head over to our Schedule + Rates page to explore what we offer. Here’s to your success, both on and off the field!

Cheers to thriving,

Head-Coach Kumar