KOS

Category: Boxing Adventures

10 Questions with Coach Ravi!

Posted on by Team KOS

Get to Know Coach Ravi: An Exclusive Interview and Insight into His Journey

Hello everyone!

In the world of boxing and fitness, every individual has a unique journey and story to tell. Today, we invite you to step into the world of Coach Ravi, who became a part of our close-knit family in January. If you’ve ever wondered about the motivations and inspirations that drive a coach’s journey, you’re in for a treat.

1) Why did you pick up Boxing?

“I started boxing because I wanted to learn a form of self-defense.”

2) Who is your Favourite Boxer?

“I don’t have a favourite boxer. But if I have to really pick one person, it would be Sugar Ray Leonard because of his incredible footwork, fast combinations & power.”

Sugar Ray Leonard triumphing in an exhilarating boxing match.
Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard showcases his unmatched skill and determination in a victorious bout.

3) What does KOS mean to you?

“KOS has always given me a lot ever since the day I joined them as a trainee. KOS will always be my happy place regardless of what the future may hold for me.”

4) What makes up a good boxer according to you?

“To be a good boxer you need to master your basic footwork, have fast hands, and have a good fitness level.

In my opinion, you need to have a STRONG HEART especially if you are planning to compete. You need to have the heart to fight and go forward, no matter how many times you get knocked down. That STRONG HEART is what will get you going when the going gets tough. ”

 

Coach Ravi, a proud representative of KOS, in the midst of an intense boxing match.
Coach Ravi proudly dons the KOS Jersey as he competes in a thrilling boxing match.

5) What keeps you going as a Coach each day?

“The trainees are the main reason I keep pushing myself to be a better Coach every day. Seeing them achieve their goals and get stronger day by day gives me a sense of happiness.”

6) Give a nickname for your coaching style.

“The Motivating Coach. I choose this because I always push my trainees to not only be better boxers in the ring but to also be a fighter in life. Also, to constantly push themselves and never give up no matter what life throws at them.”

7) A quote for our readers?

“Why stop with one? Haha. I always tell myself these 3 things:

  • “Be stronger than yesterday.”
  • “Sweat more in training so that you don’t bleed in combat.”
  • “Don’t go looking for war but if it comes to you, face it head-on.”.”.

8) What are the struggles you face as a Coach?

“Trainees not giving their best during training even though they can do it.”

 

Coach Ravi expertly deflects attacks from enthusiastic trainees during a punching practice session.
Coach Ravi demonstrates his coaching prowess by guiding and protecting his trainees in their punch training.

 

9) Someone you look up to?

“I look up to my father a lot because when I was young he taught me to face my problems no matter how big they were.”

10) Share a secret about yourself.

“I am camera shy. Tell me to get in the ring and fight someone, I will do it without hesitation or fear regardless of what the outcome might be.

But tell me to take a picture or a video, I actually get very nervous and become very cautious of my surroundings!”

 

Coach Ravi donning his KOS gym coach attire.
Coach Ravi looks the part in his KOS gym coach outfit, ready to inspire and train the next generation of boxers.

 

We hope Coach Ravi’s story has left you inspired and motivated. If you’re ready to take the next step in your own fitness journey, why not join us at the gym? Come experience the camaraderie, passion, and dedication that make our community special.

Check out our Schedule + Rates page for all the details, and let’s start working towards your goals together. Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way. So, lace up your sneakers, and let’s get moving!

Signing off with a fist bump,
Lekha

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury: Coaches Prediction

Posted on by Kumar Perumal

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury: Choose Your Champion

Hey, Boxing Fans!

Get ready for an epic clash between two heavyweight titans, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, as they step into the ring once again. With their fame and numerous titles, it’s the ultimate battle to determine who’s the real champ. But here’s the burning question: whose side are you on?

We took the pulse of the boxing world with an Instagram Poll, and the results are in – 59% backing Deontay Wilder, and 41% rallying behind Tyson Fury. Intriguing, right? But that’s just the beginning! Stay tuned as we unveil our coaches’ predictions, including my own!

Join us in the excitement as we count down to witness the fierce showdown between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, two colossal figures in the world of boxing. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, this match is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.

And if you’re eager to be a part of the action, head over to our Schedule + Rates page for all the details on when and how to catch this epic battle live. It’s a date you won’t want to miss!

Cheers!
Coach Kumar

The Importance Of Correct Technique

Posted on by Kumar Perumal

Maximizing Success Through Technique: The Key to Skill Mastery in Sports and Beyond

Welcome back, everyone!

Have you ever pondered the legendary wisdom of Bruce Lee and his famous quote, ‘I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times’? It’s a saying that’s etched in my memory and guided me through countless training sessions.

 

Inspirational Bruce Lee Quote: 'I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.
Bruce Lee’s timeless wisdom sets the tone for our sports journey.

 

If you’ve ever wondered when you’ll move on to the next big thing in your training, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, questioning my coach silently. But here’s the secret that coaches across all sports will tell you: ‘Master what you’ve learned first.’ In this article, we’re diving deep into the essential world of correct technique, a fundamental key to your sports journey’s success. Let’s unlock the secrets together!

 

Coach Karthick mentoring a young boxer during training.
Coach Karthick leading the way for our aspiring young champions.

 

Similar to everyone, my first boxing training was about footwork. My Coach, T Balasundram from U2Can Boxing Gym, taught me the right stance in boxing and explained how important footwork is in boxing. After correcting me, he put me in front of a mirror to practice my movements.

 

Coach Kumar demonstrating dodging techniques with a dedicated female boxer.
Coach Kumar and our talented boxer working on defensive skills.

 

The same drill went on for WEEKS (Almost 2 months if I remember correctly)! I had to report to training, warm up, circuit program, and then practice my movements in front of the mirror. Back then, being a 13-year-old teenager, I was frustrated. I am in boxing, but have not learned my punches yet, I even had a thought to stop attending the training. That’s when my coach came and told me my footwork had improved and taught me my first few punches.

Throughout my boxing journey, I’ve been confident & proud of my footwork. Thanks to my coach and those ‘boring’ sessions in front of the mirror. When I was practicing, I didn’t realize the power of it, but it was a ‘Muscle-Memory’ training that helped me till now. I’ve stopped training for about 5 years, but whatever I’ve learned and trained is stored in my ‘Muscle Memory’. That’s the importance of correct technique!

 

Coach guiding a young boxer through training drills.
Building a strong foundation in our young athletes with expert coaching.

In the end, my journey has shown me that mastering the fundamentals, just like Bruce Lee’s wisdom suggests, is the true path to excellence in any sport. So, when you repeat the same drill repeatedly, embrace it as your secret weapon for success.

Remember, practice truly does make perfect. If you’re ready to take your training to the next level and explore the world of correct technique, check out our Schedule + Rates page. Let’s make your sports journey extraordinary!

 

Young girl in pink boxing gloves celebrating with a fist bump.
Fist bump from one of our energetic young athletes!

 

Signing Off with a Fist Bump,
Head Coach Kumar

Hanurdeen Hamid: The Humble Hero

Posted on 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!

Taking a break is a MUST!

Posted on 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

Coach Kumar in the HDB lobby after his rejuvenating trip
Back home and recharged after a memorable journey

Answers you always wanted to know about Boxing!

Posted on by Kumar Perumal

Unlocking Boxing: Discover the Answers to Your Questions!

Hi everyone,

Do you have questions about boxing training? We’ve got answers to open your eyes. Dive in, and drop us a message if we missed your questions!

1) BOXING? Will I get punched in the face? 

NOOO! There’s a lot more to boxing than just punching each other’s faces. Please do understand – boxing is an art form. You’ll have to go through and learn many things before stepping into a sparring session. We understand that some of you are not interested in competing, so our coaches will definitely not throw you into the ring to get punched. Please understand that Boxing can be a fitness tool to achieve your goals.

Boxing Sparring: Skill Development and Protective Gear in Action
Boxing Sparring: Skill Development and Protective Gear in Action

2) Will I be able to lose weight through Boxing?

There’s no way you’ll not lose weight during an intense boxing regime. In order to lose weight, apart from dieting, CARDIO IS A MUST! For those engaged in boxing, it becomes evident that it offers an excellent cardio workout. It keeps your mind so engaged that you’ll hardly notice the time passing by – perfect for those who find running a bit dull!

Additional tip: Those who have trained at KOS definitely know that you’ll be perspiring so much due to our COOLING GYM! LOL

3) How often should I train?

It’s like the child asking their parent, ‘How much should I study?’. The answer is, THE MORE THE BETTER. It depends on your goal and whether you have a time frame to achieve it. For beginner boxers, I recommend at least twice a week. For competitive boxers, at least 3-4 times a week.

A Well-Trained King of Strengths Boxer
A Well-Trained King of Strength Boxer

4) Since it’s Western boxing, there won’t be any leg training, right?

One of the most frequently asked questions! I wish you could see the extensive leg workouts we incorporate during our Strength & Conditioning Training! Guys, we don’t use our legs for kicking only. However, we need our legs to be as strong as our upper body. We use our legs for proper footwork, to duck, to move away from our opponent & most importantly, we use the strength of the lower body to transfer the power to the punch. That explains why Boxers do rounds after rounds of skipping!

Tip: Want better punch power? TRAIN YOUR LEGS!

Boxer Performing Intense Leg Training as Part of Strength & Conditioning Routine
Boxer Performing Intense Leg Training as Part of Strength & Conditioning Routine

5) I’m afraid if my kid learns boxing, he/she will punch someone outside.

We instill discipline in them before even learning the first punch of boxing. At KOS, we believe if discipline is there, learning becomes smoother. As mentioned above, boxing is a beautiful art form, often confused with violence. We want to emphasize that Boxing helps to control your anger management and disciplinary issues, and it’s a great way to relieve stress! You can call us to enquire more about our boxing classes for kids in Singapore.

Young Boxer in Training with Coach, Emphasizing Discipline and Skill Over Violence
Young Boxer in Training with Coach, Emphasizing Discipline and Skill Over Violence

6) Girls can do Boxing? 

To be honest, girls make great boxers! They have something that almost all guys lack. GRACEFULNESS! Girls who do boxing, remember not to lose that part of you. That makes boxing more of an art.

Fun Fact: For those who trained at KOS, Our Female Boxer Kay was the sparring partner for all our male competitive boxers and she gave them a tough time in the ring! 

Two Female Boxers Posing with Boxing Gloves
Two Female Boxers Posing with Boxing Gloves

7) Does Weight Training slow me down?

Weight training definitely is important for boxing. Even our competitive boxers go through a weight training phase as a part of the training plan. Weight training generates explosive power and helps to improve muscle endurance. But here’s the catch: When boxers shift their focus excessively toward aesthetics and adopt a bodybuilding-oriented approach, that’s where things can get tricky. It’s not that pursuing a bodybuilding-style workout is wrong; it’s just crucial to pay attention to your form and avoid potential injuries

Tip: Please cool down & stretch after your weight training to prevent tightness.

Two Boxers Engaged in Weight Training for Muscle Endurance
Two Boxers Engaged in Weight Training for Muscle Endurance

8) How long do I have to learn Boxing to master it?

Boxing is an ongoing adventure; there’s no need to anticipate the finish line. Instead, relish the continuous learning process. Set small goals to stay motivated and eager for further growth

Tip: Record your Pad work/Sparring videos to compare and understand how much you have improved or how much you have to improve. 

Woohoo! We have completed the most frequently asked questions of the year! Ask me more questions, and I’LL TURN INTO HULK!

Just joking, guys, I promise I won’t turn into the Hulk – just having a bit of fun here! 😄

Coach Kumar in Hulk Pose
Coach Kumar in Hulk Pose

We hope we’ve covered all your burning questions about boxing training, but if anything slipped through the cracks, we’re here for you! Just drop us a message and we’ll do our utmost to provide the answers you seek. We’re all about community, and your inquiries drive us forward.

For more details on our schedules and rates, visit our Schedule + Rates page.

Signing off with a first bump,

Head-Coach Kumar