The Boxing Journey of Hamzah Farouk

This week, our WBC Asia Continental Champion Hamzah Farouk, shares his boxing
journey, his favourite family memories and what he’s looking for in a girl.

HIS BOXING JOURNEY

I started boxing when I was 16 and boxed as an Amateur for 8 years. I got a job in the banking industry as Operations and Sales while studying Psychology, then I stopped boxing. During those years, I missed boxing and training every day. I didn’t know what to do with the extra time and energy I had not training and started to develop a very unhealthy lifestyle. I felt very unhappy and unsettled with life and kept thinking about boxing every day. Until finally in mid-2016, I decided to turn my life around, quit my job and started boxing again. I am very happy where I am now, and to be boxing professionally.

3 FAVOURITE MOMENTS WITH YOUR FAMILY:

Going for our first ever family holiday to a place in Malaysia called Cherating beach. We grew up not really having much and my dad used to struggle financially. So for us to go on a holiday at that time was something I’ll never forget. We had a lot of fun together.

All my brothers’ weddings. Three of them. Bittersweet for me, not because they beat me to it, but because we grew up together being really close! I knew we won’t be able to spend as much time together once they get married. I was very happy for them, but at the same time felt a bit sad.

Winning the WBC Asia Continental belt last November. Not only was it my childhood dream, but it was for my family. They have supported me so much throughout my boxing career for 15 years now and I owe it all to them. Without the support of my parents and my brothers, nothing would be possible. It’s a way I give back to my family who stood by me throughout everything and what I am doing now, I am doing it for them.

FOR THE LADIES:

I like confident and cute girls who don’t take life or themselves too seriously, who have goals and are driven working towards it, and are able to hold serious intellectual conversations, and be sexy at the right times drive me crazy.

Hamzah’s 1st Boxing Photo

THINGS WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU

AS A CHILD, I WAS PROBABLY THE BIGGEST NERD EVER.

Like all the other kids would be playing outside and I would be reading books in the house. I was very skinny and sickly, and I surrounded myself with more books than toys. I hated doing physical activities and loved reading about the outer space. My dream was to be an astronaut and a boxing champion. I already achieved one. Maybe the other soon!

I used to be a heavy smoker (30 sticks a day) from 2012 to 2016. When I decided to turn my life around and become a professional boxer, I quit smoking and I literally did it overnight without any help. If I can do it without counselling or calling a hotline, anyone can too.

CATCH HAMZAH IN ACTION AT THE RING FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP VI ON FRIDAY, 12TH OF APRIL, AGAINST PHAIBOON LORKHAM. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

March 25, 2019December 2, 2019

Kirstie Gannaway: Food, Art and Travel Enthusiast

We had a chat with Kirstie Gannaway, half-Australian and half-Singaporean Boxing and MMA pro fighter on what she does outside the ring and her love of food, travel and animals.

OUTSIDE THE RING.

I’m a music, food, art and travel enthusiast. On a weekly basis, I would play the guitar and cook healthy meals and snacks. I love finding inspirations for healthy meals and snacks to replace foods that I’d otherwise want to binge. I also work on personal art works which are often drawings or small paintings. When I have more time, exploring new countries and experiencing other cultures is one of my most favourite things to do.

HER TOP 3 TRAVEL DESTINATIONS.

BALI, INDONESIA

A couple free days free or a long weekend, Bali is great for a quick getaway. There are so many parts of it to explore such as the beach and the terraces, depending on what you want to do. It caters to anyone whether it’s a party getaway, beach holiday or relaxation retreat.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Awesome beaches, great weather and the food is awesome! The people in Australia are easy going and are fun to be around. Being half Australian, it’s nice to go explore more of the country and know the place a little better.

HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

Hokkaido have great food produce including some of the freshest and best seafood and their dairy produce is amazing! In the winter there are snow sports available and for me its one of the best places to go snowboarding. In the summer, the nature there is really beautiful.

THINGS NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU.

I was a fat kid growing up! When I was 12 years old I weighed 65kg and hated sports. I loved horse riding but living in Singapore made it hard to keep up with because it is a really expensive activity here. It was when I started boxing when I was 15 years old my entire life turned around. The day I started, I never stopped!

I love animals. Since I was young my Brother and I would take in and nurture animals we found on the street that were either wild or pets that had been abandoned. We have taken in and saved tons of animals including turtles, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and then mostly cats. Because of work and travelling, I didn’t commit to having a pet, so the last 3 years I’ve been a part of a cat fostering program where I will take care of cats that were from abusive homes or from the street. One of my dreams is to have an animal sanctuary where I can take in any animals of the street and foster them.

KIRSTIE’S TRAINING TIP:

If it’s difficult to train consistently because of work or school and can’t make it into the gym,
try squeezing in a run, skipping intervals and incorporate some core exercises. When I was younger and couldn’t find time to train at the gym I would sometimes do skipping intervals in the stairwell of
my apartment or even my bedroom (my neighbours hated me!) and then would do some repetitions of simple core exercises – because core work will always come in handy.

It’s just a simple way to stay conditioned so that when you do have the time to come back to the gym, you’ll be able to keep up.

CATCH KIRSTIE IN ACTION AT THE RING FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP VI ON FRIDAY, 12TH OF APRIL, FIGHT AGAINST NADYA KHOIR. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

March 12, 2019December 2, 2019

It’s HER: Meet the Women of The Ring

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

This Women month, we’re celebrating the women of The Ring! We sat down with some of our members to ask them why they love Boxing or Muay Thai (or The Ring!), who inspires them the most, what motivates them and that ONE advice to all the ladies out there!

CHARLOTTE

Building Designs and Adventurer

Boxing has been an important part of my life over the last 3 years. I feel stronger physically and mentally and highly focused at work. When I get to the gym , I lace up my boxing gloves and start focusing on what I want to achieve for this session : Is it having fun ? Is it more cardio? It is being more technical or just simply punching hard ! Well it can be all together, I can sweat, I can laugh, I can express myself the way I want and even do some weird sound which boxin Coach Abdu always laughs about ! I feel more of a woman than ever when I box. It’s about that woman I want to be for that precise moment , it’s me who decide and I owe it to ME!

HER INSPIRATION.

Estelle Mossely, a light weight French boxer, is a woman I admire among so many others. She competed in many events and won the 2016 AIBA Women’s World Amateur Championship and with her husband Tony Yoka, they won also a 2016 Olympic Gold medalist. I admire her because she has just starting her professional career in the boxing world and at the same had a baby. She has been amazing sharing her life and tough times being back on the ring after a pregnancy! She is real and honest, she doesn’t pretend being the best role model as a mum or as an athlete.

HER MOTIVATION.

My motivation is really to achieve a great and happy work-life balance ! I want to be fit, healthy, happy and successful. I do like to set some goals short term and long term. Don’t be too hard on you, be honest with your goals, they must be realistic. I travel quite a lot with work. Sometimes I work out when overseas but sometimes I don’t ! It’s okay ! Just relax , come back and give it all!

HER ADVICE: IF YOUR HAPPINESS IS GOOD FOOD AND PARTY, ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF IT AND WORK OUT!

AALIYAH

Account Director and Scent Brander

Six months ago, I walked into the Ring for a work meeting and it took me by surprise. At first, I must admit it did intimidate me, a physical boxing ring is never something I had imagine I’d step in! The start of my journey at the Ring took me out of my comfort zone of yoga and running to boxing, Muay Thai and Strength and Conditioning.

The Ring has truly empowered me. I could now go out into the world knowing that if had the courage to do this, I could do anything really. Not only is boxing a strength and cardio workout, its the best way to get in tune with your inner badass.

HER INSPIRATION.

My Mum! As cliché as that sounds. She had reminded me that the true beauty of a person is their mannerism & the kindness bestowed to others. This has impacted my life choices & led me to be more picky about how I spend my time, who I spend it with & it matters, it truly does.

HER MOTIVATION.

The people, places & the emotions that surround us impacts our life, so find one that accepts you for who you are but also allows you to grow. The Ring has created an environment for me where I now feel confident to push boundaries & take on the impossible. It’s been scary, exciting & exhilarating!

HER ADVICE: DO SOMETHING THAT SCARES YOU & PUSHES YOU EVERY NOW AND AGAIN. TAKE A DEEP BREATH, A LEAP OF FAITH AND ALWAYS HAVE A NICE SHADE OF ROUGE LIPPY ON!

SYLVIA

Doctor and World Traveler

Muay Thai is one part of my overall fitness life. Unlike running, Muay Thai requires 100 percent focus.
I really like that it is consistent with the philosophy of continuous improvement, which I try to apply in all aspects of my life.

HER INSPIRATION.

I meet so many incredible women every day. I can’t even begin to describe the equanimity that some women display despite the complex challenges they face in their lives. These are the women I admire, those with calm and grace, and who remain generous and sincere.

HER MOTIVATION.

Fitness is part of my life. I am particularly motivated by the technical precision of boxing and Muay Thai. Francis (my trainer) is so focused on improving every kick, every punch, every move- he trains me as if I’m going to fight!

HER ADVICE: FIND WHAT YOU ENJOY, IT IS AS MUCH ABOUT THE PROCESS AS THE OUTCOME OF BEING FIT.

ANNIE

Fashionista and Marketer at Chanel

I’ve always been active, but no other sport has made me feel so empowered not just as a woman, but as a social being, than boxing. It brings me to a state of mind that is calm, collected and focused, while being able to explore what my body can do as an engine. We are all fitter and more energetic than we think! After a good session, I feel like I can do anything.

HER INSPIRATION.

My mother, 100%. She was always my inspiration since I was a little kid – she would always try to enjoy life to the fullest and never doubted her strength as a strong, empathetic presence anywhere; overall an electrifying woman.

HER MOTIVATION.

Loved ones including family and friends, and my mental well-being. I want to be able to share my best self driven by positive energy in my communities, so that we can all spread awareness and excitement for mental and physical health.

HER ADVICE: WE CAN DO A GAZILLION THINGS AT THE SAME TIME WHILE STILL BEING EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT! LET’S RIDE THIS BLESSING AND CONTINUE TO INSPIRE AND BRING EACH OTHER UP.

DANIELA

Passionately Curious, Beauty Seeker

Boxing was a great discovery in my life. No matter what is your gender, there’s a part of martial arts where we need humility and respect. Boxing encompasses key morality principles that guide my decision-making process and human conduct.

HER INSPIRATION.

There is an extensive list of women I admire, from the most powerful and popular ones such as Michelle Obama, Valentina Tereshkova, Oprah, Malala Yousafzai, Rita Levi-Montalcini, Frida Kahlo, Eileen Chang and more. Throughout history, women have fought courageously and tirelessly to assert themselves as individuals and experts in their field, something most men have had the luxury of taking for granted. Who I admire the most, regardless if men or women, are personalities somewhat diverse and unique who are guided by intellect and passion.

HER MOTIVATION.

Passion is my key driver, I put love and hard work in whatever I am doing. This leads to greater achievements and creative solutions. I am genuinely curious about patterns, cultures, places and people. This allows me to keep learning, exploring and moving.

HER ADVICE: MASTER YOUR INTUITION AS A GUIDE, DON’T NEED TO CHOOSE MEDIOCRE WHEN FIRE EXISTS AND DO IT NOW!

MARY ROSE

Geek Mais Chic, Mama of 2

Boxing has always been a part of my DNA. I come from a country of professional boxers and true fanatics of the sport. I started boxing seven years ago (with my husband’s influence) as a way to get fit and toned, and there’s no other sport that challenges me mentally and physically, as boxing. One of the coaches at The Ring said ‘“Boxing is a form of meditation” and I totally agree with that!

HER INSPIRATION.

I’m inspired by women leaders who make an impact to the world (Michelle Obama) and those who have mastered resilience and rise above the challenges and failures in life. I’m inspired by role models (Arianna Huffington) who support other women to reach their full potential.

HER MOTIVATION.

As a working mom to two active boys , I need to keep my energy levels high at home and at work! I owe it to my loved ones to be healthy, strong and fit. Living an active and healthy lifestyle has always been one of my priorities so I keep on moving every day!

HER ADVICE: WHEN LIFE GETS TOUGH, PUT ON YOUR BOXING GLOVES!

February 27, 2019March 18, 2021

Box Your Way To A Healthier Mind

Many studies have shown that frequent exercise can lead to improvements in your mental wellbeing – from lowering your anxiety to boosting your self-esteem. A quick 20 to 40 minutes of aerobic workout can easily enhance your mood for several hours. Boxing is not only a great sport that engages your full body – It is also a great mental booster. Find out more about the mental benefits of boxing.

If you’re one that struggles to find the motivation to head to the gym, boxing classes are a great alternative for the busy individual. Often lasting between forty-five minutes to an hour, boxing classes encourage you to fully concentrate your mind and energy during its duration. Compared to working out alone, classes are definitely more inclusive and provide a fun environment to interact and socialize. Research also shows that group workouts offer greater benefits for mental health because they stimulate social interaction and motivation. On days when you desperately need an extra boost, working out in a group forces you to be present in the moment, especially during partner-based drills. It also encourages you to establish greater awareness and connection with your physical body.

Morning workouts are generally beneficial for your mental wellbeing because they increase your productivity and energy levels throughout the day. Instead of feeling lethargic after working out, many individuals experience lesser stress and higher motivation. Exercising also produces endorphins, which are said to alleviate depression and reduce stress and anxiety. Kick starting the day with a workout will increase your mental focus, resilience and determination.

Boxing is also a fantastic outlet for releasing pent up emotions! Punching your stresses on the bag allows for a healthy way to release aggression, letting you work through your negative feelings. Rather than suppressing your emotions, exercising is a great way to let off some steam, improving your overall mental well-being.

Boxing coach Syakir says,

“Boxing for me is a form of meditation. Boxing is somewhat a very personal sport that when done in a big group can be a great form of support. Your individual mental battles are equally as important as your physical battles in the ring. Boxing can help break down those mental walls and help you achieve a much better mental state after a session.”

Picking up a new skill is always great, and a sport like boxing can be a great confidence booster for those who find hitting the gym daunting. Here at The Ring, our personalized classes provide a safe and fun environment for you to improve and hone your skills. You will have the opportunity to be exposed to the different techniques and forms of boxing by our qualified coaches, and interact and socialize with others, improving your confidence! Start off 2019 with a promise to be a better you!

Find at your Boxing Gym in Singapore, the Ring, Muay Thai Singapore,

Boxing Classes for Teens, Boxing Classes for Ladies in Singapore and more!

November 25, 2018December 16, 2019

Importance Of Core Training In Muay Thai

Also known as the art of the eight limbs, Muay Thai is a combination of some boxing techniques and rapid strikes with the elbows and knees! Every part of your body can be used to attack, which is why many people who practice Muay Thai often develop excellent physical conditioning.

People often mistake the core to be the abdominal muscles, and this results in them neglecting the workouts for the entire core section. The front, sides and back muscles of your midsection are actually all part of your core and are the main source of power for your limbs. Core muscles work together closely to stabilize your body, and a strong core will allow for holistically stronger body.

Combining the strength of your core with the art of Muay Thai, below are 3 reasons why your core matters!

Increased Balance and Stability

In a sport where you consistently receive hard hits on your body, having a strong core will act as an anchor in maintaining your balance. Core exercises often train your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen muscles together, and this can result in increased balance and stability during training and fights!

Powerful Strikes

A strong core will ensure a better delivery of punches and kicks, something crucial during sparring or fights. Because the core is your body’s source of power, having strong arms or legs is not enough in attempting to dish out significant strikes. By using the rotational force of your body, you are better able to transfer the power towards the limb and ultimately the opponent!

Resist Better

Very often your mid-section receives the most strikes during a fight, and a strong core will allow for better resilience against the hard knocks. A misconception many have are that Muay Thai fighters only focus on training their punches and kicks, however, strengthening your core muscles through specific workouts can increase your body’s overall condition, allowing you to fight longer without feeling lethargic!

Rather than working out isolated core muscles, it is more effective to holistically strengthen your entire core area through comprehensive trainings! The Ring’s strength and conditioning Coach Dzul notes, “S&C is important for any kind of combat sport. Being good at kicking or punching is not enough if you want to be an all-round fighter.”

Follow these simple workouts below to improve your core muscles!

Planks

Planks activate muscles like your abs, lower back, obliques and glutes for an all-round holistic core muscle workout.

Abs Wheel

This exercise is actually harder than it looks! Aside from toning your abdominal muscles, the abs wheel increases your balance and control!

Medicine Ball

A familiar sight at most gyms, the simple medicine ball is one of the most multi-functional gym item! Overhead ball slams are a great way to start your core training as it not only improves your power, but also trains your abdominal muscles!

Stability Ball

Another balancing workout that improves your core utilizes the stability ball! Use it while doing your basic exercises like sit-ups or push-ups, and find that you will activate more muscles because of the increased difficulty.

Head over to the gym area at The Ring to kick start your core training regime! You can also join our Strength and Conditioning classes every Tuesday and Thursday and see for yourself the wonders of core training and the impact and influence it will have on your Muay Thai performance! Find our full schedule at https://www.thering.sg/schedule/.

October 19, 2018March 17, 2021

Preparing For A Boxing Match

The thrill and excitement is undeniable whenever one watches a boxing match but the preparation before the fight is equally thrilling, exciting and even challenging for any boxer.

A typical training camp before a professional boxing match varies between 6 to 8 weeks. During these crucial weeks, the fighter undergoes a series of intense training, preparing his body for the upcoming fight. The main difference between a professional and amateur fighter is the time they have to prepare. Professional fighters are usually notified about their fights weeks in advance, and have plenty of time leading up to their fight. Amateur fighters however, mostly fight within short notice, so their preparation time varies between a week to about 4 weeks. Acording to the United States Olympic Committee, the high demands in speed, endurance and durability easily makes boxing the most difficult out of 60 other sports. It is important to remember that boxing is a high-risk combat sport, regardless whether you’re a professional or amateur boxer, the steps taken to prepare for a fight are equally crucial.

KNOW YOUR BODY

Pre-fight training typically includes the usual – skipping, running, working with weights, shadow boxing and pad work. Coaches would create a routine that develops and prepares a boxer for their fight. Sparring sessions, where boxers spar with training partners to condition their body, are also common during training camps. Professional boxer and The Ring’s coach Hamzah Farouk says that “One tip is to film yourself when you are sparring, that way, you can replay the footage over and over again to analyze your flaws.” Repeat your training and always practice both the defence and attack. The more you prepare, the more fluid your punches would

PLAN YOUR DIET

Part of the journey to becoming a fighter is planning a healthy diet and nutrition. Coach Abdelelah Karroum or “Abdou” of The Ring says, “It is especially important not to give in to your cravings during the weeks leading up to the fight because on top of training, you have to watch your weight”. If a fighter does not plan his diet properly, he might risk not being able to make weight during his weigh-ins. Also, extreme weight cuts can be detrimental to the body – the sudden loss of water and vital nutrients could cause your organs to shut down. Hence, most fighters work with their coaches to develop a realistic diet plan, which they must strictly adhere to. Protein shakes, or protein water are great meal replacements that can provide the same energy and nutrients your body needs during training cam!

CONDITION YOUR MIND

While it is important to focus on your physique during training camp, it is also crucial that you rehearse your game plan mentally. Professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter Kirstie Gannaway of Golden Glove Asia Promotions emphasizes the importance of having a focused mentality prior to the fight. “Many people fail to realise that fighting is not only a physical sport; it is also a mental game.” During the fight, analyzing your opponent and adjusting your strategy accordingly is also a key component in bagging the win.

Kirstie Gannaway of Golden Glove Asia Promotions at her training session.

Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/kirstiegannaway/

What makes The Ring Boxing Community stand out is our consistent commitment to supporting the local boxing community. With our weekly sparring sessions, Friendly Fight Fridays, Amateur Fight Nights and The Ring Fighting Championship, we aim to provide a safe and holistic platform to promote the local boxing community in Singapore.

Our newly launched “School Of Boxing” programme, is a levelled coaching system, where members will eventually have the opportunity to join our fight team through a series of focused and specialized trainings. Find out more about our revised schedule at https://www.thering.sg/schedule/.

Find Boxing Classes in Singapore at your Boxing Gym Singapore : The Ring .

May 14, 2018March 17, 2021

6 Tips To Increasing Your Punching Speed

Mastering your speed in the sweet science requires hard work and consistency. While results might not be immediate, following these tips will definitely help you improve the speed of your punches overall!

One should never neglect the basics – simple jumping jacks, squatting or cycling are beneficial and vital to improving the strength of your muscles! Skipping is also great to condition your arms, wrists and shoulders. Alternatively, you can also target your core with exercises like sit-ups and push-ups to improve your upper body so that every hit packs a punch!

Shadow Boxing

A great way to hone your techniques is through shadow boxing! Good technique equates to good and steady punches! In time to come, your arms will be used to the movement and you will feel that your punches start to increase in power. Remember, not only practice punching fast, but with force as well!

PLAIN AND SIMPLE WEIGHTS

Start by introducing light weights to your usual shadow boxing routine. Ensure that your form remains while punching, and the added resistance will improve your posture and strengthen your shoulder and back. If you continue with the weight training, your body should get used to the heavier punches and in turn, it would be easier for you to move quicker!

THE GOOD OL’ SPEED BAG

Don’t take for granted what these little bags can do to improve your punches! Aside from improving your hand-eye coordination, these babies can also improve and enforce proper timing! Start off slow with large circular motions, and as you get more comfortable, decrease the size of your circles for faster punches. Follow the right-right, left-left rhythm and you should be en-route to better punch endurance, speed, timing and accuracy!

BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT

While punching techniques are important, ensuring proper breathing while you train is also vital in maintaining proper airflow in your body. Try to take quick and repetitive breaths. You might notice how fighters often make noises or grunts whenever they punch – they are actually breathing to the rhythm of their punches! Head Coach of The Ring Chouaib notes that practicing is key, “Relax your shoulder, breathe with the punches and don’t hold your breath. People often forget the importance of effective breathing when training. If you want to punch fast, you’ve first got to breathe fast!”

CATCH FLYING CARDS

A wildcard thrown into the mix would be tossing and catching cards! Grab a partner and a deck of cards and start slow, gradually increasing your throwing speed as you try to catch more cards. Not only can you improve your reflex, over time, you will be more focused and alert!

Now that you are equipped with the right knowledge, join us at The Ring for our monthly Punch Out contest! Starting April, we will be hosting a monthly tournament for our members to challenge each other with the most number of punches in a minute! Ariff Nordin was our April record holder with an impressive 436 punches in a minute! With the current Guinness World Record set by Norman Breese from USA at 901 punches per minute, do you think you can punch?

Discover Boxing Classes in Singapore at your Boxing Gym Singapore: The Ring!