Recently my life has been a little dull........sleep, eat work, repeat, sleep, eat, work repeat. I found myself taking this life for granted and not truly apprecating the fact that I am living in this great country.......until recently...

Last month Kenji san was preparing for his next pro fight when he asked me to be in his his corner. I was a little surprised given that my Japanese is as good as his english, but I felt honored and blessed and gladley accepted.

My excitement grew as the fight got closer. Finally it was fight night and I think I was more nervous than Kenji and Sugi. The feeling in the changing room is unlike anything I have experienced before. It was like the calm before the storm. The energy in the room was calm, serious and confidence all mixed into one.

While in the changing room, Boss san explained how to wrap the hands correctly, keeping all the bones in line and how to make a strong fist. Kenji then went through his warm up preperations with kick mitts and a massage. Before I knew it, it was fight time. Kenji rolled into the arena like a boss. My final instructions were to kick and punch his opponent as much as possible....he must of listened because he went on to put on a kickboxing master class, eaisly beating his opponent. Very proud, and grateful to be apart of such a great fight.... Well done Kenji.

Next up was Sugi san, a crowd favourite. Similar to Kenji, Sugi was very relaxed and calm. When she entered the arena the crowd went crazy, with streamers flying and people screaming. Sugi went out and put on a fight!!! She proved herself to have incredible heart and grit. Although she didn't get the decision, she showed me what it is to be a champion. I am very proud to be a part of her team and look forward to her next fight.

Fight night was easily one of the best experiences I have had in Japan. I am truly grateful to Ten Clover Gym and everyone involved, for continuously making my time in Japan so great :)