Ko Te Arawa tōku
waka,
Ko Tongariro tōku awa,
Ko Maunga Pihanga tōku maunga tapu,
Ko Ngāti Tūwharetoa tōku iwi,
Ko Turangitukua tōku hapu,
Ko Hirangi tōku marae.
Everyone has a purpose in life, and everyone has a dream. Whether it's to become a doctor, lawyer, or even an electrician, almost every person is in the pursuit of a greater goal that defines their place in this world. My purpose in life wasn't something I chose - it's something that chose me. For almost seven years now I've been involved in Muay Thai and I can say without a doubt this is what I was born to do. This realisation was solidified after my very first training when I was bitten by the so called 'Muaythai bug'. This 'bug' then became my life's pursuit. So far, I've had 15 fights with 10 wins, 4 losses and 1 KO. There are still more fights to come. I've landed several titles including the IKBF North Island Title (63.5kg), the TBA New Zealand Title (66kg), the IKBF South Pacific Title (66kg), and more recently, the WKBF New Zealand Title (66kg). This sport has so far given me experiences and opportunities I'd never thought possible.These achievements haven't come easily as juggling sport and other commitments is no simple task. I've had to balance training with study, working full-time (sometimes two jobs), and family. I've experienced the euphoria that comes with being at the top, and the complete devastation that comes from being at the bottom (injuries, losing, blood, sweat and tears - literally!). One of my main goals is to fight on the world stage and succeed. This goal may soon be a realisation as I head to Thailand in August for the IFMA Royal World Cup - the ultimate competition for amateur Muaythai competitors. I'm currently trying to raise funds to help me get there. With any luck, I'll come back to New Zealand with a gold medal around my neck.