Vince Chan

I’ve been previously involved in traditional and modern martial arts. I enjoy the spiritual aspect and the artistic expression of the traditional arts but enjoy the commaradre and brotherhood of training in modern martial arts. I decided to complement my need for re-engergizing my fitness levels with my search. I don’t want to attend classes, so I need a place that feels more like a gym/workout environment.

I found such a place in Ultimate Martial Arts – the home of Pride Fighter Gary Goodridge. I liked its open concept. I can come in and join a class or just work on my own techniques and conditioning. There’s a skeleton of a weight gym with the bare essentials so that I can do strength training too. I hope they do get the cardio section going. Even UFC fighters need to be in tip top cardio conditioning.

The place teaches Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts. I don’t have illusions of competing, but I know I would enjoy working out striking and submission techniques. The trainers seem knowledgable and friendly. Which is another important factor!

I have pictures of my hands after the first few sessions of re-working my Muay Thai techniques on the heavy bags. I took some skin off my knucles and have some nasty heavy bag burn marks. I will buy some bag gloves and start joining in the classes. So far, I feel very good about having gotten back. The next challenge is to stay focused on the task.

See the pictures at VinceChan.net

Alright, I have to indulge myself with something on the list! Why the Aston Martin? Not because it’s on some rap video or some shallow reason like that. I’ve loved the Aston Martin brand since my favourite Bond film, “The Living Daylights”. When I learnt of the hand-craftsmanship and the limited edition of the cars. The appeal grew even more!

BTW, a more attainable goal would be to own a DeLorean DMC, the “Back To The Future” car, just for novelty reasons. But let’s dream big!

I’ve always seeked a balance in my life. I do not want to be a nerd or a jock, but a warrior who’s balanced in all aspects of his life. My father used to and still to a certain degree teach traditional Hung Gar kung fu. I guess that’s when I really started bonding to him more and gained my self confidence. I learnt from him and also taught others. Those days were invaluable experience to shape who I am.

Father was partners with another Richard whom I respect and regard as a friend. I would learn the evolution of martial arts from him as he has always been more eclectic and open to martial art evolution (ie: mixed martial arts). I’ve trained in hapkido, muay thai, jeet keune doo, and dabbled in a little bit of wrestling.

Since University started in 1997, I have foregone my training. I’m not a young buck anymore but if Randy Couture can do it at 40+, so can I. I have a gym membership that I actually want to get rid of by being able to train in mixed martial arts. No delusion of fighting matches here. I regard it as a way to keep fit while doing something I love. But I need to find a gym that not only focuses on mat training, boxing, kickboxing but also have facilities for me to work out and train my physical body (ie: weights). Tough to find one of those! Let me know if you know of one in the Greater Toronto Area!