Mark Pease of Strikeforce Gym on the Gold Coast, continues to coach some of the world’s best Muay Thai fighters, and lays claim to having the very first dedicated Muay Thai gym in Australia.

In Part 2 of Shannon’s conversation with Mark, he delves into some highs and lows of his life and career, from almost quitting Muay Thai, to the global circuit his fighters are now consistently on. He talks new and old Muay Thai techniques, fighter mindsets, mental health, and more. This Muay Thai podcast episode has wisdom, laughs, and practical advice for fight coaching, training, and anyone passionate about the sport.

Chapters

00:30 Funny Moments in Muay Thai

1:42 Almost walking away for good.

5:00 The Golden Era of Muay Thai to the recent Rebirth

6:50 Advice from Mark's grandfather

7:50 New training techniques in the new era

11:43 The truth about being a Pro Muay Thai Fighter

14:13 Ways to get through hard seasons - it's not weak to speak

15:39 Encouragement for Young People Facing Challenges

17:13 The Role of a Coach Beyond Technique

36:08 The most underrated technique in Muay Thai

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He is the founder of Australia’s first Muay Thai Gym and is still going strong - Mark Pease of Strikeforce on the Gold Coast has almost 40 years of unwavering dedication to the sport, along with a global reputation as one of Australia’s most respected trainers.

From training himself with mates, to years of immersion in Thailand, and now blending traditional Muay Thai techniques with cutting-edge sports science earned through his Sports Coaching degree where he majored in Sports Psychology; His fighters are not just physically ready—they are mentally conditioned to thrive.

Mark’s contributions to Muay Thai have been instrumental in shaping Australia’s golden era of the sport. His deep understanding of Muay Thai’s cultural roots and his innovative approach to training has twice earned Strikeforce Gym the Aus Muaythai Gym of the Year award (2022, 2023). Mark’s impressive roster of world-class athletes speaks volumes about his impact on the sport:

• Ben 'Pixie' Burton: IMTPO Welterweight World Champion
• Aaron 'TS2' Leigh: IMTPO and WKBF Bantamweight World Champion
• Taneira Terry: WKBF Super Welterweight World Champion
• Chadd 'Shark' Collins: WMC, WMO, two-time WBC Super Lightweight World Champion, and RISE 65kg World Champion (Japan)
• Jayden Eynaud: WBC and two-time WMC Cruiserweight World Champion
• Jaga Chan: XFC Muay Thai 65kg World Champion

Individually, Mark was honoured with the WKBF Hall of Fame award in 2018, recognising his lifelong contributions to Muay Thai.

Part one of Shannon F16 Forrester’s podcast interview offers a glimpse into Mark’s mind and his journey in the fight scene. He opens up about the challenges of early training, some personal challenges including the influence of a devastating car accident on his path, and his transition from fighting to coaching with a focus on sports psychology.

In Part Two of our interview with legendary coach Lolo Heimuli, we explore his wisdom gained over decades of training world champions and inspiring future fighters. From reflections on consistency as the key to success, to stories of iconic matches with Mark Hunt, Nathan Briggs, Ray Sefo, Rick Kulu and more, Lolo opens up about his journey, his influences, and the values that drive his coaching philosophy.

This episode has a combo of laughs, wisdom, and some great behind-the-scenes stories from Lolo’s personal life and honourable career.

In this episode, we have immense privilege of hosting a true titan in the realm of combat sports: Lolo Heimuli.

With a career spanning over four decades, Lolo has indelibly shaped the global fight scene with his reputation as a "Trainer of Champions." Lolo's journey in combat sports began with his own pursuits in Muay Thai and amateur boxing before transitioning to coaching in the late 1980s, when he established Balmoral Lee Gar gym in Auckland, New Zealand. Under his mentorship, the gym has produced numerous champions across boxing, kickboxing, and MMA. Lolo has trained world-renowned fighters like Ray Sefo, Jason Suttie, Jayson Vemoa, and Shane Cameron, all achieving global success. His fighters now train their own champions, with Eugene and Doug Vinney shaping talents like Israel Adesanya.

Beyond individual coaching, Lolo has contributed widely to combat sports, coaching national teams and representing Tonga at the Commonwealth Games, where his athletes earned multiple medals. His influence is deep and enduring, fostering young talent and instilling the values of discipline and respect. His dedication to the sport and his fighters has left an indelible mark on the industry. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his fighters' success has solidified his legacy as one of the most revered coaches in combat sports history.

In Part One of our conversation, Lolo shares stories from the early days, his own journey into combat sports, and the experiences that have shaped his legacy as a coach looking to develop and promote his fighters in what was an emerging sport in Australia and New Zealand at the time. He shares the miracle story that birthed his first Gym and offers more behind-the-scenes insight into the early days of his journey into making champions.

In part two of Shannon's conversation with Terry Hill, he reflects on the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime of martial arts. As one of the country's top, and most respected martial arts coaches and an international Sanda judge, Terry discusses everything from why Muay Thai Kickboxing is staying strong in New Zealand to what NZ martial arts is lacking most. He talks about how martial arts is misunderstood, explaining the concept of controlled violence, and he shares his thoughts on fitness, self-defense, and why martial arts should be mandatory in schools.

Thanks again to Terry for taking the time to share your knowledge - you can check out San Bu Kai here https://www.sanbukai.com/

Thanks to Punish Fight Gear https://punish.com.au/

And follow us everywhere at https://fightscene.online

Terry Hill is a New Zealand martial arts legend with over 40 years of experience, spanning various combat sports and disciplines. His journey began in the 70s with Kyokushinkai Karate, before mastering Goju Ryu Karate, boxing, and kickboxing. He went on to achieve numerous national and international titles, including the 1st World Full Contact Goju Ryu Karate Championship in Okinawa in 1991. Throughout his career, Terry has trained and produced many champion fighters across multiple martial arts disciplines, including Karate, Kickboxing, and Sanda (Chinese full-contact fighting). Terry’s contributions to martial arts extend beyond the dojo. He is a certified international Sanda judge and has officiated numerous events, including refereeing high-profile UFC bouts in Manila. His leadership in New Zealand's martial arts scene is undeniable, serving as President of the New Zealand Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NZMMAF) and being inducted into the NZ MMA Hall of Fame for his pioneering work in the sport. With decades of competition, coaching, and officiating experience, Terry Hill continues to shape the martial arts community both in New Zealand and internationally, making him a revered figure in combat sports.

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Thanks to the team at Punish Fight Gear https://punish.com.au/

Find Terry's Gym San Bu Kai Hamilton https://www.sanbukai.com/

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SHOW HIGHLIGHTS - PART 1 OF SHANNON'S INTERVIEW WITH TERRY HILL

"I had to repossess cars and confront people... Martial arts gave me the composure and confidence to handle anything."

"Losing is part of the game. Nobody wins everything... but it’s how you come back that matters."

In this conversation, Shannon F16 Forrester and Sandy Heilig delve into how Muay Thai has helped them out of some tough places, exploring personal journeys, the importance of character development and the impact of coaching on young fighters. They discuss the lessons learned through fighting and the significance of integrity in the sport. Sandy shares her aspirations to be a leading female coach and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and personal growth in the martial arts journey. Big thanks to the legendary team at Punish Fight Gear for always looking after Shannon! Check them out at https://punish.com.au/ Shannon has been using this gear for years & 100% rates it as tried & tested 👊

Key Interview Takeaways:

• Training sessions can be made enjoyable regardless of the environment.

• Coaching is about developing character, not just fighting skills.

• Integrity and accountability are crucial in both sports and life.

• Nothing comes for free; hard work is essential for success.

• The bond between a coach and their fighters is lifelong.

• Sports can be a life-saving choice for troubled youth.

• Consistency in training reflects commitment to personal goals.

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In this first ever FightScene conversation, Shannon F16 Forrester and Sandy Heilig delve into the world of Muay Thai, exploring personal journeys, the importance of mental health, and the impact of coaching on young fighters. They discuss Sandy's unexpected entry into the sport, her journey as a fighter and trainer, and her advocacy for mental health awareness following personal tragedies.

The conversation also touches on the evolution of Muay Thai in Australia and the importance of addressing the less glamorous aspects of being a fighter. Sandy shares insights from her experiences and emphasizes the significance of the 'You are worth fighting for' message that went worldwide. Standby for Part Two of this interview, where Sandy will share her favourite live fight ever seen, (TIP = no it is NOT the Shannon Forrester / Rex Redden bloodbath), her best advice as a trainer, and a dream Reality TV fight??

Big thanks to the legendary team at Punish Fight Gear - Check them out at https://punish.com.au/ Shannon has been using this gear for years & 100% rates it as tried & tested 👊