Kwest fighter Wayne Pokornik is fresh off of a successful trip to Calgary to participate in both sides of a tournament – helped there by all of your support – where he placed first on the kickboxing side and second of the MuayThai side. As Wayne is one of the most dedicated fighters in our club, today we thought we’d give everyone a glimpse at what his experience has been like with MuayThai. Thanks, Wayne, for taking the time to answer a few questions for us! Congratulations on your wins in Calgary recently, and we’re already looking forward to your next fight…
KW: Tell us a little about how you first became interested in MuayThai. How long have you been training?
WP: I wanted to take up a martial art. I looked around at the various clubs around my home. I looked at karate, tae kwon do, and kung fu, but when I saw Muay Thai I knew that was the art for me. I really liked how devastating but beautiful the art can be. I have been training for about five years now. The first few years were just on and off, it’s only been the past 2.5 years where I have been training on a full time basis.
KW: Do you remember when it was that you first knew you wanted to take your training a step further and compete? What made you want to take that step?
WP: After the first time I went to watch a live Muay Thai fight, I knew that day I wanted to step in the ring and fight. At that time I had only been training for a few months and never even sparred yet so I knew it was going to be a while before I was ready. I was also at a point in my life where I was unable to train much. It wasn’t until I met Charleen and came to Kwest where I was able to train enough to feel ready and confident enough to fight.
KW: Getting inside a ring and fighting is something a lot of people find pretty intimidating. What helped you to keep your cool that first time, and has it gotten less intimidating now that you have multiple fights under your belt?
WP: I never found getting in the ring all that intimidating. Each time I have fought I really look forward to it and I can’t wait to test myself. I am a little nervous right before the fight but it’s not that I am nervous about winning or losing I just want to go in there and perform at my best. I try to learn from each opponent and use that to improve upon my own skills.
KW: Some Kwesters may not know much about what is involved in for preparing for a fight – can you briefly describe the months and weeks of Fight Camp? (ie diet, training schedule, sleep, etc)?
WP: It takes months to prepare properly for a fight. You have to fully commit yourself to hours and hours of training daily. Usually it consists of at least 5 days a week of Muay Thai training as well as going to the gym for strength training and running.
My diet ends up being fairly strict and pretty boring. I eat the same foods at the same times each day. For many people that causes them to be bored and fall off their diet. But for myself it helps me prepare for weeks ahead, with all my training, work and my kids I don’t have much time left for prep. I do have a cheat night though!
As for sleep, I usually get 5 – 6 hours a night in. I wish I could sleep more but sadly there just isn’t enough time in the day. Although I do love my daily naps! Many people at the gym may know already or may have seen me, but I go to the gym right from work and get there around 4:30. Which allows me to lean my seat back in my van and have a much anticipated nap till 5!
Click on “read more” below for the rest of Wayne’s interview and additional photos.
KW: What would you say is the most important factor leading up to a fight, to help a fighter do his or her best in the ring?
WP: I think the most important factor leading into a fight, aside from getting enough hours of training in, is making sure you get enough sparring sessions. Each time you spar you will feel more comfortable with your skills and be more confident in yourself.
KW: Do you have any advice for other Kwesters who may be thinking about competing in the future?
KW: Do you have any advice for other Kwesters who may be thinking about competing in the future?
WP: For everyone who wants to fight, train hard, come to as many classes as you can and push yourself. If it is something you truly want, just know that you can do it!
KW: Who is your favourite fighter?
WP: For those who are on my facebook may have seen the highlite videos I have posted and may already know who it is. My favorite fighter is Buakaw Por. Pramuk.
KW: Favourite entrance song?
WP: That’s a little harder, I have been thinking about that one trying to pick one for my next fight. I have narrowed it down to a few, Drop the Bombshell by Powerman 5000, Bonecracker by Shocore or Feuer Frei by Rammstein. But it could change, if anyone has suggestions feel free to let me know.
KW: Favourite post weigh-in meal?
WP: I don’t have one, that is still something you have to watch. you still have to eat healthy and something that’ll give you energy for your fight. You shouldn’t pig out yet, it’s my post fight meal I look forward to, which usually McDonald’s or something similar.
KW: What is it that you love most about MuayThai? What keeps you going when training gets tough?
WP: I love the training. I love pushing myself and I love when someone pushes me further, challenges me that little bit extra. That is my drive which keeps me going through the tough times. Although I have to admit I do get times where I think; Why am I doing this to myself? It would be so much easier to just go home and sit on the couch. But it’s my days off of training that I realize and even though it is only one day, I am missing the gym and can not wait till I can get back.
I do have to say all this wouldn’t be possible without Char. She is my rock! She never complains when I tell her I’m going to the gym, she tries to watch me train every chance she can, and she takes care of everything at home when I’m gone. Which for those who don’t know, we have 6 kids and that keeps us crazy busy! Char has even learned how to tape hands for a fight, as well as how to give a pre fight Thai massage. I really really couldn’t have done any of this without her!
I also want to thank everyone who has supported me, trained with me and thanks to Kru Kelly for all his help and support.
