Radojunkie Combat Academy took a huge step forward by entering our young people into their first-ever Muay Thai Interclub at the Bloodline League. With only a week’s notice, our young fighters were thrown in at the deep end—but each of them rose to the challenge with incredible heart, determination, and resilience.
The experience was intense, emotional, and inspiring. Our fighters Johnny, Zarius, Jhazmyn, Jhayden, and Rozelle stepped into the ring for the first time, testing their skills, mindsets, and ability to adapt under pressure. As their coach, I couldn’t be prouder. Here’s a breakdown of how the day unfolded.
Johnny’s Debut: A Battle of Heart and Grit
Johnny was the first to step into the ring, facing an experienced young fighter from Diesel Gym. From the outset, it was clear this was going to be a tough bout. But what stood out the most was Johnny’s attitude—despite having only trained with us for six months, he took everything in his stride.
Before the fight, we had a quick discussion about his opponent’s strong clinch game, something Johnny had never encountered before. I gave him a short demonstration on how to control the arms and knee, and incredibly, he applied it straight away in the fight. Although he found it difficult at times, his mindset and willingness to learn were exceptional.
💬 “He really enjoyed it and would definitely do it again! We’re very proud of him.”💬 “He was very grateful for the opportunity.” ... Mum and Johnny
Zarius: The Youngest Warrior in the Ring 🥋
At just five years old, Zarius was the youngest of our fighters. His opponent was the younger brother of the boy Johnny fought—another experienced competitor. This was exactly the kind of test Zarius needed.
Although he started out light and hesitant, with some encouragement from the corner, we saw a completely different side to him. He gradually let go of his fear and began to strike with aggression, something he had only ever shown against adult coaches. Despite taking some big shots, he was completely unfazed, finishing the match with a huge smile on his face.
Our focus now will be on helping him throw real punches rather than pushing—something that will come with time and experience.
💬 “Thank you, Andre! He’s happy and not phased at all 😂 He had a great day and even went to the museum after.” ... Mum
Jhazmyn: Pushed Beyond Her Limits
Facing an opponent from MTMA Gym, this was the toughest test Jhazmyn had ever faced. In all our previous sparring sessions, she had never been pushed to this level. Although she was initially frustrated with her performance, what she didn’t realise was that she had done exceptionally well for her first fight.
A naturally competitive athlete who excels in multiple sports, she was determined to do better. By the second round, her combinations started flowing, her boxing was sharp, and her kicks were landing well. However, the challenge of dealing with a high-pressure opponent was something new. Her biggest takeaway from this fight? Learning to create openings and not let emotions get in the way.
Now you have done the fight, what is going through your head?
💬 "I’m not sure, to be honest… I feel like I need to work on a lot, like remembering combinations." ... Jhazmyn
Jhayden: A Battle of Skill vs. Experience
Jhayden was up against an experienced fighter from Bloodline Gym—the son of Marcus Philips, a well-known Muay Thai fighter. We knew this was going to be a tough one, so our game plan was simple: use his range to his advantage.
For the first two rounds, he struggled to believe in his long-range weapons, but once he started landing his teeps and long shots, he gained confidence. His opponent was relentless, using his boxing and low kicks effectively, but Jhayden remained composed, listened to instructions, and executed his techniques well.
Going forward, we’ll be focusing on hand positioning, striking with more intent, and tightening up his guard.
Now you have done the fight, what is going through your head?
💬 "Throwing confident shots, spotting weaknesses, and just flowing. I feel like I could have done better." ... Jhayden
Rozelle: Two Fights, One Unforgettable Experience
Rozelle showed immense courage by stepping into the ring not once, but twice! She was initially hesitant about fighting again after her first bout but, after some encouragement, she took the challenge head-on—and left with a huge sense of achievement.
Her first fight was against a calm, composed opponent from Northside Muay Thai who put together smooth combinations. For the first time, Rozelle found herself in a position where she wasn’t the aggressor, which forced her to adapt and think differently. The pressure was overwhelming at first, but this was a massive learning experience for her.
In her second fight, she came in more confident, more focused, and much calmer. She listened to instructions, executed techniques well, and believed in herself more—which made all the difference. This was a turning point for her, showing that she has the mental strength and resilience to take on any challenge.
💬 "I can't thank you and the team enough for not just today, but the whole journey so far. I’m so proud of Rozelle’s performance and how she’s learning to navigate her emotions. I can already see a difference in her confidence, and I’m so grateful for you all for getting her to this stage." ... Mum
Now you have done the fight, what is going through your head? 💬 "Realising the different mentality of being in the ring compared to sparring was something different than I thought. I couldn't remember my combinations and defence confidently like I thought I was going to." ... Rozelle
💬 "I couldn't adjust to the moves I wasn't prepared for fast enough. The grappling didn't start with high intensity, but I feel like I should have gone in stronger the first time. I was calmer getting in the second time, but I need to work on restoring my energy so I don’t get tired too quickly." ... Rozelle
Lessons Learned & Next Steps 🏆
This interclub was more than just a competition—it was a defining moment for our young people. They experienced pressure, challenge, and self-discovery in a way they never had before. Each of them walked away with valuable lessons that will shape their future in Muay Thai.
Areas for Development:
✅ Hand positioning – Keeping a tight guard at all times.
✅ Developing a fighter’s mindset – Relating Muay Thai to other areas of life.
✅ Striking with intent – No more soft tapping, every strike must have meaning.
✅ Back to basics – Focusing on kicking techniques and defences through pad work.
✅ Clinch work – Understanding control, positioning, and scoring.
Fighter Reflections: Learning from the Experience
After the dust settled, I asked each of our young warriors, “Tell me what’s going through your head following yesterday’s fights?” Their responses were raw, honest, and a clear indication of how much they learned from the experience.
💭 Rozelle: "Realising the different mentality of being in the ring compared to sparring was something different than I thought. I couldn't remember my combinations and defence confidently like I thought I was going to. I couldn't adjust to the moves I wasn't prepared for fast enough. The grappling didn’t start with high intensity, but I feel like I should have gone in stronger the first time. I was calmer getting in the second time, but I need to work on restoring my energy so I don’t get tired too quickly."
💭 Jhazmyn: "I’m not sure, to be honest… I feel like I need to work on a lot, like remembering combinations."
💭 Jhayden: "Throwing confident shots, spotting weaknesses, and just flowing. I feel like I could have done better."
These reflections show just how much this experience has shaped them—not just physically, but mentally. This is the mindset of true fighters. They’ve now had their first taste of competition, felt the pressure, and seen what it takes to succeed. Now, we build from here.
Final Thoughts: A Proud Moment for Radojunkie
I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of our young warriors. They stepped into the unknown, challenged themselves, and came out stronger. This interclub wasn’t just about winning or losing—it was about growth, resilience, and stepping outside their comfort zones.
With continued training, discipline, and a fighter’s mindset, there is no limit to what they can achieve. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see how they progress in the months ahead.
Are You Ready to Take on the Challenge?
If you’re inspired by their journey and want to see your child develop confidence, discipline, and resilience through Muay Thai, join us at Radojunkie Combat Academy. Book a trial session today! 🥊🔥
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