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New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Aliff aims to become Malaysia's first Muay Thai world champion
KUALA LUMPUR: Muay Thai star Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib has no regrets leaving school at the age of 14 to pursue the Art of Eight Limbs as a career. The son of Malaysian boxing legend Rakib Ahmad, Aliff was drawn to Muay Thai after accompanying his brother to a fight when he was seven. Captivated by what he saw, Aliff expressed his interest in having a go at it, and was thrown into a bout that same day. It ended in a draw. From there, Aliff began training under his father before asking to be sent to Thailand at the age of 14 to further his development. However, adapting to life in Thailand proved challenging for Aliff, who wasn't used to the language and unfamiliar surroundings. "I struggled in school and was only interested in Muay Thai training," said the 21-year-old when met at his newly opened gym in Setapak recently. "So I asked my dad to send me to train in Thailand. At that time, Muay Thai wasn't very big in Malaysia, and it was hard to get quality coaching and sparring partners here. "But when I arrived in Thailand, I struggled to communicate and adapt as I didn't speak their language. "It was difficult making friends — the Thai boys didn't like having a foreigner training with them. They would steal my blanket and my fan. Once, I came home to visit my family and told my dad I didn't want to return to Thailand. "He said 'If you don't go back to Thailand, what do you want to do with your life?' That struck me as I had already quit school, and Muay Thai was all I had. "So I toughened up and trained even harder because I didn't have any other options. I have to make it in Muay Thai. "I have no regrets leaving school, as fighting has given me everything I have today." "My parents had to pay for my stay and training in Thailand, and we weren't well-off either. So they have sacrificed a lot for me," added the Kelantan-born fighter. "But now, after earning a living through Muay Thai, I can repay them. I have also managed to purchase a plot of land in my hometown and open this gym. "My dream is to open more gyms across the country so that more Muay Thai fighters can train and have a career in the sport." Aliff has quickly built an impressive record of 53 wins and seven defeats, catching the attention of ONE Championship scouts. He was given the opportunity to compete in ONE's Friday Fight Night series, where he secured four consecutive victories, three by knockout, earning US$10,000 (RM42,385) for each KO. That remarkable run earned him a contract worth US$100,000 (RM423,850) with Asia's premier fighting promotion in 2023. After two losses, Aliff has since strung together four straight wins, including a KO of Morocco's Zakaria El Jamari, which earned him a US$50,000 (RM211,925) bonus. His most recent triumph was a unanimous decision over Zakaria's younger brother, Elmehdi, on June 7, positioning him as the next challenger for Prajanchai P.K. Saenchai's ONE strawweight world title. "I want to be the first Muay Thai world champion from Malaysia. I believe I will fight Prajanchai next for the world title," he said. "I want to prove that a Malaysian can challenge the world's best and succeed. I believe I have the tools to win." Beyond becoming a world champion, Aliff harbours another dream — to win an Olympic gold medal. Although Muay Thai is not on the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, it was showcased as an exhibition sport at Paris 2024, hinting at potential future inclusion. "Malaysia has struggled to win an Olympic gold medal, and I want to be the first person to achieve it," he said. "I'm confident that Muay Thai will be included in the Olympic Games in the future, as it has already been contested in other multi-sport events." For young athletes aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Aliff has a simple advice: "You need hard work, passion and a tough heart. If you can't endure hardship, this sport isn't for you." From the boy who once struggled in a foreign land to the fighter now standing on the brink of greatness, Aliff's journey proves that sometimes, taking the unconventional path leads to extraordinary places.
Time Business News
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Time Business News
How Muay Thai Personal Training Builds a Warrior Mindset
Martial arts is not limited only to warriors and fighters, it is also about confidence and the body. Muay Thai is also one of the best forms of martial arts. This old martial art, called the 'Art of Eight Limbs. It also helps kids and adults grow braver, think quicker, and stay focused. Muay Thai personal training builds a warrior mindset, boosts self-belief, and pushes you to grow. If you want to feel fitter or become mentally stronger, Muay Thai leads you on a path to confidence and discipline. What Happens in Muay Thai Personal Training When you join Muay Thai personal training, you work one-on-one with a coach. Your coach will teach you. They teach you how to strike, block, move, and breathe better. These sessions move at your speed. If you are new, your coach shows you the basics. If you know more, your coach helps you sharpen your skills. You'll do many things in a training session: Smash pads with your fists, elbows, knees, and shin pads with your fists, elbows, knees, and shin Guard yourself from hits using your arms and legs. yourself from hits using your arms and legs. Dash across the ring with fast footwork across the ring with fast footwork Push your body through strength and cardio drills. your body through strength and cardio drills. Spar with your coach to test what you've learned Unlike big Muay Thai classes, personal training gives you all the attention. You get better faster. You learn how to control your body and your mind. Muay Thai pushes your mind every time you train. When your muscles ache and your heart races, you still need to think. You still need to act. This is where your warrior mind grows. Locks in focus even when tired focus even when tired Stays cool when the pressure rises when the pressure rises Stands tall after a loss after a loss Faces fear and keeps moving Muay Thai helps you feel braver. You don't freeze when you feel scared. You don't give up when it gets tough. You learn to think, strike, and move—all at once. Over time, your brain becomes sharper. You think faster. You make better choices, not just in training, but in life. When you begin Muay Thai, you may doubt yourself. You may feel weak or slow. But with every session, your body changes. Your muscles grow. Your balance improves. Your heart gets stronger. More than that, your mind begins to believe in you. You crack pads with clean strikes. You dodge and block quickly. You stand up straighter. You walk out of training feeling proud. That feeling grows session by session. You learn to trust your body. You learn to trust your choices. That's what Muay Thai personal development means—believing in yourself. Muay Thai personal development isn't only for the gym. What you learn in training also helps you outside. Here's how: At school or work , you focus better. You stay calm when things get busy. , you focus better. You stay calm when things get busy. With your family , you listen better. You don't get upset so fast. , you listen better. You don't get upset so fast. With friends, you show respect. You talk and act kindly. Muay Thai teaches you to stay in control. It teaches you to take action instead of just reacting. And it helps you feel proud of the choices you make every day. Muay Thai classes are great. You learn with others. You feel part of a group. You share energy and fun. But Muay Thai personal training gives you more focus. Your coach watches only you You fix your mistakes quicker. You learn at your own pace. You get a plan that fits your goal.s You can train when it suits your time. When you train one-on-one, your coach sees everything. They help you fix your form. They cheer you on when you get tired. They push you harder. That's how you grow faster. Some days you'll feel tired. Some days you'll feel like giving up. But Muay Thai teaches you to keep going. You learn to breathe deeply, stand tall, and strike again. You may lose a round. You may get hit. But you come back stronger. That's the mindset of a fighter. That's the mindset of a warrior. You don't need to be strong to start Muay Thai. You don't need to be fit. You just need to show up. Here's what you'll learn: Respect for yourself, your coach, and other for yourself, your coach, and other Discipline – showing up, working hard, and following through – showing up, working hard, and following through Confidence – trusting yourself in and out of the gym – trusting yourself in and out of the gym Focus – tuning in and giving your best – tuning in and giving your best Control – moving your body and mind in smart ways Muay Thai personal training doesn't just teach you to hit. It teaches you to think. To act. To stay calm. To believe in yourself. You don't need to wait for the right time. The best time to start is now. Look for a gym near you. Ask questions. Watch a class. Choose a trainer who listens and teaches with care. Then show up. Grow your journey with Muay Thai personal development begins the moment you decide to try. To get the best results from Muay Thai personal training, you need to eat and live in a way that supports your training. Good nutrition helps your body recover faster, builds strength, and keeps your mind clear. Here's how proper habits help: Eat protein to repair muscles after training Drink plenty of water to stay energised. Choose fruits and vegetables for natural fuel. Get enough sleep to support focus and recovery. Avoid junk food that slows down your progress A strong warrior mindset starts with healthy daily choices. Muay Thai personal training builds more than muscle. It shapes your mind. It teaches you to act with courage, think with focus, and live with strength. Whether you join one-on-one sessions or group Muay Thai classes, you'll see change. You'll move with power. You'll stand with pride. If you want to grow strong inside and out, give Muay Thai a try. Let it shape your mind like a warrior. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
