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Muay Thai discipline is known as the "Art of eight limbs", as it is characterised by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
While performing as an acrobat in 2013, Gabriel Aroka sustained a back injury that ended his profession at the time. After two years of being on crutches and successful rehabilitation, Aroka was introduced to Kickboxing by his friends since they wanted him to learn self-defense mechanisms.
Being raised up in the slums of Kayole, the now accomplished Muay Thai boxer narrated that it was a bit difficult to survive without having any basics on how to protect himself and he decided to venture into Muay Thai, a combat sport that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques.
Muay Thai discipline is known as the "Art of eight limbs", as it is characterised by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
“Funny enough, I was an acrobat before I learnt about kickboxing. I used to perform internationally but unfortunately, I got a back injury and had to walk in crutches for two years. In 2015, my friends introduced me to kickboxing since they wanted me to also learn the art of self-defense.
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Growing up in Kayole, you have to learn how to protect yourself because of the many incidences of theft. I chose Muay Thai because it was the best way to protect myself. I joined Thai boxing on December 15…I cannot afford to forget this date,” Aroka told Pulse Sports.
He revealed that engaging in the sport has enabled him to build his confidence and change his ways. He revealed that back then, there are things that he used to engage in that cost him a lot.
He narrated that since he was a young child, he had anger issues and would snap at any tiny inconvenience but joining the sport taught him the art of patience.
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Aroka added that the virtues he has learnt over time have also enabled him to get jobs. He said that back then, it would be very difficult for him to be employed because he was a very difficult person. Currently, he revealed that he works as a personal trainer, something he never knew would put food on his table.
“Engaging in the sport helped me build my confidence immensely…I have also learnt to be disciplined. This sport was my point of change because back then, there are activities I used to engage in that I deeply regret,” he said.
However, the journey has not been all rosy for him as he has received very little recognition despite his talent. Aroka revealed that the only thing he has received so far are just certificates and trophies but he would want more than that.
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He revealed that their training grounds, the Kayole II Social Hall, are impoverished and they lack efficient training equipment.
“When you raise the country’s flag high, you definitely expect the government to uplift you but I have only received certificates. We struggle a lot to get to that point and I would want to request for more recognition. We need support,” he lamented.
In the next three years, Aroka revealed that he would want to see himself compete at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the largest mixed martial arts (MMA) organization in the world.
“As an individual, that is my ultimate goal…competing on that big stage would be my ultimate achievement,” he said.
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