We are very excited to introduce UDA’s new kickboxing instructor, Ferri Malik. Bringing an energetic coaching style and extensive experience as a kickboxing instructor, cutman and cornerman, read on to find out more about our new coach.
What do you do at Ultimate Defence Academy?
I’m excited to now be the stand-up coach and start Ultimate Kickboxing at UDA. I’ve been a student at UDA for over 10 years training Jiu Jitsu, and my both my kids trained at UDA for several years too.
What made you want to start training martial arts, and how long have you been doing it overall?
Like most people I got into martial arts by watching all the martial arts movies that I grew up with the 80s and 90s. I have been training martial arts since I was 16 years old and I’m still passionate about it now at my age, 30 years later.
What level of achievement have you reached in your discipline?
I started karate when I was 16 years old and when I finished high school I was exposed to Kickboxing and have been doing it ever since. I’ve had quite a few years in the local scene, and have mainly been coaching and padholding. Some of my highlights include getting to travel to several training camps, cornering and being cutman. I really enjoy the kickboxing scene.
What drives your motivation for this discipline?
What really drives me is when students and clients tell me how much better they feel both physically and mentally, and they tell me how they relieve stress through kickboxing, get fit and love the training. I am a coach, but for me personally, I will always be a student too. I will always keep learning, keep training to try to get myself better and better, and I find this really motivates me.
What do you enjoy most about coaching others?
Everyone is different, and you need to be flexible but also push your limits within reason, so that you can become better. Above all, I want to instill confidence in all my students, men, women and children.
What’s a unique achievement or event you have experienced in your discipline?
In the early 2000s I was sponsored by Liverpool City Council to train disadvantage teens in the local area. I found it very rewarding to be their mentor, teaching them discipline and getting them to work and achieve a better future for themselves.
Can you share some tips about succeeding in whatever sporting discipline an individual may choose?
Enjoy what you are doing. Whether you’re training for your own personal journey or you want to compete, to succeed you need a great, positive attitude so that you can achieve your goals.
Looking forward, what do you hope to achieve with UDA?
I want to bring great energy to the classes, and make sure students get the best experience from their training. I want everyone to love to come to training.
Come down and train with Ferri!
Ultimate Kickboxing classes are on Tuesday and Thursday 6-7pm and Saturday 10-11am, check out our full timetable.
If you’d like any more information, feel free to contact us here or email us at info@udasydney.com
– Team UDA
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