“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them-a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”
– Muhammad Ali –  

If you were lucky enough to meet Sam in or outside of the gym, you would definitely agree that above quote was the essence of Sam’s existence.
His passion and desire of becoming the best in whatever he did was very impressive and inspiring.
Sam was a pure Martial Artist, true warrior and true Champion inside and out. He would carry it with him wherever he went

SAM-1

Sam has always had that rare and amazing gift of mixing tough, hard working attitude with lots of joy and happiness.
He was always pushing himself and others to and over their limits while having fun and bringing big smile on people’s faces.
His kindness and helpfulness were some of his greatest attributes.
He was very proud of being part of  GMMA Team and being GuruMuayThai Instructor. His aim was always to make sure that everyone was getting the best they could out of what we do. He would unquestionably go out of his own way to help others. Always doing extra and constantly looking for new ways to improve. He has been an extraordinary Student and Instructor.

Witnessing Sam’s transformation from a tough looking bodybuilder to sleek and skillful Thaiboxer over past few years – was an amazing journey.
As a open-minded person who was willing to do whatever it took to follow his vision and achieve his goals, Sam would live a pro-athletes life while doing his full time job and number of extra shifts.  He never complained or looked for an excuses, always pushing hard and following his decisions.

It is a heartbreaking  and shocking that Sam has lost his life so early and that it has happened the way it did.
This feels like a bad dream.
We all expect to wake up from it and see Sam as usual at the next Saturdays GuruMuayThai session. Earlier than everyone, already sweating from his warm up run, bag work or cycling to the gym. With his body shining and smelling of Thai oil. With big smile on his face he will welcome and invite us for some light sparring to tune up for the actual training.
It’s hard to imagine our training without Sam.

We will keep him deep in our hearts forever.

New GMMA