Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, and...Muay Thaiby Mike Moran

An ancient Chinese proverb states that a journey of a thousand steps begins with one. So with my best foot forward I have been taking the necessary steps to make my official amateur fight debut.

In order to understand what changes I’ve been making, you have to know where I’m coming from, and my role on Team Dynasty.

In short, I’m the boss, the alpha male role who calls the shots, HAHHAHAHAA! Actually, I'm the newest member and have the least amount of experience in the game of Sanshou/Muay Thai. I’m the stereotypical over-zealous young new kid on the team dying to prove myself and test what I am truly made of. I am nowhere near the fastest or most technical (not to kiss my own ass) but I have an undying determination and the will to train hardcore.

With that said when I’m not training, I have the nasty habit of smoking like a junkie, depriving myself of sleep by being over social, and eating shit food as though I were preparing for a famine. Even though I’ve been training diligently and have seen a world of improvements. Now that an actual battle in the ring is becoming more of a reality, especially in the near future, my mind is warping. I’ve gone my entire life thinking I was invincible. I was the silly kid jumping off rooftops, picking fights with the school bullies, and truly believing no matter what happens I will always walk away smelling like jasmines just because I’m Michael Alexander Moran.

Today, for the first time, I was forced to be honest and admit to myself that I am not immortal. Fear of failure, humiliation, and injury (physical and of my ego) has finally breached the confines of my mind. I question if I could go a day without a cigarette; Will I have the legs to get myself up if I am knocked down in the ring? Can I get over my stage fright? Will I remember my training and the skills I have learned? Under the tutelage of Eric “Luca” Rivera, Mark “Attila” Trillas, and Vinny “The Gladiator” Sgarlato (or as I view their coaching styles, Mr. Miyagi, Apollo Creed, and Mickey Goldmill), I know I have a strong family and team behind me that knows everything I need to do in order to become a real nakmuay.

I know what I have to do.

To be honest with you, the reader, and more importantly myself, I’m not sure if I can beat my nicotine addiction/sweet tooth and be as disciplined as I need to be. So far so good but this is truly only the beginning and only time will tell.