Matty LaRose
WHY MUAY THAI?
I was looking for a way to lose weight, but regular weight lifting gyms bored me. Always having an interest in martial arts, I decided to give Muay Thai a try. Although I was intimidated at first, I knew I needed a change. In 2008 I walked through the doors of USMMA and never looked back. It is easy to say that I have achieved and surpassed my original goals.
WHAT TRAININGS HAVE MADE YOU THE MARTIAL ARTIST AND COACH YOU ARE TODAY?
Martial arts and Yoga quickly became the focus of my life. I have found a true love for Muay Thai, weekly yoga practice, and JiuJitsu, even receiving my no-gi blue belt. In the summer of 2017 I competed in a Muay Thai fight, winning by a vicious second round knockout. This wasn’t enough for me; I wanted to take my love for Muay Thai to the next level. In the fall of 2017 I took a 10-week trip to Pattaya, Thailand to train Muay Thai at the famed Sityodtong international boxing camp under Kru Toy Sityodtong Sriwaralak. There I trained every day, twice a day, not only improving my skills in the art of the eight limbs, but also absorbing the culture of the Thais. I thank my head coach and owner of USMMA, Tom Hafers, for leading me in my martial arts journey and all the opportunities martial arts has given me. My future goals include traveling, continuing to coach young up and coming fighters, and to continue living the life of a martial artist.
WHAT CAN A STUDENT EXPECT IN YOUR CLASS?
Since my return to the United States I have made it my mission to pass on all that I have learned to others by picking up the role of a teacher to many students inside the walls of USMMA. I teach with a positive and encouraging approach and meet every student where they are at!
OFF THE MAT...
Outside of the gym I enjoy wrenching on cars, drag racing, rally racing, nature, listening to music and grilling.
FAVORITE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY:
“No one will spend as much time with you as you, so be good to yourself”- Donna Godino
“Always against the odds, one with the underdogs”- Terror
