In Part Two of our interview with legendary coach Lolo Heimuli, we explore his wisdom gained over decades of training world champions and inspiring future fighters. From reflections on consistency as the key to success, to stories of iconic matches with Mark Hunt, Nathan Briggs, Ray Sefo, Rick Kulu and more, Lolo opens up about his journey, his influences, and the values that drive his coaching philosophy.

This episode has a combo of laughs, wisdom, and some great behind-the-scenes stories from Lolo’s personal life and honourable career.

In this episode, we have immense privilege of hosting a true titan in the realm of combat sports: Lolo Heimuli.

With a career spanning over four decades, Lolo has indelibly shaped the global fight scene with his reputation as a "Trainer of Champions." Lolo's journey in combat sports began with his own pursuits in Muay Thai and amateur boxing before transitioning to coaching in the late 1980s, when he established Balmoral Lee Gar gym in Auckland, New Zealand. Under his mentorship, the gym has produced numerous champions across boxing, kickboxing, and MMA. Lolo has trained world-renowned fighters like Ray Sefo, Jason Suttie, Jayson Vemoa, and Shane Cameron, all achieving global success. His fighters now train their own champions, with Eugene and Doug Vinney shaping talents like Israel Adesanya.

Beyond individual coaching, Lolo has contributed widely to combat sports, coaching national teams and representing Tonga at the Commonwealth Games, where his athletes earned multiple medals. His influence is deep and enduring, fostering young talent and instilling the values of discipline and respect. His dedication to the sport and his fighters has left an indelible mark on the industry. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his fighters' success has solidified his legacy as one of the most revered coaches in combat sports history.

In Part One of our conversation, Lolo shares stories from the early days, his own journey into combat sports, and the experiences that have shaped his legacy as a coach looking to develop and promote his fighters in what was an emerging sport in Australia and New Zealand at the time. He shares the miracle story that birthed his first Gym and offers more behind-the-scenes insight into the early days of his journey into making champions.

In part two of Shannon's conversation with Terry Hill, he reflects on the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime of martial arts. As one of the country's top, and most respected martial arts coaches and an international Sanda judge, Terry discusses everything from why Muay Thai Kickboxing is staying strong in New Zealand to what NZ martial arts is lacking most. He talks about how martial arts is misunderstood, explaining the concept of controlled violence, and he shares his thoughts on fitness, self-defense, and why martial arts should be mandatory in schools.

Thanks again to Terry for taking the time to share your knowledge - you can check out San Bu Kai here https://www.sanbukai.com/

Thanks to Punish Fight Gear https://punish.com.au/

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