Aman’s family migrated to Australia from Haripur village (near Adampur), Dist Jalandhar in Punjab.
In this conversation with SBS Radio’s Punjabi program, Aman talked about the violent side of the game, which according to him often comes with sharp discipline and conditioning.
“My father loves sports. He initially convinced me to play Punjab’s famous game Kabaddi. But I was more inclined towards cricket, which I played at state level (U-13).
Aman with his father Rana Guraya at SBS Studios Melbourne Source: Supplied
“Later, I developed interest in kickboxing, which is my passion now.
“I am working hard to achieve my goal to become the first Punjabi MMA world champion." Aman Guraya
“I am conditioning and working hard to compete in Fighting pro next year on March 31st in Muay Thai kickboxing.
“It is tough indeed. In fact, it’s brutal, but the real spirit of the game lies in showing respect to the opponent.
“After shaking heads we shake hands, and for that you must have a cool head.
“The level of physical and mental toughness a fighter needs to possess in order to step into the ring is uncanny.
“I am practicing hard to harness the qualities that a fighter must possess. Let it be agility, speed, power, strength, coordination, balance, timing, and visual acuity.
“No doubt, game is violent and my mother is always afraid to join me at the kickboxing venue. Well, so are the mothers!
“I have 7-1 win record at the state level and now ready to face the Pro followed by some international titles."
“I dedicate my success to my parents who have supported me throughout this journey. Without them it was impossible to achieve my dreams of becoming a ‘kickboxer’.”
Kickboxing is a group of martial arts and stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from karate, Muay Thai and Western boxing.
Aman Guraya after winning a kickboxing game at Melbourne (Photo by John Scida) Source: Supplied
Thai boxing was devised, initially, for self-defence. It only developed into a sport when unarmed combat in warfare became less and less effective.
It remains the national sport of Thailand.
