New and Upcoming Projects:

-A new site that offers viewers one photo a day, and nothing else.  A look at work in progress and some of the more memorable moments captured.  Seen HERE

- A behind the scenes look at my own creative process hosted on FURY magazine

- A few portrait series that I hope will not only offer people a side of fighters and trainers often unseen but also introduce us to familiar yet overlooked figures in our training experience.

- Working with Tiger Muay Thai on a range of project including some new photo based social media work

- A series that will combine some of the latest technologies, and their centuries old predecessor’s  to capture the motions of Muay Thai

-Helping to further develop the production company which now houses Figure of Fighting, 2.One.Fly Productions

- Others that aren’t ready to be talked about quite yet, but trust me, there is a long list.

Recent update:

Me and Tamer Baker, instructor at one of the West Bank’s only Muay Thai gyms

Things have been busy here in the kingdom of smiles and I am doing everything to make sure that the amount of work produced reflects that fact.  And not everything I’ve done recently has taken place right here in Thailand either.

A recent trip to the Middle-East allowed me the opportunity to visit gyms on both sides of the green line in Israel, and in Palestine.  The gym in Ramallah was a profound experience which showed true dedication to learning and sharing Muay Thai under any circumstances.  I even had opportunity to not only photograph, but actually instruct the class, which was my first time doing so.  I can honestly say teaching my first class in Ramallah, Palestine was an experience I’ll never forget, and one that I never expected when I began photographing fighters.

Over in Tel Aviv I had the pleasure of photographing both Ido Pariente and Itzhik Franko as they instructed BJJ and Muay Thai, respectively.  But after the short break, which was primarily for a family affair, I headed back to the great Kingdom of Thailand and got back to work.

Needless to say, theres lots to be done.  Sometimes more than I can keep track of, so instead of boring everyone with the gritty details, I’ve just given a taste of whats to come.

Check back frequently, and dont forget to head over to Muay Thai Photo for daily images.

My last post was on the BJJ program here at Tiger Muay Thai, and I figured I would stick with the theme, and show a few images of the MMA program as well.  The point of interest here for me is that few people think of Thailand as a place for training anything other than Muay Thai, which will be the primary focus of my work while here of course.  However, Tiger has built a well rounded camp, accommodating an array of fighters, while keeping the art of eight limbs at its core.  This has allowed them to attract a number of top level MMA fighters, who may have come here in the past to simply work on their standup game, but can now stay a little longer, and work on everything they need.  The images here show a number of both visitors and Tiger mainstays.  Most notably of course, UFC and Bellator veteran, and current One FC fighter, Roger Huerta. 

Its no secret what the primary martial art here in Thailand is, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for others.  Tiger Muay Thai and MMA certainly hasn’t been held back by geographic location, and associated fight sports.  They’ve developed an MMA and BJJ program that is impressive by any global standard.  And with the recent building of their new MMA team, developed through a grueling try out process, and the construction of a new and improved BJJ room, the presence of those programs is even more apparent.  Here are just a few photos of a BJJ class led by 4th degree black belt, Fernando Maccachero, and featuring current guest, and ground game specialist, Jake Shields.

Only been here at Tiger a few days, and already had the opportunity to photograph UFC fighter, Jake Shields.  Jake is here at Tiger for the same reason that most people are, to train with the best.  Not only is he taking advantage of the top level Muay Thai trainers, but also the new and improved MMA and BJJ facilities.  Its exciting to see someone who has achieved so much in their career, come so far out of their way, and benefit so much from what Tiger has to offer.  Jake will be here for a few weeks, so expect some more material featuring him coming up soon.  These are just day one.

After a much more exhausting and active week or so, I have finally made it from Bangkok to Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket (by way of Buriram, in the opposite direction).

I was fortunate enough to be in Bangkok while Matt Semper, one of the Tiger Muay Thai fighters who I in fact photographed last year, fought during the kings birthday celebrations.  Matt took a fair amount of damage early in the first round, but brushed it off and came back to secure a dominant win. Check out Matts post fight video blog HERE.

After  last minute change of plans, I then headed to Buriram for the memorial of Camp Lookchaomaesaithong’s founder, Mr. Chotison, who I’ve written about in the past.  I’ll be posting much more about my experience there soon along with some photos and videos.  All I will say now is that I’m still moved by having been a part of this, and simply by being able to see and spend time with what has now become, and what I am proud to call, my Muay Thai family.

And after all this, I have finally made it to Tiger.  For those that recall, I was here for a brief period last year, and have come back to stay for a bit longer this time.  One week simply wasn’t enough, so this time around I’ll be here for about three months.

Tiger has provided me the opportunity to live here, shooting and training Muay Thai full time.  I am hugely grateful for the opportunity to do nothing but what I love, and only hope that I take full advantage of it.  I’m still getting settled back in, and coming up with plans, ideas and strategies, but I plan on doing nothing shy of producing huge amounts of exciting new work.

With Tiger’s help and support, I expect to do things with Figure of Fighting that have simply not been possible up to this point.  So check back frequently and expect nothing but the best.

Muay Thai at the Mecca II: Photos HERE

I apologize for the extreme delay in getting these photos up.  As many know by now, I am now in Thailand, for a significant amount of time, and immediately before leaving had an art exhibit in Los Angeles.  The simultaneous preparation for both left little editing and posting time.

Fortunately though, before it all set in, I was in fact able to attend Take On Productions Muay Thai at the Mecca II.  The event was everything anyone familiar with the promotions work would expect, and was more than deserving of the highly respected venue.

I’m glad that I was able to leave on such a high note and be at the historic event.  Sorry the photos took so long, but hopefully the both tell the story of the event, and all its great fights, and make up for the delay.  Big thanks to Take On for allowing me to do what I do, and for everything they do for Muay Thai.

Photos available HERE

Best of luck tonight to 14 time world champion, the queen of Muay Thai, Julie Kitchen.  I had the honor just the other week to meet Julie and photograph her preparing for tonight’s fight with Muay Thai legend, hall of famer, and trainer of champions, Paulo Tocha.

Watching the two of them train was nothing short of inspiring and humbling.  Huge amount of heart, excitement and motivation on both ends.  After years and years in the sport Paulo’s energy and excitementnever slows.  And after achieving so much as a fighter, Julie’s willingness to continue learning and improving, and her appreciation for those around her, helping her do so, is inspiring in its own right.

I loved everything about watching and photographing these two and wish them the best of luck tonight at Muay Thai in America.

I may be in Thailand now, but I’m still well aware of who’s fighting back home.  With that in mind, I figured I would post these and wish Justin Greskiewicz luck tomorrow night at Muay Thai in America.  I took these awhile ago while Justin was preparing for his recent K-1 appearance.  And, much like these photos, there’s a lot that hasn’t been posted recently or in any type of timely matter.

Its been a busy time, preparing for my show in LA, while also preparing to come over here, where I’ll be for the next few months.  Things like Muay Thai at the Mecca II, and other well wishes to upcoming fighters will be posted in the next few days before the images from here start pouring in.

So check back and stay updated on Figure of Fighting, as I not only reveal yet to be seen material from Muay Thai and MMA back home, and give a unique look at the art right here in Thailand.