I was fortunate enough to be asked to coach the coaches in Cambodia for the Cambodia Boxing Federation. At the ceremony on the final day, I was suddenly thrust in front of the TV cameras for an impromptu interview, hence my stumbling. It was also an honour to be asked to become the National Coach.

This video is for anyone interested in boxing in Cambodia, in coaching, and in what it means to help build a sport in a country.

Coaching the Coaches

Coaching fighters and coaching coaches are two very different jobs. When you coach a fighter, you help one person. When you coach a coach, you help every fighter they will ever train. That is why coach education matters so much for the growth of a sport.

Good coach education focuses on the fundamentals:

  • Stance, balance and footwork
  • Clean, efficient punching technique
  • Defence, so fighters stay safe and last longer
  • How to plan training and build fighters over time
  • How to teach, correct and motivate

Strong fundamentals, taught well, are what build a strong boxing nation.

Why Boxing in Cambodia Matters to Me

Cambodia has a proud combat sports tradition, and there is real talent there. Helping coaches give that talent the best possible foundation is something I care about deeply. Being asked to become the National Coach was a real honour, and building boxing in Cambodia is a long-term commitment for me.

Being Put on the Spot

Live interviews are a good lesson in themselves. You do not get to prepare, you do not get a second take, and you have to say what you mean on the spot. It is a bit like a fight. Your preparation shows, and so do your nerves. I stumbled a bit, but the message was honest.

Lessons for Coaches Everywhere

Wherever you coach, the same principles apply. Teach the basics properly. Look after your fighters. Keep learning yourself. And remember that the coaches you help develop will pass on what you teach them, good or bad, for years to come.

Take It Further

If you want to learn the boxing fundamentals I teach, start with the Learn To Box Online Course. Coaches and instructors who want to work with me directly can look at Private Mentoring or the PPDT International Instructor Course.