Muay Thai is not the most popular martial art in the Philippines, but it’s a sport Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan excels in.
The younger of the three Catalans – who all compete in the ONE Championship strawweight division – “The Ilonggo” believes that “the art of eight limbs” is a sport that Filipinos can also take part in.
With the emergence of the ONE Super Series as a new home for Muay Thai and kickboxing practitioners, the opportunities are there for local Filipino athletes to shine on the international stage.
“Muay Thai isn’t easy but it’s my favorite sport among all. Here you’ll learn to remain disciplined. You’ll learn lessons not just in the ring but on a personal level as well,” Catalan shared.
“You have to be prepared physically and you have to sacrifice time to master it. You also need to be surrounded by the right people.”
The 29-year-old Iloilo City native is a former IFMA Muay Thai World Champion and has represented the Philippines in various international competitions. He seamlessly brought his elite striking to the cage, where he currently holds a professional 9-6 record.
But he would not have reached success if not for his trainer and older brother, Rene “The Challenger” Catalan, who has always been there for him.
“My brother Rene has guided me from day one. He’s been influential to me as an athlete. That’s why I believe that you need the right people to guide you,” Catalan shared.
He also urged the aspiring practitioner of Thailand’s national sport to remain patient – noting that losses will come and frustrations will sometimes pile in.
“It’s in the losses where we learn the most and that’s why we should never lose confidence when we learn,” Catalan said. “Instead, we should use that for fuel as motivation.”
Catch ONE: CENTURY on October 13 at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.
The Home Of Martial Arts brings fans 28 World Champions, four World Title bouts, three World Grand Prix Championship Finals, and four World Champion versus World Champion match-ups in the promotion’s two-part 100th event.