John Wayne Parr Kickboxing 24 interview

Our friends over at Kickboxing 24, one of the best if not the best Polish Muay Thai and Kickboxing website around recently did an interview with John Wayne Parr after his recent knockout of Mostafa Abdollahi. They were kind enough to let us post the English version of the interview here on Muay Thai Authority. You can read the original version in Polish here.

Kickboxing 24: Why would a 19 year old boy decide to live and train in Thailand? Was it Jean-Claude Van Damme’s “Kickboxer” or a friendly push by Richard Vell?

John Wayne Parr: Ha ha maybe yes. Not long after I started Muay Thai the movie Kickboxer came out. Here is a story of a westerner going to Thailand taking on the champion. I watched this movie at least a few times a week and from 13 that was my dream, not to only win a world title, but to do it in Thailand (ended up winning 2 in Thailand).

Kickboxing 24: Were you surprised seeing the way Thai people prepare themselves for fights?

John Wayne Parr: Yes and no. I was already training hard in Australia. What I wasn't prepared for was living in the camp, on a floor, no sit down toilet, no toilet paper, no hot water, no bread, no English. Just little things you take for granted.

Kickboxing 24: How were you received by locals watching you fight in Thailand?

John Wayne Parr: When I first started fighting there I was a novelty. I would be the only white person in these stadiums of temples and Thais couldn't believe I was going to get in the ring. When they come up and feel your arms, or just blatantly stare at you from a few meters away makes you bit nervous. But after I while I started feeding off it. Before the fights I would think to myself by the end of my fight you will all remember my name.

Kickboxing 24: These days people can't live without internet or cell phones. But back in 1996 it must have been difficult for you to communicate with your family and friends back in Australia.

John Wayne Parr: That was the hardest part about when I stayed there compared to people going now. Making a international call was very expensive, text messaging wasn't invented, there was no such thing as a email. If I wanted to talk to Mum or family I would have to write a letter, send it at the post office. It would take 7 days to arrive, then 7 days to get one back. If it was a special occasion I might get a telephone call. I had all these crazy ideas how crazy my 21st was going to be, ended up fighting a week after so had to train. Got a call from mum and a cupcake with a single candle in it. Life isn't always how you plan it.

Kickboxing 24: How often do you visit Thailand nowadays?

John Wayne Parr: Not very often. I went back for 3 weeks just before I fought Yodsanklai to train with Saenchai. I have my own gym in Australia and my family. Can't just pack up any more and run away to Thailand when I want. Plus I have everything here in Oz. I think the standard of pad holding was better in the mid 90's in Thailand than it is now, so I get better pads in Australia.

Kickboxing 24: Tell us a little bit about Caged Muay Thai, why would you put Muay Thai in cage?

John Wayne Parr: I think the cage is awesome, it creates a whole new platform to fight in to mix it up from your every day normal. I have had 114 fights in a ring and bored, put me in a cage and I have that nervous tension like when I first started the sport. People look at the UFC fighters as gladiators, but for stand up I want to prove Muay Thai fighters stand up is a different league.

Kickboxing 24: You train differently for cage fights? Which gloves are you using for daily sparing sessions?

John Wayne Parr: Hitting the pads in both big and little, sparring mainly big gloves for injuries. Changes all the rules though, MMA gloves leave massive opening in Defense. Even striking you have to learn all over again, hitting the pads with 16oz you never miss, soon as you wear MMA gloves trying to hit middle of the pad becomes a lot more difficult.

Kickboxing 24: There has been some problems with eye pokes using fingerless gloves. You come across such injuries since you started using the small gloves?

John Wayne Parr: The first two shows I have done there were a few eye pokes. It definitely sucks and is a draw back from using the MMA gloves, but the other advantages of catching kicks & more techniques in the clinch out weigh the eye pokes.

Kickboxing 24: Some people do not understand that Muay Thai offers some great clinch-grappling techniques, are you using it more often in the cage?

John Wayne Parr: The clinch is the same whether cage or ring. Best thing I find with the cage is people don't want to be pressed up against the fence, so this makes them engage more and not be lazy if they had ropes.

Kickboxing 24: There is pro-cage argument, saying that the cage is actually safer for the fighter. Though recently, caged MMA has been banned in part of Australia. What’s your take on cages when it comes to safety? Why would anyone ban them?

John Wayne Parr: I truly believe it’s the misconception that the cage is only for animals. Now that my cage is set up in the gym full time I much prefer to train and fight in it compared to a ring. Even my kids enjoy playing in it more because no danger of falling out, the padding is softer then ring floor. Until you have stepped inside a cage, I don't think people should comment whether if it’s safe or not.

Kickboxing 24: Have you got any response from Thai people about putting Muay Thai in cage?

John Wayne Parr: My last event I had 2x Lumpinee champion Pornsanae fight the main event. After the show there was a show report in the Thai papers and magazines and it all seemed very positive. There are still Ram Muays before the fights, still Thai music. I think as long as the Thais are still making money they would fight in a telephone box.

Kickboxing 24: Last year you were talking about retirement. So here we are, John Wayne Parr winning a WKA title just few days ago, and already scheduled for fight against Marco Pique on July 6th. Are we going to see a 60 year old JWP still in the ring / in the cage?

John Wayne Parr: Ha ha maybe. Since I have retired once, I never want to retire again. Instead I will just disappear into the sunset without anyone knowing. I worked out the word retirement meant unemployed, and at 36 the bills don't stop.

Kickboxing 24: Obviously you are not only a fighter, but you are focusing on training others as well. Some say martial arts are a mental game. Are you working with your trainees on their psyche, as you are preparing them physically, or is it one of those things you are born with?

John Wayne Parr: It is all part of the journey of becoming a fighter. You will learn in sparring soon enough if you have it or not and want to compete. Then you have aspect of learning everything in the gym, but until you experience walking out in front of 1000 people you will never know how you’re going to react.

Kickboxing 24: Who would rather fight: Buakaw or Yodsanklai?

John Wayne Parr: Buakaw. Buakaw is fast, but doesn't hit very hard. With Yodsanklai you know your going to hospital.

Kickboxing 24: The Fighting business is not an easy way to make a living, how do you stay so positive? It seems like you are smiling all the time.

John Wayne Parr: I have been very lucky I guess. Through Muay Thai I now own my house, my gym, 3 cars, I have a beautiful family and have great friends. I don't have a job besides I teach one hour class a day. Yes, I have lots of reasons to smile.

Kickboxing 24: Have you heard anything about Poland? 

John Wayne Parr: Yes, Tomasz Adamek. I think he is amazing and I cheer him every time he enters the ring. He also beat my friend Paul Briggs twice.

Kickboxing 24: Thank you a lot for the interview it has been a great pleasure. Do you want to add something?

John Wayne Parr: I am glade I am not retired anymore, or this interview would not have happened, so thank you again.