This week's Fighting For Autism Blog features Fighter Ambassador Corey Kent, Corey talks to us about his martial arts journey so far and his personal experience of being autistic.
We also proudly present The Tony Pillage Fighting Fund Initiative, which aims to provide autistic kids/teens/adults or those with additional needs from low income families with essential equipment they may require to partake in a club/activity (i.e Martial Arts, Boxing , Health and Fitness)
Corey Kent Interview
Describe your martial arts journey so far?
"When I turned 18, I joined a small local kickboxing club for about 2/3 years and won multiple gold and sliver trophies in that sport but unfortunately I was growing unsatisfied and lost enjoyment in it. So when i saw that a local mma club that had just opened and was doing Brazilian Jiu jitsu, I thought “maybe I need to try something completely different from striking?”. I remember falling so in love with the bjj class that I bought a gi straight away after the end of class even though the teacher told me not to incase I wasn’t going to continue doing it but I knew straight away what I wanted to do! And I’ve never looked back since".
What prompted you to explore martial arts?
"Ive always wanted to find a positive outlook for my thoughts and obsessive personality to teach me somethings like hard work, patience and self-improvement".
What Autism myths would you like to dispel?
"I hate it when people say “oh I would’ve never guess your autistic” when I tell people why I struggle with certain things or situations.
I have always struggled with being viewed as cold, rude or disrespectful because of reasons like me being easily distracted when someone is speaking or when I’m speaking bluntly and to the point but I want them to know that it’s the opposite".
How often do you train, and what would a typical days training schedule consist of?
"At this moment, I’m training BJJ/wrestling at least 4 times an week but also going to my nearby gym for some weightlifting at minimum 3 times as well. Sunday is usually a rest day for me so I’ll try to do some yoga to relax and research on some BJJ techniques or concepts that I may had problems with that particular week".
What accomplishment to date are you proudest of?
"I’m more proud of the friendships and experiences than any of the medals I have won. My journey is still young in this sport so I have more ambitions than accomplishments but I’m happy with where I am and I can’t wait to see what this journey takes me".
What does Autism mean to you?
"Its honestly a hard thing to describe as someone who has always had to deal with autism but I can appreciate how I can catch certain details and look at things from a different angle then other people without autism. Its a massive benefit talking to my teammates about techniques and realising that while my teammates are looking at the big picture that I’ve been focused on small details that others miss and then using both knowledge to benefit everyone in the team".
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of taking up a martial art, boxing or joining a gym?
"Take it easy and never be afraid to hide yourself from your coach or teammates because hopefully eventually you will form close friendships and bonds because of the similar interests and you will be valued for who you are as a person"
Fighting For Autism (Europe) proudly present
The Tony Pillage Fighting Fund Initiative
We are extremely honoured to present
The Tony Pillage Fighting Fund Initiative
in remembrance of our friend and ambassador Tony Pillage.
Tony worked tirelessly providing a platform for some amazing people to celebrate and share their exceptional experiences and stories of how they overcame daily adversity through martial arts, we hope that through the initiative that Tony's legacy will continue to grow.
The initiative aims to provide funding for autistic kids/teens/adults or those with additional needs from low income families with essential kit/equipment they require to partake in an activity (i.e Martial Arts, Boxing , Health and Fitness) to a maximum of £50/€50 in a bid to boost confidence, health, wellbeing and developing lasting friendships.
Terms and conditions do apply and owing to limited funding the initiative is only available to residents in the UK and Ireland and the initiative is unable to fund club joining/membership fees or insurances.
For more details please contact Paul - p.greany@fightingforautismeurope.org
Fighting for Autism (Europe) is a registered charity with the charity commission of England & Wales.
Charity number 1189562
#FightingForAutism #TheTonyPillageFightingFundInitiative #DareToBeDifferent #MartialArts #Boxing #HealthAndFitness
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