NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
October? Already? Yep, it’s true, and with that a new edition of Movers and Shakers. We travel to Thailand and get to know an up-and-comer in the world of Muay Thai a discipline that is so much deeper than just fighting. With a growing business outside the ring teaching mental toughness along with fitness she shows no signs of slowing down. Our popular Q&A series gets back on track and introduces you to Jaz Lopez!
Joe Cardoso: How did you discover Muay Thai?
Jaz Lopez: Growing up in Thailand you are surrounded by it all the time – there’s gym left right and center, the trucks drive around the town every night announcing fight nights, and most of the time you will know someone who is training the sport. For me, I had older school friends that were training but it was my dad who was doing it with his friends who got me to come along with him for a session. Ever since the first few classes I was easily motivated to keep going consistently.
JC: At first was the idea to use the sport to stay in shape? When did you decide to go the professional road?
JL: Yes, so I started when I was 13 years old and until I was 18 I just saw it as a means of fitness. It was amazing for my physical shape and for my cardio. It made me super strong mentally too. When I was 17, 18 I sparred with lots of professional fighters from around the world who came to visit the gym on holiday. I got my ass kicked all the time but my technique started improving so fast after that and everyone was suggesting to me to try a fight so I had my first semi-professional Muay Thai fight when I was 18 just before covid hit us. Since the first fight, I couldn’t wait to get back in the ring. I did not know then that I wanted to become a professional fighter but I knew I wanted to keep fighting for a little while.
JC: How did your family react to you wanting to be a fighter?
JL: My father loved the idea of it as he was the one that got me into it and I think if he started Muay Thai when he was younger he would have fought as well so I guess now he can live it through me. My mum was super nervous in the beginning but still came to my fights and the more she learned about the sport and watched how all the training had transformed me into the woman I am today, she has a new respect for the sport. Either way, they have both been more than supportive of my fighting career – I could not have asked for anything better.
JC: Can you explain to those who don’t know, why is Muay Thai known as the “Art of Eight Limbs?”
JL: So Muay Thai uses all of your eight limbs (fists, elbows, knees, and legs). It’s a sport that shows how you can use your whole body to create beautiful movements (muay thai techniques) and use it in battle to put on a performance. It truly is an art when you master it like any masterpiece.
JC: What about training do you love, and what do you not care for?
JL: I love the feeling when you finish training. The feel-good endorphins that you release leave you on such a high and you feel like you have accomplished something by finishing a challenging session. I love the fitness aspect. It makes me so strong and lean due to the resistance and the cardio in one. I love learning new techniques and combinations in training as well – it makes me feel more confident when I add new skills to my books. I guess the one thing I don’t like as part of training is when you spar with people who aren’t there to learn but to show off or are on the more aggressive side. This doesn’t make a good training partner and also brings your own energy down. It does not happen often because Muay Thai really envelops respect in training but you get some people like this.
JC: Why become a trainer?
JL: I love teaching people the sport. It is something I am truly passionate about and I can talk about it all day long. It is super rewarding if you can see someone progress in the sport not only physically but mentally if they feel more confident and happy it makes me feel really proud. Being a trainer is a very social job too so it’s nice to meet new people all the time and share your experience and expertise with one another.
JC: How has social media helped you build your personal brand?
JL: Thanks to Instagram I’ve been able to put my creativity somewhere. I have always been into photography so creating content, especially Muay Thai content has never been a chore. By staying consistent with it and networking with people around the world I have discovered my impact is on the world and how I can help other people. So through this, I have been able to set a clear image for my brand and work on building that up further.
JC: Like any athlete you have had your share of injuries, what pushed you through rehab and back to doing what you love?
JL: Honestly, my knee injury was one of the toughest challenges I have ever faced. It was heartbreaking when it happened because I had so many amazing opportunities lined up for me that could have been life-changing. So the fact that it took those things away from me put me in a mindset where I told myself I was not letting this injury take anything else from me. So that’s when I really studied the injury and spoke to people about rehab and doing everything I could to recover. Rehab in itself is boring but I mixed it in with my strength training and just made it part of the program so it became less daunting to do. I constantly reminded myself that it would make me stronger and it would get me back in the ring. When I had down days I would go through old training videos or fighting videos and it would take me back to those moments which would of course make me feel sad but also motivate me to get back. Injuries are also a good time to work on the other things in your life like your work or learning new skills like another language etc…
JC: When you are not training or coaching we can find you doing_____?
JL: Living on an island, you can usually find me on the beach in the sea or hiking through the jungle somewhere. I am always down for an adventure and love being surrounded by nature. I do work on the side of my training trying to build up my own brand which seeks to help people gain confidence and become mentally stronger. So I like to visit local cafes near me, drink a good cup of coffee, and drill into my work!
JC: Who is Jaz Lopez?
JL: Jaz Lopez is a mindset warrior. She has mental toughness that makes her resilient and dedicated. With a strong work ethic and a passion for martial arts, she has developed an invincible spirit. By inspiring others with her discipline, she motivates her people to strengthen themselves and become their own warriors. She is also a little Tarzan who loves to walk around barefoot and play in the jungle or in the sea. Transform your fears into strengths and you will become unstoppable.
Nothing like talking with a real-life badass to get those juices flowing right? I want to thank Jaz for making time to share her journey and you should too. Follow her on social media and see what adventures she has coming up and maybe get inspired.
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Who is making a name for themselves in an industry and is one to watch? You never know who will be the next mover and shaker, until next time keep it positive.
