An Interview with Tracey Fong

An Interview with Tracey Fong by Kevin Smith

When did you become attracted to Muay Thai kickboxing? In 1996, I discovered my passion for Muay Thai when I tried a kickboxing class that was offered at my weightlifting gym.  As soon as I threw my first punch, I was hooked.  I was determined to improve my form and conditioning, so I began to supplement my training with private lessons in Muay Thai.   I loved how Muay Thai increased my muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.

Why? Thai boxing is a very violent sport. Sometimes I think that is what drew me to thai boxing!  I was brought up with ballet, tap, jazz and piano lessons – no sports or any “dangerous” activities!  I had always been intrigued with the idea of learning martial arts, but never had the opportunity to learn when I was growing up.  Thai boxing helped me to grow mentally and emotionally.  I had NO confidence when I started.  I had a couple of bad sparring experiences which I had to overcome.  In time, I gained confidence and learned how to control emotions like fear and anger.  Most of all, I needed to learn to believe in myself.  Muay Thai really helped to improve my self confidence, not just in martial arts but in life. 

Who were your first instructors? My first instructor, Michael Crapis, introduced me to Muay Thai at my local Gold’s Gym.  I took private lessons from him in Muay Thai, and then in 1998, Michael referred me to Khun Khru Don Garon's Pennsylvania Karate Academy ("PKA").  Khun Khru Don taught a blended system of Muay Thai, Jun Fan Gung Fu/JKD, Kali/Escrima,  Okinawan Kenpo, Wing Chun and Combat Submission Wrestling. My first seminars with Guro Dan Inosanto and Ajarn Chai Sirisute were at PKA.  Khun Khru Don made me work out of my “comfort zone” and push myself to the limit, thereby learning about myself and developing as both a martial artist and as a person.
One of the PKA Instructors, Khun Khru Lani Mustin, took me under her wing and invited me to go to thai camp with her in the year 2000.  Khun Khru Lani was a certified instructor under both Ajarn Chai and Guro Dan, and she really inspired and motivated me.  She was like a big sister to me; she made sure that I learned the proper martial arts etiquette, and supported and encouraged me every step of the way. 
I am so grateful to all of my instructors, but I am so thankful for the opportunity and privilege to learn directly from Ajarn Chai.  I am honored to be associated with the TBA.  Ajarn Chai is an excellent instructor and an amazing martial artist that has dedicated his life to promoting the art of Muay Thai.  I still have the journal that I used during my training to write down all of the advice and tips that Ajarn gave me.  But I learned even more from his actions.

Each instructor is different, so can you tell me one thing you’ve learned and continue to practice today? When Khun Khru Don Garon was preparing me for my apprentice instructor test, I looked forward to every training session because I always learned something new.  Khun Khru Don always left me with a positive comment.  In the midst of all of the great constructive criticism, he also would mention one thing that I either did right, or corrected by the end of the round(s). It helped me to leave each training session with a very positive attitude.   I try to do the same thing when I teach.  It is important to pass along the gift of Martial Arts to others, so that they can also enrich their lives through Muay Thai.

What was your proudest moment in Muay Thai? Hands down, it was passing my apprentice instructor test.  It was one of the happiest days of my life, because it was something that I had spent years shedding blood, sweat and tears to attain. I learned so much about myself in the process.  I went through so much physically and mentally to prepare and endure the ordeal of the test.  The test itself made a huge impact in my development as both a martial artist and a person.  I am eternally grateful to Ajarn Chai and Khun Khru Don, and I hope that I can continue to make them proud.  On that day, I felt the love and support from all of my dear friends and instructors who came to support me and share in my happiness.  I also am really grateful to my training partner Khun Khru Chris Allen, who was always there for me, rain, shine or snow.

What do you see as the most important attributes of a student? Loyalty, respect, discipline, and a positive attitude.

What are your martial arts certifications? I am an associate instructor in Muay Thai under Ajarn Chai.  I also am an apprentice instructor in Wing Chun Kung Fu under Sifu Francis Fong, and an apprentice instructor in both Jun Fan Gung Fu and Filipino Martial Arts under Guro Dan Inosanto.

Do you have any advice for students training in Muay Thai? Train hard, be humble, don’t complain, and do your best.

Is there anything else that you’d like to add? I would like to thank Ajarn Chai for all of his advice and support.  I strive to follow his example and help to promote Muay Thai.  Muay Thai has helped to make me who I am today.  Part of my mission now is to help other students use Muay Thai to reach their personal goals.

Tracey Fong is the State Representative for the TBA in the state of Georgia.  She is Director of Operations and an Instructor at the Francis Fong Martial Arts Academy in Norcross, GA.