FCM One-on-One Presents: Yves Philidor (Part 1)

Yves Philidor Jr. Muay Thai Coach at Grizzly Cage – Combative Sports Club & Venue (Photo by Eric Cordero)

FCM One-on-One presents:

Yves Philidor Jr.
Muay Thai Coach at Grizzly Cage – Combative Sports Club & Venue

Part I

(Click here for part ii)

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FCM: Thank you for meeting with us Yves. Tell us briefly about you.
YP: I was born in Haiti and we moved to Canada when I was five year old. I was married for ten years and now I’m divorced. My former wife is from the Philippines. I studied in University of Alberta and University of Calgary. I’m a licensed real estate agent for 10 years. I also owned a commercial cleaning business with my ex-wife for 8 years. We had 25 subcontractors and 36 accounts when we sold the business back in 2008. I’ve always been an entrepreneur. I’ve also bought and renovated houses. I always loved sales.

FCM: Tell us about your martial arts background?
YP: I started training in 1988. I fought as an amateur and professional starting in 1988. In 1996 I retired from the ring but I continue to train, offer lessons, and help other fighters.

From 1996 to 2000, I did body building. I competed in two events. I did natural bodybuilding. I won Southern Alberta and the Provincial Men’s body building, bantamweight category. This was in 2000.

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FCM: When did you start your own teaching practice?
YP: It just happened unexpectedly. One of my students introduced me to Darcy Irwin – owner of the Grizzly Cage. They were looking for an instructor for their Muay Thai program. I decided to do it! My love for Muay Thai always gets me going. It doesn’t feel like work. I’m now teaching full-time. I also do private lessons. I teach kids, adults, and I help fighters prepare. I’m also a realtor part-time.

FCM: What inspired you to teach full-time?
YP: Just the idea of doing what I love and making a living at the same time. It just made sense to me.

FCM: There are a lot of different sports and fitness gyms. What makes Thai boxing workout different from other sports?
YP: It’s very rigorous.   It uses the entire body. You never get bored. It’s the art of 8 limbs. Anybody can participate. We now have a program for people with Parkinson disease. It’s a pilot program. It’s been found to be beneficial for people with Parkinson. It’s a very exciting program. We have a long list of participants already.

FCM: Is it safe for children to practice Muay Thai? How old can they start?
YP: Definitely! The most important thing is that they are able to pay attention. As young as five year olds can train.  It’s all in their ability to pay attention.

(Click here for part ii)

By FCM One-on-One

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