Chris Carley is a colourful character.  He’s a hungry character too.  He lives on a regular diet of kebabs and fish & chips, his guilty pleasure is donuts and his last meal on earth would be a mixed grill…tandoori style.  But his coaching credentials speak volumes, during a 20-year career he’s been involved in coaching 14 world muay thai champions including, Kieran Keddle, Alan Keddle, Mike Showers, Richard Fenwick, Rob Storey, Bernise Alldiss, Rebecca Donnely and Nicky Carter.  He’s still hungry for success and to say the MMA Clinic is happy to have him on board is an under statement.

Chris was born and bred in Manchester but now lives in Norwich with Karen his partner of 13 years.  “Thankfully” they have no kids (his words not mine).  He’s a full time Thai boxing instructor, a job he’s always wanted to do. He did try a desk job, got the qualifications (with distinctions) as a software engineer but gave up after a day, “I realised that although I liked the work, I would struggle massively dealing with the people in the industry.”

Thai boxing is Chris’ passion; he loves to fight and thinks that it’s the ultimate competition between two people.  Although he fought competitively, he realised early on that he’s better suited to making champions than being a champion.  He does try to exercise, he loves to run, “but I’m running out of excuses as to why I stopped!”

If you’re thinking of attending one of Chris’ Muay Thai sessions here’s what he has to say about his coaching style, “I like to focus on the technical side and encourage people to be more than they ever believed they could be. Although I am strict and like respect throughout the class I like to see everyone train with a smile and enjoy their class.”

The MMA Clinic is a young club and although already producing winners I was interested to know why Chris decided to come and join us.  “As you well know Graham has kissed the blarney stone and convinced me to join the team with offers of great financial rewards and my own bedroom with en suite.  However, after meeting Graham and the other teaching staff I felt wanted and appreciated. I was ready for a new challenge and the new facilities at the clinic impressed me.”

There’s more to Chris than just Thai boxing – he loves his guitars. A lover of all things Mancunian; he supports Manchester City and is a big fan of The Smiths and the Gallagher Brothers. I was interested to know who he would want to play him if a film was made of his life story – he was emphatic in his choice of heart throb, “Max Beesley.”

Although he doesn’t admit it, I can also tell that he’s a guy who likes feisty, ample women.  I had one final question for Chris, once again on the subject of celebrities, which one would he date if he could?  The buxom bottle blonde, “Ann Widdecombe” was his reply.

Catch Chris at the Angel or Romford MMA Clinic

Also available for personal tuition.

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By S.Finnegan

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 12:54 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.