Top ONE flyweight and former ONE World Title challenger Danny “The King” Kingad would not be where he’s at in his career now without that help of his brothers at the renowned Team Lakay.
A troubled youth who fell into bad company when he was a teenager, Kingad recalled how his life has changed when he met Coach Mark Sangiao and discovered martial arts.
“I first met coach Mark [Sangiao] when my cousin invited me to train at their gym,” Kingad said.
“I just went there every day and joined the team in their training until one day, the coach approached me and told me that I have the potential to become a World Champion. That is how I joined Team Lakay.”
“The King” led a life of many vices among bad influences before joining the dominant Baguio City gym. He would oftentimes get into a lot of trouble, and even skipped school regularly.
With the training and guidance of Sangiao and the rest of Team Lakay however, he was able to learn and practice true martial arts values which turned his life around completely.
“Team Lakay saved me and taught me more than just kicking and punching,” Kingad said.
“They taught and instilled discipline and respect in me. They are my second family and a huge part of my life. The values that I learned from coach Mark and the team is more important than being a famous mixed martial artist. It is something that I will bring with me even after I retire.”
Kingad and the rest of Team Lakay have long talked about what makes their group so special. It’s the bond that they keep, which ties them like family. Even outside of training, the members of Team Lakay all maintain personal relationships. They consider themselves blood brothers.
“Outside the gym, we are really close and good friends,” Kingad said.
“We do things together like eating out at a restaurant or celebrating special occasions together. Sometimes when we have free time, we go and do trail runs. It’s really more like a family than a team. They are my brothers and we all take care of each other.”
Kingad’s success today is a direct effect of his time training with Team Lakay. The 23-year-old is proud to share his victories and defeats with his most trusted cornermen.
As such, “The King” is quick to give credit where it is due, and to thank those who have helped him along this path.
“I am truly happy and blessed to be a part of Team Lakay,” Kingad concluded.
“Without my brothers, I don’t know where I would be right now. The team gave me a purpose and a means to provide for my family. They are always there to help me whether it is about mixed martial arts or about my personal life.”
Kingad returns to action at ONE: A NEW ERA, which takes place at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March. He faces Japanese veteran and current Pancrase Flyweight World Champion Senzo Ikeda in the quarter-final round of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix.
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