By Brandon Richey
It was fun to talk to Tra’vell here in today’s interview. You need to make sure to give this guy a follow and show the support!
1) So tell us about yourself and your background.
I’m a 25 year old Nashville, Tennessee born nomad.I found Muay Thai at the age of 16 and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love. Unfortunately the lifestyle I was used to disallowed me to pursue my passion like I would have liked to earlier on.
Although, I do believe everything happens for a reason and it hasn’t deterred my focus in reaching my goals in the sport. So much so I even sought to manifest my goals in making it to Thailand and train for 4 weeks. Even got to compete in the prestigious Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
With the challenges I’ve overcome I still have a long way to go and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. My life has been greatly affected by Muay Thai and I seek to make my legacy grow from what I’ve received in the pursuit of attaining greatness.
2) What do you currently do for strength and conditioning? Do you have any preferred routines, or a personal preference?
Usually it mainly consists of cardio, but because of my recent exploits I’ve had to make a change. Needing to take better care of my body my plan is to build my body. With a healthy balance of strength training, focused conditioning, and double down on recovery. With that change comes a difference in my routine which I feel should be organic to the situation and the goal.
3) What inspired you to get into fighting?
Just like a bunch of kids in the 90s martial arts was a big part of my childhood. Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and eventually Tony Jaa really set the tone for my love of martial arts.
I had always wanted to get into some type of martial art just never found the right fit. Until one Christmas after years of old school Kung Fu flicks and prior years to watching the early days of UFC.
My mom got me the Christmas present of getting me in the gym in Texas at the time which is where it began. I had my first fight at 16 and instantly something was different and as they say the rest is history. Just getting started though.
4) What do you do to keep your mental focus on point?
I feel like life happens in chapters. So depending on where you’re at in your life it dictates how you should handle current challenges or objectives.
Like they say, you can’t do the same thing over and over and expect a different result. As that is the supposed definition of insanity. Which the way I look at it and depending on what you’re dealing with you may have to change your perspective in order to maintain that focus.
I try and first assess the situation and with constant deliberation and self accountability. I do my best to make sure I’m honest and direct in order to find the solution to the challenges I face. Focusing on the end goal and making choices to reach said goal I feel helps clear the muddy water and keep you on the right path.
5) What sort of recovery strategies do you use to bounce back from training and fights?
My mom always said when your body tells you you need to sit down you will sit down. But, she also told me that I’m one of her most stubborn children haha. Because of how we live sometimes it’s tough to maintain a regular recovery schedule. I do my best to make sure I get enough rest and proper nutrition.
Ice baths scare a lot of people, but in the right amount of heat it’s the best thing in the world. Also looking to get into yoga.
6) Do you have one or more favorite quotes that keep you inspired?
“The first thing you must know about me is that I always stand for what I stand for. The second thing you must know about yourself listening to me is that words are very tricky. So when you know what me stand for, when me explain a thing to you, you must never try to look upon it in a different way than what me stand for.” —Bob Marley
7) Do you have a particular nutrition plan that you use to optimize your fight performance?
Not in particular, but usually pertains to the fight I’m preparing for at the time. Whether I want to gain weight, lose weight, or maintain weight. But always enough fuel to burn because it’s high-paced, high endurance sport.
8) What would you say are your biggest strengths and biggest weaknesses?
My strengths are definitely my drive, my passion, and my focus. As my weaknesses are sometimes that tunnel vision distracts me from what I need at the time. As well as challenges in regards to dictating where I place my faith.
9) Are you preparing for a fight now and if so can you share some details of the upcoming event?
No fight at the moment as I’ve fought four times in the last seven months as well as once earlier this year in Thailand. My plans though are bigger than ever as well as my goals. So now the focus and the approach has changed. So be on the lookout for bigger things as well as more fights.
10) Do you have sponsors, or a favorite gear list that you use?
I want to give a special shout-out to Urban’s tattoo studio in Arlington Texas. And when I was out there, they had my back from the get-go.
Having a hand in keeping me afloat as well as getting my butt to Thailand. When it comes to gear I’m a kid in a candy shop. I currently use Twins, Hayabusa, Fairtex, Yokkao, and Sandee. Here soon I’m going to get into MuayThaiAddict as well as Infightstyle. So many choices you can’t go wrong.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SEALgrinderPT coach Brandon Richey is a certified strength and conditioning coach, author, and founder of Brandon Richey Fitness.
He has worked with thousands of athletes over his 17 years of experience, developing fitness training programs for beginners to professional and D-1 level collegiate athletes at the University of Georgia.
He also trains MMA and Muay Thai athletes, both professional and amateur.
QUESTION: Coach, Do you have any MMA workouts you like to do?
ANSWER: Yes; here are some of SGPT’s favorite fight workouts we like to do.
QUESTION: I totally get the concept of not letting negative thinking get in the way, but I’m having a hard time. Every time I start focusing on a goal I really want to do, those thoughts take over. What can I do?
ANSWER: Check out this article: 10 Tips to Break Through Mental Barriers.
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