Interview with Mike Passenier, febr. 2010.

Enthousiastic, emotional, compassionate. But also sharp, analytic and refreshing. All characteristics that can be combined, as proven by trainer Mike Passenier. This likeable master-tactican is behind the glorious victories of Joeri Mes, Melvin Manhoef, Murthel Groenhart and of course Badr Hari. One moment he is shouting at his pupels and the other moment he is singing Andre Hazes.

Q: Mike, you are a trainer/coach. Do you have an example to look up to?

A: Johan Cruijff. He can make something complicated look very simple and make everyone understand. Cruijff does everything his way and doesnt change his ways. He promotes the same as I do: always attack and entertain people. Rather lose with 6-5 than to win with 1-0. He is so smart that he is on a whole new level.

Q: Is it difficult to prepare someone for MMA matches and what is the different approach for a Kickboxing match besides the obvious?

A: It is not difficult, but every match needs its preparation. Same goes for the opponent which needs specific attention for every match. For MMA you need to adapt, in a way that is still good for your own fighter. I train a lot of Kickboxers and there we have the same kind of preparation. I try to create my own training to help my students as much as possible before and after the match.

Q: Which new talents from your school should we keep an eye on?

A: Murthel Groenhart will break through. He had a rough year and was walking behind the others. But now he developed his own identity and will have a great year now. Recently he won a match against Amir Zeyada by TKO.

Than we have Arafat (Ari), a 22 year old A class boy who fights in between the 70 - 75kg. This will be his year. In the future we will see more from Issam, Masaro, Clay and Maiky Redan.

Q; Where is the success in your  training and coaching?

A: Success is the ability to look past yourself and respect your fighter. Than the best in both will surface.

Q: What is your dream as a trainer/coach?

A: I always said I want the same status as Chakuriki, Mejiro Gym and Vos Gym. I never hid that. Being famous on a level where everybody respects you and your school. I want to stand on all stages and entertain people with huge matches. And of course winning everything that we can win. I want to be Ajax during 1970 - 74.

Q:How do you deal with a loss? Is it strictly business and analysis or do you feel bad about it?

A: When a fighter loses, I lose and I wont feel happy. If the fighter tried everything, than I cant help it. Sometimes the other is just better. If its the fighters fault, than we will analyse the fight and learn from it, and do better the next time.

Q: Would you like to see more of your fighters go to MMA? Which fighter in MMA and kickboxing do you like to watch?

A: I say, do what you can do and nothing else. Dont switch. But I would love to see Anderson Silva or Wanderlei Silva in a kickboxing match.

Q: In your new school Remco Pardoel will work with you. Why did you choose him?

A: I think that (besides Martijn de Jong) nobody else know so much about the ground fight. Martijn de Jong was no option because he trains with Golden Glory. I always had a good time working with Remco. Peter Thijssen will give kickboxing lessons. About the new school, we hope to start there in 3 or 4 weeks. We are working our butts of to finish the place in time.

Check: http://www.chief108.com/showthread.php?t=5010 for pictures of the team and the new school.

Comments

You are quoting:

 

Author

Share article