Interview: Chigs Terry
Chigs Terry - Personal Trainer
Tell us about yourself
My name is Chigs Terry. I’m a personal trainer, with degrees in both Mechanical Engineering Design and Building Services (electrical bias).
How long have you lived at Myatts Field North?
I’ve lived on the Myatts Field North Estate for 26 years and previously lived close by.
What motivates you?
My mother is my main motivator. The sacrifices and the hard work she put in to look after her children here and support her family abroad gave me the incentive to stay motivated and keep striving.
Four ideal dinner party guests:
Muhammad Ali, Steve Jobs, Napoleon Hill, Lucien Carbin
What got you into fitness?
I just enjoyed being active from college days. I used to play rugby for my college team, then got involved in weights and fitness.
Tell us about your fighting career, any particular highlights?
I only competed for a few years, before retiring due to illness. My highlight was probably fighting Christian Knowles, currently head trainer at Knowlesy Academy and formerly ranked 2nd in the UK muay Thai heavyweight rankings. I fought him in only my 2nd fight. I gave away a 22kg weight disadvantage (97kg vs 119kg) and had only been training in muay thai for 6 months only losing to him on points.
I was professional boxer Dillian Whyte’s main training and sparring partner throughout his muay thai career before he transitioned to boxing.
Tell us about your Muay Thai classes: what’s Muay Thai, who are the classes for and what are the benefits for anyone attending?
Muay thai is the art of 8 limbs which is the traditional thai style of kickboxing which involves elbows and knees as well as punching and kicking. The classes are for anybody wishing to keep fit, learn how to defend themselves, feel confident walking the streets and anybody that wishes for their teens/children to learn a martial art and develop the core concepts of discipline, respect and patience.
Anything else?
The estate lacks the community spirit that it once had. I would recommend residents to get involved in community based activities, whether it’s my class or something else. Meet new people, socialise, network.
Join Chigs’ Muay thai classes, 6.30-8pm in the community centre on Tuesdays. £10 per class, ages 14+ and please bring your own gloves.
