Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2012
When the call went out, the Ginja Ninjas, organizers for November’s Executive Fight Night at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo were understandably nervous. It’s one thing to organize a massive black-tie event supporting the Run For The Cure Foundation—another to ask participants to undergo three months of box-till-you-puke training, and then have them duke it out in the ring before 400 or so cheering fans.
“We were keen to organize something never seen before that would burst onto the Tokyo social scene,” says Dave Thomas, one of the founding Ginja Ninjas. The response was overwhelming.
Some 60 applications were received and, on a rainy July morning, a shortlist of 30 ducked and slipped around Arisugawa Park. The chosen 16 men and women are from Australia, the UK, US, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden and Kazakhstan—including a married couple participating together. This task force—professions ranging from banker to student—will square off in respective weight classes on November 16.
Guided by experienced pro trainers—martial artists, MMA stars, and generally double-hard individuals—fighters are undergoing 12-weeks of intense, hardcore workouts to achieve the fitness and skill set required to go the distance. And they’re going to need it. The eight total bouts that evening will be running the official format of three two-minute rounds.
Follow the fighters leading up to the event at http://ginjaninjas.com/fighters-blogs. And check below for Metropolis’ Q&A with the pictured fighters.
On the night, punters will experience the excitement of a true Vegas-style fight night with meals by the world-class chefs at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom. Meanwhile, they can bid for juicy prizes in an auction for the cause. “Gold” and “silver” tables seating ten are still available, as are single seats. The event will also support Run for the Cure, a charity fighting to to eradicate breast cancer in Japan. So in a sense, everyone there will be part of the fight.
- If you or your company are interested in getting involved in the event, contact Eddie at info@ginjaninjas.com
- Grand Hyatt Tokyo Ballroom, Nov 16
Fighter Profiles
Steve “Lights Out” Greenall
Why did you sign up?
I’ve always enjoyed training and working out and this is something different rather than the usual routine. I thought I would never be doing this—I heard about it and thought, “Why not give it a go?” I’m excited and looking forward to it!
What do you hope to get from the journey?
Fitness-wise, I think it’s great to have a goal, up in the morning early for training, To say I’ve done it. One of my fears is getting up in front of 450 people on the night. I’ve never had a fight in my life so that’s a little bit worrying, If I can conquer my fears and get in there and do it, it will be great!
Do you have a message for your opponent?
Got quite a few messages for him…. But basically good luck! Bring it on.
Are you going to win?
Of course!
Rebecca “Violent Becks” Green
Why did you sign up?
I’m participating in Executive Fight Night because it supports Run for the Cure Foundation and the proceeds will go to the foundation. Early detection is very important, Run for the cure helps to raise awareness and gets the word out to Japanese women. It’s a great organization, excited to be a part of both.
What do you hope to get from the journey?
It is certainly a journey! That’s for sure! I want to raise awareness about breast cancer. I want to stay safe, have fun; it’s been fun so far! I’m looking forward to this journey!
Do you have a message for your opponent?
I’m so bad at this… I really look forward to being good friends with her after the fight!
Are you going to win?
Of course!
“Bursting” Kerstin Haring
Why did you sign up?
I saw boxing with the stars on TV and wanted to have a go, when I heard about Executive fight night I saw a chance and went for it!
What do you hope to get from the journey?
I had a pretty bad injury earlier on in the year so I’m hoping to get back on track, get into training and get in shape!
Do you have a message for your opponent?
Don’t cry!
Are you going to win?
I’m definitely going to win!
Jesse “The Phantom” Green
Why did you sign up?
My family have been touched by cancer so when I found out Executive Fight Night was going to support Run for the Cure Foundation I decided that this would be right opportunity for me.
What do you hope to get from the journey?
I’m looking to improve my fitness, test my ability, my jaw as well! And I’m sure it will be a fun experience!
Do you have a message for your opponent?
I hope he’s ready!
Are you going to win?
That’s the goal, lets see how we do after six minutes!
Elana Bernabei
Why did you sign up?
I think it’s a different cause for supporting and fighting for breast cancer. It’s nothing I have ever heard or experienced before. It puts a whole new meaning to “fight for the cure.” I thought it could be a totally different experience for me. I never thought of myself doing something as challenging as this and I am getting in better shape as in result.
What do you hope to get from the journey?
To conquer a huge fear of fighting in the ring. The ring itself is really scary to me. So to conquer the fear, get in better shape, and overall just having a crazy experience.
Do you have a message for your opponent?
I am coming for you.
Are you going to win?
Most definitely.
Evan Williams
Why did you sign up?
I am a huge boxing fan. I fought once and the fight was good but I felt my skill was not really good. What I really want to accomplish from this fight is that I want to be better. To improve my skills, and to prove to myself that I actually have what it takes to be a good boxer.
What do you hope to get from the journey?
I want to improve what I am doing. Boxing skills, that’s the main reason. Plus I even get to be in better shape.
Do you have a message for your opponent?
I hope you are ready. I hope you are prepared. I hope you have been working as hard as me in the gym so that we have a good fight and put on a good show for the audience.
Are you going to win?
I have never lost. I expect to defend my title and remain undefeated.
Joy Fajardo
Why did you sign up?
I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for Tokyo to have a different kind of fundraiser and that they are also doing it for charity is really amazing. I am a huge supporter of Run for the Cure. And the boxers are able to choose a charity of choice. I have chosen the foundation I work for, the Tyler Foundation. We help kids with cancer here in Japan and I thought this would be a great opportunity to carry our beads of courage and take it on a journey, which is what the “Beads of Courage” program is all about, and to gain some support for that. I think that is really great.
What do you hope to get from the journey?
Honestly I hope to kick start physical fitness and stay fit. I just hope to finish something I decided to start with the support of my friends and family to go all the way to see if I can do it myself.
Do you have a message for your opponent?
I am in it to win it. Just to let you know.
Are you going to win?
Refer to that last statement.
Zak Jones
Why did you sign up?
I thought it’s a really good way to earn money for a very important and close-to-my-heart charity. I can stand up for six minutes in front of any amount of battle as long as the money involved helps somebody else on a good day. That’s what I am here for.
What do you hope to get from the journey?
I hope to get a lot fitter, and I hope not to get hit very much—but we kind of already passed that stage, so just to get hit less. Staying conscious would be marvelous, as a result of not getting hit in the head.
Do you have a message for your opponent?>
I am going to win! There is no question about it. I know what I am doing. I am focused, it’s gonna go down.
Are you going to win?
Yes I am!
PATRICK “THE DARWIN DESTROYER” SULLIVAN
Why did you sign up?
Actually my mate did a boxing workout in Singapore a few years ago and said it was a really good way to get fit and was also fun. That is one of the reasons. Another is it’s a really good cause for charity. Last one is: I am 40 and I want to get fit. Last year I lost 17kg with exercise and diet, so basically I wanted to build on that and be the fittest I have ever been.
What do you hope to get from the journey?
Meeting a lot of nice guys. The trainers, Sam and Nathan, are nice. I know them pretty well from the last year in Tokyo, so I trust that they will get us to do our best and to get us as fit as we can be.
Do you have a message for your opponent?>
Look out!
Are you going to win?
Yes!
MIRHAT “THE ANGRY TEDDY BEAR” ALYKULOV
Why did you sign up?
I am originally from Kazakhstan and boxing is a big sport back home. So when I heard about this event that was the first reason why it caught my attention. Then I learned it was for a charity and it brings people from different industries together, so those are the main reasons why I decided to participate. Also, it helps me to stay fit. It’s something to look forward to for a whole year. Most of the year I was working, but this is something different I can remember for ten or 20 years! The event is important not only for me but also for other people. So it made sense to me. I really, really wanted to take part so I was really happy that I was selected. If I lose this fight I may not be let back to Kazakhstan, boxing is HUGE back home!
What do you hope to get from the journey?
Selfish reasons: I want to get fit and learn boxing, and of course to meet new people and promote a good cause, Run for the Cure. I want to see how far I can go, but the bottom line is to enjoy the journey itself.
Do you have a message for your opponent?>
To borrow words from the great fighter Draga: “If he dies he dies. If he bites, I bite too. You can take my life, but you can’t take my freedom.”
Are you going to win?
If you ask all of my friends if I will win, they will say, “No.” They will bet how many seconds I last. So it’s good I don’t feel pressure. But personally, I think I will win. I am pretty confident.
JEFF “HEARTBREAKER” CHEN
Why did you sign up?
To challenge myself and do something completely different, all for a good cause.
What do you hope to get from the journey?
To push myself, physically and mentally, and at the same time try to contribute to charity. It’s a great experience and opportunity.
Do you have a message for your opponent?>
To be honest, have not really been doing much cardio because I expect this to finish by the first round, via TKO
Are you going to win?
Yep.
KRIS “CANDY MAN” KULLENGREN
Why did you sign up?
It’s a challenge. Life can be a drag sometimes. When work cannot be a challenge there is nothing that keeps you going. At the same time, just to be able to push yourself continuously towards goals, towards something perhaps not everyone can do—that is a challenge for me.
What do you hope to get from the journey?
One of the things I am looking forward to is getting fit again. I used to do a lot of sports when I was younger. You know when you start working, sometimes work creeps up on you. One day you wake up with no six pack and a beer in your hand instead. Getting fit is part of it, it’s part of the challenges whether I can focus for 12 weeks with no alcohol, eat well, and aim for the one night just kinda get through all the way till the end without giving up. I hope all the preparation to win this fight will be the release to the pain during the training. I hope it ends up with great success. I will feel accomplishment whether I win or lose.
Do you have a message for your opponent?>
I hope you trained hard man, really hard, because outside of those two days a week training is a whole other world. So I’ll see you in the ring.
Are you going to win?
Of course. There is nothing else.
ANTHONY “THE APEMAN” HAYES
Why did you sign up?
I have done a little bit of boxing so this time I would like to step in the ring and to see what it is all about.
What do you hope to get from the journey?
I did this for the training and, of course, the charity aspect as well. Also chicks and stuff like that.
Do you have a message for your opponent?
Opponent? Nobody said ever there was gonna be an opponent… Nathaaaaan!!
Are you going to win?
I would hope so. The best men on the day will win and hopefully it’s me.
PHILIP “KILLER” KNEIPP
Why did you sign up?
I’ve spoke to some of the people who have done similar versions of white collar boxing before and they told me of what a great experience it was. I also saw it as a great reason to get into good shape and try and maintain that.
What do you hope to get from the journey?
Basically to get a lot fitter
Do you have a message for your opponent?>
Bring it on
Are you going to win?
Fingers crossed. But I am going to do my best to win.
ED “‘O’ FOR AWESOME” OVERY
Why did you sign up?
When asked why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest, George Mallory said, “Because it’s there.” I was asked by one of the organizers over lunch who said, “We are having an executive fight night. Are you in?”
I said, “Yeah, I am.”
What do you hope to get from the journey?
I am 43, and I try to keep in shape, but I’d like to get in peak condition for this. I want to be the fittest guy in the ring.
Do you have a message for your opponent?>
Look out! I will be ready.
Are you going to win?
Yeah.
TOM “SHINDO 8” DEVANEY
Why did you sign up?
I was a kind of put on a spot. I had brunch with Nathan and my mutual friend who has kind of a big mouth who mentioned that I have some experience with boxing in college and I really wanna do it (which I really didn’t)—then a bunch of people surrounded me and asked “Are you gonna volunteer now?” so I said “Yes.” I was a little apprehensive, but then I thought “Hey, I am out of shape and this is a great way to meet people and get in shape and have some fun.” I heard there was a charity aspect of Run For The Cure and then I thought it’s a perfect thing for me. It’s all worked out and I’m having a good time so far… despite some pain.
What do you hope to get from the journey?
I hope to get in shape a bit, selfishly. I’m also hoping to have some fun to meet new people in Toyko. I just want the chance to get up there and fight in front of people, raise money for a great cause, put on a good show and entertain people. That’s basically it.
Do you have a message for your opponent?>
I am coming!
Are you going to win?
Yes, 100%!
