Martial arts: Family affair

Dubai: The phrase "keep it in the family" holds true as far as the Taumafai family is concerned.

The common passion for martial arts shared between dad Zac and his children Damelza, Tioa, Victor and Vaughan keeps the KO Gym at the Dream Tower in Dubai Marina alive and kicking.

Be it boxing, kickboxing or muay thai, this Samoan Australian family knows exactly how to bring out the Bruce Lee in you. And they do more than just teach.

At the moment, they are busy putting the finishing touches on their showpiece event, "KO4: King of the Ring" - a World Kickboxing Federation-endorsed competition presented by their own KO Promotions company, at Chi Garden at The Lodge tomorrow night.

But however busy it gets, their demeanour is more than enough to suggest there is nothing else they'd rather do.

"What I find satisfying is seeing the changes in people," says Zac, the head of KO Gym and KO Promotions. "There was one guy who weighed over 100 kilos. Now he is 96 but it's not just his physical appearance that has changed but his skills as well," he added.

Zac's passion has taken him to destinations across the globe. After a brief stint in Dubai in 2005, he coached in Africa for two years. He then spent a tough month in Tokyo where he failed to settle down and he decided to return to Africa.

"Life was fast-paced. I came back here en route to Africa, met one of my students from before and ended up working at Top Sport Gym where white-collar boxing was developing.

"Unfortunately I fell out with the owner as our visions didn't match. So I left and many students followed me," says Zac, who trained UAE boxer Eisa Al Dah at Top Sport.

The students weren't the only ones as his children were never far behind either. "They have always been helping me back home ever since they were young, so I brought them here too. Wherever I have travelled they were always involved," says the 42-year-old who is also the official Middle East representative for the WKBF.

Damelza, who oversees the club's administration did not hesitate in coming to her dad's aid two months ago after getting leave from her job in New South Wales as a police officer. And though they can all pack quite a punch, only 18-year-old Victor will be in action tomorrow defending his family's honour. "There is a bit of pressure," he said, "as it has been a while since one of our family members have fought. I'm quietly confident."

As for Zac, he admits obstacles along the way have often given him second thoughts about pursuing his ambitions. "There are times when I just feel like packing up and going home because the red-tape factor is prevalent over here. It can take ages for something as simple as obtaining a permit."

But a man on his feet daily from six in the morning till 11 in the night can't be in the profession just for kicks. "I want to bring in the UAE Boxing Federation as they really need a push if we want to expose talented boxers. I'm also in talks with MBC Action who want me to do a reality boxing show like The Contender. It should be on air by March and will feature an Arab team versus a European team," he says.

KO4: King of the Ring

What?

Where?

When?

Age limit: 21 and above allowed entry

Ticket prices: General standing Dh150; ringside seating Dh250

(For more information on KO Gym or KO Promotions, call 050-286 1673)