Shin Dong-Guk: a real life MMA Hero

2017-08-30 01:00

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XIAOMI ROAD FC 042 SPOTLIGHT
REAL LIFE MMA HERO: FIREFIGHTER SHIN DONG-GUK
 

 

 



 

At Xiaomi ROAD FC 042 on this coming September 23, a real life hero takes to the cage to stand up for more than just himself.

 

Shin Dong-Guk (1-0, Team Force) is not just a fighter, he is also a Firefighter. He will be entering the cage for only the second time, in his hometown of Chungju, South Korea, where he is currently stationed.

 

Already Shin has garnered more than his share of attention and fans. A bright smile, a respectful demeanor, and the physique of a man is his ultimate prime make him a natural super star. In his debut pro fight, Shin dispatched a world of hurt to his opponent and earned a rapid-fire TKO, amazing the audience and fellow fighters alike.

 

Ahead of his upcoming bout, ROAD FC visited the World Firefighter Games champion on duty at the Chungju Fire-station located on the tip of the Chungju Lake. It's an incredibly picturesque and serene station perched on a hill, overlooking the river and the fireboats docked below.

 

Upon seeing this beautiful station, and remembering Shin's dominant first victory, one might think that the Fireman has the perfect life of a hero. However, people usually don't become heroes because of perfect and peaceful situations. Shin's life as a Firefighter has been exposure to constant trauma, pain, loss, and sadness.

 

In fact, he started learning MMA not to become a fighter, but as a way to fight his own Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Shin found that he could exercise his body and train his mind at the same time.

 

After his debut win, and the overwhelming response of respect and pride for the Firefighter, Shin realized that he could draw attention to the plight of his fellow Firemen, who experience more suicides than on-the-job deaths, far more depression, and end up with almost certain PTSD.

 

“I have a dream that my fight will be a hope for those who have experienced the same difficulties I have, and that I will be able to inform many people about the difficulties of firefighters. So I decided to take my first step as a professional fighter. ROAD FC has been the way to make my dream come true.”

 

 

 

Check out the interview and promo video for Firefighter Shin on ROAD FC Youtube here.

 

ROAD FC Champions have stood up to salute Shin Dong-Guk for his service and bravely. They all shared their message of support ahead of his next match.

 

Lightweight Champion Kwon A-Sol

 

“Korean firefighters are worthy of respect because they work in such a harsh environment. That Shin doesn't neglect exercise while doing such hard work should be an example for every athlete. With respectful heart, I applaud your challenge, Shin Dong-Guk.”

 

Bantamweight Champion Kim Soo-Chul

 

“As my teammate, I have watched Shin Dong-Guk a lot, and he is a great human being. I really enjoy that he trains without making anything seem difficult, and I'm going to be proud of his next performance.”

 

Flyweight Champion Song Min-Jong

 

“Shin Dong-Guk said he's going to donate his fight money, and I think it's great that he continues to fight in order to do something positive. I would like you to show us all a wonderful performance as our 'Firefighter Fighter'. I will always cheer for you.”

 

Middleweight Champion Cha Jung-Hwan

 

“Shin Dong-Guk made an impressive debut match. It was an exciting performance that didn't seem like a debut. The Firefighter also gave a great speech that made everyone very happy and proud. I'm looking forward to all his fights in the future.”.

 

Featherweight Champion Choi Mu-Gyeom

 

“MMA is not an easy sport, so I respect Shin Dong-Guk for taking it on. I think his body is more prepared than even the younger fighters. I'm sure he's going to fight a lot more.”

 

Shin Dong-Guk faces Imai Shunya on September 23 in Xiaomi ROAD FC 042, at the Chungju World Martial Arts Festival.  For more event information and live broadcast, please click here.

 

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