There is no denying that photographers play an important role in martial arts. Besides the athletes, cornerman, and officials, photographers’ roles in the sport goes without mention. They capture the winning moments, the struggles, the tears of joy and hardships – all through their lenses.
In conjunction with World Photography Day on Monday, 19 August, we asked Malaysia’s finest martial artists to share their favorite pictures in their journeys through martial arts and why the pictures mean so much to them.
Here they are.
#1 Gianni Subba
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ7k7FIhew7/
“This picture was taken the day Keanu and I both fought on the same card. If I could recall, there was a little bit of pressure going into the night as Bryan had just fought five hard rounds with then champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke.”
“In this picture, I think we were just happy to see each other, which meant we could finally enjoy the moment. Fight photos are really special because while you’re in the moment, you don’t really get to think about each specific exchange or grappling sequence.”
“So, to see a nice shot, or a cool kick, you get to appreciate the beauty of martial arts.”
#2 Keanu Subba
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrF6NHrgfeU/
“This one is one of my favorites as it captures our bond as brothers and every other emotion in a martial artists’ career.”
“It’s an important one too because moments later he knocked out his opponent inside 20 seconds!”
#3 Jihin Radzuan
“Every picture has its own story. Photographs capture the tears, blood, sweat, mixed feelings, but most importantly, it doesn’t stop me from smiling. One day when I retire, I would tell everyone that no matter how tough it was, I could still smile at the camera.”
“I always tell people that for a photographer to get a nice shot of you, you have to train hard too.”
#4 Agilan Thani
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjKFNcRgGqf/
“I believe that photos of me representing my sponsor in front of the world is my favorite because it shows to the world everyone that has helped me to get to where I am today.”
#5 Ev Ting
“This picture represents something much greater than myself, and that I am a vessel fortunate enough to have a platform to express my art.”
“There are plenty of great photographers, but the ones that are always in the right place and right time are YK Tang, David Ash, and of course, the slick Dux Carvajal.”
Video link #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXQgP7ZfI1M&t=2s
Video link #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7ACEo9fKRA&t=8s
Video link #3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6w3frHIZmw&t=4s
ONE Championship’s next event ONE: IMMORTAL TRIUMPH in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam on Friday, 6 September, will be the organization’s first-ever all-ONE Super Series match card
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