Singaporean Olympic swimmer Joseph Schooling, who has won 16 gold medals, including the one from the Rio Olympics where he beat his idol Michael Phelps, is venturing into the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
Schooling was the special guest of the MMA seminar of Asian MMA superstars Christian and Angela Lee at the Evolve MMA Gym in Far East Square, November 24.
It was a public workout with Christian handling the striking aspect and teaching Schooling the proper execution of landing various kicks and punches. Angela, the reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion holds five submission wins in her 6-0 MMA record, share with Schooling her submission skills secrets.
“Joseph is a strong athlete… I know Olympic swimming doesn’t involve anything even remotely near fighting, but he just has that natural power,” said Angela, who held the punch mitts for Schooling.
“MMA and Olympic swimming are two different sports, but as athletes, I feel we are all the same. We spend tremendous amounts of time and effort to reach our goals. The swimming pool is Joseph’s battlefield just as much as the cage is ours. I tip my hat off to him with respect,” Christian added.
The Lee siblings that the doors of the Evolve MMA Gym are always open for the 21-year-old Olympian.
“We will always welcome Joseph with open arms. If he decides to train MMA in the future, even for sport or just for fun and fitness. We are here to help him,” Christian ended.