Invictus Blog

Derrick Keith: Preparing for Muay Thai through CrossFit
Interview by Jaimie Bougie

Jaimie: How long have you a been a member of Invictus, why did you join and when do you normally train?

Derrick: I have been a member of Invictus for almost five months. I joined Invictus adventitiously. My ex-girlfriend did Crossfit. One night her and I planned to go eat at Under Belly. When she met me outside the building where I work, she had a frenzied look. Before I could even say a word she said “Oh my god! You literally work down the street from Invictus.” Next day I walked to Invictus after work and decided CrossFit at Invictus would help me prepare for my Muay Thai tournament. I usually attend the 6:00 a.m. session because I usually train Boxing and Muay Thai after work.

Jaimie: When/How did you get started with Muay Thai?

Derrick: I have been training Muay Thai, also known as the “Art of eight limbs,” for 8 years. I started training Muay Thai my freshman year of College. I took a Self Defense class to fill an undergraduate requirement. The Instructor, Jim VanOver an active member in the Muay Thai community and a former fighter trained by Kru Ajarn Surachai “Chai” Sirisute, noticed me and I started training with his active fighters. While I was training Muay Thai, I was also training Capoeira for two years. Prior to Muay Thai, I Wrestled at 145lbs in High School for two years. My dad and grandfather were also former boxers and my dad taught me how to box when I was young. I didn’t consider fighting then, but when I was 13 years old my best friend and I watched Pride Fighting for the first time. Immediately I decided I wanted to become a fighter one day.

Jaimie: You were just in a tournament in Des Moines Iowa (when?); was this your first tournament?  How did you train for it using CrossFit?

Derrick: I was in Des Moines Iowa June 28th, 29th, 30th. This tournament was my second tournament. My first tournament was in Sacramento in 2011 for IKF. I used CrossFit for strength and endurance training. I alternated between 1.5 miles and 3 miles Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:00am on my own.

I did CrossFit at 6:00AM Tuesday, and Thursday. Friday, I swam at LA Fitness and melted in the Jacuzzi from 8 PM to 11 PM. I train Muay Thai and Boxing at Arena MMA M – F from 5:30pm or 6:30pm to 8:30pm. I sometimes came to train CrossFit Saturday at either the first session or the last session. I love Saturday training! Sunday was my rest day. My weight class for this tournament was at 142 lbs. I had three months and change to drop 38 lbs. I normally walk around 160 lbs – not 180 lbs, so yes, I was way out of shape. I got out of shape working full-time as a programmer. I already knew how to drop the weight because I wrestled for two years in high school, but for this tournament I wanted to also maintain my strength. Invictus not only helped me build strength, but also the members and coaches helped keep me motivated. Every session I had at CrossFit was and is excellent, bad days converted to good days after a session was completed.

Jaimie: What are your future plans for competition, inside and outside of CrossFit?

Derrick: Outside of CrossFit I am going to continue to fight. After a few more Muay Thai fights, I might consider fighting MMA. Inside CrossFit I would like to start learning proper technique, more about what CrossFit is all about and maybe compete.

Jaimie: What kind of music gets you pumped up before a workout?

Derrick: I like Demarco, Rio Baile Funk, Wisin & Yandel, Slipknot, Tiesto, Metallica, Mos Def, or DMX.

Jaimie: If you could be any animal, which animal would you be?

Derrick: If I could be any animal I would be a man bear pig. Just kidding! Jokes aside, I would be a wolf or an elephant.

Jaimie: What is your favorite and least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

Derrick: My favorite CrossFit movement is wall balls! I don’t have a least favorite Crossfit movement/workout. Everything is new to me and I enjoy the feeling of almost passing out, being sore, etc.