07/04/2026
Some moments deserve reflection, even if they’re shared a little later than planned.
Today, we’d like to recognize Connor Parys and the incredible journey he has taken over the past two years.
When Connor first walked through our doors, he had never trained in martial arts. He dedicated himself to learning the fundamentals, patiently building a strong foundation one technique at a time. At that stage, we never imagined he would one day step into the ring as a competitor.
But Connor’s passion for Muay Thai quickly became undeniable. He absorbed every piece of coaching, welcomed every correction, and constantly sought opportunities to improve. His work ethic, humility, and determination set him apart.
This past year, Connor began competing and proved he had earned his place at the TBA-SA Muay Thai Nationals in Iowa.
His first elimination bout matched him against a very skilled and aggressive opponent. Although Connor wasn’t able to fight the way he had wanted, what stood out most wasn’t the result—it was his resilience. His opponent relentlessly attacked with powerful knees in an attempt to end the fight early, but Connor refused to be broken. He never went down, answered every bell, and demonstrated the heart and toughness that define a true martial artist.
While the outcome wasn’t what we had hoped for, competition is about far more than wins and losses. Every fight offers lessons, opportunities to grow, and a clearer path forward. We’ll take those lessons back into training and continue building for what’s next.
Connor, we couldn’t be prouder of you. Your dedication, courage, and willingness to embrace the process embody everything Alpha8 stands for. This is only the beginning of your journey.
Finally, thank you to our incredible Alpha8 family—our teammates who gave their time for extra private training sessions, those who helped prepare Connor throughout camp, and everyone who supported him from near and far. Whether you traveled to Iowa or cheered him on through the livestream, your encouragement meant more than you know.
One team. One family. One journey.
🥊 Congratulations, Connor. The future is bright, and we’re excited to continue walking this path with you.
