Here I am this time, talking to Sarawak’s very own Jace ‘JKO’ Law,on his developing profession in the field of mixed martial arts (MMA). In his career to date, Law has defeated some of the country’s finest talents and captured the Malaysian Invasion Mixed Martial Arts (MIMMA) Lightweight crown in 2015.
After knocking out a South Korean fighter in a three-round featherweight duel at Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series (OWS 6) in June, it is high time that the 27-year old Kuchingite gets a write-up from me. Low’s pro debut fight was concluded in a matter of minutes.
“Well, it was a quick knockout. He fired the first shot and I countered it with a furry of strikes and the referee had to stop the fight”, said Law whose strength is striking even from videos.
I have known Jason, or ‘Jace’ as he prefers to be known, from back in his school days at SMK Batu Lintang and during a youth radio show with RTM’s veteran DJ, Jennifer Lau, when he was just 15 years old.
Time certainly has flown by and Jace is today a professional MMA fighter.
Of mixed Chinese and Filipino parentage, boasting six packs and a rugged look, he occasionally takes on the runway for modelling along with his gorgeous girlfriend. Most recently, he was seen on the catwalk at the 13th APOC 2019 welcoming dinner in local batik fashion.
Law, who trains out of three gyms namely Gym Box, Knight Performance and Training Centre, and Elysium BJJ started with taekwondo in secondary school but discovered a passion for muaythai years later.
A combat sport originating from Thailand, it uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. Literally kick boxing, this discipline is characterised by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees and shins.
It became widespread internationally in the late 20th to 21stcentury, when westernised practitioners from Thailand began competing in mixed-rules matches as well as matches under muaythai rules around the world.
It is not recognised as an Olympic sport yet, but remains a popular activity in most gyms.
The Interview
How did you get into the sport?
I suddenly tried muaythai back in 2013 and liked it, and from there I transitioned into MMA at The Gym Box. I have never looked back since.
What do you love about it?
I love how real it is. There is no shortcut in this sport. If you do not train enough,it will show in your fight. I am a competitive person and I think MMA, aside from the fact that it is the fastest growing sport in the world right now, is the purest form of competition.
How many wins have you recorded so far and which was your best?
I am a 13-4-0 Amateur and 1-0-0 Pro (win-loss-draw).The best victory was definitely winning the Malaysian Invasion MMA Lightweight title.
What is the training schedule like?
I train everyday after work starting from 5:30pm and I usually get done by 8:30pm or sometimes even later. On Sundays, I train in the morning and also in the evening. No rest days. In a fight you take some punches. How long does it take to recover from a major fight?
It is hard to say, it depends on the severity of the damage absorbed.
What advice would you have for others wanting to take up MMA-type sports?
As long as you are committed and believe in yourself, you will be able to achieve something. Do not listen to the haters and just focus on your goals. Jace Law is now prepping for his upcoming fight in One Warrior Series 8 on October 5 in Tokyo, Japan.
