NRF Featured Fighter…

Name: Jaquie Lait
Fight Name: Lil Demon
Fight Style: Muay Thai

Fight Stats:   2 fights ( 1win – 1 loss)

A very brave and determined woman is NRF member Jaquie Lait. The “Lil Demon” took some time out to answer some questions for us…

NRF: When did you first start training?

Jaquie: October 2010

What got you into Muay Thai?:

Jaquie: After having been through a long battle with domestic violence I wanted to get fit, feel good, and gain some confidence back.

With the great support I’ve had from previous trainers, Steve Robinson of KO, and also Shona Minns from Ignition, I’ve come a long way, both in myself and my training. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for their training, advice, and mental ass kickings throughout my time with them.

NRF: Have you trained any other styles?  

Jaquie: Yes, I trained in Taekwondo from the age of 13, for 5 years.

NRF: What are your aspirations/goals for Muay Thai?

Jaquie: To win some titles, and also become pro as a platform to raise awareness of Domestic Violence

NRF: What do you enjoying doing when you’re not training?

Jaquie: I love to write inspirational articles, spend time with my 3 children, and going to Toastmasters Club.

NRF: Which fighters do you look up to?

Jaquie: Matt Hamill, hands down! He is such and inspiration due to his drive for doing what he loves despite his disability. I also respect Danny Green for giving selflessly to such a cause great he believes in.

NRF: How often do you train? How many days / hours per day?

Jaquie: 5 days a week, 3 – 4 hours a day

NRF: Any memorable moments in your fight career?

Jaquie: A fight I had in August 2012. I had the flu, was vomiting 5 mins before stepping into the ring, I hadn’t been to training for 12 days, and despite all odds, still managed to pull off the win – even though it took me 2 weeks to accept it haha

NRF What’s coming up for you in the next few months?

 Jaquie: I believe I may be fighting in April, dependant on my trainer confirming that I will be or not.

NRF: Anything else you’d like to share with everyone?

Jaquie: Fighting is not just a sport, it is a lifestyle to those who take it seriously. I fight not just for the love of Muay Thai, but for my cause. Domestic Violence is real, and it’s everywhere. Unfortunately most people are either too ashamed to speak out, or its just ‘swept under the carpet’ so to speak. As a fighter, I want to use my status as a platform to create awareness of domestic violence and abuse. To show victims that they can come through. That they can stand up and say ‘enough is enough, I will no longer be a victim. I will be a Victor of life itself, take control, and follow my dreams once more!’ I get asked regularly how I can justify fighting ‘violence with violence’. As a fighter, we know the risks involved, we have been trained to defend ourselves, we only fight if we are ready, and when we do we are in a controlled environment. Victims don’t have the training, there is no controlled environment, there is no ref to pull their attacker up if things get too messy, they don’t know how to defend themselves in most cases, and they certainly don’t get a choice in the matter.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for more as we follow Jaquies journey through her fighting career.