Tatami Fighter Profile: An Interview with Robbie Lavoie

When did you start kickboxing and how old were you? 

Robbie: I started kickboxing when I was 5 years old. So about 29 years now.

Why did you start kickboxing?

Robbie: I started kickboxing because I wanted to be a ninja turtle.

Who inspired you? 

Robbie: I have a lot of people that I looked up to when I was younger. Raymond Daniels, Jadi Tention, Tony Young and Dominic and Fortunato Aversa . 

 

 

Who are the three fighters hardest you have ever fought?

Robbie: The three fighters that have given me the toughest time have been Jack Felton, Raymond Daniels and Jadi Tention, but each fighter I face always gives me a new challenge and a new opportunity to learn and grow as a fighter!

How are you managing to train with the COVID-19 outbreak?

Robbie: This whole outbreak hasn’t changed my day to day much, it just limits my sparring but I’ve been able to use the karate school each day to train. So I’m lucky to have that right now when others haven’t had access to their schools! 

How often do you train? 

Robbie: I usually train about 6 days a week, depending on how my body feels.

 

 

Who are the three fighters hardest you have ever fought?

Robbie: The three fighters that have given me the toughest time have been Jack Felton, Raymond Daniels and Jadi Tention, but each fighter I face always gives me a new challenge and a new opportunity to learn and grow as a fighter!

What does it take to become a champion?

Robbie: To become a champion, you need to have a good work ethic and discipline. Also, lots of perseverance because there’s going to be lots of ups and downs, trials and tribulations throughout a career.

How do you fight the taller fighters? 

Robbie: Fighting taller fighters for me is just working and controlling my distance. They need more space to be able to use their tools. So, I take their space away and frustrate them with movement.

Thank you for your time Robbie, stay safe.

Robbie lavoie