Sensei Tham Boon Kit

Sensei Boon Kit started training martial arts at the age of 14 when he first joined Judo as one of his CCA in school. He made it to his school Judo team within the first year when he participated in the National schools’ Judo Championship in 1991.

After graduating from school in 1994, his auntie who is a black belt in Kyoksuhin Karate introduced him to this art. Kyokushin Karate, being a full contact karate is well known for it’s tough training. There were a lot of full contacts sparring even when he was just a white belt. But this is what makes all kyokushin fighters strong, both mentally and physical as they are conditioned since they are juniors. It was tough as a member receiving training at the Orchard Tower Dojo (Honbu) of Singapore.

In 1995, Sensei Boon Kit had to stop training when he was called up to serve his National Service. He returned to Honbu in 1998 to continue his training only to be disrupted again in 1999 due to his academic upgrading (Diploma in Business Admin). Determined to continue his martial art the Kyokushin way, he returned to Honbu in 2000. He then represented Kyokushin Karate and participated in the 2nd SMAIA (Singapore Martial Arts Instructors’ Association) All Styles Martial Arts Tournament in 2001, which he eventually emerged as the Champion for the 70kg – 75kg category. Soon after obtaining his Shodan in 2002, he was appointed one of the assistant instructors assisting Shihan Jackie in guiding the junior members of Honbu Dojo. The same year, he represented Singapore Kyokushin Karate to fight in the International Liberation Tournament in Kuwait, fighting in the lightweight category. Having his first experience at an international event, Senpai Boon kit knew that to be a top fighter in the region he has to train even harder. Following the tournament, he attended the desert camp training conducted by Shihan Peter Chong in Kuwait.

The same year saw Sensei Boon Kit representing Singapore in the 9th All Asia Open Karate Tournament held in Japan, Fukuoka. He came in Top 16th position in the tournament and was commented by Shihan Peter Chong on his great improvement from his last tournament in Kuwait. Following that, he attended the Mount Hiko Camp training conducted by Kancho Matsui to better his karate techniques.

In 2003, Sensei Boon Kit participated in the 3rd SMAIA tournament, fighting in the 75kg to 80kg category which he came in as champion. The same year also saw him fighting in the National Open Selection Tournament for the 8th World Tournament in Japan which he came in 3rd placing losing to both his senpais who were much bigger and were also very good fighters themselves where all them were of Orchard Towers Dojo members.

Sensei Boon Kit was then selected to represent Singapore in the 3rd International Liberation Tournament in Kuwait in February 2004. Quitting his job and training full-time, the hard work paid off when Sensei Boon Kit came in 3rd placing in the middle Weight category, doing Singapore proud in the international event.

Subsequently in November 2004, Sensei Boon Kit was in Bali, Indonesia representing Singapore in the 10th All Asia Open Karate Tournament. Continuing training full-time, Sensei Boon Kit came in 7th position among many fighters from all around Asia. He was awarded an 7th position Ippon victory in the 2nd round, which only lasted about 1 minute. Eventually losing his quarterfinals fight against the champion, Makoto Akashi of Japan. The victory was another great achievement both to himself and the Singapore Kyokushin Karate. With these achievements, it proved that Singapore like other countries stands an equal chance in making a name in the international and Asia region. The key to success is never to give up, train hard and learn from setbacks. Even with the good results, Sensei Boon kit is always humble about his achievements. He always credits his success to the art itself, his Senseis and Senpais. “Kyokushin Karate has taught me to be strong both mentally and physically, I learn to be strong with every kick and punch that I throw and receive. Every time I step into the mat I remind myself of the Kyokushin spirit in me and that make me do my best in every bout.” OSU!! (Sensei Boon Kit)

Currently Sensei Boon Kit is instructing at West Dojo, The Legends & Thomson Dojo