On The Road: Auckland – A Week at City Kickboxing
2025: A Week at City Kickboxing – Auckland
The first overseas trip of 2025 saw us hopping across the ditch to New Zealand for a week of training at the legendary City Kickboxing (CKB) in Auckland. This time, the touring crew included Volk, Frank Hickman, Coach (Uncle) Joe Lopez, and our ever-present creative genius behind the lens, Jake Keighran.
CKB’s new facility is nothing short of world-class. With sprawling space steeped in tradition, it’s a hub for elite athletes and a testament to the incredible work of Coaches Eugene Bareman and Doug Viney. Walking through the gym, it’s impossible not to feel the electric atmosphere of hard work, discipline, and camaraderie.
The trip was a mix of reconnecting with old friends and forging new connections. Catching up with Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker, Kevin Jousset, Blood Diamond, and Carl Van Roon amongst others is always a highlight. These are not just some of the most talented fighters on the planet—they’re also some of the most genuine people you’ll meet.
We also had the chance to meet new faces, like Bill Smart, whose expertise and energy added another layer to the week. Bill, from Smarter Performance, brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, and we’re excited to see where this connection leads.
The week was packed with intense training sessions and strategic planning, but it wasn’t all business. Between rounds, there were plenty of laughs and stories shared. That’s the magic of CKB—it’s not just a gym; it’s a family – probably in the classic dysfunctional manner!!
Israel was gearing up for his fight in Saudi Arabia next week, while Kevin was focused on his upcoming bout in UFC Sydney. Watching them prepare was a masterclass in focus and determination—true examples of what it means to be a professional at the highest level.
This trip wasn’t just about Volk sharpening his skills for what’s ahead—it was a reminder of why this journey is so special. It’s the people, the relationships, and the shared passion for excellence that make these moments unforgettable.
A huge thank you to Eugene, Doug, and the entire CKB crew for their incredible (unique) hospitality.
Auckland, as always, was OK– the tiny fraction of it that we managed to see between training sessions.
Next stop – the mythical Bangtao in Phuket Thailand.
Stay tuned—2025 is just getting started!
