Martin is a man who lives his life as if there was no tomorrow.
To see a story about him that I wrote last year: Un gars bien spécial (French)
A man of great objectives, he obtained a black belt in Chinese boxing, killed his first bear, and then completed with flying colors his most recent objective by not only competing in his first amateur kickboxing fight, but by winning it with a KO in the second round.
What is your next objective now?
This is a heck of an exploit. Martin is 42 and lives in Fermont, a mining town in Quebec’s cold north. He has methodically trained for this for more than a year.
Martin does not drink, runs almost every day, and has spared no effort to set the conditions to ensure his victory.
A couple of weeks ago, he asked me to be the photographer for his big event, and without hesitation I agreed; I wanted to be a part of this experience with my good friend.
On a rainy Saturday night in Drummondville, the Kick-Boxing (and boxing) gala took place in the main hall of the city’s Best Western hotel.
From left to right: “Jab”, Marc, Martin and Kris.
The 16th of May, 2009, will be forever engraved in our memories
Here is how it happened.
We arrived in Ottoburn Park at 10:00, the home of Martin’s parents, so that he could bring his family with him for this very special trip.
I was the designated driver to bring “the man” and his “cut man”, Doctor Kris Thomas (from Labrador City) to Drummondville.
We arrived in Drummondville at about 11:00, where, in the parking lot of the hotel, 2 people were very nervously wating for us: Martin’s coach, Marc Pacquet, and his right-hand man, Denis Nicholas (aka “Jab”).
We went for lunch; salad for Martin – the official weigh-in is set for 16:00.
Then a return to the hotel, signature of the release documents for the Québec Kick-Boxing association.
Time for the weigh-in. Location: the local Boston Pizza franchise.
We got there early, so I asked the manager if I could borrow a chair to stand on to take picture; this gives me better than a foot in height advantage over the other photographers.
Martin and his adversary, Nicholas Cantwell, both make their weights. During the “face to face” shot, Martin was heard to tell his opponent “I bet you can hardly wait to be my age…” Psychology 101. Alright, we’re all set for a good fight !
Again, we return to the hotel; must eat before the big night. Martin is having a mix of his own concoction – some kind of cookie that really tastes bad. I know if I had to eat a couple of them, I would definitely feel an urge to kill; must be their purpose 
At 18:00 we go downstairs to meet the other members of the opposing team – Team Extrême from Fermont-Labrador City. Slowly the trainers get busy wrapping hands, helping the fighters to stretch. The tension is slowly coming to a boil….
The gala kicks off with 6 bouts of boxing; we have to wait a couple of hours before our big fight. It is hot and humid and the rules of hospitality have been thrown in the ditch; the organizer has taken great care to ensure that the local team (the opposition) has a comfortable, cool room, with la buffet of fruits and lots of liquids.
We, on the other hand, have been given an improvised locker room with absolutely nothing; I have to run back and forth to buy bottled water for our group. Not impressive, to say the least..
But the good news – Sensei Fernand Morneau has just arrived; he will be giving a warmly welcomed helping hand to our team.
Finally, the time has come. Martin meditates before the fight begins. He is now in his own little world and make sure we do not disturb him.
The “caravan” walks to the ring. There is fire in Martin’s eyes.
As he gets in the ring, his wife Valérie, his daughters Kamilia and Florence, parents, brother, uncle and aunt and several friends are on site and shouting their encouragements.
In the red corner, someone take note of Martin black belt and says “crisse yé ceinture noire”.
Martin with feet in the air
Finally the moment has come; a scheduled 3 rounds of 2 minutes each. Opponents study each other. Then the fun begins !
Things are getting serious. A loud crisp sound fills the air as Martin delivers an amazing kick. His opponent shortly after goes to the ground for an 8 count.
My shot of the year!
Still, Nicholas does not intend to give up easily. He kicks Martin in the lower leg and makes him lose his balance and, as Martin touches the ground, he feels tremendous pain in his knees. He gets up right away, though, to finish the round.
In the fighters corners, it is a synchronized operation; water is dispensed via big big sponges on to the bodies of the fighters to cool them down; advice is communicated.
As he starts the second round, Martin realizes that his knees are not responding the way they should; he might not be able to deliver the mandatory minimum 8 kicks per round: he will have to use his fists exclusively.
The tempo is rising; Martin lets go a devastating left.
And the lights go out for Nicholas !
His corner decides to stop the fight; a burst of joy in our blue corner !
That’s it. Over. A year of dedicated effort for a triumphant 4 minutes. That’s all it took.
Nicholas is back on his feet and seems to be Ok. A real gentleman, he comes in to our locker room to congratulate and chat with Martin.
No time to savor the moment for Martin, though; 3 other team members are fighting tonight and he will be in their corner to translate for them.
I took a thousand pictures that day, other articles will follow.
I lived an extraordinary experience; a thousand thanks to the athletes, the trainers and everyone involved especially all those who endured me and my camera.
I will never forget this day.
Eh, Martin, tell us, what is your next feat, my friend ?
Click here to see the slide show
Click here to see the photo gallery
François
