Trestle “Jun Minion” Tan’s quest of being a better athlete has taken him all over the world and he hopes that now’s the time for the payoff.
Tan is set to challenge South Korea’s “The Big Heart” Yoon Chang Min at ONE: Legendary Quest at the Baoshan Arena in Shanghai, China on June 15.
Looking to end an alarming three-match slide, Tan continues to search for different gyms where he can pick up techniques that he can bring to ONE Championship.
This has brought him all the way to Brazil, where he trained with the famous Brazilian Top Team for three months.
“I trained with the Brazilian Top Team, which is a well-revered academy. I went there last year and stayed in Rio de Janeiro for three months,” shared Tan.
“[My focus was] training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu traditionally in the Gi, but I also trained in their no-gi classes, MMA, and wrestling classes every day,” he added.
“That was a really awesome experience – probably the best training experience I ever had so far in my career.”
Under the guidance of coaches Vitor Pimenta, former Olympic wrestler Antoine Jaoude and Sergio Babu Gasparelli, Tan certainly brought home new ideas and techniques that he hopes to carry in his next bout.
He shared that the environment during training sessions was intense, but nonetheless, the Brazilians remain hospitable.
“There were a handful of black belts in each Jiu-Jitsu class. It was very inspiring cause they had humble attitudes. The training was really hard but it was awesome, they were very open and friendly,” shared Tan.
“Everyone was willing to help and they were proud to see me improve.”
Now heading to Shanghai where a tough assignment awaits him, Tan is confident that he is at his best position to capture his second win under the ONE Championship banner.
He claims he’s more than 100-percent ready.
“I know my opponent is very strong and should not be underestimated. He comes from a very strong team and I have nothing but respect for him but I think I’m more experienced than him, especially in terms of striking and grappling,” said Tan.
“I’m one thousand-percent ready this coming Saturday, both mentally and physically. It’s time to show everything I’ve been working for in my entire career as a mixed martial artist.”
