Chan Ka-chun - From Football Boy to Fitness Coach: "If you love it, dedicate yourself 100% and strive for perfection."

December 12, 2023

[Never Give Up Column] This time, we invited Chan Ka Chun (KC), a former Hong Kong First Division footballer who has participated in bodybuilding competitions and works as a part-time fitness coach, to be our guest for this athlete interview. In the gym, KC put on the microphone, tested the sound, and said, "Sister Ha! Mic check! One box of char siu rice, please!" He is indeed a very interesting fitness coach, but when the interview touched upon fitness-related questions, he became serious and professional. The most memorable quote from the interview was:

"That's just how I am; when I really love something, I'll commit 100% to it and push it to the extreme."

From a Football Lad to a Fitness Coach

KC is a former Hong Kong First Division League footballer, having played for teams such as Wong Tai Sin, Yau Tsim Mong, Kwoon Chung Southern, Happy Valley, and Tai Po. He has loved football since primary school and was a member of the school team from primary school to university. It wasn't until university, when he encountered an athlete's biggest enemy—injury—that he discovered fitness. "I loved playing football since I was a kid, starting in my housing estate, and I'm still playing now. I joined a team called Dream Dragon, and that's when I really started competing. Football gave me a lot, a sense of accomplishment and achievement, but due to injuries, I played less and instead got into fitness."

Every athlete might have been affected by injuries, perhaps even giving up, but by chance, KC got into fitness. "During university, I was severely injured, tearing my hamstring. Because my university career was short, I rushed back as soon as I felt a little better and ran hard on the field, but then I was injured for half a year. At university, I had four football training sessions a week, and I spent all four in the gym, which is how I truly got into fitness. I instantly fell in love with it and became deeply involved, wanting to learn more about fitness and how to improve my physique."

After graduating from university, although KC continued to play football, due to work and physical condition, he participated in fewer football matches. At the same time, he wanted to improve his physical fitness, so he spent more time in the gym. "As I got older, my physical condition wasn't as good, so I started training. Since I loved training so much, I decided to try a bodybuilding competition, and I was quite satisfied with the results, getting a fourth place. After that, I found I loved fitness even more and realized there's so much to explore in it."

"Either don't try, or if you try, commit 100% to it!"

The Appeal of Bodybuilding Competitions

Most people see bodybuilding competitions and only witness the athletes' spectacular display of muscles on stage, but like any other sport, one minute on stage represents ten years of hard work off stage. KC also experienced the hardships behind the glamour, directly stating that the hardest part was waking up in the early hours. "For me, the hardest thing was definitely having to wake up at 4 AM to do cardio, then go to work until 4 or 5 PM, and after work, drive to Yuen Long to train with my coach. I'd get home around 10 or 11 PM, and then wake up at 4 AM again for cardio... I lived like that for over four months. Eating wasn't as tough, because at least I got to eat."

Bodybuilding is "a battle with oneself"

KC underwent four months of grueling training, and the reward was immense satisfaction. "Especially after competing, you can see the changes in your body, the huge differences, and it's very satisfying. Bodybuilding relies heavily on yourself; without enough willpower and perseverance, it's hard to complete. The key is that if you don't persevere, you will definitely lose, because your opponents are doing the same thing as you. You must be more dedicated and persistent than them to achieve good results."

"In a bodybuilding competition, if you lack willpower and perseverance, you will definitely lose!"

Surpassing yourself, being true to yourself

Who wouldn't want to win when participating in a competition? But there can only be one winner, and KC has a deep understanding of competitions. "There were 19 opponents; it would be a lie to say I didn't want to win, I definitely wanted a ranking. But when the judges called 'First call out,' I already considered myself to have won. In fact, the moment I stepped on stage, I no longer cared if I won an award or what my ranking was, because when you see everyone is at a similar level, you know you have no regrets about the process, you gave it your all, and you no longer compare yourself to others! In the end, I got fourth place and a small medal. I was true to myself, and I have no regrets."

"Stepping onto that stage, I already considered myself to have won, no regrets!"

Difficult, but will not give up

When asked if KC ever thought about giving up, he replied, "I did think about it, but not much. The hardest part was waking up early to do cardio, especially before the competition when I had to cut carbs. I was completely drained, lacking energy, and easily irritable! Plus, I work in education and deal with many things, and at that moment, I felt the world was so annoying. What was all this hardship for? But I decided to participate myself, and I was almost at the very end. I asked myself, why shouldn't I finish it? Why should I give up? Do your best, and at least the outcome will make you proud, and proud of everyone who helped you. In the end, I persevered."

"It's really tough, but I'd ask myself, why should I give up? Do your best, and at least you'll be proud of yourself!"

Loves to challenge himself

Never Give Up is currently holding a four-trail hiking challenge, and when asked if KC was interested in participating, he was thrilled: "I love hiking! I've hiked many mountains in Hong Kong. As I mentioned earlier, I love to challenge myself, so I searched online for the most difficult mountains. There's one called Ghost Hand Rock, and I conquered it in 12 hours." Unexpectedly, KC has already conquered Ghost Hand Rock, and he also stated that he will participate in our four-trail challenge and collect all the medals!

"I saw online that the most difficult mountain was 'Ghost Hand Rock,' so I went and conquered it!"

Life Motto

Towards the end of the interview, we always ask each guest to share their life motto and what "Never Give Up" means to them, embodying the idea of life influencing life. "I really do have a life motto! People often say that perseverance is hard and giving up is easy; but for me, perseverance is easy, and giving up is hard! Because when I love something, it's really not that easy to give up! Just like 'Never Give Up,' it truly aligns with how I live my life. Once you decide to do something, don't give up, regardless of whether the outcome is success or failure. The most important thing is not to regret it! Giving up will leave regrets in your life, and life is actually very short. When you get old, you'll look back and wonder why you didn't finish it then? But if you did it at the time, when you're old, you'll look back and think, 'Luckily, I had that wonderful memory'."

"For me, perseverance is easy, and giving up is hard! Because when you love something, it's not that easy to give up!"

Many thanks to KC for accepting our interview. Every time we share with a guest, we gain new insights. We hope that you, the reader of this athlete column, will also find something meaningful. Never Give Up will continue to inspire lives by sharing the story of every athlete, and there will always be one that resonates with you.

By Ho.W.K.

NGU