7th degree black belt grandmaster, author, TV host and Maryland's Master Method Academy founder Marco "Babyface" Sies named Outstanding International Leader in Martial Arts for third Hall of Fame induction
ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Master Marco "Babyface" Sies, 7-time kickboxing world champion, 7th degree black belt grandmaster, author, television show host and founder of Maryland's Master Method Academy, received his third Hall of Fame induction on Saturday at the 2013 Martial Arts World Magazine International Hall of Fame Awards, held at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Florida.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131119/PH19406-a )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131119/PH19406-b )
This induction, for "Outstanding International Leader in Martial Arts," was Sies' third. The first was awarded in 2002 by the World Karate Ratings as a "Legend in Kickboxing," and the second was Master Instructor of the Year awarded in 2008 at Madison Square Garden in New York City by the late Grandmaster Aaron Banks and World Professional Martial Arts Organization.
"I don't believe there has been any other Chilean who has achieved more world titles or awards in their athletic career," remarks Lawrence Lamonica, President of the Chilean-American Foundation in Washington, DC. "And now, Master Sies is being recognized as an Outstanding International Leader in Martial Arts, which brings his impressive list of accomplishments to another level of excellence. He truly represents Chile and the U.S. in a way that should make both countries very proud."
After leaving Chile in pursuit of his dream of becoming a world champion, Sies spent years training on his own in humble conditions, including a make-shift kicking bag fashioned by cushions found in a dumpster tied to a tree, and running up and down stairs in a mall parking lot. He even struggled homeless for a time, but young and hungry for any opportunity, Sies took small fights for pennies, and eventually worked his way up to a national title fight that sparked even bigger prospects. On July 21, 2000, Sies earned his first world championship from the United States Kickboxing Association, and over the following 5 years acquired six more world titles.
In 2011, Sies founded The Master Method Academy, offering martial arts and fitness programs, and community outreach to schools, organizations and businesses. He explains, "My intention was to not only help people become healthy physically, but to help give them the tools to feel better inside, to live better, and to teach them how to create their own success, happiness and feel true inner peace."
As Master Sies savors his most recent achievement, he reflects on his life—from his humble beginnings in Chile, his struggles coming to America, to his victories and excitement of this weekend's award festivities. One would think the challenges and successes of this forty-year-old champion would be enough to fill a lifetime, but Sies says he is excited to see what his next forty has in store.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Julie Sies
Office: 301-570-0010
Cell: 301-237-9291
Email
www.MasterMethodAcademy.com