RIP Alex Gong – We will not forget you.

At around midnight last night it hit me, August 1st was here and to me I never forget what that means. It means a memory which lesson will be burned into my being for the rest of my life. On that day, a future, a mentor and and a friend died from an avoidable event.

Alex “F-14” Gong, known as a Muay Thai Champion fighter, owner of Fairtex USA Muay Thai Camp and Gear was born October 14 1970 and passed on August 1, 2003. I will not go into his entire life history as I know it, but his achievements have inspired me in many ways in the direction my life has now taken. We worked very closely together professionally as well as shared ideas for our personal life. The fact of the matter at the end was he was murdered over a trivial matter.

Alex was training at his San Francisco Fairtex location while a car allegedly hit his car parked outside but within sight. A hit and run! However some accounts say that the car circled around and Alex was able to recognize the car. The next  part is where we are able to make life saving or threatening decisions. Alex, ever the fighter, decided to catch up to the criminal who had violated his property. While still barefoot from training, he chased the car down the San Francisco streets and caught up to it while traffic stopped for a red light. There was an exchange of words to the effect of Alex demanding the driver step out of the car. A bystander reported that Alex then punched in one of the windows of the car. Then a gun appeared from the car aiming point blank close range at the Muay Thai Champion. A single shot was fired and dropped him in the middle of the street. My friend lost his life laying barechested, barefoot still wearing his Thai shorts and a glove. I cannot stop the picture from my mind.

I have vivid memories of learning of the event. even more disturbing was the first experience at having to personally relay the messages to students and friends. At which always was met with disbelief. I hated being the one to convey the reality that someone was no longer with us.  I have taken trips with loved ones to certain places where Alex loved to be and I can feel him there, but those in my camp know, I can feel him most while I am at my camp. When I feel tired and defeated, I can hear his voice always pushing to me. Like his shorts said, “Never Give Up!”. So I push. Some don’t understand my drive, but it comes from him and how I want to honor him but thinking of my own future. Celebrating his death with the future of my family. To continue his champion drive as a martial artist and entrepreneur. To realize our planned dreams of running the best Muay Thai programs in as many schools possible. But that is not success. Success is happiness.

I can tell you all how happy I am to have known him and have his spirit live through me. He was special in the fact that he was like no other and his passion led him to a high plane. His passion also made him do rash things , one of which cost him his life. So to you Alex “F-14” I will not forget you, and the lessons of your life and death shall be passed on my friend…