​Some people see boxing, karate and kung fu on TV, wondering what life might be like as a professional fighter. Similar to these events, Muay Thai is an all-standing form of fighting that focuses on eight key body points as “targets:” both fists, elbows, knees and shins.

​Senior Chris Zajac is a nationally acclaimed Muay Thai fighter who found his calling to fight around two years ago.

​Although Zajac started the activity not long ago, his love for the art in its various forms has been with him for a lot longer.

​“I’ve been in martial arts my whole life,” Zajac said. “It’s a passion I have always had.”

​During the summer of 2013, Zajac competed in a tournament held in Iowa where he earned a national title in Muay Thai.

​“I fought on a Saturday and won the first knock-out round to move onto the championship bout,” Zajac said. “The championship bout went the distance and I won a unanimous decision.”

​The tournament consisted of a six man bracket with fights throughout an entire weekend. Zajac was awarded a “by” on the first fight due to his experience in the sport.

​The awarding of the title was a great moment for Zajac.

​“I was so proud of myself for winning with all the pain I went through in training,” Zajac said. “It was truly a fight I will never forget.”

​Muay Thai has more recently become a popular activity in both the United States and Canada. The sport is also notorious for causing injuries, like most other sports involving contact. Zajac believes he has been lucky to not have experienced serious injuries so far in his career.

​“I have had many cuts and stitches, but no broken bones,” Zajac said. “[Fighting] takes a hefty toll on your body.”

​Although Zajac has had considerable success in high fighting career thus far, he does not think he will incorporate Muay Thai into his long-term goals.

​“I love martial arts,” Zajac said. “But always hurting people isn’t my choice of job.”