NEVER GIVE UP: The Story of John Wayne Parr

Learn from Legends: www.legendarystriking.com
“I want to be remembered as a warrior. And I will live my life to prove it.”
At the age of 11 years old, John Wayne Parr discovered the love of his life. From his first day at the taekwondo school, to eventually moving over to kickboxing, John Wayne knew he was going to dedicate his life to becoming a martial artist.
When JWP was 19, he moved to Thailand and spent 5 years living in a hardcore Muay Thai gym. This was in the 90s, before the days of smartphones, instant messaging and social media.
He would become a 10-time world champion, fighting and beating some of the top Thai champions, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of fighters to pursue their passion.
As JWP gleefully recount in precise details the bare bones living condition that bred champions in the ring, here are some life lessons we can learn from him.
Pursuing your passion isn’t always glamorous. But true passion can give you meaning to overcome the bad days.
Life is short, don’t take yourself too seriously.
You can always find something to laugh about even in the face of adversity.
JWP is a natural storyteller with a hilarious, self-deprecating sense of humour. Enjoy his epic story.
#muaythai #humansoffighting #documentary #muaythaidocumentary #muaythaistories #johnwayneparr
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[@LawrenceKenshin]

“I want to be remembered as a warrior. And I will live my life to prove it.” At the age of 11 years old, John Wayne Parr discovered the love of his life. From his first day at the taekwondo school, to eventually moving over to kickboxing, John Wayne knew he was going to dedicate his life to becoming a martial artist. When JWP was 19, he moved to Thailand and spent 5 years living in a hardcore Muay Thai gym. This was in the 90s, before the days of smartphones, instant messaging and social media. He would become a 10-time world champion, fighting and beating some of the top Thai champions, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of fighters to pursue their passion. As JWP gleefully recount in precise details the bare bones living condition that bred champions in the ring, here are some life lessons we can learn from him. Pursuing your passion isn’t always glamorous. But true passion can give you meaning to overcome the bad days. Life is short, don’t take yourself too seriously. You can always find something to laugh about even in the face of adversity. JWP is a natural storyteller with a hilarious, self-deprecating sense of humour. Enjoy his epic story.

[@brucele2776]

He is a nice guy.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

@@brucele2776 indeed

[@anonymousshawn9996]

Do u remember all the Facebook memes of him back in like, 2008? That’s how I learned about him.

[@jav.angel1205]

Just awesome !! Thank you for making this documentary. I really enjoyed. Plus I liked that is was longer than usual.. Almost 40 mins ! Please consider making other long videos. You do a exceptional job.

[@darkchild130]

This dude is fucking awesome.

[@jakkri1]

I see why the thais appreciate him so much. He is such a likeable and humble guy his passion is what he is living for. BIG RESPECT !

[@LawrenceKenshin]

humility so important

[@ubet6691]

My sentiments exactly! What a guy 🙏🏼

[@MasterofPlay7]

he looks like a killer though xD

[@Lootakitt]

He’s a Thai lol

[@JohnAnderson-oo2wb]

Tidy

[@jheath76]

Now who’s gonna try and say that when he got to speaking about his Dad it didn’t bring a tear to your eyes?

[@Team_Banchamek]

John Wayne is such a nice person, you can’t help but love him

[@LawrenceKenshin]

buakaw!

[@olimpicus]

@@LawrenceKenshin wow

[@area609joe2]

He is beyond nice. I have always read how amazing he is towards kids.

[@KathyiaS]

Totally! He sounds like such a generous and humble guy.

[@connorjennings6093]

He’s got the bearing of a thai. Seems very cheery and humble

[@LawrenceKenshin]

indeed! great observation!

[@drgreenthumb2607]

We are lucky in my opinion in Australia having a strong Asian influence our sociology has taught us humbleness and inner peace. Not all Australians jump on board, but it makes sense to many of us. ✌️

[@billybandana8]

@@drgreenthumb2607 mate this country for the most part treat asians pretty poorly lol, this is coming from a thai aussie

[@buttsniffa7469]

@@billybandana8 ok "Tony Stewart", sure you are

[@billybandana8]

@@buttsniffa7469 yep my name is tony lol

[@MassageASMR]

I have had the pleasure to be trained by Wayne, he is an absolute legend of a man. Now my son has the pleasure to be trained by his daughter. His gym has such a welcoming feeling to it.

[@zenfonedavid4466]

his daughter is cute, no..she is pretty. rare for a fighter

[@sadderbythecloud]

@SkimShark Mic gold coast Australia mate :)

[@Psilocybins]

Boonchu yewwwww

[@mozzie67]

@SkimShark Mic and just to piggy back on top no she does not, she does however teach some of the classes, I trained there for 5 years before I moved too far away and can honestly say the whole family are the nicest people in the world

[@themonsterbaby]

@@zenfonedavid4466 not sure what her looks have to do with anything but there are plenty of beautiful fighters out there. But who cares, as long as they are dedicated fighters and bring it when it's time to perform...

[@mvvkiran]

His Smile, His Laugh, they come straight from the heart... there's absolutely no filter and it's full of emotion... He's a great guy, I believe likeable the very instant someone gets the know him. From the rest of the comments, I think I am right :) 17:00 xD xD xD xD

[@LawrenceKenshin]

such a great energy

[@peterwaldie4478]

Muay thai is probably the toughest full contact sport ,yet the fighters are the most humble and honest as this interview proves. J.W.P is a credit to Australia and muay thai

[@DacsterMC]

How can you not love this guy? True legend of the sport and such a nice guy

[@LawrenceKenshin]

true legend for sure !

[@olegb139]

My love for him is all but gone after he went anti vax, posting dangerous advice and misinformation. "Never meet your heroes..."

[@WafeWegu]

@@olegb139 at least he stayed true to him self and didnt just be pro vax cus everybody is going for it, so that just makes him so much better that he stayed true to what he believes, just in the way of muay thai culture.

[@olegb139]

@@WafeWegu "at least he stayed true to himself". So he's putting others lives at risk and it's okay with you bc he's staying true to what he believes? Are you serious? People are still dying, loosing jobs, loosing money from COVID but you support a guy that believes it's not real. You're very very stupid.

[@JohnPedder]

JWP never passes up the opportunity on 3 things: - showing his vulnerability - showing his comedic nature - switching from those 2 things, to bloodlust warrior as soon as that bell rings And let me tell you something, those 3 things are hard for any man to do. Let alone for an Aussie to do in Australia considering we've got this 'gotta be a hard man' mentality 24/7. This lad has always been against the odds, even the Aussie media never gave this man a throne when he had world titles to his belt; JWP the world champ, but also the Australian champion of the World. For years and years, he was the GOAT in Australia yet wasn't a household name. Definitely a hall of fame sports star in Australia, whether he's got the title for that or not. JWP is a living legend. Period.

[@globalcrossing3099]

That's because the studies of wolf alphas was done in captivity, and we have been brainwashed into thinking you have to be a fucking dick. That's not real leadership, it's fear. When these assholes meet real alpha in the wild, they get fucked up!!!

[@vipr1142]

The way he says "superstar" lmao. Like a girl: 07:42 in the video til 44 or something

[@jordanbabcock9349]

Australia has been home to many World Treasures. Steve Irwin, John Wayne Parr..

[@Wezleechadd1327]

How can anybody not love John wayne parr? The toughest most humble farang ever. Deserves to be spoken about in the same regard as Ramon Dekkers. Never-ending respect 🙏

[@ChucksterOLove]

I didn't plan on watching this entire video, but once I started watching I couldn't stop. Parr is a legend and he is an amazing person as well. Such an amazing story, talk about dedication... 👍

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@suhribzevolution645]

ผมคนไทยรักและชื่นชมคุณมาก คุณไม่ลืมประเทศไทยที่คุณเติบโตมา แม้แต่ตอนบัวขาวได้รับรางวัลใน K1 2004คุณก็ร่วมแสดงความยินดีกับบัวขาว และพูดคุยกับบัวขาวด้วยภาษาไทย

[@jammiedodger629]

John is one of the most decent, kind and humble people I've ever had the privilege of meeting. Even in victory he is kind, considerate and thoughtful and empathetic of his opponent.

[@StephenMoore777]

Man, this had me crying. Amazing insight to an amazing fighter. Cheers for the vid

[@LawrenceKenshin]

let it flow bro! cheers!

[@EcsMurphy]

Dude shut your sensitive ass up

[@EcsMurphy]

.....nvm I cried

[@o-654]

@@EcsMurphy Real men don't cry. We sweat from our eyes.

[@Denis-cp2zq]

@@o-654 cry cry

[@leventealmasy]

Mr.Parr smile, reminds me to the sneaky Thai smile , respectful kind on the outside hiding deadly warrior inside. It is truly amazing what he has achieved! His legacy will be remembered for long time ! Great Production again 👍!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Well said!!

[@naomiminame6855]

Notice how many times he says "I've been lucky/fortunate". Such a humble man, he's a living treasure.

[@omarwest2430]

15:21 "I just got to ring! ... Ah... I can't ring." Hit me like a truck. I love the way he speaks. Simple yet powerful.

[@EcsMurphy]

This man is so brave to open up about his father, great respect from Ireland.

[@dersatansschuh4426]

JWP is a hero as a fighter and such a good soul. I respect him a lot as a fighter but to me, he's even more of a role model as a human!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

great role model

[@elcanaldejohnbo-linemanpue3143]

Mark Hunt ,mi peliador favorito!

[@dersatansschuh4426]

@@elcanaldejohnbo-linemanpue3143 lo mismo para mi jajaja

[@elcanaldejohnbo-linemanpue3143]

@@dersatansschuh4426 ,,,ja ja saludos desde Puerto Rico 🇵🇷... Respeto y amor

[@dersatansschuh4426]

@@elcanaldejohnbo-linemanpue3143 Saludos desde Alemania! Espero que vosotros estan sanos! Mucha suerte en el tiempo que viene

[@allen1976able]

My sister and i would watch contender and jwp was our favorite and every time he won we would jump and cheer for him and once we jumped on our new sofa and it broke and we laughed like hell. We had tears in our eyes when he lost to yodsanklai.what a fight that was.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

really great show

[@allen1976able]

@@LawrenceKenshin yeah that was a great show and thats where i came to know about muay thai and fell in love with that fighting style.

[@richardhenry1969]

This is probably the most honest an very real fighter. Listening to him you see his love for the sport an how much you have to put into it, body an soul. What a amazing man thank you for sharing this.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Well said!!

[@WHANAUPEACE]

Mad RESPECT man. MAD Respect from a Kiwi to a fellow Anzac. R.I.P to your Dad. You're a true warrior man. Only a real man shows his emotion and love. A warrior can fight to the death but still return home to his family with love and peace in his heart.

[@josephisblessedallhonorngl2511]

I respect the fact that this warrior keeps it real. Nothing sugarcoated at all . Thank u. JOHN WAYNE

[@mdubleyew7924]

John Wayne Parr criminally underrated.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

he's great

[@mdubleyew7924]

@@LawrenceKenshin He seems to have more recognition for what he has done in Thailand rather than here in Australia, it's insane. Great example of someone who loves the sport and culture for what it is, as opposed to what it can do for him.

[@doncataldo167]

Hard to hear someone like JWP is having a hard time having to leave something he loves so much. I'm sure John will never read this, but you still have fighting in your life. Everyone you teach and coach will have a part of you in them when they fight. When your students start coaching, your influence will continue to be passed on. You will always be a fighter John. Completing in the ring is just one form of fighting. You will be remembered and your career is celebrated. I hope you find satisfaction and fulfillment in this new stage of your life, as a respected teacher and a legend.

[@anonymousdude5550]

You can tell by John Wayne Parr mannerisms that he has become Thai. The humbleness, laughter, joking, and smiling Wayne Parr has really become a Legendary Thai Old Man. Haha man, what a legend

[@annis750]

How can you not like JWP? What a humble legend.

[@playmaker3901]

This hits even harder after his final match last night. Glad he got a massive ovation especially during his emotional post fight interview. Forever living legend.

[@seanfagan6727]

Hard to believe this sweet natured guy is such a devastating warrior in the ring. Great guy.

[@jheath76]

Wow,so honest,humble and respectful, you can do nothing but like this guy,WHY did it take so long for me to come across this guy?

[@qt4814]

Australian Muay Thai Royalty 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽 Amazing job Lawrence 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@LawrenceKenshin]

thank you for the support bro!

[@jdiaz8819]

I commented on his page on Instagram and mentioned how he went to Back to Thailand and then slipped money into the hand of his Thai father the family he stayed with, he replied and I will always remember that was awesome.a true gentleman

[@darkhorse75be]

If we could all be like John Wayne Parr the world would be a better place indeed...

[@sizzer33]

what a guy.. JWP vs buakaw probably one of the first fight i watched on youtube. i was hooked on muay thai ever since

[@LawrenceKenshin]

great guy to hook u on with!

[@Kalpanikbhagwan]

Only one word... Respect to this warrior Wayne Parr

[@Boro_MuayThai]

As someone thats been such a failure in life (i dropped out of school, and haven’t really made much of myself and I struggle with mental problems) all i ever wanted to do was make my parents proud but i never could, my fathers very ill with kidney failure and every day i fear of losing him, whenever i leave for training he says “go kick some butt” and i feel like i can finally do something he can be proud of, hearing John talk about losing his father to cancer and his fight where he had to get up and keep going for his father really hit hard but was very inspirational. What a legendary human being.

[@deucey89]

What an absolute legend 🇦🇺

[@tongandeathgrip901]

He said "I was somewhat successful". In that time he was undefeated. I love this guy! Respect and love from New Zealand brother.

[@Jonwallachio]

JWP the nicest killer you could ever meet

[@LawrenceKenshin]

great champion

[@supernomadx]

All respect to John, what a way to live life. He summed up well the difference of western ThaiBoxing and the Thai. If you want to learn muay thai, you need to go to Thailand. I learned that the wrong way, spending years in local gyms looking for authentic muay thai.. Most gyms will sell you the aerobic stuff which John talks about, even if you want to train seriously, or the european version of muay thai which is basically kickboxing or boxing with some kicks. The true art and spirit of MuayThai can be found only in thailand and i imagine in very few gyms around the rest of the world.

[@mightyPants]

Never thought I'd laugh and cry (the part about his father) just watching one person talk. Honest and humble despite everything he's achieved. Thank you very much for the interview and upload.

[@MrShihTzuchoco]

im here after Joe Ragan menthined this bloke to A.Volkanovski .what a guys so much love and passion for the sport .amazing

[@tongandeathgrip901]

I wish I could like this 10000000 times.

[@darrelljohns8376]

I have always liked this man as a fighter but more of who he is as a bloke!! Who couldn’t love him!! What a brilliant legendary rippa of a bloke!!

[@revidffum4735]

Who would dislike such a great story?!?

[@sbk2262]

I met Wayne Parr twice at Penrith panthers on 2 separate fight nights at the after fight gatherings,he is so humble and so down to earth,I also met his father, who looked and acted very similar,very decent men,he let me stay in the dressing room while preparing for the Greg Foley fight with Paul Briggs,he was so relaxed before the fight.

[@screaminguitarist]

JWP!! the living legend, i admire this guy so much. Can't wait to see him in the ring again. Really dig the human of fighting series lawrence!!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

cheers for support!

[@1977jelliott]

JWP has retired

[@screaminguitarist]

@@1977jelliott he signed with ONE champsionship this year! :)

[@1977jelliott]

@@screaminguitarist oh wow! What a bloody warrior 👍

[@rawbbingmysellph7464]

@@screaminguitarist WOW WTF!!! Really???

[@freemind1229]

I literally grew up watching him, he is always humble yet deadly. My inspiration, thank you champ!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

cheers for watching!

[@Paratemori]

Legendary fighter, great person, small ego 🙏💪

[@LawrenceKenshin]

great words

[@kingpete8811]

I wish I could be half the person Parr is ... not the fighter but the person .. what a great man

[@rossevans7347]

How could you not love this guy! No wonder he doesnt have any haters 👌🏼👍🏼

[@jonkrapper]

Whoever hits the dislike problem has severe problems! Great documentary! Thank you Lawrence!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

much love

[@calebmouth]

Must be tae kwon do people

[@ryanjosiah9605]

Enlightenment Through the Path of The Warrior

[@markfollon9434]

J.WP. The definition of a champion sense of the word.

[@casskop]

What a fella. I could listen to him talk all day

[@new.Creation.In.Christ]

Had the privilege of training under JWP at boonchu gym back in 2014 the parrs are one awesome family much love n respect!

[@randymuaythai492]

you are a great fighter n a great person. the story about you fought while your dad is also struggling with cancer makes me cry. I don't know what to do if I have to fight under that kind of pressure. what a respectable man.

[@willmc6728]

i fought at the Beenleigh Tav back in the early 90's, promoted by the Briggs family. I was the final fight of the night and lost by majority decision. I remember watching this skinny kid on the undercard, his name was Wayne Parr. What a journey you've had. JWP "legend"

[@myamotomusashi7196]

This guy laughs so much, he is such a humble and a sympathetic guy. It would be an honour to meet him one day. :-) He made me cry, I remembered my Teacher Hubert Numrich also an icon of Martial Arts unfortunately he died this year because of cancer. Best wishes from Darmstadt Germany!

[@davideaw-lab6542]

In japan he was one of the most terrifying fighter that any other contender don't want to fight. So proud to see people can know a part of him. Great man

[@o00user00o]

everytime i feel like shit and become lazy, i watch this video and it gets me back on track.

[@vacinden]

What an incredible guy! Thank you Lawrence Kenshin for bringing this to us, much appreciated.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

cheers for supporting!

[@shogunsh0]

God I'd upvote this 1,000,000 times if I could. What a great story his life makes, especially when we're the same age and share such a strong passion for martial arts. Thank you Lawrence, another amazing piece.

[@bushidowarrior4917]

Mr. Parr, you are a true “GENTLE GIANT”... You have always been my favourite fighter. Your dad is prouder now than he ever was..... We all love you.... Thank You for all that you have given us.... Your loyal fans...

[@michaeljordan4358]

If we could have more people like John Wayne , this world will be a better place .

[@gwbenites]

What a genuine, super nice and humble guy.

[@HumanAction1]

Living legend and the absolute gold standard in humility and sportsmanship

[@dirksmith896]

I lived in oz in 90s as a fighter and I was best friends with Wayne's trainers.. Blair and steve vick.. Wayne (John Wayne) was a wide eyed kid having his first few fights and even then was a nice natured young respectful lad.. So great to see he's done so well for himself

[@lustforlow-end6022]

I love how humble this guy seems. He comes across as a real gentleman. No arrogance. 👍

[@mnkystyle]

This guys a true legend of Muay Thai

[@Ark-Hive_DJ]

Enjoying this SO much. Watching in 5 min intervals, treating it like chapters of a book. Very inspiring. The part about boogeyman anxiety and then realising we're all human and equally vulnerable. Love it

[@blacksabbath2559]

This man is a true warrior , he dares to live and learn like a thaï boxer , he is so humble. He has succeded in every aspect of his life thanks to his passion.

[@davidkeep6526]

LEGEND!!!!! By far the best Australian Muay Thai fighter and presents a great argument for the best Western Muay Thai fighter full stop! His fights with Iron Mike and The Preacher were stuff of legend in Australian fight history! I miss him laying the " big cabosh " on some poor opponent. Respect JWP.

[@zanehso8783]

John Wayne Parr, I cried listening to your testimony. Have a new life afresh after your retirement. You are indeed a very good human being. All the best. ❤️👍👍

[@trevorclausen2994]

So humble and real, my old Trainor,stu chambers,was the first man to tell me about John Wayne parr, he idolised him years ago,he was dead right, stay blessed John Wayne parr and family.🌹🌹🌹

[@bula9737]

My goodness he is one lovely human. Wow ❤️ He’s so soft spoken. So driven. Stood in the face of his fears and took it head on. You don’t find too many like this one. May he live on in the hearts of future lovers of the sport.

[@howtofish5051]

Followed your fights for many years, never saw a bad performance. Gutsy, talented and humble. True champion.

[@wayneblackman6407]

My Parr you have paid your dues Champ.

[@Brdr685]

Honestly how can u not love JWP. Even coming from nz watching as many fights of him as I could, and sometimes going for his opponent, I have so much respect for and know it is going to be a war

[@freaker126]

the first time I knew about john parr was I think in the Asia contender Tv show. Everyone was saying how he's a legend. I don't think youtube exists back then. So, there wasn't any way to watch his fights. I'm not sure if I saw him again on youtube or tv but remember his wife lost in a fight and he thought they were wrong. lol. I don't know why suddenly I was thinking of him just now and thought I'll search a john parr highlights. I also saw this on recommendations. Glad somebody did an interview with him. Also happy to know that he has his own successful gym. Cheers mate!

[@area609joe2]

#JWP is amazing, I been a fan for over 20 years. So easy why people gravitate toward him. He has an incredible positive presence. Might be the fan boy in me but his smile is contagious. I Wish him a speedy Recovery after Hip Replacement.

[@dungkung479]

John Wayne, your smile is very Thai. The Thai spirit will probably flow around you.

[@orezutic4685]

what a gracious and dear man this is

[@johnjoe1934]

I shed a tear for him there. A humble man who was very good at his chosen profession. A great watch, very inspiring.

[@stevieferdian3037]

The one and only he's a Legendary fighter from australia one and only🙏

[@Blueskylights]

Sad thing is there is not much financial support on this dangerous yet beautiful sport.nothing but love for this true martial artist.he lived mine and so many guys dream.

[@lowlowseesee]

ive heard of this man for yeeeeears. im 40 and being doing martial arts on and off since the 90s. i didnt know anything about him and i for sure didnt know he was like this. what a pleasure. thanks for this

[@Ida-ys7sr]

I seriously just want to hug him! He has the demeanour of a Thai, and just so humble, nice and funny. You can feel the passion for fighting just flowing out of him, so much of what he said had me go "Exactly! That is exactly how I feel! You are so right!" out loud. What an inspiring human being. So much respect for JWP.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Very huggable

[@SwordOfS]

This is what a Champion is.

[@BB-fn2eb]

Watch this warrior since I was young. He had the heart of a lion tough as nails and such a humble person. God bless John Wayne Parr.

[@82sanglee]

The way he speaks puts smile on my face but had tears in my eyes every time he mention about his dad....such a loving n humble guy....Godspeed.....

[@jeffmurray6219]

John Wayne Parr is not only a great warrior but a great man respected and loved worldwide.

[@Changa007]

This man is not only a gentleman and true Australian ambassador but also an Australian Muay Thai warrior, not a want to be but a true Muay Thai warrior, lived it, owned it and devoted his life to it, I have met JWP in person and done some training with him, done exhibitions at the Gold Coast Surf n Ink, hell, I was even a boxing bag for his wife who is also a well accomplished kickboxer and hell of a fighter also that folded me in half with kicks. I will follow him, his wife, his daughter and the gym for years to come, a true inspiration to anyone interested or involved in Muay Thai 😊

[@darrenmumberson7477]

you are a warrior mate and so humble

[@AerosolKid95]

Damn the story about his dad and the Yodsonklai fight seriously had me close to tears. What a legend and a fuckin awesome guy.

[@luketobin7987]

Fellow Aussie this man is an absolute crystal to our country Very very humble and such a real human Gorgeous family Great people Much love for the Parr family ♥️💪🤟

[@oldeenglish64]

What a beast! A humble beast!

[@abolition1889]

There’s nothing but passion in his voice. JWP is and always will be a legend!

[@orxorx8561]

John " no long showers" parr 😄. What a great person. Much respect for him.