The journey of Jono Almond to Tulum Muay Thai is a unique one with an amazing outcome.
Jono actually retired in 2021 after suffering a loss against WBC 7th-ranked fighter Alex Roberts in the Muay Thai Grand Prix.
Having to deal with the pandemic and dealing with all the covid implemented restrictions, with no end in sight, Jono lost a lot of love for the sport, struggling to stay in the condition required to produce as a high-level Muay Thai fighter and enough was enough.
Believing his time in Muay Thai was done, and at piece with his achievements, it was time. Out of the blue, Muay Thai and Lethwei fighter and trainer Eddie Farrell of Tulum Muay Thai in Mexico contacted Jono, and discussions were had.
Regarding Jono visiting Mexico and holding some pads, taking one day at a time and seeing where it could progress. In January 2022, Jono Almond packed up his life in Australia, rolled the dice and headed off to Tulum Mexico.
During his time of retirement, Jono blew up to the region of 115kgs, was out of shape and was not looking or feeling good about himself. He landed in Mexico with a mission to get back in shape and become an active fighter again.
Since doing this, Jono hasn’t looked back, going from strength to strength, stating he’s mentally and physically in a great place, winning fights, and enjoying training, fighting and the adventures of Muay Thai.
This is how Jono Almond went from an out-of-shape 115kgs to walking around a lean 97kg Muay Thai warrior.
Jono Almond Muay Thai Routine
Hey Jono, its great to be having this conversation with you, what does a typical day in the life of Jono Almond look like?
Jono: “In the mornings wake up at 6:15 am every morning, have my multivitamins, magnesium, and fresh Orange Juice. I arrive at the gym at 6:30am and run between 3 and 5kms. Following this I skip and shadow box for about 15 minutes, before moving onto hard pad rounds that vary in how many I do, depending on the day but a minimum of 4 rounds.
Then it’s time for bag work and a cool down before I put the pads on to hold for the class that starts at 7:30am. I usually hold an average of 10 rounds per session, which is great for conditioning before joining with the class to complete drills in sparring and clinching. The trainers and students then finish with light strength and conditioning, which consists of sit ups, push ups, pull ups and stretching exercises.
Usually were all wrapped up and out of the gym by 9:30am.”
Afternoon Session
“I go for a light short run in the afternoon, before returning to the gym for skipping, shadow boxing then pads.
During the afternoon I try to more focus on technique so the intensity is less compared to the morning session. After I again hold pads for the students we focus more on sparring where I get my solid rounds in finishing up with either body or leg conditioning.”
Diet and Recovery
“I eat a lot of meat, as a larger guy I find that a higher concentration of quality meat is far better for me, my body and my health.
After morning training I go to a particular taco stand where I eat liver and rice tacos and get fresh squeezed orange or watermelon juice. For lunch I eat light, usually a coffee with some chicken, eggs and avocado and maybe a Gatorade, this would be a minimum of 2 hours before my afternoon session. Dinner is my biggest meal of the day. I make sure to eat enough to fill and satisfy my body to see me through to the morning session.
Once again this consists of a lot of meat plates, mainly Argentinian BBQ along with a burrito or some tacos with rice, to get some carbs in me. I focus more on red meat but still eat fresh fruit and juice. Water is also a key staple in my diet along with vitamins”.
Recovery
“Recovery and looking after your body is also very important, particularly if you are older or active at a high level. I ice bath at least 5 to 7 times per week, stretch and meditate incorporating a lot of breathing exercises. A healthy and clear mind goes a long way to a healthy and fit body.
Id like to take this quick opportunity to thank Eddie Farrell and everyone at Tulum Muay Thai for believing in me and getting me back to amazing condition.”
That’s was the incredible story of how Jono Almond overcame retirement, and returned to his career as a Muay Thai warrior.
Image Credit Jono Almond
