SPRING 2013 8 WEEKS TO WOW LIST OF FINALISTS

The countdown for the winner of RM15,000 or AUD$5,000 continues with the announcement of 25 Finalists today.  The 25 finalists were shortlisted from the 50 Semi-Finalists through votes by OBC-Australia and COBC Malaysia licensees.

Twelve thousand votes were cast to select the semi-finalist via online voting that commenced on Friday, 15 November 2013 and ended on Monday, 18 November2013. Eight Malaysian were voted into the 50 semi-finalists.

This afternoon at 2pm (Malaysia time), Chief Brabon, the founder and Master Trainer of the Chief's Original Bootcamp announced the 25 finalists and we are proud to see three (3) Malaysian were voted into the finals. The three Malaysians are Ramdan Parman, Ken Ann Lim and Kok Chung Loh.

SPRING 2013 "EIGHT WEEKS TO WOW" SEMI FINALISTS

The Original Bootcamp, Australia (known as the Chief's Original Bootcamp in Malaysia (COBC)) announced the list of semi-finalists for the recent 8 Weeks to Wow challenge. The 8 Weeks to Wow or formerly known as the 8 Weeks Challenge commenced on 2 September 2013 and ended on 27 October 2013. The program challenged recruits at the COBC for a complete physical and lifestyle transformation in just 8 weeks.

Those who participated was required to submit their picture before they began the challenge and took a picture again after the challenge which ended on 27 October 2013. Those pictures were made available online for the public to vote on 15 November 2013 and ended on 18 November 2013. When the voting ended, those profile pictures were closed for viewing and the judges assessed the voting before the announcement.

12,000 people cast their votes and those voted into the fifty Semi Finals are as follows...

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH KHAIRULMUZZAMIR MAT KASIM

Khairulmuzzamir Mat Kassim or more fondly known as Corporal (COBC) Amir at the Chief's Original Bootcamp (COBC) fraternity is a born health and sports enthusiast. He graduated with Bachelor of Science with honors in Hotel Management specializing in food studies, hygiene and nutrition. Equipped with a sound knowledge in nutrition, his passion for training brought him further into police training for the rank of inspector at the Royal Malaysia Police.

The combined knowledge for nutrition and the passion for training coupled by his strong positive aptitude made Amir a suitable candidate for COBC instructor. He was head hunted by COBC Licensee and offered to joined the 'Reds' bandwagon where he further trained as a recruit in grey for three months before he was appointed as an instructor on probation at the COBC.

VOTE FOR THE BEST PHYSICAL AND HEALTH TRANSFORMATION

Penang recruit proudly photo-shoot their achievements

The tagline "Ordinary people achieving extra-ordinary result" made a huge impression when many from the Chief's Original Bootcamp (COBC) fraternity that participated in the recent 8 Weeks To Wow (8WTW) challenge stood out completely a different person. The winner of the challenge which draws participants from all over the world will win a grand prize of RM15,000.

There are dozens from Malaysia that participated and the public can vote online until Monday 10am (Malaysia time). To vote, goto https://www.facebook.com/OriginalBootcampHQ and to click on the “VOTE NOW” tab at the top of the page to start voting. 

Your votes do make a different. Please help this deserving people whom had tirelessly commit and dedicated themselves for a life changing transformation. It only take less than 5 minutes to choose the winner and only a few minutes to see a real life physical transformation that is only possible at the COBC.

At COBC, your result is our priority.

There are hundreds of head turning result at the link above but see and read a few of their life changing experience below. Click on picture to enlarge.

PLATOONS VERSUS PLATOONS SEASON 3

Cheerful picture of Adibah Mohamad in cap and spectacles

Platoon versus Platoon Season 3 is scheduled to be held on 18 January 2013 and will be organised in memory of Adibah Mohamad whom was our pioneer recruit that had attended the first battle and came to support us on our second platoon challenge while recovering from her surgery for breast cancer but she passed away shortly after the event. Adibah was our comrade at Bandar Utama Alpha and we are truely saddens by her demise. Adibah was truly an amazing women and a true inspiration to many. Please take a moment to read about Adibah at HERE.

What is the Platoon Versus Platoon? To avoid any confusion, Platoon versus Platoon is actually a Battalion versus Batalion. Traditionally in Australia, it was a platoon competing with another platoon but in Malaysia we merge all platoons at a location (battalion) and goes to war with another location (Battalion). This was organized to determine which platoon is the strongest in a friendly, enjoyable and slightly competitive way. It was also organized to enable recruit to meet with recruits at other locations and thus, broadening the networking of bootcampers. The first battle in Malaysia was organised in 2010 (For more information, read HERE) when COBC was under a different licensee. We took over the license the year after and organized the first battle in 2011 which you can read more at HERE. The second battle took place in 2012 and the details of which is available at HERE.

The winning platoon will have its platoon's name inscribed on the trophy. The first year saw Damansara Heights Highlanders as the Champion. Second year, Bandar Utama Spartans took the baton and was crowned as the Champion.

For the battle, all platoons at a location is merged as follows:

a) The merger of BU Alpha, BU Bravo and BU Dusk platoons as Bandar Utama Spartans.
b) The merger of DH Zulu and DH Charlie as Damansara Heights Highlanders. 
c) The merger of USJ1 Charlie and USJ1 Dusk as the Subang jaya Legends. 
d) The merger of Penang Alpha, Charlie and Zulu as one batallion.
d) Ampang
e) Cyberjaya 

COBC 3RD YEAR 'HALLOWEEN' ANNIVERSARY PARTY

When it is time to workout, we trained!! When it is time to work, we worked!! When it is time to run, we run!!! When it is time to sleep, we sleep!! When it is time to party... We party like there is no tomorrow!! If there is one trait that is common with recruits at the Chief's Original Bootcamp, we all learn to live life to the fullest.

The theme for the party was Halloween!! In conjunction with the party theme and as a countdown to the anniversary gatherings, we launched our 'training in theme' at all platoon to further excite the already hype program. The training in theme too would loosen up any barriers or walls between recruits in the spirit of camaraderie and of course, it would break the monotony of working out routine.
 
While the first Anniversary party theme was Superheroes that was attended by Superman, Batman, Ironman, Catwomen, Supergirl, Gorgeous girl yada yada... (See HERE for pictures) and the second Anniversary was Uniform and all the Generals, Hitler, Nurses, french maids and various fantasy-came-into-life dress wear (See HERE for pictures); the 3rd year anniversary theme was Halloween!! We figured, it was time for recruit to over-powered and be more scary than the instructors and we were right!! The instructors were so mild as compared to the scary recruits (good thing, they did not bully the instructors).

The Chief's Original Bootcamp celebrated its 3rd year anniversary at the Bravo Italiano Restaurant and Bistro in Damansara Perdana yesterday. I admit, it can be challenging recognizing recruits without their Grey training tee but to recognise them all looking sexily frightening was errr.. horrifying!

BRAVO ITALIANO RESTAURANT AND BISTRO AT DAMANSARA PERDANA

I passed by this restaurant almost everyday since it was open less than a year ago but we never stop by and dine until one day when we were exhausted of places to dine. We decided to give it a try. The restaurant is located at Damansara perdana and if you are coming from LDP or Penchala Link into Damansara Perdana, you can see the restaurant on the left hand side at the first traffic light.

The full address is at C-G-3A, Ritze Perdana 2,

Jalan PJU 8/1 Damansara Perdana,

Petaling Jaya, selangor

The restaurant has a good ambiance and relatively fast service with friendly and all smiley waiter and waitresses which is important to me. What is more important, the food taste better than the photos displayed. The price...? very reasonable!!

My favourite and a must have at every visit, is the mushroom soup!! Yes!! This is a must have before any meal. It only cost RM9.00 per big bowl. Secondly, the ceaser salad!! The portion, the salad dressing, cheese and beef bacon was literally a perfect salad to have.

I have been to the restaurant abit too frequent that I had most of the main menu including the kambing golek (yes, they roast lamb fresh on certain evenings). All the main menu especially the lasagna and the wide choices of spaghetti are all reasonably priced and are tasty.

Naturally, I brought along the core team member at the Chief's Original Bootcamp and this place was chosen as the next venue for the COBC Anniversary and party which will be held tomorrow, 10 November 2013 at 6pm.

If you need direction to the restaurant, click on google map below.

 

ZOMBIES AT DH ZULUS

Counting down closer to the Chief's Original Bootcamp 3rd year Anniversary celebration which will be held on 10 November 2013 at the Bravo Italianese in Damansara Perdana, we launched the inaugural training in the same Halloween theme at all platoon. Why Halloween theme? Well, why not? We have done more than 30 themes throughout COBC parties and dressing up in scary outfit seemed to be a good choice.  It was amazing to see the creativity and sportsmanship in COBC recruit whom attended the session and trained in fear.. I mean in style.

We had previously blogged the training in theme at other platoon namely for Bandar Utama Alpha, Bandar Utama Dusk, Ampang Dusk, Subang Jaya USJ1 and Cyberjaya Dusk (click on name to view).

To add up to the excitement, there will be consolation prize for the best dressed platoon. Guess who will be the winner? 

CHARMING HANTUS AT COBC CYBERJAYA

Cyberjaya platoon is one of the best training ground with complete facility which includes clean toilets and shower area. When COBC announced the theme for training as Halloween,  this was probably the only platoon with the whole recruit looking sweet and charming instead of horror and frightening. Well.. who says hantus needed to be scary.

CITIBANK AT COBC

The Chief's Original Bootcamp had the privilege to train 200 Citibank officers in a 90 minutes bootcamp challenge which took place at the Damansara Heights Community Centre on 7 November 2013. The event was honored by the presence of its Chief Executive Officer, Sanjeev Nanavati in a prize giving ceremony for the champion of the challenge. Sanjeev whom was appointed as the CEO in 2007 believes the success of Citibank falls in a strong team and this was proven with the challenge held today. The participants that was divided into 50 teams of 4 pax displayed a strong spirit of team work and was endlessly inspiring their team mate to win. When their teammate fallback, they motivate and supported them to never give up.

After a few challenges, when there is only one champion, all of them congratulated each other in a good sportsmanship spirit.

The Chief's Original Bootcamp would like to thank Citibank and the organiser for the opportunity to host the Bootcamp Challenge 2013. Below are some snapshots at the inaugural event before the sunset when its too dark for photoshoot.

AMPANG DUSK EXHILARATING TRAINING THEME

It is amazing how sporting, fun and creative recruits at the Chief's Original Bootcamp (COBC) can be. It is equally awesome to see the effort made by instructors to make sure their recruits are having a stupendous moment working out and achieving the desired result.

If there was an award to be given for the scariest instructors at all platoon in conjunction with the training theme, then I am sure it will go to Corporal Azmir and Lance Corporal Lian at the Ampang Dusk Platoon.

To foster the training theme, Corporal Azmir did not just dressed-up according to theme but he issued out various war cries to all recruits in his platoon. He also prepared Halloween Props and brought along treats to get the energy flowing.

SCARY WORKOUT AT BANDAR UTAMA DUSK!!

What do you think will happen when the Chief's Original Bootcamp announced the workout theme to be a Halloween?!! Yes... it's true... all Hell breaks loose!! It does not matter whether it is a small platoon or a big one but the spirit of camaraderie brought out the err.. ugliest side of everyone. Everyone is so full of energy and needless to say... fun, exciting and creative!! Working out can never be more fun with these breed of bootcamp recruit.

Bandar Utama Dusk seemed to be the most dramatic. While there were a mixture of various hantu-mix from pontianaks to modern toyol, at BU Dusk, there seemed to be a family of the same breed of hantu!! and there were also some exciting pose ala theatre!!

NIGHTMARE WORKOUT AT SUBANG JAYA

Well, it was not literally a nightmare but when the Chief's Original Bootcamp announced a Halloween as a workout theme for all platoons in Malaysia, we discovered there is the ugly side of everyone. Bandar Utama Alpha was the first platoon of the day that started the ball rolling with a few Pontianaks spotted at Bandar Utama Community Centre. In Subang Jaya USJ1 base camp, the resident had their nightmares when its neighbourhood experience the presence of an indescribable scene.

The platoon went on without their hardcore Marie How, Andy Wong, Fadzlie and Mee Leng whom were on vacation but rumor has it, Sylvia Quah became the mastermind who brought out the dark side of everyone. Even without being in Malaysia, Marie How send in 3 bootcamp-virgin recruits namely Everista, Tey Bee Ting and Lee Cindy to be slaughtered the platoon. I dont want to imagine their first day in hantu-theme but Iskandar was immediately excited... "Fresh Blood!!". Fadzlie whom was prepared to be a Freddy Kruger could not make it and Catherine Kok whom was all ready, could not decide what to be?!. All went well although some of the hantus were more adorable than scary.

FRIGHTENING MORNING WORKOUT AT CHIEF'S OBC BANDAR UTAMA ALPHA.. its not a prank, its working out at COBC

When it was announced the the unprecedented Halloween workout at the Chief's Original Bootcamp, we had no expectation how scary it can be until we arrived at the Bandar Utama Alpha base camp... I was shocked to see... err myself!! I woke up a... hantu!!! and I never knew I can be that ugly!!

But it was even more scary to see a Pontianak at 5am on a football field!!! Eeekk..

Not one but two!!

HALLOWEEN WORKOUT AT THE CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP!!

Get all dress up in Zombie, Frankenstein, Pontianak, Dracula, Toyol or whichever hantu of your choice and workout in err... hantu-style!! "Free Gifts" will be awarded to the platoon with the most and best dressed hantu at the Anniversary party.

Be in a mask, face-paint, wig, head gear, arms, legs all can change but must be in Grey Tee. This is an unprecedented training theme to excite and add some spice to an already hot workout program.

 This theme is in conjunction with the theme of the Chief's Original Bootcamp 3rd year anniversary party on 10th November 2013.

The owners and admins of the Chief's Original Bootcamp, Malaysia has scheduled Monday, 4th November and 5th November (depending on location) as a Halloween workout!! 

A NEW BEGINNING

Most of the time I struggled juggling with the scarcity of time to write but this once, I struggled with a mental block with no pressure for time to complete. I know exactly what to write but searching for the right and proper word to avoid any misunderstanding seemed so complicated.

Yes, Nawal Aini Zulkifli and I are officially divorced on our 13th Anniversary on 23 July 2013. Coincidentally, the hearing date was given by Shariah Court after I submitted and filed for the application.

We both decided to end our marriage having grown further apart but we remained to be in good terms. Nawal and I both agree that we should not stay in a marriage and be unhappy, and deprived each other from happiness as well as from the love that the future may bring.

There were no regret in that marriage. I cherished that every moment since I courted her while she was an undergraduate at the University, and all her care and love while we were married. All the ups and down as a husband and wife shall be a valuable and a priceless lesson to both of us, to advance further in our separate life. For I am far from perfection and is full of flaws with many shortcomings.

I will always remember Nawal as a dedicated mother, a loving person and a beautiful women.

We are blessed with the best son, Aaraf which Nawal and I are both raising sincerely with pure love as a mother and father. Nawal has always been a great and a dedicated mother to Aaraf.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH FOONG KOK SENG

FOONG KOK SENG or more popularly called Corporal Foong at the Chief's Original Bootcamp, Malaysia is known for his passion in coaching. The 30 years old 'Men Artistic Gymnastic Coach' at the National Sports Council since 2003 holds a Diploma in Coaching and International Gymnastic Coaching from PPJSKM. Foong Kok Seng has been coaching for 10 years and is currently one of Chief's platoon commander for Penang at the Chief's Original Bootcamp, Malaysia.

At the National Sports Institute and as the Men Artistic Gymnastic Coach, Foong specializes in coaching Penang Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA or Malaysia Games) team of representatives. He ensures that all the team member are well versed with SUKMA rules and regulation to attained the highest point from the judges. Foong also participate in new projects, development, talent identification and training the elite gymnast. Foong is also a trouble shooter for outstanding issues and regularly traveled to outstation to other centres and in rotating routine. While training, Foong is also responsible in increasing the level of intensity for gymnast and is also incharge for the maintenance of the gymnasium.

The well decorated Foong is a successful participants of SUKMA for 10 years from 2000 to 2010 in aerobic and acrobatic as a team member, manager and also as a coach. He was trained as a Sports Rhythmic Gymnastic for a year from 2002 to 2003 at the University Kokushikan in Tokyo, Japan.

As a competitive gymnast, Foong has collected a total of 3 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze at the prestigious and most prominent all Japan 56th Open Championship  in Saitaman, Japan in 2003. In 2005, Foong as a Coach & Team manager led a team to participated in the 58th All Japan Championship in Kobe, Japan and brought back 1 silver in individual event and 2nd placing for team event. Foong also won 1 silver and 1 bronze in Negeri Sembilan Sukma 2004. He won 1 gold, 2 silver & 3 bronze in Kedah Sukma 2006.
In 2008, the gymnast under Foong's coaching won 2 Silver and 5 bronze in Terengganu Sukma and 5 gold, 6 silver and 5 bronze in MSSM 2008.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH MOHD AZMIR ZANUL ABDIN

Mohd Azmir Zanul Abdin or fondly known as Corporal Azmir by the bootcamp fraternity does not need much introduction. He has made a name for himself with his strong passion and enthusiasm in fitness and health. When he first heard of the Chief's Original Bootcamp (COBC) almost 3 years ago in January 2011, he quickly enrolled and upon completing the first session, he immediately approach COBC Admin Farhanah Bamadhaj to ask if he can qualify to be a COBC instructor. Such was his target and aim which he achieved in November 2012.

The confident young father is an engineer by profession and is attached to Malakoff Corporation Berhad. He graduated with a 2nd class upper, Bachelor of Engineering honors degree specializing in Chemical and Process Engineering from University of Canterbury (New Zealand) (BEng (Hon) (NZ)). Azmir is expected to obtained his Masters in Science (MSc) Process Plant Management from the University Technology Malaysia in 2014.

An enthusiastic self starter, Azmir has always been active in sports. In 2009, he represented theUniversity of Canterbury for New Zealand University Games. He has represented NS Wanderers Rugby Club for various tournament since 2002 and is still representing the club todate. In 2005, he represented Malaysia for Inter-Varsity Rugby Tournament and played for Negeri Sembilan Rugby team for SUKMA in 2004. In 2003, he represented Kuala Lumpur in Athletics & Rugby.

Azmir is an avid runner and have raced two full marathons and countless of shorter distant races. He is married to a beautiful and passionate bootcamper Aida Munirah Azmi, a cancer survivor and also a marathoner, they both became a strong advocacy for health and fitness.

3 MONTHS TO END THE YEAR WITH A BANG!!!

In just 3 months, we shall bid farewell to 2013 and the new year began. Have we accomplished our target for 2013? In my world, I know a few people who did with flying colours!!

For one, 2013 gave birth to a few Ultra-marathoners!! Ultra marathoners are defined by those who ran or walk further than the traditional full marathon distance of 42.195km (see wiki). This year, four from the Chief's Original Bootcamp Malaysia fraternity, ran and completed an ultramarathon. They were Nawal Aini Zulkifli aka Staff Sarge (COBC) Nawal, Chee Yee Law (Bandar Utama Alpha), Muzzafar Bahir (Damansara Heights Zulu) and Shazny Az (Damansara Heights Zulu). Surprisingly, the Ultramarathon run was Chee Yee's and Muzzafar's maiden long distance run. The longest they both have ran before was only 21km. Chun Chia Kai aka Sarge (COBC) Chun completed his longest 100km ultra marathon. They all did it at the Singapore Sundown Ultramarathon.

MATRIX TO THE MAX- WOD DAY 7

Recruits at the Chief's Original Bootcamp, Malaysia (COBC) spend the public holiday in conjunction with Malaysia Day today with a Matrix to the Max workout. Today is the 7th session, September intake and the program focuses on metabolic conditioning, muscular endurance and cardio. Yes, instructors at COBC works on Malaysia Day, public holiday and even on weekend whenever there is a scheduled workout session in rain, hail or shine... except when there is lightning. Yes also, the focus and intensity of a workout program for each session differs.

Today also marked the 16th day of the 8 Weeks to Wow (8W2W) challenge and if you have done any one of the past 4 challenges, you would have noticed the changes in the inferno program especially in the list of food allowed. The program at COBC whether the monthly (Military Corp, Spec Ops) or half annually (8W2W formerly known as 8 Weeks Challenge or 8WC) or the annual program (the Longest Day, Hell Week etc) continuously evolve. While we are working out, Chief Brabon, Gunny Hames and a whole team of experts in Australia continuously research, develop and seek to improve our program to make sure everyone's target and aim is achieved and optimized. The energy and spirit of each and every recruit that made up the platoon will make sure we are always motivated and would not go off-track. The instructors in Red, as you would know by now, accept nothing less than 100% and above of effort in every session.

This combination- the evolving program, the food, the continuous injection or rather, scream of motivation (by recruits like Megan Lok, Harun, Janis and Poh Ow Ee today), the consistency (adopted with the ACE) and the 110% effort reached out by the instructors is what COBC is all about and felt under the command of platoon commander Corporal (COBC) Amir and assisted by Corporal Jake, the Bandar Utama Alpha (BUA) platoon today.