BATTLE OF PLATOONS - PART 1

Kuala Lumpur. Preparation for the 3rd Battle of Platoons began as early as 3am on Saturday 18 January 2014 with Dr Malek Aziz, Staff Sarge Nawal and the team at the basecamp ferrying equipments and setting up the circuit at 5 stations. One of the station, codenamed the Mad Dash, was prepared the day before the battle on Friday, 17 January 2014.

Score board was designed, banner was ordered and officials tee were distributed by Admin Rose Emini Pahamin. Food for breakfast was freshly made and special ordered by Admin Farhanah whom is in charge of the food station.

There were 6 stations prepared for today's 3 hours challenge and the team that recorded the fastest timing throughout the trail will receive a point.The team that complied to the minimum 40 pax participants will also receive a point. The team with the highest number of participants will receive a weightage for the outstanding team award. Other factors for the outstanding team award will be further elaborated later. Points will also be given for the most accurate answer to the riddles. A point for the winner at the mad dash and points for the last man standing.

This blog is a picturesque blog with more than a thousand pictures to be posted. The will be a write-up at the end of the picturesque blog. Click on picture to enlarge.

At the beginning of the event, the score board was empty without any sticker points.

THE WAR CRY

More than 200 recruit's from the Chief's Original Bootcamp gathered today in Kepong to cheer, witness and participate in the biggest open-for-recruits-only bootcamp event in Malaysia (not open to general public). The battle saw four outstanding platoons battled for the third time in a friendly but competitive manner. For more information on Battle of Platoons, read here, here, here and here.

The 3rd Battle of Chief's platoons is the Chief's Original Bootcamp annual event that is organised to unite all recruits that share similar passion for better fitness, health and physique (meaning we all want to look sexy). The battle commenced today for 3 hours at the Metropolitan park, Kepong although the cyber war had already started more than a week ago. Beside the cyber war which painted Facebook with each platoon's team image. Each team had designed and prepared their war cry to ignite their team members burning desire to win, foster a closer team work and especially to provoke their opponent. 

Spartans is the oldest platoon and had the biggest participants compared to the other 3 platoons but Spartans is really the baby'est among them all with the majority being new recruits. Highlanders were the most experience with the most Otais. The Barracuda is a new born platoon and the Legends.. is a legend.

The Champion was crowned based on time, discipline, coordination, intellect (on riddles), teamwork, strength and dedication. The main architect behind the program was Dr Malek Aziz whom did not just co-chaired the team of instructors but was everywhere for days and nights sourcing for materials.

The convoy of 4 platoons on foot in their chosen theme does give me the goosebumps and chill. The spirit was exemplary. It was so inspiring.

The video below was taken with an iPhone 4S. Please increase volume for best effect.

THE BOOTS AND THE BATTLE

The 3rd Battle of Chief's platoon will commence in less than 24 hours at the Taman Metropolitan, Kepong, 6:30am on 18 January 2014. While we are counting down for the field battle that incorporates and combine various training methods at the Chief's Original Bootcamp, the cyber war has started since early last week. The highlanders or the team representing Damansara Heights Charlie, Zulu and Penang platoon started a cyber war when their recruits displaying their team logo as the profile picture. The Spartans or the team that represents Bandar Utama Alpha, Bravo and Dusk retaliated with a stronger representation on cyber followed by team Legends and the young Barracudas. 

It is so cool looking at Facebook with everyone in their team logo. I was jealous, and changed my profile pictures using a collage of all team logo made by Admin Rose Emini Pahamin. A short while later, all COBC Officials had their Facebook profile changed too.

WHICH TEAM WILL WIN THE 3RD BATTLE OF CHIEF'S PLATOON?

4 days counting down to the third Battle of Bootcamp Platoons. This battle had attracted almost 200 recruits in 4 Platoons namely team Barracuda, team Legends, team Highlanders and team Spartans. It is funny how past Champions kept their logo square while the competitive team designed their logo as rectangle. Probably the rectangles has form a collaboration against the former champions.

With the battle being so closed, Corporal (COBC) Amir issued a war cry to all team to screw calm and go for the win. Yes, we need to wake up all recruits to start gearing up for war. Be humble when the trophy has been grabbed, for now.. let start the intimidation.

The Captains selected for the third battle are as follows:

WHAT HAS BECOME OF THE BUKIT KIARA RUNNING TRACK

So much has changed since we last visited the Bukit Kiara running track. For one, there were exponentially more runners and parking was even harder to spot. We even spotted a group of bootcampers probably on a secret training; so I wont mention who.

Two.. the running area has been exploited. At first sight from far, we thought there were landslide at the running area but when we were closer, we saw a bulldozers which I knew instantly, there is some form of development in this once quiet and peaceful place to run.

I first started to exercise at this track in 1997 way before Fitness First even existed in Malaysia, before I joined any gym and way before the Bootcamp's establishment. In those days, it was greener, colder and it was so quiet that you can hear the wind blowing the trees. It was already tarmac but the road was so clean without any mud or debris.

From once a peaceful and fresh place to re-charged and to get lost in runner's high seeking for inspiration and ideas, this running track has became a major disappointment. It is a real lost to a good running track in a clean, fresh and a quiet nature.

THE AMAZING BANGKOK

There is only one word for Bangkok.... FOOD!! Food heaven! We touched down in Bangkok on Friday testing out for the first time the youngest low cost airline in Malaysia, the Malindo Air. Malindo Air was the cheapest airline to Bangkok at the point of booking. Airasia and Malaysian Airlines are both equally expensive. We parked our car at KLIA for a RM46 fee per 24 hours parking which is cheaper than taking a return KL Express train or even a taxi. For more information on KLIA short term and long term parking, click HERE.  

Our first restaurant upon arrival was Kruaphruksa Thai cuisine.

MALINDO AIR - OUR FIRST RIDE

It never crossed my mind to even view Malindo Air for traveling but when my brother Amnan Bazli Pahamin prompted me to try out the latest low cost airline in the region for a weekend in Bangkok, the adventurous side took the good of me. We booked online at here. When Airasia and Malaysia Airlines cost more than RM500 for a return trip, Malindo Air charges only approximately RM300 for a return trip. So Amnan Bazli Pahamin, Anny Chunraem, Aaraf Armin and I booked and paid.

My first thought and impression of the Malindo Air was flying a propeller 80 seater plane or an old squeaky plane. Anny whom live with a plane phobia all her life was freaking out and almost refused to get on the Malindo Air. She nagged at me on safety and reminded me on the many planes that had crashed.  

When we checked in, the queuing and waiting list was bearable. The counter crew was courteous and fast.

We waited, queued and boarded the plane and as we walked into flight SL 8201, I then discovered it was a new Boeng 737-900ER with 215 seater. The airline too was punctual which is important. The seats were all in blue and the ambiance was really cooling. Aaraf quickly fell in love with the Malindo.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT FOR THE 3RD BATTLE OF PLATOONS

By this time next week, a new Champion for the Chief's Original Bootcamp annual Battle of Platoons would have been crowned. The annual battle will see platoons at 6 locations competing in 4 teams in a friendly but competitive manner to win as the strongest platoon. When we say strongest, we do not literally mean strongest. Strongest platoon to win the battle means the platoon with the best coordination and especially the best teamwork. During the first Battle of Platoons in 2011, the strongest team with the most number of Deltas had lost and the youngest team, the Highlander was crowned as the champion.

The Chief's Original Bootcamp utilizes discipline based motivational technique to achieve its result and naturally, the same element is instilled into the Battle of Platoons. Discipline is translated into a set of rules of engagement which must be adhered to at all time. The rules of engagement for the Battle of platoons is listed as below:

1) Punctuality. Everything at the Chief's Original Bootcamp is all about timing.

2) Listen, read and understand the instructions and the riddles. 

3) Never leave any comrade behind. The furthest distance between a comrade in your platoon is a maximum of 3 steps.

4) Group motivation is one of the most powerful tools to keep everyone aspired. Get to know your comrade by name and consistently motivate them throughout the session, off-session and even in your daily life.

3RD BATTLE OF COBC PLATOONS

A war cry was issued on 11 November 2013 for the battle of all platoons at 6 locations and will be held in exactly 14 days on 18 January 2014. This war, is the Chief's Original Bootcamp's third annual event that was organized so that all recruits from all platoons can meet, get to know each other and be united as a big healthy and fit community. Most of us interacts and knew each other through facebook but had rarely met except during the quarterly Bootcamp parties.

The third battle, as per the previous two, was also organized to determine which platoon is the strongest in a friendly, enjoyable and slightly competitive manner. At COBC's war, "TIME" is always of the essence!! Even a second can be the determinant in crowning a champion. 

The location for the battle field for the 3rd annual challenge is at Taman Metropolitan, Kepong!! Click on picture for map. 

Note:

1. For direction using Waze, click this link. If you do not have a Waze, download it at here.

2. The battle will began at 6:30am sharp. For muslim recruits, there is a Surau for Subuh prayer.
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FIRST DAY A BOOTCAMPER

Our first session will start in less than 48 hours for all Alpha and Bravo platoon. Slightly more than 48 hours for Dusk and Zulu platoon and a day extra for platoon Charlie.  I know the suspense and anxiety counting down for the first session. It is also worth investing in an Alarm Clock. Some could not sleep the eve before the first session and some tend to oversleep. Shit happens but please do not think too much and just enjoy the workout.

The first session of each intake is always the Benchmark Assessment!!

Benchmark Assessment??? What is it? and how is it done?

Every recruit is first assessed at the start of every intake for the instructors to gauge the recruit's physical ability in strength, muscular endurance, stamina, agility and speed. The record on the first assessment will be the benchmark for your fitness improvement. This benchmark assessment will provide the instructor with a better insight into the recruit's ability to go beyond their physical fatique. This is important for the instructors to get the best our of every recruit during training.

After completing the benchmark assessment, base on their timing record, workout form, strength and techniques observed during the assessment recruits will be graded and placed unto three ranking. The Rangers, Seal and Delta with the Delta being the elite group that has both a good form and speed and is seeking athletic performance. However, the timing is not the only factor used in categorizing recruits. The number of recruits among other factors that only known to the instructor, at the platoon is also a determining factor to form a rank.

The Benchmark Assessment is important and should not be missed. At the end of the 12th session, if a recruit decided not to continue, he should still perform the benchmark assessment on the first session of the next intake which is part of the fee that he paid. That way, he can see the result of his investment. Hey, every spending must generate a return! You pay for result. Make sure you get it! You do not pay to befriend instructors or recruits but you pay for result. Be result oriented!! We insist you must get and see your result.

GETTING PREPARED TO BE "CHOP" A BOOTCAMPER

Today is the 4th day of the new year and everyone should have settled and sobered down from either a long travelling, the new year's party or the hectic registration for our children to start school. Next week, on Monday 6th January or 7th depending on location, new and returning recruits will start their bootcamp training at the Chief's Original Bootcamp, Malaysia.

Whether you are a returning recruit or a virgin bootcamper; if you have not done so, you have until Sunday, 5th January 2014 to complete a simple online enrollment form. It is imperative that you register online at HERE. You must register online or your registration may not be valid and it will be very awkward for us to decline any recruit that is not registered. There is a simple online medical questionnaires, a disclaimer tick box as well as the terms & conditions tick box that you must complete. Without it being completed, you cannot start your training. If you are a first timer, you get to enroll at a special introductory fee of only RM90. For more information on all promotions, click HERE.

Now with the first session approaching, what are the preparation? You do not need to carbo load but you need to have sufficient sleep the eve of every session. Hydrate yourself well with an average two 1.5 ltr bottles throughout the day, a day before the session. Hydration will avoid your body from feeling fatique and lethargy after the session. Do not drink too much water before the session began or you may nauseate.

WHEN DEATH BIND US ALL TOGETHER

Corporal Azmir

Its the 3rd day into the new year and if you have not listed any resolution for the year, let me do that for you!! Pick a better health and fitness as your new year resolution!! How? Start exercising!! Where? Of course, at the Chief's Original Bootcamp. Why? Because the program was put together from 25 years of military-inspired, outdoor, group personal training experience by the founders of the COBCs, Chief Brabon and Gunny Hames. The keyword, is the 'program' and if you find yourself always falling off the bandwagon, COBC has the best and the most aspiring community to keep you on track and motivated!! The community and the program is the key to your success!! With great health and fitness, your bonus will be a sexier and a head turning physique!

COBC also have the most passionate team of instructors and admin. What binds these team together is Sickness... among others!! Almost every team member has either faced death or was terminally ill or has a close family member or their loved one suffered from cancer. Me and my partner Dr Malek Aziz for example was previously diagnosed with terminal cancer. I had Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia and Dr Malek had Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma of the intestines. Our most senior instructor Staff Sarge (COBC) Nawal had her thyroid removed when it was tested positive for cancer and she is also thalassemic. Corporal (COBC) Amir had Pleural Effusion and had to removed half his right lung while Corporal (COBC) Azmir's wife underwent major operation twice for Salivary Gland Cancer, a rare cancer. Not to mention our admin Farhanah bamadhaj with her spouse successfully battled cancer and Rose Emini Pahamin having a brother whom survived the leukaemia.

Please do not wait until you or your loved one is diagnosed with a terminal cancer before you take the first step to a better and healthier life. Take charge of your health now.

2014 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

It is really funny, when you asked an adult of their new year resolutions and they will go Err... Aaah.. Hmm.. Eh... aiya... they find it hard to list them down. More often, adult give up having any new year resolutions but if you ask your children, they usually know exactly what they want. Aaraf Armin listed his on his new blog at HERE. Unfortunately, Aaraf's previous blog was removed by google for being underage (Aaraf didnt know the meaning of white lies or tipu sunat then). He wrote more than a hundred blogs in his old blog. After publishing his new year resolution, Aaraf asked me... where is yours Dad? Alamak... so here I am, my new year resolution.

Not in order of priority, the followings are my resolutions.

1. To learn another language. You will know why later part of this year. I am envious of friends, the likes of Abu Lais whom is able to speak 4 languages. 

2. To Khatam Al Quran with Aaraf. I've khatam twice in my lifetime but the last time I actually read the Quran was during high school. 

3. To get back strong as a Delta at the Chief's Original Bootcamp Malaysia (COBC). At the COBC, it does not matter if you are the owner but if you do not clock your sessions or fitness, you will be demoted. 

4. To take up dancing!! haaa??!! I know that expression but I fell in love with Less Mills Body Jam and the recent launch of Jam 67 was the best!!! Gone were the clubbing disco years, now its Jamming!!
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NEW YEAR EVE WITH SERAMBI EMAS AT KUALA LUMPUR TOWER

A last minute invitation from Serambi Emas, where my father is the Chairman landed us at the Kuala Lumpur tower for a corporate party to end the year 2013. Serambi Emas is a company principally involved in the trading of gold bars and gold bullion. While Azhar Sulaiman and the battalion from the 3rd infantry/generation awaits the midnight countdown at Bustanu Pahamin with various firework, we had a good dinner dining with a birds eye view of Kuala Lumpur. The plan was to be home before the new year.

Serambi Emas alike most of us, has its own New Year resolution and the KL Tower was chosen in line with its resolution to be at the top above everything else. We must have resolutions every year. Without it, every year will be just another year and a year that is lost, will be gone forever. We cannot turn back time but we can make the best of the future if we carefully plan with a resolution.

(Click on picture to enlarge).

YEAR END ESCAPADE TO DUBAI & ABU DHABI.

If you are granted one wish and only one, what would you pray for? Different people have different wants and need (some does not even know what they want) but my siblings only have one mutual want echoing my parents only dream, which was to have all their children, in laws and grandchildren to always be together throughout as many generations. The same sentiment gave birth to our residence, the Bustanu (meaning: The Gardens of) Pahamin which currently accommodate three generations in more than 2 acres of land living harmoniously in the same compound to an annual oversea trips to further foster the family close relationship. Although we live in the same compound, the daily hectic schedule of each family member forbid us from a daily gathering but the oversea trip became an escapade away from any business, work or whatever appointments, the trip was all about the family.

This year, we went to Dubai. The whole battalion of 22 pax went except for Azhar Sulaiman whom had to stay back alone in Malaysia having accepted a long winding assignment which ran throughout the traveling dates. We were toying a few countries to visit but Dubai came with the voices of the majority. Democracy ran even in family decision making irrespective of gender and age. 

The youngest in the battalion was Mohamad Khaleef Shamsul aged, 6 months old and the oldest.. of course, my dad aged 67 whom also hold the record of 6 children. Rhiza and Melor are both catching up fast with 4 children while Chempaka Emalin Pahamin and Azhar Sulaiman has stopped producing but perhaps, Dr Teratai Edithy Pahamin and Shazrul Shaari may break the record although currently, they only have Shazrai and Shazrhy. Rumours has it, Rose Emini Pahamin and Shamsul Adnan are a potential record breaker.  Me... I am contented with my wonderful Aaraf Armin but given a chance Allah hu alam (Allah knows best), I want at least 4 children. Having a big family is a true blessing.

Our travel agent for this tour was Parlo Tours Sdn Bhd. Our traveling destination was Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We arrived at the airport in a long queue but the 'online checked-in' expedited the whole queue process and seating arrangement (Note: always check-in online before departure).

We took the Emirates. I've downloaded a few movies to watched in the 7 hours of flight journey but slept throughout the flight. Aaraf finished the whole season 3, the Grims. We arrived in Dubai as scheduled and was greeted by a blond tour guide. I peep through the counters, shops and browsed through the airport to see how the local Dubai'ian looks like? Typical Arabs or... but I did not see any Arab looking people. There were a great mix of race varieties. Dubai has a population of about 2 million and the majority are indians. The local which are of Arab descendant comprised of only 10% while the balance population are foreign. For the longest of time, only the 10% locals were allowed to own any property in Dubai. Now, the government has opened up for foreigner to owned properties in Dubai but only at specific location.

BOOTCAMP TRAINING SCHEDULE FOR 2014

We completed our last session for the year 2013 at Alpha, Bravo, Zulu and Dusk platoon at all locations today and tomorrow will be the last session for Charlie platoon. While we close the curtain for 2013 training, we are pleased to display the training Calender for 2014.

For the year 2014, we scheduled our training session with a one week break for the Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. We thought we should give ourselves a break to balik kampung and indulge in feasting twice a year before getting back into shape. We have also pre-scheduled the  quarterly Bootcamp fancy dress party.

The year 2013 was a successful year for many recruits. Some have conquered the peaks of many mountains, have gone deep down into some deep sea/ocean diving and some ran miles in marathons and ultra marathons. We at the Chief's Original Bootcamp is proud of our past recruits as well as our former instructors whom have created a name for themselves in the name of fitness. Many would think we take them as foes and rival but we do not. They all started at and with the COBC. Personally, I feel proud of each and everyone's achievement. Everytime I browsed the facebook status, I smiled when I see our recruit (past and present) participating in various events including the recent cross-fit challenge and Commando Challenge in Singapore. 

When we had our daily team discussion on whatsapp group chat, Corporal Amir reminded us that tomorrow is Li Wern's 1 year anniversary with COBC. He had ACE'd 12 consecutive year without missing a single session. Li Wern had joined the likes of many otais at COBC whom found solace with the COBC community that shared similar passion for fitness and health. 

We have less than 2 weeks to outline our new year resolution. Do not be afraid to have a resolution even if your past resolution always failed unnoticed. Let us make 2014 a year to be reckon with.. at least for our health and fitness. 

BOOTCAMP INSTRUCTORS ON TRIAL

Ok... First, I'll do the 20 grunts for forgetting to announce the winning Reds in the last blog. Yes, the Reds (ie Chief's instructors in Malaysia) too went through the same phase of lifestyle transformation together with their recruits during the Eight Weeks to Wow challenge but since they were by default disqualified from competing for the RM15,000 grand prize, COBC ran our own challenge among the instructors and the four shortlisted for Finals are as follows:

There are 12 instructors at the Chief's Original Bootcamp, Malaysia network with only 1 female instructor. At the Chief's Original Bootcamp Malaysia, we believe in preaching whatever is spoken and in walking the talk. Whatever that is being trained at the bootcamp, our instructors go through the same training and products. To unleashed our recruit's best physique, our instructors too unleashed theirs. Together, we walk in the corridors of hot bods & health.

There will only be 1 winner among the instructors and the winner will get a New Balance Voucher worth RM ehem ehem... 

Instructors that were voted into finals are....

(Click on Picture to enlarge)

BOOTCAMP LOCATION WINNERS

Just when we thought the 8 Weeks Challenge fever has ended and was a little disappointed that there is no local winners for each battalion, COBC again... came out with a big surprise. We always save the best for last. Yes, we are pleased to announced the local winner for Ampang, Bandar Utama, Cyberjaya, Damansara Heights, Subang Jaya and Penang below. The winners will receive RM1,000 worth of New Balance voucher and a month of bootcamp complimentary. 

There were a few factors that was considered in selecting the winner. Foremost is their effort, dedication & commitment to lose weight (according to their instructors) and their super spirit in motivating and preaching their result on facebook. Yes, we acknowledged the power of preaching and walking the talk. Result is certainly the best tools of influence and we want more people to walk in the corridors of head turning hot bods... and superb health. 

In the same spirit and in this season of 8 Weeks Challenge, COBC took a step further in getting all our instructors to walk their talk by participating in the challenge and we will be announcing too the winner among Chief's instructors in Malaysia.

On behalf of COBC team, we are pleased and proud to crown the following winner!! (click on picture to enlarge).

SPRING 2013 EIGHT WEEKS TO WOW CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS

The Eight Weeks to Wow challenge is a twice a year program run by the Original Bootcamp, Australia (also known  as the Chief's Original Bootcamp in Malaysia) for a complete physical transformation through a change in lifestyle change as well as training methodology in as little as 8 weeks.

The event which began on 2nd September 2013 and ended on 27 October 2013 saw hundreds of participants achieving results beyond their expectation and those whom participated had their before and after challenge pictures for open for viewing for the public to vote them into semi-finals. 50 challengers were voted into semi-finals through an online voting and 25 were shortlisted in the finals by all bootcamp licensee in the network. 

The list of 50 semi-finalist is available at HERE. 8 of them were Malaysian. The list of 25 finalist is available at HERE. 3 of them are Malaysian. 

From list of finalists, our Independent Judging Panel (which this year included the Editors of GQ, Men's Fitness and Ultra Fitness Magazines) has finally made the incredibly tough decision to vote for Spring 2013 Overall Champion, Overall Runner-up, Malaysia Champion and Malaysian Runner Up.

Please join us in congratulating our 2013 Spring '8 Week Challenge' Grand Champion Brent Smith (Sydney CBD) & our Overall Runner-Up Reuben Kukolic (Gungahlin)

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.