There is a tendency to judge fighters by outcomes. Wins, losses, records.
There is a version of fighting people understand. It is loud, aggressive, decisive. A clean win, a clean loss, a highlight clip that travels well on social media.
Then there is the version no one sees. The one that happens when the lights are off, when the body is exhausted, when the mind refuses to cooperate. The version where performance is not built on hype, but on repetition, failure, and the quiet decision to show up again.
We speak to Garie Tang about discipline, failure, and what combat sports really demand.
AT THIS POINT IN YOUR LIFE, WHICH DISCIPLINE FEELS CLOSEST TO WHO YOU REALLY ARE?
BJJ. I enjoy the problem solving aspect of it. Jiu-jitsu has pushed me to become a better learner, and that has carried into other areas of my life.
RECORDS TELL ONE VERSION OF AN ATHLETE’S LIFE. WHAT PART OF YOUR JOURNEY DO THEY NEVER FULLY CAPTURE?
The highs and lows, but especially the moments where you fall. Losing, getting badly injured, and then building yourself back up again.
COMBAT SPORTS DEMAND A KIND OF DISCIPLINE MOST PEOPLE WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND. WHAT HAS THAT DISCIPLINE COST YOU?
Time away from loved ones. Travelling, weekends and public holidays spent training. Even when I’m home, I’m not always present. I’m thinking about training, talking about it, or studying footage when I should be spending quality time with people.
WAS THERE A LOSS, SETBACK, OR PERIOD THAT CHANGED HOW YOU SEE YOURSELF AS A FIGHTER?
I had sleeping problems for quite a while. It’s much better now, but there were many days where I had to train and work with little to no sleep. It wasn’t healthy, but it showed me that I can do anything I set my mind to.
I’ve competed many times with no sleep, so when that happens, I know I can still perform.
“Best in the world, even on my worst day.”
IN A PLACE LIKE SINGAPORE, WHERE COMBAT SPORTS ARE STILL NOT FULLY UNDERSTOOD, WHAT DO PEOPLE GET WRONG ABOUT THIS LIFE?
Some people think it’s just physical or violent. But there’s a lot of thought behind it. We study a lot. I definitely study more now than when I was in school.
It’s a science, and at the same time, an art.
WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER, WHAT DID YOU THINK FIGHTING WOULD GIVE YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT CHANGED?
I thought it would give me confidence and make me physically strong. I didn’t expect it to impact every part of my life. Mentally, emotionally, even spiritually.
I never thought this would be the life I lead, but I’m grateful for it.
WRESTLING TEACHES CONTROL, WHILE FIGHTING FORCES UNPREDICTABILITY. HOW HAS THAT SHAPED YOUR MINDSET OUTSIDE SPORT?
It taught me how to let go of control, and I’m still learning. When you try too hard to control something, you become slow, stiff and rigid.
You can’t control what happens to you, only what you do.
Letting go relieves tension in your mind and body. Only then can you perform freely. Being present, at peace, and having that freedom is priceless.
WHAT HAS THIS JOURNEY STRENGTHENED IN YOU, AND WHAT HAS IT HUMBLED?
It has strengthened my mind. I believe I can do whatever I set my mind to, and I know I have the work ethic for it.
At the same time, it has humbled me. Anyone can win or lose on any given day. What matters is learning and becoming better, not just winning.
AS SOMEONE YOUNGER ATHLETES MAY LOOK UP TO, WHAT DO YOU FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR PASSING ON?
Just being a good person. I’ve met many people around the world who have helped me without expecting anything in return. Housing me, cooking for me, coaching me.
I believe that people help people. Even small acts can make a difference.
WHEN THE DAY COMES THAT YOU STEP AWAY FROM COMPETITION, WHAT DO YOU HOPE THIS CHAPTER MEANT?
I don’t think I’ll ever step away completely. In grappling, we have age divisions, so I’ll probably compete less but still do it once in a while.
Competing sharpens not just your body, but your mind and spirit.
It is a constant negotiation between control and letting go. Between pushing forward and accepting what cannot be forced. And somewhere in that tension, he has found something most people never do.
Not just how to perform. But how to keep going.
