Chris Scifo

My journey began in May 1996. I started training under triple world champion kickboxer and world full contact karate champion Sam GRECO.

Initially it was to gain fitness and learn to fight.  I focused more on the Kyokushin karate. It is a Japanese style known world wide as the worlds strongest karate.

Before too long I was asked if I was interested in fighting. By February 1997 I was training for my first tournament, which I won in March 1997.  From there I went on to have a total of 10 contested bouts over 4 tournaments. I won 7 out of 10 fights.

It is a very physically demanding sport whereby you could contest up to 4 bouts in a single tournament. Injuries were always a concern as it was bare fist action. Apart from a mouthguard and a groin protector which were compulsory.

I learnt much about myself and the power of the mind to overcome fears and proceed even through injury which was common place.

My aim is to continue to train and to be the best I can be. It doesn’t matter if it isn’t good enough for someone else. The true victory in bodybuilding is to actually get yourself on stage after going through the rigors of dieting and maintaining the contest discipline and drive even when it gets tough, and it gets tough that’s for sure.

By the end of 1997 the gym had closed and I began weight training in late 1998.

By January 2000 I started dieting for my first ever show, placing 2nd in a line up of 7.

From then on I competed in 7 shows over 8 years, my last being 2008.

Having now turned 40 my focus will be to contest the masters division in the future.

Contest record in Kyokushin fighting:

March 1997 1st place Freestyle full contact tournament (heavy weight)

April 1997 2nd place melb kyokushin championships (heavy weight)

October 1997 1st place seidokaikan full contact championships. (middle weight)

December 1997 4th place melb kyokushin championships (heavy weight)

Bodybuilding contest record:

2000  INBA South Coast physique titles - 2nd

2003 INBA Melbourne titles (intermediate) - 4th

2006 NABBA Vic titles (novice men) - 1st

2006 NABBA Sthn Hemisphere titles (novice) - 3rd

2007 WFF Vic titles. Class 1 (open) - 2nd

2007 WFF Sthn Hemisphere titles. Class 1 - 3rd

2008 NABBA International Classic. Class 1 (open) - 3rd

Competing isn’t for everyone. It’s a sport that many aspire to, but few succeed when they learn of the true commitment needed just to get on stage. I enjoy helping out others who have a willingness to give it a go even if its just for the satisfaction of being able to say “I did it” .   

It was a sport I fell into by accident as my passion was to continue on with my fighting. Even if I don’t compete again or if its not for a few more years, I can honestly say I am pleased with my achievements in both sports.

My favourite quote 

“To be number 1, you must train like number 2.”