CARLO Boy Albinda Laude, a.k.a. "Red Rock", of Davao City recently earned the reputation of being the only fighter who stained the unbeaten record of multi-titled Muay Thai champion Manuel "Cobra" of Quezon City.
Yes, the Red Rock tamed the Cobra via a third round knockout in the just-concluded Ultimate Strikers Championships (USC) 5 at the SM Bicutan in Paranaque City. A very rare feat he accomplished with barely two years of experience in Moo Duk Kwan Soo Bahk Do.
Carlo, as he is fondly called, said he couldn't believe the good fortune that befell him.
"I was nervous since it was my very first competition in Muay Thai and my first ever full contact fight held outside Davao. I had to go up against a very experienced fighter who never lost a bout in his entire career," he told members of the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) during their weekly forum at the Tower Inn on Thursday.
He said he didn't lose focus on what his coaches Edgar Allan T. Paulino and brothers Steve and Bryan Grandeza were instructing him.
He went on saying, "I only listened to the voices of my coach. I didn't even mind what the referee was telling me. I didn't even listen to the crowd. I had set my mind on the fight at hand. I'm grateful to have found an opportunity to knock him out."
Carlo was born in Manila on October 8, 1982 but his family migrated here and now holds residence at the Emily Homes Subdivision in Cabantian, Buhangin. He is the eldest in the brood of three. His father, Rodolfo, is a production staff leader of Carrier air condition in Jeddah while his mom, Adelaida, manages their household.
The five-foot-seven ace completed his elementary education at the Mababang Paaralan ng Alabang Elementary School in 1995. He graduated at the Davao Central High School in 1999. He finished Computer System Networking Technology at the AMA Computer Learning Center.
He first learned the ropes of Moo Duk Kwan Soo Bahk Do only at age 25. But when he was younger, he was fond of watching movies of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. His father, being a sports enthusiast himself, also influenced Carlo to also be in sports somehow.
He said he was supposed to learn Aikido because of Steven Seagal. When he heard of an Aikido club along Artiaga St. near the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), he was entertained by Randy Labordo, a Moo Duk Kwan blackbelt.
"I really thought he's an Aikido instructor. I later discovered that he was explaining to me not Aikido but Moo Duk Kwan instead. I was convinced to try Moo Duk Kwan beacuse I got interested in what Sir Randy told me back then. I returned the next day to pass my membership form and it was Master Steve Grandeza who received it. I started right away and I never stopped learning it," he said.
He is still with the Red Knights Moo Duk Kwan Soo Bahk Do Club up to the present.
Carlo made his competition debut in the 1st Beefit Goodwill Games back in 2005 where he captured the gold medal.
His first national competition was also held the same year in General Santos - the National Gup Championship where he also emerged champion.
"I was then a contender for the flyweight division and I won the title.I also
joined the hyungs/ forms competition for the orange belt category and copped the silver," he reminisced.
He also pocketed a gold in the National Moo Duk Kwan Gup Classing Championship held in General Santos City also held in General Santos City in 2005.
He shared, "I was so overwhelmed especially when people were coming to congratulate me for a good game. I was also proud because I am a student of a 10-time undefeated National Open Blackbelt Tournament Master Steve Grandeza and my training with him resulted to great outcome."
He said being in his team allows him to train and learn with the champions.
He keeps himself in top form with regular sessions at the gym although he also gives sufficient time managing his own shirt printing business. He also has stints teaching Moo Duk Kwan and Muay Thaimakes sure to jog or practice everyday.
When asked about his inspiration, he was quick to reply: "First of all, our Lord Jesus Christ for always protecting, giving me strength and guidance throughout the day. My family for being very supportive even though they are scared for me every time I play. My special someone Rosana Ang for being supportive and giving me inspiration throughout the training and the day of tournament. My instructor, coach and trainer Master Steve Grandeza. He developed my martial art skills and also molded my personality. Before I started Moo Duk Kwan, I'm kind of a shy guy and irresponsible person but he trained me and treated me as his younger brother. He thought me everything I needed to know. Without them, I will not reach this point of being who I am as a player and person."
He dreams of competing abroad and bring glory to Moo Duk Kwan and the country.
He is a great fan of Manny Pacquaio whom he praised for his dedication in every fight.
"I also admire Lance Armstrong because of his determination that even though he has cancer it didn't stop him from winning in every tournament he joined as well as George St. Pierre for being one of the most disciplined fighter in the UFC. He is also very humble and a very good fighter. I also am a fan of Master Bryan because of this precise strategic ways in coaching and playing and Master Steve for his extra ordinary skills in fighting," he said.
He also cited Master Bing for his words of wisdom and inspiring words, saying, "I really learn a lot by just listening to him when he shares his experiences in martial arts and life."