LUNGE and attack. NELSON MATAWARAN

Wearing boxer shorts and hand wraps, actor Aljur Abrenica is about to strike, moving toward his opponent, athlete Mark Tura. The leading man of GMA 7s Kambal Sirena then lets loose explosive kicks. Tura tries to hit back, but Abrenica seizes his leg and holds him, before he dispenses a nasty bout of blows and elbows.

Abrenica is a man of many interests such as photography, car racing, surfing and martial arts. He discovered his love for racing and drives around with a Dodge Challenger SRT, the same model that Vin Diesel used in Fast & Furious 6.

Lately hes been preoccupied with Muay Thai, a brutal but elegant sport that combines kickboxing and hand-to-hand combat. Unlike in other combat sports, a Muay Thai fighter engages in full-body contact (except the head) using the knee, shin and elbows.

ABRENICA uses his shin, which is not allowed in other martial arts, to thwart his opponent. PHOTOS BY NELSON MATAWARAN

An uncle introduced Abrenica to Mua y Thai when he was 12 years old but other sports got him distracted.

Laman ako ng kalye, he says, explaining his love for outdoor activities.

At 24, he decided to take up Muay Thai again. I like the sweat, the toxins are removed. I learn self-defense skills. The most important is discipline. Its not an easy workout if you stay up late and drink.

He adds that it has given him greater flexibility. I used to be tight but now I can split.

The training has helped him do credible fight scenes. My moves are more genuine, Abrenica says.

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