#45. Quinntessential Questions with John Wayne Parr: What It Takes To Be A Warrior
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In this high-impact episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with John Wayne Parr — better known as “The Gunslinger” — 10-time Muay Thai & Kickboxing World Champion, Australian martial arts icon, coach, author, and founder of Boonchu Gym on the Gold Coast.
John’s journey is legendary. From growing up on a farm in Queensland to becoming one of the most respected fighters in the world, his story is about discipline, resilience, and an unshakable will to succeed. At just 19, he moved to Thailand to live and train in authentic fight camps, embracing the Thai culture, gruelling old-school training methods, and a fighter’s lifestyle that shaped him into a world-class competitor.
Across his career, John has fought nearly 150 professional bouts, trained alongside some of the best in the world, and inspired countless fighters through his unique blend of toughness, humility, and technique. He shares insights on overcoming pressure, preparing for injuries, building strength and conditioning, and the mental side of competing at the highest levels.
We also dive into his toughest opponents, the fighters he admires most, his experiences training with Georges St-Pierre, his appearance on the Joe Rogan Podcast, and how he balances life as a fighter, father, and coach. Beyond the ring, John talks about venturing into business, building his Boonchu legacy, and releasing his new book The Fighter – The Legendary Life of an Australian Champion.
If you’re passionate about Muay Thai, kickboxing, martial arts, or the mindset of champions, this episode is a must-listen.
Guest Bio
John Wayne Parr is a retired Australian Muay Thai fighter, kickboxer and boxer, fighting out of Boonchu Gym in Gold Coast, Queensland. He is a former 10-times World Champion and was the runner up on The Contender Asia.
Minutes
(02:50) Growing up on a Farm in Australia
(03:59) Journey Into Martial Arts (05:40) Meeting Richard Well (09:07) Embracing the Thai Culture (12:04) Training the Old School Way
(16:13) John’s Techniques
(19:56) Becoming a World Class Fighter
(22:55) Dealing with Pressure (26:05) Preparing for Injuries (30:02) Training, Strength & Conditioning
(31:43) Fighting Jay Louis
(33:50) Dovetail Into Contending (38:44) Toughest Opponent (42:53) Fighters John Admires (45:15) Working with Georges St-Pierre
(47:50) Joe Rogan Podcast Experience
(52:14) Being a Father & Coach (56:02) Venturing Into Business (58:37) Releasing a Book
(59:24) Rapid Fire QuestionsBehind-The-Scenes
