Korey Gibson Interview

Korey Gibson - 1977

Why I Wanted to Interview Korey
Korey is someone who knows a lot about motivation. Well rounded in both his personal and professional life, Korey Gibson would like to be known as a lover of family, a businessman and gym owner, a MMA fighter, a hunter gatherer, a former Rugby League player and as someone who is hugely proud of both his Maoritanga and of being a Kiwi.

I was interested in exploring what drives Korey to do the things he does, and to get his take on what role motivation has played in his success, both personally and professionally. As a gym owner and long-time athlete I was also keen to get Koreys’ take on the factors that contribute to, and take away from building and maintaining motivation.

Sporting Achievements & Accomplishments

MMA Blue Belt Awarded by Coach Dan Higgins - 2007
King of the Mountain MMA Champion Queensland Australia 2007
Australian Lightweight Champion – Mixed Martial Arts 2007
NZ Number 1 Lightweight Mixed Martial Artist 2009/2010. Current MMA Record: 6-0-0
Nominated for Taranaki Sportsman of the Year 1995
New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Team 1995 vs. Junior Kangaroos
New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Captain 1996
Auckland Junior Warriors League Team in 1996
Auckland Warriors Reserve Grade Squad 1997
Represented Taranaki Māoris in Rugby League from 1995 to 1999
Professional Rugby League in England 1998
Queensland Cup – Southern Suburbs Magpies Brisbane 1999 - 2000

More Interesting Information

At the age of 19, at which time he was considered one of the fittest men in the Auckland Warriors, Korey was diagnosed with cancer, resulting in surgery and years of post-follow up scares
Before becoming an MMA fighter Korey had two successful amateur boxing fights winning both via stoppage
Korey has made monthly contributions to various causes including WSPA, Save the Moon Bears in China and Save the Kakapo
In 2005 Korey completed the Gold Coast 1/2 Marathon in 1hr 32mins
Korey is very proud of his Māori decent and speaks Te Reo (at an intermediate level, with a goal of fluency within the next 24 months) and has also spent time learning the art of Mau Rakau (Taiaha)
Korey is a keen hunter and diver
Currently co-owns 11 Snap Fitness 24/7 Clubs throughout NZ
CEO of Snap Fitness 24/7 New Zealand with 22 clubs currently open

Services & Contacts
As well as the Snap Fitness website Korey has a presence on a number of national and international websites. Details below:

Snap Fitness

Website: www.snapfitness247.co.nz
Snap Fitness on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Snap-Fitness-247-NZ
Contact us & Enquiry: www.snapfitness247.co.nz/contact-us
Phone: 0800 SNAP FIT (0800 762 734)

Other Websites and Information

Interview Menu

Korey talks about what customers really appreciate about SNAP Fitness (2:34)
Subject/Resource links: N/A

Those that don’t have a clear goal or don’t place enough emphasis on changing find it tough! (3:30)
Subject/Resource links: What Makes Motivated People Different? / Having a Clear Direction or Goal Before Starting

My competitive nature, using family as motivation plus the reasons people consider change in the first place (4:55)
Subject/Resource links: Why are We Motivated to Change at All?

Asking particular types of questions and answering honesty as a way to build motivation to change (4:14)
Subject/Resource links: Building Motivation to Change / Self-Awareness and Motivation

Goals are great however if they are too big they need to be broken up using any of the following methods... (2:57)
Subject/Resource links: Having a Clear Direction or Goal Before Starting

Good preparation leads to the formation of routines which results in great outcomes (3:11)
Subject/Resource links: Preparation Motivation and Change

If you dress the part and look the part, chances are you’ll play the part (1:40)
Subject/Resource links: Getting Started and Taking the First Steps / Habits and Motivation

Routines are an important part of habit formation plus removing temptations instead of trying to resist them (3:38)
Subject/Resource links: Habits and Motivation / Self-Awareness and Motivation

Being self-aware allows me to manage my routines more effectively plus the importance of learning what works for you and what motivates you (4:52)
Subject/Resource links: Self-Awareness and Motivation

Other people’s negative thoughts can stop you from making positive changes (4:47)
Subject/Resource links: Barriers to Motivation

Maintaining motivation by shortening or varying workout times plus the power of accountability (4:17)
Subject/Resource links: Maintaining Motivation / Self-Awareness and Motivation

Family as motivators (1:20)
Subject/Resource links: Key Ideas Insights and Advice

Just think (0:47)
Subject/Resource links: Key Ideas Insights and Advice

Korey would like to thank:

His Mum Aroha and Dad Mike for an awesome upbringing with a strong work ethic and unconditional love
His brother Rickie for his continual support and twin like mannerisms and thought processes
His beautiful nephew Tahi for inspiring him to continue achieving
His whanaunga (Uncles, Aunties and cousins) and friends across NZ and Australia
Danny Higgins and Steve Compton for teaching me particular MMA skills that enabled me to achieve the little I did
Karl Webber, Deane Brewer and Wayne Vaenga for continuation of my fighting skills here in NZ
His MMA team mates for pushing him every day at training, in particular Adrian Pang, Kyle Noke, Matty Cain, Mick Mortimer and Ryan Mortimer
Team Integrated Mixed Martial Arts Australia and Team Strikeforce NZ
The Bell Block Marist Dragons Rugby League Club for providing me with a path out of the hood “so to speak”
Reggie Waipapa for seeing something in me and sponsoring me as a barefoot snotty nose league kid at 13 years of age
Jeff (Bros) Thompson for helping me through tough times and being an awesome brother
Paul and Aunty Mere Thompson for taking me on the positive road they took me on over 10yrs ago
Hayden Dreaver for teaching me about the bush and being a great mate with the same mind-set
Leon McNiece, Darrin Strauch and Brian Kockartz for allowing me to learn from the best in the business world
Uncle Peter and Aunty Mandy for looking after me in Christchurch
Jason Koster for my conditioning program and diet and nutrition advice
My awesome loyal staff around NZ, in particular those who have been with me from day one: Zara Robson, Andy Peat and Scott Henry
Anyone who has helped me get over the many injuries I have had in the past – “stick around there’s bound to be more”
And finally the great creator “IO” who blessed me with a mind and body that refuses to give up and pushes itself to learn and grow everyday