‘They’re Like Soldiers’ – How Denis Puric Is Building Canada’s Next Generation Of Striking Superstars
While Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric prepares to trade leather at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri in Japan, an army of young warriors back home in Canada are preparing too. They’re watching their coach, studying his movements, dreaming of following in his footsteps.
The 40-year-old faces former three-division K-1 Champion Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa in a flyweight kickboxing clash inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16, ready to inspire the next generation he’s quietly building one youth class at a time.
Here’s how the knockout artist discovered his passion for teaching kids.
An Army Of Young Warriors
While many martial arts instructors dread teaching children, viewing kids’ classes as an obligation rather than an opportunity, Puric has found his passion through working with the youngest members of his gym.
The transformation he observes week after week during his Muay Thai youth classes at his gym, Soi Dogs MMA & Fitness in Ontario, Canada, never ceases to amaze him.
Every week, he watches his students grow, executing techniques with a discipline that would make any drill sergeant proud.
He told onefc.com:
“I love the kids, man. Kids are my favorite. My kids are good. They listen to me. I got them all. It’s like an army. They’re like soldiers.
“They listen well, they’re cute as hell, it’s just nice to watch them grow — watch them grow as a human, and watch them grow as a fighter, and the development and just every week, how they improve. I just love that.”
What drives the Bosnian-Canadian’s connection with his young students goes deeper than simply teaching techniques or drilling combinations.
It’s about witnessing the same spark that ignited his own martial arts journey decades ago – that moment when a child discovers something they truly love and commits themselves to it.
He continued:
“I love the fact of how much they love it. You get to do something you love, and these kids get to grow with that.
“I can see myself in them because that’s what happened with me. I fell in love with martial arts at a young age, and I’m still doing it today, so I get to relive these moments through [teaching] kids.”
Building Something Bigger
The success of Denis Puric’s youth program has created an unusual problem most gym owners would love to have: they’re running out of space.
What started as a modest operation in “The Heartland Province” has grown into something far larger, with young punchers lining up for the chance to study under the tutelage of the battle-tested veteran.
The demand has become so overwhelming that “The Bosnian Menace” and his team are already planning for the future:
“We’re actually looking to get a bigger facility. We’re kind of outgrowing it, so after this fight, it’s gonna be good. We’re looking to open the new facility in the New Year, and then we can offer more programs and keep inspiring.”
The expansion won’t just mean more space. It represents an evolution of Puric’s vision.
With many of his Muay Thai students expressing interest in mixed martial arts, he’s preparing to allow his students to develop a complete skill set for the all-encompassing discipline.
Puric added:
“We’re going to start an MMA program as well, because I have a bunch of guys who want to fight MMA. So, I’ve got to give them that opportunity.”
Leading By Example
Denis Puric’s commitment to his students extends far beyond the four walls of Soi Dogs MMA & Fitness. When his fighters compete, he’s there – not just as a coach barking instructions from the corner, but as a mentor invested in their growth.
This past year, he traveled to Abu Dhabi for the IFMA Youth World Championships, spending two and a half weeks coaching Team Canada. One of his own fighters competed at the event, and witnessing the experience reinforced everything Puric loves about working with the next generation.
The 40-year-old reflected:
“Just to see the way they bond, like the team, it was amazing. The way they take care of each other, support each other, cheer each other on is amazing to see. That’s probably my favorite part about it.”
That camaraderie – young fighters who compete against each other domestically but unite as brothers and sisters when representing their country internationally – represents the values the kickboxing veteran works to instill every day.
Martial arts isn’t just about winning fights. It’s about building character, fostering respect, and creating lifelong bonds through shared struggle.
As he prepares to face the formidable Takeru at ONE 173 in Tokyo, he carries with him the hopes and dreams of every young fighter he’s coached.
His performance in Tokyo won’t just impact his own ranking or career trajectory – it will serve as inspiration for the army of young warriors back home watching their coach compete on the grandest stage of combat sports.
