Attleboro Nine-Year-Old EJ Buco Prepares to Represent USA at Muay Thai World Championships in Greece
EJ Buco, a nine-year-old martial artist from Attleboro, Massachusetts, is set to represent the United States in the Under 12 division at the Muay Thai World Championships in Greece this November. The young athlete secured his spot on the international stage after claiming a USA championship title this past March at the USA Grand Nationals.
The sport runs deep in the family. “It was just kind of in the family tree. A lot of my relatives did it and stuff, my dad,” EJ Buco said. His father, Brad Buco, noted that his son’s affinity for combat sports appeared practically from birth. “When he was crawling, before he could walk, he could throw a punch he knew how to make a fist. He was born with his fist clenched. Kinda in his blood I think,” Brad Buco said.
Rigorous Training Regimen and Local Coaching Support in Attleboro
EJ Buco trains between five and seven days a week, balancing his martial arts schedule with other sports like football. His preparation includes private training sessions three to four times a week with Shaun Shubert, the founder and owner of Red Seal Martial Arts Company who also happens to be his neighbor. Shubert has worked alongside the young fighter for about four and a half years.
“EJ and I have been training together going on about four years, four and a half years and we have connected over those styles of fighting, we have similar styles, we have a similar mindset, and EJ is one of the most hardworking kids I’ve ever met in the last 14 years of doing this,” Shubert said. Shubert added that their routine involves running five to six miles at a time, noting that the nine-year-old consistently keeps pace and possesses the skills of an adult competitor.
Road to the World Title After Grand Nationals Victory
EJ Buco carries an undefeated 7-0 record into his upcoming international competition. At the USA Grand Nationals in March, he competed in the 9-to-12 division, defeating an older opponent from New York across three rounds. Scoring in the sport evaluates factors such as technique, kicks, and punches thrown.
“The USA Grand Nationals, if you win it, I was in the 9 to 12 division and I fought someone and one so I have the belt right over there and now since I won that, I go to Greece to fight for the world, and if I win that, I’ll be the best nine through 12 in the world,” EJ Buco said. Reflecting on the upcoming trip to Greece during the first week of November, Brad Buco expressed deep gratitude for the backing they have received from local gyms, sponsors, and supporters across multiple states.
Frequently Asked Questions About EJ Buco’s Journey to Greece
What specific division will EJ Buco compete in at the Muay Thai World Championships?
EJ Buco will compete in the Under 12 division representing the United States.
When did EJ Buco qualify for the international competition?
He qualified this past March by winning his bout in the 9-to-12 division at the USA Grand Nationals, bringing his record to 7-0.
Who trains EJ Buco for the World Championships?
He trains with Shaun Shubert, the founder and owner of Red Seal Martial Arts Company, who works with him privately three to four times a week.