Pro Card?

[Gym rat]

Interesting thread.. as has already been stated, I don't think it matters how our current pros got their cards - As a fan of the sport, ex-competitor and patriotic kiwi, I'm more interested in what you guys do with them moving forward.

To quote Vin Diesel from The Fast and the Furious:

"It does matter if you win by an inch, or a mile. Winnings winning!"

...............................................

In reading the posts there seems to be a lot of inconsistancy which hopefully the new NZFBB leadership will address .... I think a lot of which will ease with transparency - again as has already been stated.

For the federation and members it's about what we do tomorrow to ensure our future champions have an even playing field to achieve there dream (pro) status. I don't think if the bar was lowered some that this would lesson the respect and achievement of our current pros achievements.

What it will definately do is encourage more competitors to put themselves out there to have a go. It broadens the belief that there is a chance after soo many years - you can actually get a pro card in NZ.

I knew Salah when he was a skinny teen coming to the gym after school with his mates. They would be there for 3 hours some nights. He has lived and breathed the sport, and never let go of the belief that one day he would be pro. I would talk to him during training and talk shop - he was always interested in what us older guys were doing. If we were posing he would come in and pose with us - (a big call when you are measuring yourself against guys that were 20kg heavier - no fear :nod: ) Salah has the card because he believed in himself, and had faith in his belief enough to back himself. He did more than most to obtain his dream, more than I thought he could (But that was me putting limitations on myself). Whilst he didn't win the overall he showed enough commitment in the time I had seen him training at Te Atatu to earn the card. I'm sure the other pros will have similar stories of commitment .... thats why they are all champions.

Since he, MikeK, Jacqui and Grant have earned their cards the interest in NZ Bodybuilding has certainly grown. (Not discount the impact Moe has had on the sport) The unachievable has become the achievable - lets hope the NZFBB continues to encourage ... as stated above Transparent even playfield.

My 2c

As proud kiwi and fan of this sport it is great to see kiwis on the pro stage guys like Moe,Mike K,Jacqui which I have not meet,Grant and this coming August Mike D steping foot on the pro stage.I also thought that was very well put by Optimass

[michaelk]

I would like to see a system that would attract all the best competitors in NZ to the NZFBB shows- Mark Anderson is a classic - should be a Pro, but can't through NABBA- and would excel in the Pro forum, for those that don't know, I think Mark is the 2nd best male bodybuilder in NZ behind the obvious.

LMAO - Mike K - I think Mark's one step ahead of many people here and has probably realised there is no reason to be an IFBB Pro! Other than the 'living the dream' thing of course.

Financially for most people it is a license to burn money, unless you make it big and I'm guessing this is limited to perhap 20 or so of the hundreds of pro's out there.

Another Pro competitor I spoke to mentioned in his opinion the better option for most top BBers would be to stay amatuer and compete at the Worlds (and take what funding they can get). Only a minute percentage of bodybuilders had in his opinion what it takes to make a career of BBing, (dont let it stop you though folks - might wanna watch bigger stronger faster as a reality check & see if you're starting to resemble the guy living in his van at Golds :pfft: ).

On an aside what does it take to do a Pro show and be in the money? I've heard figures from $30 - 70K with most of this self funded? Is this realistic?

Your thoughts?

Nate

After reading the "fake NABBA" comments on this board, I would disagree that Mark would feel he has exceeded the Pro status- Champions like to measure themselves against the best and I would believe that Mark would relish the chance to measure himself against those in the bodybuilding world universally considered "the best" ie the top olympia contenders.

I have a number of pics with me against Troy, Melvin and Toney Freeman (all Pro Show winners) and looking pretty reasonable- that means more to me as a level of achievement than most titles I can think of.

Cost- it all depends on what you want to spend, Mark is competitive NOW and so I can't see his cost being any greater than they may already be. What payment did he receive for winning the NABBA Universe?

What funding is available for amateur NZ athletes other than travel?

I can tell you that since gaining my status there has been greater support and assistance for me than as an amateur and I in fact made a profit from my last years shows.

As an amateur having to pay all my expenses, one show usually cost around $2500+.

I'm not making a fortune doing what I'd be doing anyway- I didn't get into the sport to make money- I didn't become a Pro to make money (but to measure myself against the best and see what I could achieve)- BUT I am financially better off than as an amateur.

So the question is: Do you think Mark would like to measure himself against the top Olympia guys and either have it cost him less or even make money from it.....who wouldn't?

[michaelk]

Michael you look awesome in your pic. Will you guest pose on the 3rd Oct in Hamilton ? (curious) I'm a noob by the way so I don't really know who you are. Just Grant, Moe, Nato lol.

Sorry, I currently look like an overweight swimmer....with body hair.

[nate225]

After reading the "fake NABBA" comments on this board, I would disagree that Mark would feel he has exceeded the Pro status- Champions like to measure themselves against the best and I would believe that Mark would relish the chance to measure himself against those in the bodybuilding world universally considered "the best" ie the top olympia contenders.

I didn't say he had exceeded anything Mike, certainly didn't mean to give that impression (I don't even know the guy!).

My latter comments were really relating to a conversation re: NZFBB / IFBB, that 99% of NZL BBers would be better aiming at the Worlds and taking funding for travel (unless you get shafted like Danny!) rather than trying to fund a Pro show that you've got f*ck all hope of even placing in.

Appreciate your comments re: measuring yourself against the best of the best however.

I can tell you that since gaining my status there has been greater support and assistance for me than as an amateur and I in fact made a profit from my last years shows.

As an amateur having to pay all my expenses, one show usually cost around $2500+.

I'm not making a fortune doing what I'd be doing anyway- I didn't get into the sport to make money- I didn't become a Pro to make money (but to measure myself against the best and see what I could achieve)- BUT I am financially better off than as an amateur.

Really? Hard to believe but I'll have to take your word for it.

So the question is: Do you think Mark would like to measure himself against the top Olympia guys and either have it cost him less or even make money from it.....who wouldn't?

I couldn't believe it would cost him less, i.e. win the NABBA Nationals then qualified for Universe - flights & accom. funded I assume?; versus Win NZFBB nationals, apply for Pro Card, do a Pro show or ten trying to qualify for Olympia........ can't see him making too much money there.

Maybe someone should ask the man himself his thoughts?

[michaelk]

I'd be happy to clarify my payments to some degree, I did a Sky City photo shoot tues before the NZ Pro show- Paid $500, did some guest posing appearances, seminars and sold photos- all that I got paid for.

Accomandation was covered everywhere, and most of the food and all the tan in Aus.

Plus sponsors covered things like supps, gym membership that weren't covered as an amateur. Flights were the only big cost, around $700.

Even got a full kit out from Big Kiwi Convict gear just to look the part.

Believe me, when it comes to the money, I'm pedantic and monitor it all.

[nate225]

I'd be happy to clarify my payments to some degree, I did a Sky City photo shoot tues before the NZ Pro show- Paid $500, did some guest posing appearances, seminars and sold photos- all that I got paid for.

Accomandation was covered everywhere, and most of the food and all the tan in Aus.

Plus sponsors covered things like supps, gym membership that weren't covered as an amateur. Flights were the only big cost, around $700.

Even got a full kit out from Big Kiwi Convict gear just to look the part.

Believe me, when it comes to the money, I'm pedantic and monitor it all.

I guess one things clear Mike, when it comes to BBing or Strength Sports, we do it for the love of it! If you can break even for any event you're doing well!

Nate

[muscle07]

After reading the "fake NABBA" comments on this board, I would disagree that Mark would feel he has exceeded the Pro status- Champions like to measure themselves against the best and I would believe that Mark would relish the chance to measure himself against those in the bodybuilding world universally considered "the best" ie the top olympia contenders.

I didn't say he had exceeded anything Mike, certainly didn't mean to give that impression (I don't even know the guy!).

My latter comments were really relating to a conversation re: NZFBB / IFBB, that 99% of NZL BBers would be better aiming at the Worlds and taking funding for travel (unless you get shafted like Danny!) rather than trying to fund a Pro show that you've got f*ck all hope of even placing in.

Appreciate your comments re: measuring yourself against the best of the best however.

I can tell you that since gaining my status there has been greater support and assistance for me than as an amateur and I in fact made a profit from my last years shows.

As an amateur having to pay all my expenses, one show usually cost around $2500+.

I'm not making a fortune doing what I'd be doing anyway- I didn't get into the sport to make money- I didn't become a Pro to make money (but to measure myself against the best and see what I could achieve)- BUT I am financially better off than as an amateur.

Really? Hard to believe but I'll have to take your word for it.

So the question is: Do you think Mark would like to measure himself against the top Olympia guys and either have it cost him less or even make money from it.....who wouldn't?

I couldn't believe it would cost him less, i.e. win the NABBA Nationals then qualified for Universe - flights & accom. funded I assume?; versus Win NZFBB nationals, apply for Pro Card, do a Pro show or ten trying to qualify for Olympia........ can't see him making too much money there.

Maybe someone should ask the man himself his thoughts?

Hi there,

I've been reading the comments on obtaining pro-status and thought I should respond.

firstly thanks for the recognition mike and others,I've been a competitive bodybuilder for the past 14yrs and love the sport with a passion.

It's always been a dream of mine to become pro and stand on stage with other top bodybuilders.

I,m competing in melbourne on the 1st august at the c.c.i from there will return home and look at going for my pro-card,either at elite show or N.Z.F.B.B nationals.

There has been alot of grey area as far as obtaining pro status and if successfull will definatly aim for Olympia under 202lb class.

I don't take sides with either federation and beleive its all about promoting bodybuilding in N.Z and the honor of representing your country.

I've had alot of support over the years from many people how beleive i'm ready to turn pro like mike d,dave s,paul w and also you mike k,thankyou

By this time next year I hope to be well into my prep for pro debut

Yours in sport

Mark Anderson

[biggurl27]

Welcome on in Mark. How are your chocolate tuna fish shakes eh? Look forward to following your progress :grin:

[michaelk]

Awesome news your doing the CCI, the Aussies are going to get a hell of a fright, you'd be similar in height to Charles Duca I suspect who cleaned it up a couple of years back.

And if your doing the Elite...I'm paying the entry fee for you alone!

Under 202? Don't you normally compete around the 97kg weight? I know I'm the first to blow off the relevance of weight, but damm that'll be a big drop!

[muscle07]

Hi Mike,yea have competed at mid 90s before but with only being 5'4 need to keep mid section tight,universe 07 in spain contest weight was 85 dry as a bone,hope to come in 3kg up on that for c.c.i with slightly better condition.

Will see how my body responds after that and access which as I go.

See you in Auckland! :grin:

[Outlaw53]

Awesome news your doing the CCI, the Aussies are going to get a hell of a fright, you'd be similar in height to Charles Duca I suspect who cleaned it up a couple of years back.

LOL.............It's not such good news for us Aussie's of course!

As promoter of the CCI I'm thrilled that Mark has seen fit to have a crack at it. He is going to be very hard to beat obviously but I will be doing my best to present him with some quality opposition.

Tony Doherty is my emcee for the show so I'm sure he will be able to offer Mark some solid advice on getting a Pro card.

Don't be afraid to come in a tad smooth Mark, us Aussies need all the help we can get! :grin:

[diamond]

Just wait till i get my pro card. Then you'll really have something to moan about.

ie " how the f*ck did he get a pro card "

[Android]

Just wait till i get my pro card. Then you'll really have something to moan about.

ie " how the f*ck did he get a pro card "

haha that's exactly what puts me off even applying in the future, the bitchin'

[bigmd]

Hi Mike,yea have competed at mid 90s before but with only being 5'4 need to keep mid section tight,universe 07 in spain contest weight was 85 dry as a bone,hope to come in 3kg up on that for c.c.i with slightly better condition.

Will see how my body responds after that and access which as I go.

See you in Auckland! :grin:

I BLOODY KNEW IT!!!!! I have always said 5'4 and you keep saying 5'4 and a half!!!!!!, Its bloody good to have you on here and great of Di to put a cushon on the seat at the computer desk so you an reach the key board!!!! see behind (or above) every good bodybuilder there is a good woman!!!

[Matrix]

Glad to hear you are training for your pro card mark!

Saw you backstage at the NABBA nationals last year getting ready for your guest pose and you looked amazingly thick/ great density.

Best of Luck with all the training mate.

Also best wishes Mike K for a speedy recovery from injury and quick return to the pro scene. I agree when you say that you did stack up well size and conditioning wise against alot of the US pros, best wishes.

[musclearmor]

Sports whose winners are determined without clear, measureable quantitive results i.e. subjective judging/ point system, will always be exposed to politics and controversy.

Stick to Power Lifting instead :pfft: Ya either lifted it, or ya didn't and back handing someone, offering favours or having better public relations aint gonna help ya deadlift any more weight.

Boo-Yah!

[Small]

Stick to Power Lifting instead :pfft: Ya either lifted it, or ya didn't

wb when the helpers load the bar wrong consequently you lift something that then turns out to not be what you thought it to be? then you have to re-lift drained and not mentally prepared as your now adding an extra lift to your expected work load you trained for.... controversial i think so.

esp consider when that lift was for a regional record and then you find out its not (as I witnessed at the show last weekend...) :-s

im just stirring

[musclenz]

Sports whose winners are determined without clear, measureable quantitive results i.e. subjective judging/ point system, will always be exposed to politics and controversy.

Stick to Power Lifting instead :pfft: Ya either lifted it, or ya didn't and back handing someone, offering favours or having better public relations aint gonna help ya deadlift any more weight.

Boo-Yah!

:pfft: