Combat Culture

Fighting with Purpose, Healing with discipline.

At Checkthegarden, combat is more than just a sport — it is a way of life, a healing practice, and a path back to self.

This movement exists because of Tumanako Phillips — fighter, trainer, father, and brother to our founder, Maiamaria Tarati Phillips.

The Why — Tumanako Phillips

Tumanako Phillips is a 26-year-old Māori fighter based in Aotearoa. A father of four and a full-time worker, he founded a kaupapa-driven training program that blends Māori mental health support with the physical disciplines of Muay Thai and boxing.

With deep whakapapa and a strong connection to his culture, Tumanako’s journey shows that discipline, identity, and support can transform lives.

His story—balancing fatherhood, work, and the pursuit of becoming a professional fighter—is the reason Combat Culture exists on Checkthegarden. He trains with heart, fights with purpose, and uplifts those around him.

What We Stand For

Combat Culture is about more than winning. It’s about:

• Discipline inside and outside the ring
• Healing and reclaiming personal power
• Supporting whānau and future generations
• Bringing culture and kaupapa into combat
• Training with respect and carrying legacy

Disciplines We Support

• Muay Thai — the art of eight limbs, taught with humility
• Boxing — technical skill and mental focus
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — flow, control, and strategy

We support fighters who carry community, purpose, and identity into the ring or mat.

What We Do

Checkthegarden supports kaupapa-driven fighters and gyms by:

• Featuring fighters and coaches
• Promoting gyms and events
• Providing social media exposure
• Hosting combat and wellness workshops
• Sharing stories of mental health and discipline
• Partnering with NZ-based fight nights and training programs

Our Fighters Represent

• Māori and Pasifika warrior traditions
• Latin American fighting spirit
• Women and wāhine toa in combat
• Youth transforming trauma into strength
• Fighters fighting for their families, culture, and communities

Join the Movement

If you are a fighter, trainer, gym owner, or promoter with kaupapa and culture at your core, we want to hear from you.

Email: checkthegardenNZ@gmail.com

Instagram: @Checkthegarden

Combat is Culture

Combat is more than sport. It is a modern wānanga — a place to train, reflect, rise, and reclaim.

Whether you’re throwing punches early in the morning, training young people, or on your own healing journey, you are part of this.

This is Combat Culture. This is for Tumanako. This is for all of us.