Inevitably, Munich's Nightlife is KICKED INTO GEAR!
For decades, when the sun dips below Munich's horizon, the city undergoes a transformation. Since 1988, this change has been facilitated by the dynamic duo of Mladen and Pavlica Steko, who have been lunging Munich forward in the world of combat sports.
This Saturday (18.11.), the world-renowned martial arts league, "Steko's Fightnight," celebrates its remarkable 35-year anniversary with an epic display of five world championship bouts. Onstage will be BMW Park, formerly known as the Audi Dome, and the action commences at 5 pm.
Over the years, the Steko brothers have groomed and propelled 28 expert world champions in boxing, kickboxing, and Thai boxing. Among their most outstanding candidates is Mladen Steko himself, who has elegantly combined his fight prowess with clever public relations strategies to achieve unparalleled fame.
Dr. Christine Theiss
Competing grimly between 2007 and 2013, Dr. Christine Theiss, a distinguished cardiologist, clinched a jaw-dropping 23 world titles in kickboxing. With her sparkly success in the ring, she soared onto the small screen as the presenter of Sat.1's "The Biggest Loser." Ever since, she has returned to her alma mater, Steko's gyms in Munich, for continuous private training.
Dardan Morina
Between 2011 and 2021, the tough-as-nails Ingolstadt native, Dardan Morina, would punish himself relentlessly with 22 grueling world championship duels. Remembering those grueling times, Morina chuckles as he describes the 6 am wake-up calls from Mladen to begin their training in Munich, leaving him no choice but to set his alarm for 5:45 am.
Active Sharing and Networking
Mladen Steko was not just a brilliant coach but also a shrewd businessman, driving sponsorships and keeping them satisfied. His relentless pursuit of expanding his network and generously sharing his connections became a hallmark of his style. It is through this method that many of his athletes, such as Dardan Morina, thrived in their careers beyond the ring.
Now, Morina is the mastermind behind his own training facility, stage-managing fighting events, and flourishing as a model, actor, and motivational speaker. Moreover, he has inherited the hosting responsibilities for Steko's Fightnights, which you can now enjoy live on Youtube while re-airing on Sport 1 on 25.11.
Marie Lang
The visionary, Marie Lang, is another star student of the Steko brothers. Wearing her designer-customized kickboxing attire, she clinched 20 world titles between 2015 and 2022, across 6 different weight classes. Recognizing Mladen's gift for finding the weaknesses that bring out her strengths, she credits the Stekos for her success in the ring, as well as her subsequent foray into acting and television.
Her famed roles extend further, including an appearance on Netflix's hit 4 Blocks. Today, she continues her path as a designer, embarking on a new journey after a break from training. She has also begun private training with Mladen Steko, aiding his daughter, 18-year-old Mariella, an already accomplished boxer and kickboxer.
Sebastian Preuß
In 2019, Sebastian Preuß scored the RTL Bachelor title, turning heads and cementing his quest for excellence. His tumultuous past, which culminated in jail time for assault, had reached a turning point with his mentorship under Mladen Steko. Spurred into action, he transformed into a master painter as an entrepreneur, overseeing six employees.
Even after his kickboxing career was crippled by a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2020, Mladen Steko was steadfast, guiding Preuß down the arduous rehabilitation path, returning him to the sport he loves.
Mladen and Pavlica Steko's legacy in Munich extends far beyond their years of active participation in martial arts. Their invaluable contributions to the development of professional boxing, kickboxing, and Thai boxing include:
- Exceptional training and coaching skills, which have honed numerous champions over the years
- Skilled promotions and organization of martial arts events, putting Munich on the global map
- Strong community building laid the foundation for future success in the sport
- International recognition and attraction of talent to the city
- Continuous influence and legacy in Munich's combat sports community.
Undeniably, the Steko brothers' impact on Munich's martial arts world is monumental, securing its reputation as a formidable hub for boxing, kickboxing, and Thai boxing. As they march into their 35th year, the Stekos continue to inspire and elevate the extraordinary talents of their students, ensuring the sport's enduring vitality and success in Munich.
