Dunedin trainer Ryan Henry is still buzzing after his most recent trip to the United States.
Henry, the manager-director of the New Zealand Fight and Fitness Academy, has just returned from a trip to Las Vegas and San Diego to work in various martial art forms.
The undoubted highlight was being welcomed through the doors of the Vegas gym of Floyd Mayweather, arguably the greatest boxer in the world.
The link was through University of Nevada, Las Vegas trainer Chris Ben, who had done some conditioning work with Mayweather and had also trained Brice Ritani-Coe, whom Henry used to train in Dunedin.
''It was a real highlight,'' Henry said yesterday.
''We were just planning to try our luck and figured we would at least get a photo outside Mayweather's gym.
''Chris got us through the door and it was just unreal, a very special place. It was quite old-school in some ways, apart from the Ferraris pulling up outside.
''There were a couple of rings going. It was quite a staunch environment. The American heavyweight champ was there, plus a lot of other top boxers, big guys with gold chains and stuff.''
Henry and fellow coach Thomas Kaan missed what would have been the ultimate boxing experience - a chance to see Mayweather in action - but they did meet his uncle and trainer, Roger.
''That was really interesting. He asked where we were from, and then started talking about David Tua. He made that New Zealand connection.''
The New Zealanders also met Ana ''The Hurricane'' Julaton, a world boxing champion who was preparing for her MMA debut.
Henry and Kaan were able to pitch in by instructing her in some Gracie jiu jitsu techniques.
They caught up with former kickboxing star Ray Sefo, and Henry was delighted to rub shoulders with jiu jitsu royalty - Royler Gracie, Rorion Gracie, UFC fighter Fabricio Camoes and Gracie Miami academy boss Pedro Valente - in San Diego.
Royler Gracie is coming to Dunedin in August to train some of Henry's academy students, while Ritani-Coe may do some training in Dunedin before his participation in the Super Eight boxing tournament in Auckland.
The most exciting prospect for Henry is taking some of his young fighters back to the United States in November.
''We're looking at arranging some fundraising for that. It will be a great life experience for those kids.''
