Latest update September 11th, 2026 10:26 AM
Maxido’s Moment: A 53-Year Fight to Greatness
Kaieteur Sports – In the world of martial arts, where discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance reign supreme, the story of Verney Max Massiah, known globally as Maxido rises above even the most legendary. It began in 1972, when an 11-year-old boy from Guyana dared to dream.
Verney Max Massiah promoted to 9th Degree Grand Master last month at the G.O.A.T Meet in Dallas, Texas
A dream that would burn bright for over five decades, unwavering through injury, doubt, and unimaginable pain. A dream that, in August this year, culminated in the ultimate honour, being crowned a 9th Degree Grand Master at the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) Martial Arts event in Dallas, Texas.
“Absolutely nothing, no one, not even severe discomfort, unbearable pain, or haters… would have been allowed to stop me from realizing that dream of becoming the best at what I dearly love.”
These are the words of a man who refused to quit. Through it all—broken bones, a 26-year-old back injury, naysayers, and near-crippling travel conditions—Massiah kept going.
Pain Is Temporary, Legacy Is Forever
It wasn’t a glamorous lead-up to the G.O.A.T event. On his way to the airport, Max and his team suffered a jarring vehicle incident, hitting an unmarked speed bump in the dead of night. Already in pain, the compression from the impact only worsened his condition.
“I had to be wheelchaired in all airports from Guyana to Dallas,” he recalled. Yet his spirit remained unbroken.
The G.O.A.T. event wasn’t just another martial arts meet, it was the platform to test, prove, and earn a place among the world’s greatest. It featured a panel of high-ranking Grandmasters from as far as Australia and Germany, all there to judge, witness, and validate martial arts excellence.
Grand Master Maxido during his technique testing at the G.O.A.T event
Max Massiah had applied to test and showcase the effectiveness of the MAXIDO Street-Defense System, a system he founded in the USA in 2017. Despite warnings from his elite team which consisted of decorated martial artists and professionals including former Magistrate and Army Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Sobers, as well as Kojo McPherson, Sean Thomas, and Floyde Rudder—Max would not back down.
“I either listened but didn’t hear, or heard but didn’t listen,” he said, laughing off the pain.
Barely able to stand, he insisted on demonstrating four techniques. When the moment came, the pain dissolved, replaced by adrenaline, applause, and sheer willpower. Sitting on a chair while the other testing Masters stood tall, Max performed with such force and precision that he pushed through two more techniques. His team picked up the rest, stunning the crowd with their synergy and the undeniable effectiveness of the system they represented.
“At that time my blood was hot, and I wanted to do more, but the look Kojo gave me warned me otherwise.”
Before an audience of nearly 200 spectators, including some of the most elite martial artists on the planet Maxido did what few ever achieve: he took a personal vision born in a small South American nation and etched it into global history.
The crowd rose. The judges applauded. And Max Massiah’s childhood dream of being acknowledged among the world’s best had become reality.
“That a small country like Guyana could produce such an effective, unique, realistic self-defense system… he reflected. “It fulfills a little boy’s dream.”
A Legacy Cemented
Recognition at the G.O.A.T event marked not only a personal triumph but also the immortalization of the MAXIDO system. Like Karate, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, or Wing Chun, MAXIDO now takes its place among the pantheon of global martial arts systems; respected, proven, and enduring.
What began as one boy’s dream in 1972 has become a generational gift to the world. A system that, Massiah believes, will live hundreds of years beyond him. “The legacy of MAXIDO is earthed.”
With gratitude, Massiah extended heartfelt thanks to the companies and individuals who believed in him enough to support this historic journey. Their faith helped ensure that this extraordinary moment wasn’t just witnessed but remembered.
Maxido’s journey reminds us all that greatness doesn’t come easy, nor does it come fast. But for those who are willing to fight through the pain, the doubts, and the years—it eventually comes.
And when it does, it roars.
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