Updated: Jun 5
By Dom Lau, Ring Announcer for ONE Championship:
When I stride into the ONE Circle, mic in hand, I’m not just setting the stage—I’m igniting the energy that defines ONE Championship’s fight nights. As the voice of Asia’s premier martial arts promotion, my catchphrase, “Here We Go!”, paired with my signature stomp-and-squat move, electrifies arenas and resonates with fans worldwide in just 10 seconds. It’s a moment amplified by the ONE production team’s pulsing lights and booming music, making those three words the heartbeat of ONE’s unforgettable vibe. But “Here We Go!” wasn’t a solo creation—the words were crafted through brainstorming with close colleagues, inspired by my childhood hero Howard Finkel, honed by a producer’s vocal-saving advice, and shaped through a journey of fine-tuning that led to a career-defining moment. Here’s how those 10 seconds, complete with the squat, lunge and production magic, came to life and why they’ve become a rallying cry for martial arts fans.
The Challenge of the ONE Circle
Joining ONE Championship was a thrilling leap. The ONE Circle called for raw energy, precision, and the ability to amplify the intensity of fighters giving their all. I was eager to make an impact, but I knew I needed something special to elevate the moment.
At first, I relied on polished, professional introductions, drawing on my media experience. They worked well enough, but I felt there was untapped potential to make the moment truly unforgettable. I experimented with different tones, gestures, and stage presence, searching for the perfect way to ignite the crowd. Each attempt taught me something new, and I was determined to find a signature that matched ONE Championship’s vibrant spirit. I wasn’t struggling, but I was hungry to discover that one spark that would set the stage ablaze.
The Inspiration
Growing up in Hong Kong, I was glued as a child to the TV watching WWF (now WWE), captivated by the spectacle. The wrestlers were larger-than-life, but it was the ring announcer, Howard Finkel, who stole my attention as a kid. His commanding voice, the way he owned the ring, and his knack for making every match feel epic left a mark on me. Finkel’s iconic calls, like his drawn-out “And NEW!” for championship wins, turned moments into memories. As a young dreamer, I knew I wanted to channel that kind of energy someday, and his influence quietly shaped my approach when I joined ONE Championship. I wanted to create a moment that felt as big as Finkel’s, but in my own way, rooted in martial arts.
Crafting the Words with Friends & Colleagues
The phrase “Here We Go!” didn’t come from me alone—it was born from late-night brainstorming sessions with close colleagues at ONE Championship and friends back in Hong Kong. We were tossing around ideas for a catchphrase that could capture the thrill of a fight night, something short, punchy, and universal. I wanted words that would hype the crowd and honor the fighters’ intensity, inspired by the way Finkel’s voice set the tone for WWF matches. “Here We Go!” for us was simple, direct, and carried a sense of momentum—like the fighters were charging into battle and the fans were right there with them. We all felt it had the potential to be iconic, but the next part was for me to bring it to life.
The Tip That Shifted My Approach
Early on with ONE, I’d push my voice hard during rehearsals, giving full energy every time to nail the vibe. It left me a bit drained by showtime. After one rehearsal, a producer shared a piece of advice that changed my approach: “Don’t go at a 10 during rehearsals, Dom. Save your voice—keep it at a 7 and give your 10 for the main event.” It was a simple but powerful shift. I realized I could trust my preparation and hold back just enough to unleash my best when it mattered most.
I try to follow that wisdom, though I’ll confess I don’t always hold back. Like the fighters I announce, I’m driven to give my all every time—rehearsal or not. Their total commitment to every bout pushes me to match that energy, but the producer’s tip helped me focus on channeling my passion strategically. It gave me the freedom to hone my delivery, emphasizing emotion and presence over raw volume, and set the foundation for a moment that would define my career.
The 10 Seconds That Changed It All
It was 2017, a massive ONE Championship event with a buzzing arena and a worldwide broadcast. The atmosphere was alive—fans roaring, lights flashing, fighters ready to make history. As I walked to the center of the ONE Circle for the main event introduction, I felt the crowd’s energy surging. I’d been refining ways to hype the crowd, building on each event’s momentum, and the phrase we’d crafted together. That night, I leaned on the producer’s advice to save my 10. I held back in rehearsals, trusting I’d deliver when the moment called.
As I reached the center, the ONE production team worked their magic—spotlights zeroed in, casting a dramatic glow, and the music swelled, building tension. I planted my feet, squatted down channeling the fighters’ intensity, tapped into the arena’s pulse, and lunged to unleash a bold, “Here We Go!” The lunge and squat wasn't planned—it just felt right, a natural extension of the moment’s energy.
The crowd erupted. The fighters locked in, fueled by the surge. The production team amplified it all, with lights pulsing in sync and music hitting a crescendo. Those 10 seconds were pure instinct, shaped by months of refining my craft, the words we brainstormed, Finkel’s influence, and that key vocal-saving tip. I’d been focused on finding the perfect delivery, but in that moment, I trusted my gut, my body, and the production crew’s brilliance.
Why “Here We Go!” Resonates
It’s not just the words—it’s the whole experience. The catchphrase, my stomp-and-squat move, and the production team’s lighting and music create a moment that’s bigger than any one part. Here’s why it’s caught fire:
It’s Universal: The phrase is short, sharp, and chantable, crossing languages and cultures, from Bangkok to Denver.
It Builds Hype: The words, paired with the movement, signal something epic is coming, amplified by the lights and music.
It’s Real: It came from my love for martial arts, inspired by legends like Howard Finkel, and from my friends and colleagues who ground me.
To this day, I’m humbled every time I see it come to life, complete with the production team’s cinematic touch.
How Refinement Paved the Way
The path to “Here We Go!” was a process of growth. My early experiments were about finding what worked. I’d try different gestures or vocal styles, then adjust based on the crowd’s reaction. Watching replays helped me see where I could add more fire or dial back for impact. Each event was a chance to sharpen my approach, and the producer’s advice to save my voice gave me the clarity to focus on what mattered most: connecting with the moment.
My walk to the center over time became deliberate, a way to own the space and build anticipation, much like I’d seen in WWF as a kid. The ONE production team elevated it all, syncing their lighting and music to my rhythm, turning a simple phrase into a spectacle. Those months of refinement, paired with Finkel’s influence, the team’s brainstorming, the producer’s insight, and the production team’s artistry, helped me craft a moment that’s simple yet powerful.
Lessons from “Here We Go!”
You don’t need a mic or an arena to find your own “Here We Go!” moment. Whether you’re in business, creative work, or everyday life, here’s what those 10 seconds taught me:
Trust Your Prep: Save your best for when it counts, but let your passion shine through every step.
Keep Refining: Every moment is a chance to grow. Build on what works and tweak what doesn’t.
Make It Physical: A gesture or move, like my squat, can amplify your presence.
Lean on Your Team: Like my colleagues and the ONE production crew, collaborate with others to spark brilliance.
Draw from Inspiration: Let your heroes, like Howard Finkel was for me, guide your creativity.
Connect with Your Audience: Tap into the energy of those you’re reaching to create something shared.
Final Thoughts
“Here We Go!” is more than a catchphrase—it’s the 10 seconds that changed my world. Every time I walk to the center and deliver it, I’m reminded of the journey that got me here, the fighters who inspire me, and the team that brings it to life. If you’re chasing your own defining moment, keep honing, trust your prep, and let your energy soar.
Ready to bring your own “Here We Go!” energy? Join my fan challenge on Instagram (@domjlau) or swing by domjlau.com for more of my story. Let’s make every moment epic—Here We Go!
Dom Lau is an award-winning presenter and the voice of ONE Championship, bringing over 20 years of media experience to the stage. When he’s not announcing, he’s a fitness enthusiast and family man passionate about meaningful work.