Right guys, this is the 2nd interview in the series, and this one is with Jay Du Toit. Jay has been amazingly busy at the moment organizing the Roadhouse Finals next week, so a massive thank you to you Jay for taking some time to do this interview!

When did you first begin practising?

I started in 2001, but only really got into it in 2002.

Where and when did the flair scene first explode over for you?

2002, came down to Roadhouse with some mates who had heard that this sort of thing was happening and was hooked from the word go.

How or what inspired you to flair and get to the standard you are at today?

Just the love of working behind a bar and the fact that flair added to my other passion – traveling. This was a massive bonus, so I decided to take it all the way

What is the atmosphere like back stage before a comp? What is routine before you go on? Do you have a drink for Dutch courage and calm the nerves?

Personally I never really got that nervous, I use to love competing and loved being on stage. Now days the pressure is a lot higher and I have seen some guys near tears, but once on stage everyone normally gets in the zone. Some people like having a shot before their performance others like to chill out and get their heads straight.

What goes through your mind when you are on stage flairing?

Normally I try and focus as much as possible on the routine, but I have got carried away and I’ve done the odd stage jump ;-)

How would you describe your style in five words?

Flair like I want to!

Where do you think flair will be in five years time?

More comps in further countries with more guys on the same high level competing for bigger prize money!

What did you have to do to get to your first Roadhouse finals?

I managed to get to my first Roadhouse finals at my first comp, but only after months of practising – the guys had been waiting for me for months and when I finally went on stage I had a lot of support, which was great.

What does the Roadhouse comp mean to you?

It has changed my life like so many other people. I’ve managed to see the world,

1. By working behind the bar and earning decent money
2. Competing under the Roadhouse name being able to go places with their support and then last but not least managing the comp has been a rollercoaster.

What piece of advice would you give to a budding flairer?

Have fun first of all, practise loads and make sure you keep your feet on the ground!

Written by Sam Martin