Showing posts with label Muay Thai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Muay Thai. Show all posts

11.18.2009

In the Beginning


Ever since I was a kid - I've always wanted to fight. Perhaps that was born out of the fact that I had an older brother who kept beating on me. Or perhaps it was all those Bruce Lee movies I used to watch with my Uncle Jimmy.

Growing up in New Zealand - there was little to no exposure to Martial Arts. Rugby, Cricket, Netball and Soccer reigned supreme. Not to mention that my mother was none to fond of sports. It was Study first, eat second and helping our father maintain the business.

Living in Asia for almost a decade has allowed me to experience many different cultures and with this opportunity I have had the chance to pursue my dream to learn one of the most effective forms of martial arts in the World - Muay Thai Boxing. I only started Muay Thai in November 2008 - It was encouraged by my brother and began as a 10 session Beginners Class at BXG Fitness. It was down the road from where I lived and cost $200. It was a good workout and the trainer communicated well and went through the basics of punches, kicks, blocks, elbows and knees. We did some light sparring and pad work but nothing too strenuous.

I now train at Suphanahong three times a week with Badger, Corky, Baoala and Akuma Jr. My end goal is to get in the ring and fight - This is the first Round. DING DING!

The Preparation

thailand bangkok wat arunImage by FriskoDude via Flickr

I'm making my fifth trip to Thailand this year! (Bangkok, Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya) I just may have to get one of those t-shirts that say I LOVE THAILAND - Long Time! It's a wonderful country with so much history, culture and lovely people. It does make me wonder why the political landscape is so unstable?

Im excited about this trip! Im going to train with my buddy - the Badger at Scorpion Muay Thai Gym in Pattaya -  a 2 hour drive from Bangkok to the southern coast of Thailand.

We've been planning this trip for about a month and its always been something I've wanted to do. We started our research at fightpassport.com to get an understanding of what Muay Thai gyms are available and which is the best to learn from. 


We will spend about 5 days training at Scorpion and in preparation for this we've been attending our local Muay Thai gym Suphanahong as much as possible 4 times a week. I'd say im in relatively good shape - certainly not my peak but I'm satisfied with where I'm at - I can complete 4 consecutive days of working out this includes weights, yoga, Muay Thai and running. (No doubt I will feel entirely different in my mindset when im at Scorpion)


The Plan


Proposed Itinerary

20th November
  • Arrive in Bangkok
21st November
  • Visit Muay Thai Gym in Bangkok - TBA
  • Go Shoppping at Chatuchak Weekend Markets
  • Watch a fight at Lumpini Stadium
  • Catch the All Blacks vs England
22nd November
  • Watch a fight at Ratchadamnoen Stadium
  • Trip via Bus to Pattaya - Scorpion
23rd-27th November
  • Training at Scorpion
  • May visit Fairtex/Kombat Group
28th November
  • Return Singapore