Muay Thai

[TotallyOz]

I decided to try something a bit different than a typical holiday in Thailand. I enrolled in a Muay Thai boxing camp. I was a bit leery with this decision and was told we would be jogging 5k each day so I have done that for a few weeks to prepare for the camp.

 

Getting to the facility today, I know I was in for a hard four weeks. It was very rustic and that is being generous. It is all outside and the place has been around for years. The wear and tear of the place is evident. It has a nice reputation and the boxers that work there are all champions in their own right.

 

To start the first day, we got into a truck, Thai style. That is, we all hopped into the back of the truck. All in all, there were around 14 of us. All were foreigners except the boyfriend. They drove us halfway up the mountain and let us out on a path. The patch was a 2 ½ Kilometer up a mountain to a waterfall. It is a solid uphill jog. I was prepared for a job each day but not straight up a mountain. I had to run and walk and run and walk part of the way. I was a little disappointed in myself that at some of the higher climbers that I choose to walk. Not much to do other than listen to the body. The group met at the top and we walked back down.

 

The group this AM consisted mostly of foreigners and very handsome ones at that. All half my age. Most in their 20’s and some studying at the camp for weeks, months and even 2 years. All were hard bodied young men. I was the old man in the group and I most definably felt like it.

 

Back at the gym, I was put hand wraps on and given the basics by the owner. We jumped rope for about 20 min. That is a real treat. It is not the same jump rope I remember as a kid. It was a bit more difficult. And I tried to do well with this and do go for a hard 20 min. At the end, my heard was pounding and my legs sore.

 

The owner gave us the basic moves and he spent a good hour showing us what we needed to practice. He led us to a mirror and let us practice in front of it. What a sight that was to see. Watching yourself shadow box in a mirror is a treat everyone should experiences once in a while. We did this for a bit before being put into a ring.

 

Yes that is right, a ring. We were each given a trainer and we had to show them our moves. I worked hard to try to impress. There are few moves in Muay Thai but you must have the down perfectly and we were told this would take at least 10 days of practice. The trainer made sure my mistakes were corrected. I was slapped in the face at least 50 times in the hour. Every time I took my hands down from my forehead to protect it, he gently reminding me with a slap, that they were not to be moved from that position. If you don’t like getting hit, do NOT go to a Muay Thai Camp. We were told these gentle hits will not hurt you but help you get prepared for the sport. It is a sport and this is part of making sure you are ready to get into a ring.

 

There is much to learn and much to understand about the sport. What I gathered from the first morning is that I have a lot to learn and it will not be an easy path.

 

Getting back to my hotel, we ate breakfast and laid down for a bit. After 3 hours we woke up. The boyfriend will not admit to be sore, but my body aches and my legs hurt like hell. Having kicked a bag and with a trainer at least 200 times, the pains just go up and down the body. It is not unimaginable pain but something I can tolerate and I should have stretched before I left. I didn’t stretch and I know better. The gym takes a more personal approach to the sport. You do what you want when you want and if they see you working, they will help. It is all up to you to put into it what you can do what you want to achieve. First morning, I was sore. The afternoon section I hope goes better and I will stretch before I return. The camp is from 6am-11am and from 4-7 every day.

 

The Morning session was hard, the afternoon was tougher. I guess after jogging once today, another jog was just pain. It hurt but in a good way. The rope jumping was also there and push ups every few minutes in between everything.

 

There is perfection to being a Muay Thai boxer. They want you to practice that perfection. Each stance and kick and swing is done a certain way and you are required to make sure each is done correctly. If not, you will get someone over to help you get corrected. If you are in the ring, it is done with a slap, if not, it is done with verbal directions.

 

The afternoon had more Thais as they got out of school and ready to practice. It was a hard day and after a few hundred shadow kicks and about 50 on each side on a bag, I was ready for the night.

 

I made my way to the hotel and sank into the bed. Tried, weary and excited.

 

I like the main teacher. He is gentle yet firm. He is very knowledgeable and attentive. He made clear that if we want attention from him, to show him we were working hard. When he sees that, he will take time for us. He took time with me today and spent a great deal showing me what we needed to know.

 

At many points through the day, someone yells out something in Thai which means to do push ups. I don’t understand the word but I know when it is yelled, and others go down in push up position, I do the same and do 15-20 push ups. Each day this happens at least 8 or 9 times.

 

The owner has 5 large dogs. They want attention from everyone and I enjoy the companionship so I have become friends with them. They don’t seem to like Thais at all and it must have something to do with their past.

 

The second day was the same as the first except we go on different jogs each day. Today we were taken to a lake and ran around it. It was about 3.5k. That was an easy jog for me and less than 25 minutes total, I was 3rd in a pack of 15. I don’t mind the jogs that are smooth straight surface, it is the uphill battles that boggle my body and legs and make my mind go into the mode that it thinks I can’t do it. I am totally determined that the next mountain jog we have that I will complete it without walking at all.

 

Testosterone is high at the gym. I don’t think any are gay but who the hell knows. I sure as shit don’t and my gaydar does not work in the pavilion. On the second day, we had a 2 hour Thai massage in the hotel. It was amazing and much needed. Thank goodness there are some professional massage therapists around as the bar boy I picked up last night promised me a great strong massage. Needless today, I was left disappoint in the massage but light a load or two.

 

I don’t mind at all the training. It does hurt from top to bottom at times but I just keep working through it and try to keep the pain to a minimum. I guess the hardest part for me is seeing the blood of those that get in ring to practice and they get a bloody nose or mouth. I hate the sight of blood and I know that one day it will be me getting off the mat to wipe the nose clean of the blood and get the lips cleaned.

 

I do find the jogging through the neighborhoods interesting. The mix of palatial estates with that of regular Thai families is a fascinating mixture. I also see that most homes have at least 2 dogs. They are allowed to roam free in the area and it makes it difficult for joggers. For me, they don’t really both me but it is nice to see them not try to nip at my legs.

 

I have found that eating more at the local venues is a treat. Often I don’t know what I am trying but it is fun to try. I have been adventurous and I think I have enjoyed this much more.

 

The training is really what you put into it is what you get from it. Some guys show up every session and work their asses off and some do not. It is really all up to you. I don’t think I have come in last in any jog but I have been in the bottom 1/3 and the top 1/3. That is not bad for someone my age and weight. I still have a belly that has not disappeared and that makes the jogging against those with 6 packs a bit tougher. I find the guys that have been here the longest run faster, harder stronger than the rest of us. I have yet to finish last so that is not bad for an old man. I am not trying to brag or be boastful. It is what it is. I am not in excellent shape but not in poor shape either. Each day for me is just about being able to get out of bed and get started on the run at 6am and do the best I can do. Not the best the others can do; but the best I can do. Some days that is more than others. Some days the legs are hurting so much that the speed is slower and some days I seem to get a boost of energy and am able to really crank it up.

 

All in all, this is a real learning experience. It is teaching me a lot about life but especially about the hard work the Thai go through at a very young age to be the best in this sport. I have to not only admire that but say that I am amazed when I see those young lads pounding away at the bags day after day and night after night. It is not a passive sport and not one that should be dismissed as something fun to watch in a bar.

 

I am sure I’ll have more to share as the days go forward but for now, I am just grateful that my feet hit the floor every morning and they are able to stand up and make the trip to the ring to do the work. Not sure if I will last another week or month. But, I do know that each day has been amazing and I hope I am able to keep putting those gloves on and learning a bit more each day.

[Guest YardenUK]

wow - impressive! well done you! hope u last the month!

 

how did you come to find/choose this particular course and if you dont mind me asking, is it expensive? Is the accommodation etc all included or you merely pay the tuition fees?

 

i love Muay Thai, and often thought about a course, but the time commitment and the uncertainty if i would ever last the distance has always ket the idea firmly in the fantasy drawer in my brain!! But reading this great post, i am sorely tempted (no pun intended!)

 

 

[Guest]

wow - impressive! well done you! hope u last the month!

 

how did you come to find/choose this particular course and if you dont mind me asking, is it expensive? Is the accommodation etc all included or you merely pay the tuition fees?

 

i love Muay Thai, and often thought about a course, but the time commitment and the uncertainty if i would ever last the distance has always ket the idea firmly in the fantasy drawer in my brain!! But reading this great post, i am sorely tempted (no pun intended!)

 

I did a bit of research on the net and I asked the boyfriend where he wanted to go and let him make the decision. As he has to fly back to his home every Saturday night and be back by Monday AM, it was important that we have a schedule that works for him so he will not have to miss his Sunday school.

 

The tuition is 8k bath for farang and that is just the gym. Everyone gets individual attention as there are a group of instructors that work with everyone. You can get Private tutoring but the owner said it was a waste of money as you will get it anyway if they see you are working.

 

Room and board is not included. They do have Thai style accommodations available for very reasonable prices (cheap) and there are 250 bath a nice hotels in the area as well. Most of the farang students are staying close by and in cheap accommodations. The only thing included in the cost of tuition is your first set of hand wraps. Some keep them and use them over and over. We bought a new pair that was higher quality and easier to put on. Believe it or not, the hand is wrapped a special way and it has to be done right or they won't let you in the ring. You would risk a chance of hurting your knuckles.

 

The people have been very kind to us and I had not had any issues with anyone that were negative. Everyone seems to be doing their own thing and working toward their own goals. I have not seen the competitive edge with each other. I'm sure I'll see it when I go to my first fight tonight. (not as a boxer)

 

You can really do this for a month or two for very little money if you are willing to live in a Thai style hotel close to the gym and each locally. I would be happy to assist you if you need any specifics and you can e-mail me at gaythailand@gmail.com

 

I can say, I hurt like hell today. The first bout for the day is easy to do. The second one is a killer and my body just aches thinking about it. Of course they told us to take things slowly and not do everything and ease into the program. That is what we are doing. We normally do the run in the AM, do some shadow work, a little bag work and work with one guy in the ring, do our pushups and situps and head out. Same in the evening. I would say we have cut off about an hour of each day so far and we are OK with that for now. We can't do it all everyday as the program really is do what you can and do your best and then rest. They don't want to wear us out and they want us to have an enjoyable experience. I have noticed that many of the guys don't show up for the afternoon run if they do the AM run. I love the runs so we have been doing both of them. I am in this more for weight control and to get into shape and running is the best way to do that. I will not come out of this a pro fighter or even a good one. But, I want to come out learning the basics with a better understanding and enjoyment of the sport.

 

I will be taking some pics and posting them (I hope) and I'll write more as the program progresses.

[Guest YardenUK]

thanks for that - i will email you although the key issue is having 1 month totally free - I love Muay Thai as a spectator, and love the idea of learning more about being a participant, but am i that dedicated to free up 1 month? Plus in all honesty, is it the sport or the homo-eroticism of MT that appeals to me

 

Can't wait to see the photos! Are you far from BKK by the way?

[Guest]

For those of you who have never seen the beauty of a Muay Thai event, I suggest you give it a try. It does have a bit of blood and some violence but the entire event is spectacular.

 

The participants each enter the ring dressed in traditional attire and they have rituals that are done by each fighter. It is fascinating to watch as they are the same with all the fighters.

 

Before the fight can begin, each fighter must perform a wai khru dance as a way to show respect for his teachers and trainers.

 

There are only five rounds.

 

Boxers must wear gloves.

 

The gloves must weigh at least six ounces.

 

Gloves can not be squeezed in any way that would alter their original shape.

 

Each round is three minutes long and there is a two minute break in between rounds.

 

The winner is decided by knockout or by points. Whoever wins the most rounds wins the fight.

 

Shirts and shoes are not allowed.

 

Both fighters must wear groin protection.

 

Before the fight a sacred cloth called the Mongkol may be worn as a headband. It must be removed before the fighting begins. The cloth is worn to pay homage to the fighter's trainers and heritage. It is also thought to give the fighter good luck.

 

All equipment must be provided by the stadium. This includes a stopwatch, a signal gong, a warning bell, boxing gloves, water, jock straps and surgical tape.

 

At the end of each match, they go to the opponent’s corner and get a drink of water from their cup and their trainer. They then go to their own corner to get a drink.

 

The matches last night were fun to watch and they started out with the younger guys around 14 and then the older guys and even some Farang on Farang fights.

 

Our group was only one of several facilities that participated in the event and all of the fighters that represented our group won the fight. I guess that means I picked a good camp to train at.

 

The fighters were VERY respectful of each other and the referees. There were no ill words, arguments, etc. When the match was called, it was done and the loser and winner embraced and often the winner would bow down before his opponent to show him respect.

 

Such a beautiful tradition. One guy got knocked completely out. The rest of the matches were called by the judges.

 

Entrance fee was 350 baht for those of us with the group of fighters and 400 baht for general admission.

 

While I am here to learn the sport, I don’t ever picture myself in an event as this. This is for young guys. Not us old men. But, it was enjoyable. The fighters had bodies of perfection.

[Guest jomtien]

 

GayThailand....

 

Is it true that when The Birdcage opens in March the first big attraction will be a Muay Thai match featuring you and GayButton, promoted as "The Slapfight in Day/Night" ?

 

Please keep us informed on dates and ticket info!!

 

 

 

 

[Gaybutton]

Is it true that when The Birdcage opens in March the first big attraction will be a Muay Thai match featuring you and GayButton, promoted as "The Slapfight in Day/Night" ?

 

That has been canceled. They decided instead to use me as the feature contestant in the Sumo wrestling match.

[Guest]

GayThailand....

 

Is it true that when The Birdcage opens in March the first big attraction will be a Muay Thai match featuring you and GayButton, promoted as "The Slapfight in Day/Night" ?

 

Please keep us informed on dates and ticket info!!

 

Since GayButton has volunteered to do a Sumo match, I will volunteer to do a naughty nightgown mud wrestling contest with you Jomptien. It this is for charity, I'll even order at Victoria Secrets now. Let me know please as I must get the right color to go with my eyes. May I suggest red for your color? We need to coordinate.

 

PS Won't this have an adverse effect on the opening? Perhaps, we should just volunteer to sit and drink tons that night. The owner may appreciate that even more than the mud wrestling.

[Guest jomtien]

Since GayButton has volunteered to do a Sumo match, I will volunteer to do a naughty nightgown mud wrestling contest with you Jomptien. It this is for charity, I'll even order at Victoria Secrets now. Let me know please as I must get the right color to go with my eyes. May I suggest red for your color? We need to coordinate.

 

PS Won't this have an adverse effect on the opening? Perhaps, we should just volunteer to sit and drink tons that night. The owner may appreciate that even more than the mud wrestling.

 

 

 

I like the idea of a mud wrestling contest with you, but I withhold final decision until I see you again. What with trips to the fat far.....uhhhh....spa, and muay thai training you may have turned from an 'Orson Welles" type into a 'Hulk Hogan' type.

 

As to drinking tons that night, unfortunately the opening will be past the 'no smoking' date and I've always said I would stop going to Gogo Bars if they went non-smoking. Perhaps we could wrestle in the street?

 

 

 

 

[Guest]

I like the idea of a mud wrestling contest with you, but I withhold final decision until I see you again. What with trips to the fat far.....uhhhh....spa, and muay thai training you may have turned from an 'Orson Welles" type into a 'Hulk Hogan' type.

 

Well, a more accurate description would be from John Candy to Santa Clause. A work in progress.

[Guest]

As to drinking tons that night, unfortunately the opening will be past the 'no smoking' date and I've always said I would stop going to Gogo Bars if they went non-smoking. Perhaps we could wrestle in the street?

 

I hope you don't stop going for this reason. I am sure there will be many stepping out for a quick smoke. When this happened in NYC, all the guys were livid. It just became part of the routine and another way to meet more guys. I don't think the ban will be that hard on too many as it is often easy to just step out, take a cig and then go back inside. A little up and down on the legs is good for circulation and although not as good a a little up and down from a hot guy, it is still good for ya.

[Guest buckeroo2]

Friday night I talked to the owner of a long time go-go bar in Boyztown and I asked him about the smoking ban. He is well aware of it but told me he will see how things go - he does not plan on enforcing it unless he gets visited by the police. He commented that business was very slow for high season and he has no intention of alienating any customers by banning smoking. BTW, I had 2 drinks at about midnight on a Friday night and there was one other customer in the bar.

 

 

I hope you don't stop going for this reason. I am sure there will be many stepping out for a quick smoke. When this happened in NYC, all the guys were livid. It just became part of the routine and another way to meet more guys. I don't think the ban will be that hard on too many as it is often easy to just step out, take a cig and then go back inside. A little up and down on the legs is good for circulation and although not as good a a little up and down from a hot guy, it is still good for ya.

 

[Gaybutton]

there was one other customer in the bar.

 

Maybe the fact that he is saying he will not comply has something to do with why the bar has a slight lack of customers. Again, being a smoker myself, I can't see anything wrong with stepping outside to smoke. What's so terrible about that? Sure, I'd rather be able to smoke inside the bars, but less than three hours from the time I'm writing this post that will no longer be legally possible. So, I'll step outside to smoke. I hope, for everyone's sake, both bars and customers will comply without any problems.

 

I can't see the logic behind the bar owner's attitude, if he meant what he told you. He doesn't want to alienate his customers? I would think the vast majority of his customers are non-smokers. Wouldn't a refusal to comply alienate the majority of the customers he can get?

[Guest jomtien]

I hope you don't stop going for this reason. I am sure there will be many stepping out for a quick smoke. When this happened in NYC, all the guys were livid. It just became part of the routine and another way to meet more guys. I don't think the ban will be that hard on too many as it is often easy to just step out, take a cig and then go back inside. A little up and down on the legs is good for circulation and although not as good a a little up and down from a hot guy, it is still good for ya.

 

 

My up and down is just fine, thank you! I no longer smoke, so it isn't a matter of not going because I wouldn't be able to....it's a matter of thinking the rule is stupid. Unlike the whiners who complained about the smoke but went anyway (was someone twisting their arms?), I'll just stop going. No loss for me since the boys can be delivered. I'll save the cost of the bottle I used to share with the boys and my liver will last a bit longer :-)

 

Win-Win situation

 

 

 

 

[Gaybutton]

it's a matter of thinking the rule is stupid.

 

As you wish, but I don't understand why you would refuse to go to the bars because of the rule. After all, the bars didn't ask for this rule. It was imposed on them. Why blame the bars? They don't have much choice about it.

[Guest jomtien]

As you wish, but I don't understand why you would refuse to go to the bars because of the rule. After all, the bars didn't ask for this rule. It was imposed on them. Why blame the bars? They don't have much choice about it.

 

 

I'm not blaming the bars for anything. I'm just choosing not to go in. And besides, they do have a choice about it. Prostitution is illegal yet they manage to rent boys out. It all depends on which bribes they choose to pay.

[Guest]

No loss for me since the boys can be delivered.

 

They have delivery service now? Damm. Things have changed since I was last in Pattaya.

 

[Guest]

Back on topic to Muay Thai. I have been coughing all week and not sure why so we had a free day today and I went to the hospital. Bronchitis. They gave me some drugs and off I went in less than 40 min. The drugs kept me up all night and I have not had a wink of sleep. Now it is 5am and I have to be at gym in an hour for a morning run.

 

Legs on Muay Thai boxers are amazing. They are strong and thick. I watched the guys in the fight the other night and all were the same. I guess a combination of running, rope work, and the balance needed to keep in the ring. The ones with the most balance seemed to be able to win more matches. The legs also took a pounding from the opponents legs. I was sitting at the very top row of a large ring and the thud of the legs pounding into the other body was a shock. Even with a thousand people there, the thud made it way over the wave of bodies, conversations, music and cheers. A loud thud that would most likely easily break my leg or rib cage should a real Muay Thai boxer put the kick where it is supposed to land.

 

I know I'll never be a real Muay Thai boxer but the training is truly fascinating. It is also really amazing to watch the younger guys from other countries sell everything they have and come here to live to learn the sport. A few did not have the 350 bath to go to the match last week and would have stayed home had someone not bought them a ticket. They are here for one purpose and they really have been dedicated to it.

 

What I did find amusing is that on the way to the fight, every single one of them gawked at the girls on motorbikes and the Thai boys ate it up. So much training went into the night for many. For me, I just had to smile to myself and think, damm, it is the girls boyfriend driving the bike that is the hot one. Quietly to myself, of course.

[Guest]

My time training for Muay Thai was great. I had a wonderful experience and hope to do it again. It did not happen without physical issues. I had toe and foot issues that took me to the hospital a few times. I guess my feet were not really meant to be banged against a bag a few hundred times each morning. I also had bronchitis and took medications for this and for the first 10 days of the camp the meds worked find but as soon as I came off of them,the bronchitis was back. The doctor upped the antibiotics and said I had to rest in order for them to take effect. I did rest and took a 5 day holiday. Upon returning to the camp, everything was much more difficult. The runs were longer and days were harder. Coming back after an absence was not easy.

 

I was on and off with the training depending on how I felt each week. The first 2 weeks I was there 2 times a day. The last week, usually only once a day. It is what you put into it as I have said and my body just couldn't take another week of twice daily.

 

I didn't loose any weight during this time but I did feel my body get more in shape. Most likely I have gained a few pounds but that is more due to diet than it is to the training. I have great respect for anyone that does Muay Thai and it really was a fantastic learning experience. I hope I am able to do this again in the future and I hope that my body will handle the adjustment more the next time.

 

If you have any desire to learn more about Muay Thai, most gyms allow for one day training. Give it a try and see if you like it. Some will love it and others will hate it. I loved my time at the camp and I did learn about about myself and my limitations. If anyone needs more information let me know and I'll be happy to go into more detail about the training.