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The life cycle of Muay Thai Fighter

From The Farms Of Isaan To The Stadiums Of Bangkok:

The Life Cycle of Muay Thai Fighters In Thailand

“We build them, you break them.  Then they come home…”

Meet CIA…

muay thai fighter

Notable opponents:
  • Saiyok Sit. Samprayak
  • Gungwan Lek Petchindee
  • Duanbley Sit. O Ubon

Where he has fought:

  • Lumpini
  • Rajadamnern
  • Assawindam [Channel 9]
  • Channel 7, Japan

Biggest purse:

  • 2,000 USD

He showed up at our gym about a month ago; Mr. Dit had arranged for him to fight Channel 9 fighter Saiyok in the main event of his promotion.  With just a little over a week of training, he finished the fight victoriously in a third round TKO of the veteran.  From there he was scheduled to fight two more times, a total of three fights in one month.

Saiyok Muay Thai

CIA in His Most Recent Victory Against Saiyok in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

It was apparent the first day that he showed up that he was good.  Not just technically but mentally: he knew exactly what he needed to do to win and most importantly, get paid. His two other fights fell through, and now he is having trouble finding fights.

In Isaan especially, gamblers control the match ups.  If your team has no money to bet, then there is no fight.  Purse and side bet are agreed upon before the fight takes place; the side bet is an equal amount that each team must match.  Other bets with other odds will take place outside of the ring too, but sitting with the ring announcer is the side bet where in the winner will take it all home.

We were told from the two gyms that had pulled their fighters that CIA was too good.  More so, what the issue is here is not that he is too good, but that he is too focused on the fights at hand.  A lot of fighters up here save their best for Lumpini and Rajadamnern and don’t want to take overly difficult fights with people such as CIA because there is little to gain in the smaller venues.  In Bangkok, fighters are only allowed to fight every twenty-one days.  Although in the West that seems like a lot, the majority of these fighters are making less than the Thai minimal wage.  An above average fighter who fights regularly in Bangkok can make about 500 to 1000 USD per fight, and then the gym will take forty percent of that.  Fighting every twenty-one days is also dependent on if they can actually get fights that often; injuries, bad performance, and family problems all factor in.  Therefore, a lot of fighters will come back home and fight a few times before their scheduled matches in Bangkok.  It is a vicious cycle because it wears fighters down and makes it very difficult for them to ever reach their prime.

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CIA and Boom Whattanaya Boxing Sparring at Giatbundit Gym

After checking out our gym out and being able to train with Boom (who shares his exceptional work ethic), CIA wants to fight again in Bangkok— but it isn’t that easy to go back.  First, you need a fighter’s license, which only a registered gym can apply for on your behalf.  Second, a gym won’t get you a fighter’s license unless a contract is signed.  CIA was part of Petacklownueng (a prominent police owned camp in Bangkok) and even though his contract and license are expired, he is still required to get an excusal letter from his old gym before officially becoming part of our gym. Fighters in Thailand are extremely loyal to their gym, and in some cases are also scared of their managers.  Asking for such a letter is no easy feat and the gyms can refuse or take a very long time to process the said letter.  Furthermore, it is dependent on the owner as to whether he will focus his time on CIA or the younger up and comers; nothing is guaranteed.

CIA has made it clear that he is done with living and training in Bangkok, for him it is not about leaving his gym but about being close to home again.  Whether he will make it back into Bangkok, only time will tell.  If not, Isaan will take him back again.  Once his spirit and body are broken, he will fight again and the announcer will says things like “once a great fighter, he now works to put food on the table, no shame, sabai-sabai” as I have heard them say time and time again of the many broken fighters who once entered the big rings of Thailand and now come back to compete at temple fairs making a means one fight at a time…

This all got me thinking of the cycle of fighters in Thailand.  It is widely accepted that the majority of fighters in Thailand, as well as the best, come from Isaan.  They are made here at the temple fairs, beginning their careers for a mere three dollars per fight.  From here some are sent, and some are sold into the big gyms in Bangkok.  Getting into a big gym can be a dream for some and a nightmare for others.  Training, eating, and sleeping all in the same location.  Some fighters describe it has being similar to the military.  At such gyms, there are only a few top guys that really get taken care of; the rest are just lumped together much like soldiers.

There are hundreds of fighters that regularly compete at Channel 7 stadium, Lumpini, Rajadamnern, Omnoi, Assawindom, One Songchai etc.  These guys aren’t part of the one percent like Saenchai, and see very little of their hard work truly paying off.  Even champions still struggle to make ends meet, especially those from Lumpini and Rajadamnern which although more prestigious, have less opportunity for sponsorships in comparison to Channel 7.  There is also a drastic cut in pay when you go from the top to the bottom and most fighters are not prepared for their imminent ‘retirement’ from weight cutting and the big arenas of Bangkok.

Some make it out alive and are able buy a car or build a house, but most come back here mere shadows of their glory days fighting for food.

 

Just last week, we received a call from a friend who had made it to one of the top gyms in Bangkok who was not only fighting regularly on Channel 7, but was also nominated for fighter of the year in 2013.  He asked if he could come stay with us and if we could get him fights.  In some cases when fighters come back here ,they are not leaving their gyms on good terms, and for that reason I am withholding his name.  Fighting in Isaan, no fighter’s license is required.  You can fight often, but there is no opportunity to move up unless you are in good standing and have the paperwork ready.  As for my friend, hopefully he can tough it out in Bangkok, but if not, we are always here and always will be.

Source:

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Muay Thai – Stop fighting in the last round?!

“Why do they stop fighting and just walk around in the last round?”

Those of you who have been to see a fight in Thailand or have watched one on the internet will notice they often fight a little different to how we do in the west.

Muay Thai last round

To a lot of people this could seem very pointless and in the west could potentially put people off coming to the shows. They have after all paid to see a fight and want to see both parties giving it their all.

However, this isn’t a western sport remember and over the years gambling has played a huge part in how the game is played in Thailand.

More often than not the first two rounds are a feeling out process, so not much really happens. Also on some occasions the boxers are told to take it steady as they are trying to get the betting in the favour of their opponent, making the odds better for themselves.

Round three is generally where the fight will really begin and both boxers are really trying to take the advantage.

The fourth as I’ve always been told is the unofficial money round. If you can win this big then the fight is yours.

Now we come to the round in question.

If the fight has been very close in the third and fourth then the fifth will be fought at the same intensity as the last two rounds.

However, if one boxer is clearly in the lead then he will be told to stay back from his opponent so as to not let the victory slip out of his hands.

This advice will come from his corner and from the gamblers who have money on him to win. This can become very annoying when you’re trying to listen to your corner and you have random people coming up and shouting at you in a language that you barely understand.

His opponent will possibly try and go for him for about the first minute of the round; if he has no success then he will back off.

Often at this point the boxer in the lead will offer his glove to his opponent, asking him to acknowledge defeat.

Here you will usually get the losing boxer accepting defeat and not going for broke to try and change the fight around. While the winning boxer knowing he has won agrees not to beat up on his opponent anymore.

This is a very different mind set to fighters in the west; over here the losing boxer will still fight until the bitter end as a knockout could change everything. Likewise, the winning boxer will still be trying to KO his opponent even though he is already sure of his victory.

To be honest the gambling is slowly killing Muay Thai in Thailand as the gamblers have so much power now in the big stadiums.

If you have watched many of the videos that I have posted up from what is classed as the golden era of Muay Thai (90’s) you will have noticed how packed the stadiums were back then.

Nowadays it is rare that you will see the likes of Lumpinee or Rajadamnern filled to that capacity because of how the game is so heavily influenced.

Out in the provinces though, Muay Thai is still popular with big crowds coming to watch and enjoying the fights. Muay Thai is also growing around the rest of the world with the standard getting better all of the time and so many fighters spending long stints in Thailand.

Source: www.damientrainor.com
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21 Signs You’ve Spent Too Much Time In Thailand

Well technically, you could never, ever spend too much time in Thailand. The country is chock-full of intricate temples, pristine islands, and mysterious caverns.

Here’s how to tell if you’re turning the corner from Thai tourist to Thai local.

1. You prefer motorbikes to minivans. In Thailand, you don’t have soccer moms: you have fearless and intrepid moto-moms who fit their entire families (babies included!) onto one gas-powered bike. No seatbelts? No problem. Read more “21 Signs You’ve Spent Too Much Time In Thailand”

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Human Weapon

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Hosts Jason Chambers and Bill Duff travel to Bangkok, Thailand, the home of one of the most recognized martial arts, Muay Thai. Their journey takes them to the legendary Lumpinee Stadium, and then to the jungles bordering Burma where they train at a Buddhist temple.

Human Weapon – Muay Thai

Muay Thai Elbow

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How To Prepare for a fight

Muay Thai Fighting Tips – How To Prepare for a fight

How To Warm Up & Mentally Prepare For A Muay Thai Fight

You get to the arena a few hours early, shake hands with a few people, and then you are guided to your locker room by the event staff. As you make your way to your locker room, that feeling really starts to really settle in.

You know that feeling I’m talking about, right?

The feeling of excitement, anxiety and nervousness all wrapped into one. The feeling that you’re about to test your physical and mental limitations in front of a roaring crowd. The feeling of relief because fight night is finally here!

Are you ready?

The Locker Room – Muay Thai Fighting Tips

The locker room before a fight is a very unique, one-of-a-kind place. After you’ve had a few fights, you begin to notice all the same familiar smells, noises and feelings.

You see your opponent and other fighters as they head to their respective locker rooms.
You smell the nostalgic aroma of thai oil as it’s massaged on every part of your body.
You hear the smack of thai pads as other fighters get loose for their fights.
You feel your heart beating a little bit faster as you get your hands wrapped by your kru.
You start envision and taste victory.

To ensure a glorious victory, there is a lot of hard work that goes into a fight camp. Obviously the weeks and months of sharpening your technique and improving your conditioning are super important, but the 30-45 minutes before you step into that ring is just as important as any single moment during your training camp.

If you are not warmed up properly before a fight you could:

  • Get injured since your muscles are still tight and lethargic.
  • Burn out and feel fatigued because you warmed up for too long.
  • Misjudge your opponents timing and attacks.
  • Overwhelm yourself with self-doubt and worry.

I assume you don’t want any of that to happen, right? Then follow these simple Muay Thai Fighting tips that will help you with your pre-fight preparation and get you physically and mentally ready for the fight of your life!

7  Muay Thai Fighting Tips For Pre-Fight Preparation

1. Practice your warm-up when you train

The warm-up you do before a training session should be almost identical to the warm-up you do before a fight. Not only will this help you get your body ready for the fight, but you won’t have to over think anything because you’ll be comfortable with the routine.

That being said, make sure your warm-up before a training session isn’t rushed and done mindlessly. If you plan on taking this sport seriously, you should plan on taking your warm-up seriously. Whether it’s skipping rope, shadowboxing, hitting the heavy bag, using the foam roller or whatever, it’s important to get your body loose, your mind focused, and your blood flowing.

It’s important to create a warm-up that gets you prepared for both a training session or a title fight. Every part of your body needs to be loose and ready for war. Once you get into a comfortable warm up routine, your body and mind will be a comfortable place and be more than ready for the intensity of a fight.

2. Find your “happy” place

Some people listen to music, while others sit in silence and meditate. Some people like to yell and scream to pump themselves up, while others like to laugh and relax with their team.

Whatever you do, find a way to keep your mind calm, relaxed and focused.

If you are one of the first fights on the card, then you won’t have as much time to relax. If you are one of the last fights, then you want to conserve your energy and only start to really get pumped up a couple fights before you’re on.

I’ve experimented and gone through many different stages of how I act before a fight. I’ve tried to laugh and be silly. I’ve tried being a complete dick and not talking to anyone. I’ve tried listening to Rocky music. I’ve tried a lot of shit.

After more than 20 fights, I’ve come to realize that as the fight gets closer and closer, I get quieter and quieter. I turn off all my emotion and just think about how I’m going to hurt my opponent. I don’t need any music. I don’t need anyone yelling in my face. I just need time to myself.

Just like with most things, being able to find your “happy” place will take plenty of experience before you truly begin to understand how your mind works before a fight. Be open-minded in terms of experimenting with different ways to psych yourself up before a fight, especially early on in you amateur career when you are still getting used to the fight scene.

3. Make it a routine

I find it very useful to have some type of routine whenever I fight. This stops me from thinking too much or worrying about what I have to do to get ready. If I have a set routine that I like and am comfortable with, I will be much more stress-free and focused when I make the walk to the ring.

Typically my warm-up routine looks something like this:

  • Get to the arena, find the locker room and put my stuff down.
  • Go to the ring, visualize the crowd around it and visualize my fight.
  • Walk back to the locker room and rest until the rules meeting.
  • After the rules meeting, listen to some music.
  • About 4 – 5 fights before, get my hands wrapped and signed off on.
  • Get my entire body massaged with thai liniment.
  • Start light shadowboxing and visualizing my game plan.
  • Hit thai pads lightly for 1-2 minute intervals with my trainer, with short 1-2 minute breaks.
  • With about 1-2 fights before my fight, pick up the intensity and power in my strikes. Mix in some light sparring and clinching with my kru or training partner to get a feel for the fight.
  • Put my mongkon on, stay loose by hopping around and shadowboxing, then make my way to the ring.

Now since I know what to expect before almost every fight, I don’t stress out nearly as much as I used to. I used go be anxious and amped up before I even got to the arena, but now, since I have a set routine, I’m much more in control of my thoughts and emotions than I was before.

4. Have knowledgeable, trustworthy cornermen

Having someone you know and trust in your corner can make the difference between winning and losing. Not only should they know the technical advice to give you between rounds, but they should also know how to get you zoned in during your warm up.

Talk through you game plan with your cornerman and let them know if you have any preference of how to be cornered (stand or sit between rounds, deep breaths before advice, motivational sayings etc.). It’s super important that you are on the same page as your cornermen, otherwise it can lead to confusion, anxiety and over thinking too much… which can be dangerous in the context of a fight.

Not only should your cornermen be on the same page as you, but they should know how to wrap your hands right too! I don’t know about you, but I punch a shit load, so having my hands wrapped properly is super important to me. Even if you’re not a heavy puncher, it’s vital to protect your hands so they don’t get injured.

5. Know what number you are fighting

Are you first or last?

If you are one of the first fights up, it’s important to get right into your routine pretty quickly. Make sure you keep in mind any intermissions and how long each of the fights are scheduled for. Also make sure to be prepared for any of the fights before you to end quickly!

If you are near the end of the card, relax. Maybe eat a banana and listen to some music, or talk with your team to keep your mind busy. Typically, I start to get ready about 4-5 fights before I’m on, but it’s up to you to find out what timing works best for you.

6. Be aware of your thoughts

Negative thoughts, self-doubt will pop up. It’s all good though!

I’m constantly thinking to myself “why did I sign up for this” or “no one is making you do this Sean”, but if those thoughts didn’t come across my mind, then I know something is wrong.

These thoughts are healthy and not abnormal by any means. The best way to deal with them is to be aware of them, but let them pass. Constantly be using positive self-talk and reminding yourself how much of a badass you are.

Remind yourself of how hard you worked to be where you are today.
Remind yourself that you put way too much time and effort to start doubting yourself now. Remind yourself, once you get in the ring, your training and instincts will take over.

Being in control of your mind is one of the most difficult things to do, especially when you’re about to step into the ring for a Muay Thai fight. Just remember, the only way to get better at dealing with these thoughts and emotions is with experience.

7. Make a list of stuff to pack

It can really fuck you up if you forget your cup or mouth guard, so don’t let it happen. Don’t be that guy who has to borrow someone else’s cup… that’s gross. To avoid this, make a list of everything you need for before and after the fight. Here is what I normally pack for fight night:

  • thai shorts (2 pairs because I need to make sure I’m matching whatever corner I’m in)
  • steel cup
  • mouthguard
  • thai liniment
  • extra pair of clothes for afterwards
  • phone, wallet, keys
  • headphones
  • snacks (trail mix, banana)
  • water
  • ibuprofen/aspirin

Also make sure that your corner is bringing the tape, gauze, scissors and all other necessary supplies to wrap up prior to stepping into the ring.

It might seem a lot goes into warming up before a fight… that’s because there is!

You have to be as prepared as possible is fight night, no excuses. If you half-ass your warm-up and go in the ring without a focused mind or loose body, chances are much more likely that you will get knocked the fuck out.

Like I said earlier, it takes time to get a solid warm-up routine down before you figure out what works best. If you are just starting out or still in your amateur career, it’s not the worst thing to experiment with different warm-ups and see what works best for you. Once you are further along your ammy career or become a pro, the last thing you’ll want to do is mess with your mojo.

Are you as obsessive about having a good warm-up before a fight as I am?

What other ways do you get physically and mentally prepared to step into the ring?

Source: www.muay-thai-guy.com
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The Art of Muay Thai Pad Work

How NOT to Use Thai Pads…

The Art of Muay Thai Pad Work

One of my favorite parts of training has always been working on the Thai pads. It’s a great way to sharpen your skills, build up your cardio, and develop the relationship between coach and teammates. My greatest pet peeve is when you are working with a partner who doesn’t know how to properly hold the pads. You could have a world champion in front of you, but put them with someone who doesn’t know how to hold pads and they will look like a beginner. 

While on the pads, it’s important to flow with your partner and develop a cadence appropriate to their level of skill and conditioning. This can easily be observed when watching a fighter and their trainer practice. It can be an amazing sight to witness. The coach gradually warms up the fighter, then starts to increase the intensity and difficulty level of holding patterns as the rounds progress. Learning to hold the Thai pads properly allows you to develop important coaching skills that will only benefit you as your level of fluency in the art increases.

Below are several tips that will help you learn how to effectively hold the Thai pads. 

1. Keep it Simple

If you are new to holding pads, keep the combinations and strikes simple. Even if you are working with someone more advanced they will not benefit from advanced holding patterns that you don’t really know. Muay Thai is a simple art and pad holding should reflect that. Single strikes will help your partner much more than long, drawn out, complex combinations. Start with what you know and slowly link everything together as you get more comfortable holding.

2. Simulate the Intended Target

Always keep in mind that when holding pads you are simulating the role of your partner’s opponent. Pad holding has to mirror the intended targets one would normally strike at. If you are holding for a body kick, keep the pads right next to your ribs. If it’s a jab-cross, the pads should be right next to your face. By holding the pads in unrealistic places you end up training your partner for targets that aren’t real. You also subject yourself to possible injury. Just remember that when you hold it is your job to get the pads in the way of the oncoming strike. If your partner throws a kick to the ribs and your pads are way out in front of you, you’re eating that kick full force. Take it from me, it’s not a nice feeling.

3. Apply Pressure at the Point of Contact

Applying pressure at the point of contact is crucial to holding pads. It ensures that your partner gets a good workout, but it also prevents you, the holder, from getting injured. For example, if your partner is throwing a hook and you receive it with a relaxed arm, you’re going to tweak your elbow and possibly strain your shoulder. When the strike reaches the pads, tense your body and meet the strike with force. That being said, never reach for the strike, allow it to come to you. Reaching for the strike is sure way to get kicked in the ribs or punched in the face. Keep in mind that your partner is aiming for you not the pads. A great way of acclimating to holding pads is to start slow and light. Tell your partner to start off hitting lightly and slowly increase the power and speed. By the end of the first round you’ll both be adjusted to each other and can start crushing it.

4. Make it Real

As mentioned above, always remember that when holding pads, you assume the role of the opponent. Try to simulate a sparring session when holding pads but always remember to work at the level of your partner. Move around and throw strikes at your partner during the session. Doing this will benefit both parties. The holder observes the openings and flaws in the striker’s game, and the striker increases his defense and reaction time. Making a pad work session “real” will only help in building up the level of skill for both individuals.

5. Don’t Over-coach Your Partner

My second greatest pet peeve is when my partner tries to coach or correct me on every little movement I perform. It’s infuriating and a tremendous waste of training time. While on the pads you are supposed to be working and improving, not having a five-minute debate concerning the position of my left foot. Coaching tips and cues should be quick and to the point. People are going to make mistakes when doing any type of sport. Just do your best to deal with them in the most time efficient manner while working on the pads.  Everyone has a unique style of learning, so remember that some people will not get it right away. If your partner is doing something incorrect try to correct them a couple of times. If the problem persists, move on and address the issue later in the session. If your partner still can’t make the necessary corrections, notify your coach and have him or her deal with the problem.

Source: breakingmuscle.com
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Lumpinee Stadium… the last fight

Lumpinee Stadium

The last fight…

After 57 years playing host to many of Bangkok’s most memorable fights, the legendary Lumpinee Stadium closed its doors for the last time this weekend with leading fighters including: Petboonchu Borplaboonchu and Seanchai PK Saenchai. Completed in December 1956 and run by the Thai army, the corrugated iron roofed ramshackle venue was seen as the heart and soul of Muay Thai to fighters from the world over.

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The History

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Lumpinee Boxing Stadium (Thai: สนามมวยเวทีลุมพินี) is an indoor sporting arena located in Bangkok, Thailand. Opened more than a decade later than Rajadamnern Stadium, the Lumpinee is run by Royal Thai Army on behalf of Thai Government. It has become the symbol of modern Muay Thai. Only Rajadamnern Stadium rivals the prestige of holding the title of “Muay Thai Champion of Lumpinee”. The ranking system and championship titles are held from mini flyweight (105 lb) up to super welterweight (154 lb). Muay thai contests are held on every Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The fights usually start around 6pm. and ticket prices range from 200 to 2,000 baht.

The NEW Stadium

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Now The new Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is nearly 100 percent ready for a boxing match. The competition begins at the new stadium on Tuesday February 11th 2014.

The last fight – Photos

The last night was an intense one with two knockouts and quite a bit of blood spilled… These photos were all taken on that night.

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A fighter listens to his coach’s advice between two rounds.

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Coaches and supporters react to “their” fighter’s performance during a match

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Fighters in the ring during a very powerful fight which caused spectators and gamblers alike to go wild

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Gamblers gesture during round 3 of the heated battle. The bets are placed using hand-signals, very much like at a stock exchange.

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A coach fits a traditional arm band (called a Prajioud) onto his fighter before a match

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A fighter prays before entering the ring

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Gamblers anxhiously watch a fight

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A fighter grimaces with pain in the stadium doctor’s office after he was knocked out

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A fighter waits for his turn to fight

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A fighter practices his moves, shadowboxing before his bout

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Gamblers react to the outcome of a fight

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A fighter is tended to in the stadium doctor’s office, after a knockout

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A fighter listens to his coach’s advice between two rounds

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Gamblers react to a fight going against the odds.

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A fighter spits out blood and is looked after by his team after a difficult fight.

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A gambler reflects on the evening after the last fight.

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The usually bustling back area of the stadium with the massage beds where the fighters are prepared for the fights is left deserted at the end of the night.

Sources: www.realfeatures.com and www.muaythailumpinee.net and www.wikipedia.org

 

Muay Thai admin

Muay Thai Tattoo

Muay Thai Tattoo Guide

A traditional Muay Thai tattoo is also known as Sak Yant, and is traditionally used to protect fighters from injury. The tattoos come with ancient blessings of good fortune in battle and in life. The tattoos are drawn using a needle attached to a bamboo rod, and as such take considerably longer to draw than standard needle drawn tattoos. Using a modern needle is said to lessen the powers of the tattoo, and so the majority of fighters opt for the original drawing form. The Muay Thai tattoo artist is traditionally a monk or appointed holy man, and historically the drawing was done in a temple, which all adds to the mysticism of the design and its purported powers.

The tattoos associated with Muay Thai aren’t solely used by fighters. They are fairly general in nature and used by everyday Thai people to promote prosperity in all areas of life. Entwined in Thai Buddhism is Hinduism, Brahmanism and Animism, and as you will see form the popular  Muay Thai tattoos below, these ancient beliefs are reflected in the tradition.

1. Hah Taew

Known as the “5 sacred lines”, and made popular by Angelina Jolie, the Hah Taew is probably the most common Sak Yant tattoo. Each of the different lines is assigned a different meaning and blessing, making it the most versatile of all the Muay Thai tattoos. The Hah Taew blesses it’s receiver with success, loving kindness, good luck and protection from evil spirits.

Hah Taew Tattoo

2. Gao Yord

Known as “9 Spires”, Gao Yord brings good luck and protection. You will usually see this tatoo on the back of the neck, however in modern times many foreigners are having this design put on the lower back. It’s geometric design represents the 9 Sacred Peaks of Mount Meru and contains 9 symbolic images associated with Lord Buddha. In Thailand the number 9 is considered lucky, and as things like number plates and wedding dates containing the numeral 9 are well sought after.

Gao Yord Tattoo

3. Tiger

Tiger tattoos are often chosen by businessmen to drive away the competition, and in the case of the Muay Thai fighter the tiger provides its owner with strength, fearlessness and protection from evil spirits. The tiger is respected in Thai culture for its  prowess in the forest, and it symbolizes the same for the fighter in the ring.

Thai tiger tattoo

4. Hanuman

Hanuman is the “Hindu Monkey God”, and bestows its owner with the blessing of bravery and courage, making it a popular choice for fighters. This Muay Thai Tattoo is often found on the arm or shoulder.

Hanuman Tattoo

5. Ganesh

Ganesh is the Hindu god easily recognizable by its elephant head. Ganesh represents beginnings and as such it is often chosen by people wanting to start a new chapter in their life. Thai people regularly pay respect to Ganesh and make offerings at shrines to promote prosperity in their lives. Ganesh is also known as the “Remover of Obstacles”, and this translates to getting past a hard point in one’s life, very important for a fighter following a tough training routine and preparing for battle in the ring.

Ganesh Tattoo

Source: www.muaythai.net
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Black Widow – Muay Thai Interclub

Chao Phraya Muay Thai Academy Presents

Black Widow – Muay Thai Interclub

Black Widow Martial Arts

Sunday 16th February 2014

Location:
BLACK WIDOW MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY & HEALTH CLUB
THE OLD POST OFFICE, 325 HIGH STREET, WEST BROMWICH – B70 8LU

Black Widow Martial Arts

About:
Black Widow Martial Arts Academy is the Premier Thai Boxing Gym in Birmingham. We aim to give our students more than just a martial arts lesson, We provide all levels of Thai Boxing for our members. Our classes include Muay Thai, MMA / Mixed Martial Arts, Submission Wresting. We also provide separate classes for ladies and kids. Come and join our successful Academy Today.

Instructors:
Yogendra Parekh (Chief Instructor), Dean James, Andy Howson, Roy Davis, Naqqash Khan, Zoe Hoang, Kay Magee & Derrick Bramwell

Chao Phraya Muay Thai

Fighters:
Sam Hyde (M) – 57kg
Tim O’Connor (M)- 73kg
Trevor Gibbs (M)- 82kg
Greg Kapethanasis (M)- 82kg
Zaira Sulimanova (F) – 51kg
Toon Kamikz (F) – 65kg
Damien Murray (M)- 54kg
Example (M)- 70kg
Marek (M) – 83kg
Victor (M) – 84kg

Travel Arrangements:
Meeting at North Kesteven Sports Centre in Lincoln at 6:45am. So we can sort out car sharing, before leaving.

Location:


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