This is a short movie taken at Daria Albers last fight at King of Kings KOK. This movie shows it’s not only about the fight. It’s the mental part, the emotions, the team and the people around you… what makes all of us, love it so much.
Thinking of fighting?
Originally posted by Sandy Holt at Bolton Muay Thai, Thinking of fighting – “What does it feel like, how high up the tree do you want to climb? When a student wants to test themselves to the max in the fight area? After all those punishing weeks, training daily, dedication, discipline both physically and mentally and torturing yourself…. This is what you fell as an individual!
Featuring Miss Daria Albers from Darnell Knoch‘s HAMMERS GYM in Germany. This gives a ‘REAL’ insight into How the last Moments before you climb into and inside those four Ropes and the very lonely square ring”!!
Our very own Sam Hyde will be fighting at this event, so please support him!!
About
Thai Warriors is a Warwickshire based Muay Thai promotion with the goal of being the leading pioneer in promoting the science of 8 limbs in the area.
Description
Thai Warriors is a Warwickshire based Muay Thai promotion with the goal of being the leading pioneer in promoting the science of 8 limbs in the area. Be there for the debut show 6th December Leamington Spa’s first night of all out Muay Thai action!
TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE 1ST OCTOBER 2014
TICKETS STANDARD – £25
VIP Balcony (including Food) – £45
Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, but it has become a global phenomenon with camps operating all over the world. A few Western fighters have started to make a name for themselves on the international scene. Even only a decade ago, it was almost unheard of for a foreign fighter to possess the skills good enough to win a title at Lumpinee Stadium or Rajdamnern Stadium. Thanks to trailblazing pioneers such as Rob Kaman and Ramon Dekkers in the 1980s, Muay Thai is now a global sport. While the Thais still dominate the game at the highest levels of Muay Thai in the world, the sport’s popularity has ignited across the globe.
Thailand remains the heartland of the sport and no country can come close in terms of the quantity of elite level competitors which The Kingdom continually churns out. An estimated 5,000 professional Muay Thai camps are spread all over Thailand and are situated in virtually every town. Children start at a very young age such as 5-6 years old and Muay Thai is even taught in schools. In any given year, there are an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 elite professional Muay Thai fighters competing around the country. Only the very best 500 fighters or so in Thailand make it to the big stadiums like Lumpinee or Rajdamnern in Bangkok. And still, most fighters end up failing in the big leagues. The numbers are even worse for foreigners in terms of odds for success. For this reason, it is no surprise that most of the top camps are in Thailand, but there are some notable exceptions due to widespread proliferation of Muay Thai knowledge.
Here is a list of the world’s top Muay Thai destinations for authentic Muay Thai.
The Thai media in Thailand have crowned Evolve MMA’s Muay Thai instructor team as the greatest dream team of legends in history. Evolve MMA in Singapore has the most decorated team of Muay Thai trainers found anywhere in the world, including camps in Thailand. It currently includes big-name legends of the sport like Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn, Attachai Fairtex, Orono Wor Petchpun, and Nonthachai Sit O as well as an vast array of multiple-time Rajadamnern and Lumpinee champions including Muangfalek Kiatvichian, Chalee Sor Chaitamin, Saenghiran Lookbanyai and Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichok, Singmanee Kaewsamrit, Chaowalith JockeyGym, and many others. It also houses many champion trainers from Sityodtong Camp.
Evolve MMA offers Muay Thai classes in Singapore for the complete beginner to the advanced Lumpinee-level professional fighter. If you are looking to learn Muay Thai in Singapore, Evolve MMA is arguably one of the best Muay Thai gyms in the world. If you are looking to compete and win in Lumpinee Stadium, Evolve MMA is worth a visit to sharpen your skills against some of the best in history.
The Petchyindee gym has been one of the best in Thailand for several decades and a brand new location is currently under construction featuring state-of-the-art facilities. It will include accommodation for tourists. Historically, Petchyindee has not open to the general public, but it will be next year. It is already home to the Petchyindee stable of fighters which includes two of the best fighters of the decade in Sam-A Kaiyanghadao and Nong-O Kaiyanghadao while training is overseen by multiple time Lumpinee and Rajadmanern champion Sagat Petyindee.
Petchyindee also throws co-promotions at Lumpinee Stadium on a regular basis with their star fighters. Their fighters are well-known for their technical mastery of Muay Thai and are well-known as cardio machines. When it opens its door to foreign tourists, it is well worth a visit to see how one of the best camps in Thailand trains its legendary champions.
Sitsongpeenong is a camp that caters to Westerners with air conditioned, indoor facilities. However, do not be fooled by the luxurious settings. It has a world-class fight team which currently includes multiple-time tournament and title winner Kem Sitsongpeenong, current Thailand champion Sittichai Sitsongpeenong and former Lumpinee champion Thongchai Sitsongpeenong. It is a serious camp with serious Muay Thai. Fighters at Sitsongpeenong are known as very well-rounded with strong kicks and excellent punching power, a rarity in the world of Muay Thai. If you want to learn authentic Muay Thai, Sitsongpeenong is definitely one of the best.
There are facilities in both Bangkok and Phuket, catering to students of all levels and Sitsongpeenong regularly sends fighters to compete at all the main stadiums in Thailand with many of them highly ranked in their respective weight classes.
Despite being located on the outskirts of Phuket’s most notorious red light district, Singpatong has an excellent reputation and has helped launch the careers of top Thai and Western fighters with Pentai Sitnumnoi, Peneak Sitnumnoi and Damien Alamos all winning Lumpinee titles in recent years. Peneak was the 2011 ‘Fighter of the Year’ and the head coach, Numnoi Singpatong, has a crop of up and coming Thai youngsters coming through as well as being extremely open to Western fighters who want to come and train. The open atmosphere of this camp makes it a place to visit for the beginner and the serious fighter. Singpatong training is classic Thai-style with lots of roadwork, heavy bags, pads, and clinch work. Cardio is strongly emphasized at Singpatong. You can learn excellent basics as well as advanced technique at Singpatong.
Located on the outskirts of Kanchanaburi, this Muay Thai camp is in a remote location, but is known for its laid-back atmosphere. However it is still home to some feared and respected fighters like Pornsaneh Sitmonchai, who has a reputation as being the most exciting Muay Thai contenders in Thailand today, and teenage prodigy Yodkhunpol Sitmonchai who recently secured a contract with international kickboxing organization Glory. Due to its remote location, the training is very spartan and hard. Roadwork is heavily emphasized with endless rounds of pad work and conditioning. The trainers at Sitmonchai have decades of experience at Lumpinee and Rajdamnern stadiums. Do not expect special treatment as a visitor. The training is as tough as they come. If you want an immersive Muay Thai experience, Sitmonchai is one of the places to go.
Jitti Gym in Bangkok is owned by the well respected Jitti Tanongsak and while it isn’t known for producing Thai fighters it has helped launch the careers of some of the top Westerners in the sport including WBC and WMC champion Liam Harrison. Known for its family atmosphere, Jitti Gym is also home to Andy Thrasher who became the first ever non Thai to win a Toyota Marathon in 2011 and is welcoming to complete beginners as well as seasoned pros with basic accommodation available.
Tiger Muay Thai is best known as a tourist destination for those who want a combination of training and fun on the beautiful island of Phuket. The Muay Thai classes cater to students of all levels and the trainers include former Lumpinee champion Rattanachai Jadngooluem and former Rajadamnern champion Lamsongkram Chuwattana. It also has a very serious MMA program with elite competitors and instructors such as Roger Huerta and Brian Ebersole.
Attached to a large hotel in Bangkok, 13 Coins is run by the eccentric Mr Coke and is home to several top fighters with former ‘Fighter of the Year’ winners Saenchai PKSaenchaigym and Saengmanee Sor Tienpo both training here as well as Pakorn Sakyotin and western boxers like Kwanoichit 13coinsexpress and Pungluang Sor Singyu.
Lanna Boxing Camp, better known in Thailand as “Kiat Busaba”, is a professional boxing camp in Thailand’s northern capital city of Chiang Mai. Owned and managed as a family concern,we have worked hard over several years together with our young Thai boxers to achieve success at the top level of competition as well as being considered one of the best Northern Muay Thai Training centres. In the pleasant surroundings of our camp, as we train everyday, we offer the opportunity for people to train professionally and gain insight and understanding of the ancient art of Muay Thai.
Chao Pyraya (Lincoln) in Lincoln is run by the well respected Kru Leigh Edlin and while it isn’t very known as yet for producing professional fighters, it has a fantastic atmosphere and superb training and facilities. It is Chao Phraya Muay Thai Academy’s aim to introduce and promote the art of Muay Thai, Thai Culture & History within our class structure and syllabus. In addition, the academy aims to promote fitness, confidence and well being through our exercise and training prescription, welcoming to complete beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
Even if they are bigger than him, his skill level is just too good. Stephen Meleady has a big heart and never quits, but was simply outclassed in this fight. I can imagine the frustration it must feel to go up against somebody with Saenchai’s skill set!
Artur Kyshenko vs Yodsanklai Fairtex Rumble of the Kings 2011
Yodsanklai Fairtex is currently on a 13 fight winning streak, he has not lost since November of 2011. The last man to defeat the Thai legend was Ukraine’s Artur Kyshenko. The pair fought on Rumble of the Kings in an exciting back and forth fight.
For fans who are used to seeing Yodsanklai dominate, they will definitely not see that in this bout. He seemed to be hurt a few times, but was able to survive and then return fire to Kyshenko. Sit back and enjoy the fight. This was definitely one of the bigger wins in Artur Kyshenko’s career as a sound game plan showed he could hang with a legend like Yodsanklai.
Supershowdown are again bringing Yokkao to the UK – this time with 2 shows in 1 night! Tickets are already available and selling fast…
TOP FIGHTS
Harrison v Kongsak
Pakorn v Wootton
Stanton v Boussouku
James v Runmai
Yakkao Video Highlights
FIGHT CARD
Liam Harrison vs Kongsak Sitboonmee – 65kg
Dean James vs Runmai Mo Tammachat – 56kg
Brad Stanton vs Crice Boussoukou – 67kg
Josh Turbill vs Tommi McCormick – 68kg
Jordan Watson vs Mickael Piscitello – 70kg
Pakorn PK vs Greg Wootton – 63.5kg
Panicos Yusuf vs Keith Mc Lachlan – 61.5kg
Ste Long vs Salah A – 68kg
Chris Whittle vs Sean Silver – 60kg
Nobody has ever accused gyms and clubs of being clean enough to eat off the floor. But that’s no excuse to let your guard down…
CLUB HYGIENE: Follow these rules to help you keep from catching-or spreading germs!!
To get the dirt on what goes on at clubs and gyms, the firm surveyed 2,000 people. The gym sins they discovered: 74 percent of people polled said they had noticed that their fellow gym-goers committed a gym faux pas, like failing to wipe down sweaty equipment; 49 percent admitted to having used water bottles, towels, and toiletries that weren’t actually theirs; 18 percent had gone to the gym despite being sick and coughing and sneezing; and 16 percent said they didn’t wash their gym clothes between workouts.
Tip 1 – Control Offensive Body Odor
Exercising makes you sweat and perspiration causes body odor. Additionally many gyms and clubs are crowded and you in many cases will be working out in close proximity and touching other members. Do everyone a favor and come to the club showered and wear effective deodorant. Smelling good is great however don’t take this to an extreme. You are not going out to a club, so do NOT douse yourself with cologne; overcompensation can be just as unpleasant for fellow members.
Tip 2 – Clean Your Gear
Dirty, dark, moist gym bags are great for fungi – they’ll grow just fine in the interior, There are several ways to avoid contaminating your gym bag: Put your dirty clothes in a plastic bag, take them out, and empty the plastic bag right into the washing machine.
Tip 3 – Buy a Better Bottle
Plastic water bottles tend to hold bacteria if you don’t clean them properly. The only ones you can be sure of are metal. To clean it properly, just wash it in hot, soapy water. Also, keep an eye on your bottle to make sure someone (like nearly half of the people in the survey!) doesn’t sneak a sip while you aren’t paying attention.
Tip 4 – Wipe, Wash, Repeat
Whether you decide to constantly wipe down the equipment, or cleanse your own hands, or a combination of the two, keeping your hands clean can help make sure gym germs don’t do any damage. “Keep your own little area organized and hygienic, and you’re going to be protected. After using each set of weights, bag, pads or gloves use the hand sanitizer and wipes that should be provided by your gym to keep germs at bay.
Tip 5 – Take a Rest Day
Don’t go to the gym if you have a really bad cold and you’re sneezing and your nose is running. Also, if you have open wounds, you might want to stay away from the club that day to avoid infection, or infecting anything you might touch while you’re training or sparring.
“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.
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.
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”
