Wise Words From Kru Chao
(In this photo: Fairtex KPLC5 Muay Thai Lightweight Thai Pads)
Training in Thailand is different than in the west. The heat of the weather and the food can undo even the strongest of fighters. The training can be very tough. And the path to success is a long one. But experienced trainers can bring you to the top. Kru Chao taught in the UK for years and understands the foreign mindset. He has three simple pieces of advice for athletes.
1.” You need a fighting heart – ใจสู้ – Jai suu”
2. “You must have a dream.”
3. “You must have focus.”
How To Understand Clinch Positioning
(In this photo: Fairtex Muay Thai Boxing Shorts)
Athletes in Thailand clinch very, very regularly. What makes Thai fighters so good is their understanding of positioning.
We are going to break down this photo of positioning.
The two athletes in this photo, Nakrob (left) and Champ (right) are in a neutral position. Nakrob’s right hand loops onto the forearm of Champ. On that side, Champ has control.
Nakrob’s left hand is on Champ’s neck. He can control Champ with that clasp. Also, Nakrob has his right leg wrapped around Champ. This will stall Champ from any sort of action. Champ meanwhile has his head down and slightly forward. This will help prevent any hard elbows from coming in.
By breaking down each arm and leg we can understand the position of the athletes. Then we can improve the position.
Recovering After A Fight With Gasjang Fairtex
(In this photo: Fairtex BGV14 Black Muay Thai Boxing Glove)
Young athlete Gasjang Fairtex has fought a lot. The Lumpinee veteran recently took a points win at the legendary stadium. After the bout of course is recovery time.
For Gasjang recovery after fights involves two things, icing, and yaaladompon.
“I ice any swore spots and take some paracetamol,” Gasjang said.
Paracetamol is Thailand’s version of aspirin. The painkiller is given out very liberally. Yaaladompon is a traditional Thai drink for fighters. The foul liquid helps with bruising and cleansing the system. The medicine is believed to help prevent staph infections as well. It works as an intense laxative. Fighters that drink the concoction spend their day in the bathroom. Most trainers will tell their athletes to down the medicine after a fight.
“I don’t like it,” Gasjang said. “Every two fights I drink it though.”
Rolling Into the Future with Jaafar Van Loock
(In this photo: Fairtex HW2 Hand Wraps Elastic Cotton Muay Thai)
Young athlete, Jaafar is on a roll, literally. The athlete is competing regularly. He recently competed in Thailand’s ADCC. The international submission grappling competition is hosted around the world. Van Loock competed in Abu Dhabi and then in Phuket, the south of Thailand for a national competition. He won three matches at the national competition before losing to the eventual tournament winner.
Van Loock is now gearing up for the Siam Cup held in Bangkok.
“I feel good,” he said. “This is the first time I’m competing in the adult division.”
Van Loock will be going against other blue belt adults at 70kg. He will be in the youth division as well.
It’s a bright future for Van Loock as he continues to roll Fairtex’ MMA and Jiu Jitsu program forward.
What Is A Muay Khao?
(In this photo: Fairtex BGV14R Minimalist Art Muay Thai Boxing Glove, Fairtex SP5 Competition Muay Thai Shin Guard, Fairtex KPLC5 Muay Thai Lightweight Thai Pads, Fairtex BPV2 Light-Weight Belly Pad, Fairtex AS1 Ankle Guard)
Muay Thai is a game of styles. After all styles make fights. In the science of eight limbs, there are a few dominant styles. There is Muay Fimeu (technical fighters), Muay Mat (heavy handed fighters), and Muay Khao (Clinch and knee fighters).
The Muay Khao fighter is very aggressive and known for their durability. Usually built long and lean they use their superior length to spear in knees.
Famed Muay Kaho fighters include Lamnamoon Sor Sumalee, Petchboonchu FA Group, and Jongsanan Fairtex.
In this photo, Thong Fairtex uses his long knee. Thong has a classic Muay Khao build, tall and skinny. Fighters like Thong will use their length to create leverage for piercing knees.
The Importance of Play Sparring
(In this photo: Fairtex HW2 Hand Wraps Elastic Cotton Muay Thai, Fairtex BGV1 Muay Thai Boxing Glove)
In Thailand, the athletes play. Sparring often is unstructured and will break out at any moment. Fighters test each other’s defenses with light but targeted attacks. The slow rhythm and light hearted sparring allow the boxers to try new things. It also creates a game. The point isn’t to win the spontaneous contest but to get better.
In this photo Saemapetch play spars with Shir. The two were hitting bags until Saemapetch light heartedly tested Shir’s teep defense. The two went back and forth teeping each other.
This type of sparring is great for muscle memory and self confidence building.
Why Thai Jump Ropes Are Amazing
(In this photo: Fairtex ROPE3 Ball Bearing Muay Thai Jump Rope)
Kompetchlek holds a Thai jump rope. The thick “Thai style” jump is a massive cord. The heavy weight of the rope makes it perfect for conditioning. The boxer will skip at a slow pace but will be building muscle quickly. The conditioning tool is great for building up a reserve tank of energy. Also, Thai ropes will build stabilizing muscles. These are very important for keeping defenses up in bouts.
Stamp Ready To Kick Anissa Meksen
(In this photo: Fairtex BGV14 White Muay Thai Boxing Glove, Fairtex HB7 Muay Thai Pole Heavy Bag)
The Champ, Stamp Fairtex, is back to training. After her successful tour in the USA, Stamp is gearing up for her next fight against Anissa Meksen. The two will fight in Bangkok on January 14th. Special rules will apply. The first round will be Muay Thai, then MMA, then Muay Thai, and a final round of MMA.
“I’m excited because I will fight in Thailand,” Stamp said. “My family and friends can come to see me.”
Stamp’s family comes from Rayong, a neighboring province to Chonburi, where Fairtex Training Center is located.
The bout goes down at the Impact Arena in Bangkok.
Author: Matt Lucas