How to get Fairtex sponsored and more...

How to get Fairtex sponsored!

(In this photo: Fairtex SP5 Competition Muay Thai Shin Guard)

Every aspiring fighter wants to get sponsored. There are two ways to do it.
1. Go out to the local 7-11 and buy a sponsor energy drink. The electrolyte costs just 10-12 baht and tastes great after training. Drink it in style at the legendary gym. And just like that, you are sponsored at Fairtex!

2. Work. Getting support from Fairtex takes determination, skill, and lots and lots of work. The gym and company look for elite level or rising stars. Sponsorship comes in two forms.

The first is in modeling and equipment. High level athletes like Petchtangnong Petchfergus, Superbon Singmawynn, and Nong-O Gaiyaanghaadao are given free equipment. They are paid as well for representing the brand.

The second form of sponsorship is through the gym. Fighters that come to the gym, train, and fight well will be considered for sponsorship. These athletes come in as paying customers first. If they perform well, are diligent, and are in a good weight category, sponsorship may be available.

Sponsorship of both types is earned and can end. It is a contracted agreement between both the athlete and Fairtex.

There are great things about being sponsored. And if done right both of them taste just as sweet!

Different Types of Leg kicks

(In this photo: Fairtex SP5 Competition Muay Thai Shin Guard, Fairtex LKP1 Leg Kick Pad, Fairtex HW2 Hand Wraps, Fairtex BPV1 Belly Pad)

In boxing, there is the uppercut, the cross, the jab, and the hook. With leg kicks, there are variations as well.

There are two primary styles of leg kicks. In one the boxer sits down and turns the hip over. This is the traditional Thai style. In the second the boxer will punt the leg up. Fighter Liam Harrison uses the second style often.

Along with the different styles, there are different targets. You can attack the inside of the leg or the outside of the leg.

(In this photo: Fairtex SP5 Competition Muay Thai Shin Guard, Fairtex LKP1 Leg Kick Pad, Fairtex HW2 Hand Wraps, Fairtex BPV1 Belly Pad)

Pad holders will help the athlete with their style and their targeting. Just like the jab, cross, etc. The different leg kicks have different purposes. But all of them help you do damage and win the fight!

How To Knee The Bag

(In this photo: Fairtex HB10 Muay Thai Tear Drop Heavy Bag, Fairtex HB12 Muay Thai Super Angle Heavy Bag, Fairtex HBTB Muay Thai Banana Heavy Bag, Fairtex HB7 Muay Thai Pole Heavy Bag)

Conditioning exercises are an important part of the sport. Most Muay Thai athletes are familiar with ending the session with knees to the bag.

Fighters grip the upper portion of the bag with their forearms. It’s important to cinch the bag together with the arms. This replicates what it’s actually like in the clinch.

Then they alternate skipping knees. The point of the knee should connect with the mid section of the bag. A good way to tell if the knee is on target is if it is hitting where the athlete's belly is. The kneeing foot will be turned down as well. This changes the shape of the knee making it more spear like.

Most sessions end with 100 knees on each side. Some sessions will go up even further.

Valentine Compagnon demonstrates proper technique.

How To Fight Muay Thai In Small Gloves

(In this photo: Fairtex FGV18 Super Sparring Grappling Gloves, Fairtex AS1 Ankle Guard, Fairtex KPLC5 Lightweight Thai Pads, Fairtex SP5 Competition Muay Thai Shin Guard, Fairtex Muay Thai Boxing Shorts)

Muay Thai is changing. The ONE Championship format of Muay Thai is revolutionizing the game.

With these new opportunities come new risks. Striking, especially punching is different. The guard must be held higher. In addition, covering up or shielding from blows is not nearly as effective as when hit by 10 ounce gloves. Punches can come in at different angles as well.

Many Muay Thai athletes are adjusting to the game by:
1: Holding their hands up much higher. This helps prevent shots to the upper head and potentially the ones coming to the face.

2: Holding the hands further out. This allows the boxers to catch the punches with their hands more. Putting the hands out works defensively.

3: Training in small gloves. In these photos, Nakrob Fairtex hits in the small gloves. Wearing them regularly helps with precision punching.

While some athletes bemoan the change in glove sizes it has helped others. It is worth looking at the Golden Era of Muay Thai, in the 1990s and just taking a glimpse of the gloves there. They were much smaller than today’s 10-8oz gloves. Some promotions, like Max Muay Thai, even use
12oz gloves for their bouts.

The changes are coming but athletes like Nakrob are changing with the times.

Introducing Y2k Fairtex

(In this photo:Fairtex LKP1 Leg Kick Pad, Fairtex BPV1 Belly Pad)

Yodkaikaew Fairtex or Y2K is a hallmark of Fairtex Training Center. The accomplished athlete came to the gym when he was just a boy. He lived near the original Fairtex gym in Bangplee. With the gym close to his house he trained regularly. He fought Muay Thai and did well for himself, winning a Max Muay Thai belt.

When the gym moved to Pattaya, so did Y2K.

He was one of the first Fairtex Thai fighters to try their hand at MMA. He fought several times in a local Thai promotion, Full Metal Dojo. Then he moved on to Kunlun. The MMA fighter is now a regular on ONE Championship.

His superior striking has won him several victories. In the mean time, he’s continuing to improve his ground game. He works as Stamp’s training partner and also helps other fighters
with their striking.

Ab Work With The Fairtex Pads

(In this photo: Fairtex BGV18 Gold Muay Thai Boxing Glove, Fairtex KPLC6 Muay Thai Curved Small Pad)

Muay Thai pads aren’t just used for kicking, punching, elbowing, and kneeing. They are also used as conditioning tools.

Junior Fairtex shows how to use them. The fighter smashes the pad onto her stablemate, Nongam’s abs. This replicates being punched. Being able to absorb punches is important for fighters. A weak body could lead to a quick loss.

Why Wear HeadGear

(In this photo: Fairtex HG13 Lace-Up Black Headgear)

The athletes at Fairtex spar very regularly. Every Tuesday and Saturday they don the big gloves, usually 20 ounce gloves, and box spar. Box sparring helps with conditioning and skills.

Many boxers will wear headgear. These pieces of protective gear help prevent scrapes, cuts, and swelling. They are especially important to wear for athletes that may be recovering from lacerations. Athletes with sensitive noses wear headgear with nose guards across the face.

Why Spar With No Shin Guards

(In this photo: Fairtex Muay Thai Boxing Shorts)

Athletes will spar with no protective equipment. This play sparring is good for working timing, rhythm, correct technique, and placing the attack correctly. 

Author:  Matt Lucas