The Values Of A Company
(In this Photo: FMV9 Focus Mitts, BXP1 Target Pads)
Mr. Wong founded Fairtex in 1971. The company focused on textiles. Fairtex comes from “Fair Textiles.” His love for sport, specifically Muay Thai, saw him open a Muay Thai gym. In the late 90’s he expanded from clothing into equipment.
He’s seen his empire grow, hit hard times, and rebound.
“I put all my time into business. Without business, you have no money. You will be poor and suffer,” Mr. Wong said.
Along the way, there have been many lessons. He’s worked with good people and bad. What he’s found is that it is necessary to have respect.
“Only 1% of people can really gain my respect because they behave and listen. Respect is working hard and being honest. If you’re honest and you work, you earn my respect,” he said.
Losing respect and trust is doing the exact opposite.
“If you don’t listen and don’t understand you lose my respect,” Mr. Wong said.
His values are simple then. Work hard, and be honest, and with that, you will grow.
Flying Knee
(In this Photo: BS1702-Blue, BS0638-Assassin Red)
Muay Thai comes from the world of self defence and martial arts.
The first arenas in Thailand were built between 1868-1925. And the sport wasn’t developed until the mid 1920’s. The two powerhouse stadiums, Lumpinee and Rajadamnern weren’t built until 1956 and 1945 respectively.
However, the original form, Muay Boran, is still a part of the sport today. Athletes perform Muay Boran in shows to highlight Muay Thai’s cultural heritage.
Many Muay Boran moves are ineffective in fights. Some are still used. For example, flying knees are still used.
Here Ferrari, a very technical fighter uses a flying knee. To land this attack Ferrari runs forward and leaps into the air. He bends his knee and attacks with the point. The goal is to hit the chin and or body.
Working With Kru Hern
(In this Photo: KPLC5-Black, BPV3-Blue, BGV14-Prism)
Douglas Malagon is a long time student at Fairtex. The personal trainer holds 15+ years of experience in the industry. He’s improved his experience massively since coming to Fairtex.
In that time he’s continued to work with Kru Hern. The trainer started at Sityodtong, in Pattaya. He fought and then became a trainer at Fairtex.
For the last year, Malagon and Hern worked together.
“My endurance is great,” Malagon said. “My power output is great.”
Malagon won his last three fights by KO. He’s now fought at Rajadamnern, Fairtex Fight, Max Muay Thai, JF, and Superchamp.
Working with a single trainer over a long period teaches you a lot.
Boxing For MMA
(In this Photo: FMV9-Yellow/Black, BGV1-Red)
Englishman Leo Williams is looking to make a cross over. He wants to get into the world of MMA. He’s coming off a successful bout at Lumpinee.
At 80kg he’s at the bigger end of fighters active in Thailand.
And he believes boxing is important for his new career change.
“The gloves being so small,” Williams said. “If you can find the target it’s going to be a high percentage strike. There’s going to be more damage.”
In MMA the athletes move more, and their stance is wider.
“Kicks are a little more complicated to set up,” he said.
Some athletes with a lot of Muay Thai experience still kick. Stamp Fairtex for instance knocked out several opponents with strong kicks. Her MMA debut saw her head kick her opponent to a win.
Nevertheless, the hands are becoming increasingly important in both MMA and Muay Thai.
Big Guy Muay Thai With Kru Chao
(In this Photo: BS1923-Racer White, BGV9-Black, KPLC6-Gold/Black, BPV3-Red)
Size changes everything. Working with taller athletes that weigh more is different. The strikes land in different areas, their body moves in different ways.
“I have to control the difficulty,” Kru Chao said.
The Fairtex trainer worked overseas for several years. He also worked at Bangplee and was a fighter out of Kaewsamrit gym in Bangkok. He speaks English and understands foreigners who do Muay Thai.
“He can’t hit 100% because if he misses it’s dangerous for me,” Kru Chao said.
Big guys must work technique when they hit pads.
“It’s hard for feedback,” Kru Chao said.
Larger athletes can develop their power by working on heavy bags. They can also do strength and conditioning. In the West, where athletes don’t fight as much, large athletes also spar more and heavier. This allows them to feel their power. The downside is the potential for injuries.
Working with athletes of different sizes creates different problems for trainers. But coaches like Kru Chao are always looking to solve the issues.
Unstoppable Yodnamchai
(In this Photo: BGV16-Maroon, BS1911-Pink/Green)
Young Yodnamchai is winning.
“I’ve fought 80 times,” he said. “I’ve lost only 10.”
Having such a high win percentage is incredible. Most Thai athletes win about 60% of the time. A 70% win ratio is outstanding. Anything above that is miraculous.
The athlete is on a 3 fight KO streak. He’s been knocking out opponents at ONE Lumpinee easily. His last fight didn’t go beyond the first round.
He’s due to fight again at Lumpinee. Date and fight announced soon.
Salabao
Mr. Wong gives the athletes and trainers food. Every day is a different treat. Some days it’s fruit like bananas or watermelon. Other days it’s soup.
Today was sala bao. The steamed dumplings are made with flour and filling. The meat filling is usually pork or beef. It’s seasoned and served hot.
The dumplings are Chinese but have found their way onto the Thai palate. You can find microwavable sala bao at 7-11. And there are dumpling stores around the country.
They are great for a quick snack.
Author: Matt Lucas
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