Muay Thai

The little guy on my left has an amazingly powerful kick. He would destroy me. The old guy next to him is Mr. Badass that I practiced with.

We got to learn the basics of Muay Thai fighting for our Thai language and Culture class. It was awesome!

We went to a "gym" to get learn from some of the trainers. I put gym in quotations because it was really just an open concrete slab that had punching bags and a couple boxing rings. Not exactly a gym as we know it in the US. The trainers wrapped our fists in athletic band (mine stunk cuz it was used; gross, I know). Then we learned a punching sequence and how to protect our face while we punched. We learned two punching sequences and how to kick. Then we put boxing gloves on and the trainers got pads out and we took turns learning in the ring.

There was an old trainer there. Probably in his 50s or 60s and super strong. He was crazy. He had a couple missing teeth. A six pack. Endurance beyond belief. You're average retired Muay Thai fighter....

Of course I had to work with him. His training style was more like a game to him. He would put the pads up and have me punch, punch, punch, punch, kick, punch, kick and then as i'm getting into it he'd put the pad a little to far out of my reach and I punch and he'd bop me on the head with the pad. Over and over he did this to me. I tried to figure out how to block him but it was impossible. He was to old and wily. He gave me bloody nose and a couple marks on my forehead and he was laughing his way along the whole time.

Moral of the story, I need some more Muay Thai training. The gym is open to anyone who wants to train there and I'm so very tempted. I'd at least get in super good shape over my last two months here.