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One of the most interesting things for those interested in Thailand's Muay Thai is how Muay Thai itself is a highly stylized expression of Muay Thai, or what some call hypermasculinity. One of the more striking things about Thai language for those first learning it, coming from the west, is how speakers end speech with a gendered polite particle, ka or krop, basically positioning the speaker, as gendered in an almost constant process of self-declaration. This performed division of the genders may even have helped give rise to the very notions of gender fluidity that allow trans persons to simply adopt the particle of the trans- gender they are moving toward. In this sense Thailand is both rather rigid, and also fluid. But, this is really what I'm writing about here. This gendered division, along with very hyperstylized versions of gender both feminine and masculine, is thought to not even really BE Thai, at least in a certain dimension of analysis. The stark distinctions between genders is thought to have arisen in the early part of the 19th century when Thailand (then Siam) faced extraordinary pressure from the west to "self-civilize"). In otherwords, "you better become a lot more like US, or you will get colonized (ie, civilized)". The division of the genders both visually (gendered dress was government imposed in the periods that followed), and also in terms of speech (I believe the imposition of these gendered particles) came from this somewhat radical, and also Thai-flavored adoption of western gender values, with those Victorian roots. Of note, this self-civilization also is what likely brought about the adoption of gloves in Muay Thai (then simply Muay). So, when you say "ka" or "krop" at the end of a Thai sentence, you are also reliving the forces that also gloved the hands of Thailand's boxers.

I am sorry it sounds terrible. I know the shutdown is for safety and it is the same here but its unsettling that life changes so rapidly. I'm glad the PM will take control of the whole country because a patchwork approach seems ineffectual. The US is so immense and things are proceeding piecemeal since the fucking "president" is doing nothing but damage. Many beautiful stories for example Ford is making ventilators, a former art student of mine is fabricating high end face shields for health workers. Thank you again for your Covid training videos. This is so strange - a truly global phenomenon in our lifetime (like a WW). Love to all your people and the Roundtable people too. I just got a kicking bag for my studio (which is isolated). I know I am very lucky to be able to do shit like that. A wall is excellent too. My coach is making videos with his adorable tiny kids. People are giving away training for free in Instagram (like you). My other coach thinks its not really happening (young, invincible), and my third coach has switched to Zoom training which totally works. I am rattling on. Bye.

It's a bad disease. I had my first close friend die, quickly (guess that's a blessing). We are in the USA Upstate New York (NYC is epicenter). I don't like living in fear but I do like living in reality (well like it.. maybe not right now but better than la la land). Good luck.

Almost everything is shutting down in Thailand as well, depending on location as each province can make their own rules. But tomorrow the PM will be announcing the articles of a State of Emergency that will start on March 26 and extend at minimum to April 26th. I'm pretty anxious awaiting the details, honestly. Gyms are closed, restaurants are take-out only, only groceries and "essential businesses" are open.

Ok this has gone beyond gyms closing now. Krakow is a ghost town, European friends texting me saying they're too terrified to order Domino's and touch the same cardboard as the delivery boy etc. How much of all this fear is legit ya think?

Here in Midwestern United States. Leading up to this had been starting a gym geared toward individuals who were not currently being served by local gyms (queer, trans, immigrant, acab, etc). In the last week we've seen the states around the area closing food and bar establishments except for delivery, with more restrictions on the way. Currently gatherings of over 100 are banned. Its a shame, was really kicking muay thai butt. Now most of our efforts are going to community support, making sure everyone has food and supplies for a suspected lockdown, and self isolating as much as possible. Our trainer has been in Europe and now has had travel restricted in regards to coming back to the states. Also everyone I know are service industry workers and we are all out of jobs atm.

Hi, in Belgium all sport venues and gyms are closed until (I suppose at least) the 3rd of April and then it's Easter holiday when most venues are closed anyways for two weeks. Some people still go lightly over the subject, but having the misery of Italy so closeby, it really seems the most appropriate to just stay in and keep a distance when going out as mentioned above. I am lucky as my partner and I train together so we can practice at home. Also in the meanwhile there are already corona work out videos online which I'm gonna give a try this morning!