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I think this is especially tricky because of the complete disparity between importance and commonality of fighting between Thai gyms and western gyms. In the argument about grading systems in western gyms, which is a way to retain members and give people who aren't fighters a sense of accomplishment and progress, these methods are in place because gyms are not mainly fighter's gyms. Most members are there for fitness or passion, but most won't fight. There are "fight teams" within the gyms and the more fighters you have the more "authentic" you are, I guess. But in Thailand, a grading system would be ridiculous. You walk into a gym and just watch people and you know what "level" they are in experience. Fighters definitely have importance for financial reasons and giving "face" and esteem to the gym name, which is true in the West as well but to a very, very different degree. I'm not sure how that kind of "authenticity" could translate into such a different system in the West, with such different business models, customer breakdowns, opportunities, and most importantly a broad disparity in experience between Thai trainers/gyms and those anywhere else in the world.

Muay Thai really is my anti depression. I was in a mentally abusive relationship a few years ago just as I lost my Dad to cancer and it left me a little bit fucked in the head. I’d find myself falling into depression for no real reason. It was like my brain was used to those emotions. Muay Thai pulls me out of those thoughts. I too have Had bad addiction problems, like most emotional artists we drink or do drugs and especially in the groups we keep. it’s acceptable to get completely smashed and talk junk. Or drink after gigs etc. Muay Thai has helped me to stop all those things. Sober 5 years, no drugs, no smokes, no alcohol. Spirituality it has helped me so much too, I have a few Sak yants and amulets etc. I try hard to follow this way of living bugger I should of totally submitted THIS response into the new competition!

Muay Thai is a God That's found me, my body the Incense I send it.

Severe drug addiction and alcoholism run in my family and I am no exception - total garbagehead. It is not uncommon for fighters to treat their addictions this way; Kevin Ross is a prime example. Exercise put a damper on my problem until college sports ended, then I had to seek help which I did. So I no longer use sports (or substances) to regulate my moods and basic personality although I remain addictive in every sense; I freaking love combat sports and Muay Thai in particular. Now its just passion though :) Two years ago my son was bedridden with an unknown illness for nearly a year. We made the rounds of doctors including two different big city hospital systems and my own very expensive East/West (allopathic and alternative) doc. We even brought him across the country to the famous Mayo clinic to try and get him diagnosed. He was nauseated every. single. day. for months. Time was creeping by so slowly and I had to be calm and positive for him. I was also beyond furious at every patronizing _(*&*( _{#%*{)( doctor who treated me like a stupid hysteric. To compound it I had (and still have) differing views of the situation than my spouse. There would have been total mayhem had I not been training boxing and Muay Thai. One of my trainers knew the situation and while not delving in (to keep me from crying), displayed every kind of empathy and kindness available to a sparring partner and padholder. It may not be your grandma's idea of empathy (violence rather than hugs and tea), but for me it worked and I am eternally grateful. My son is better now, but never had a diagnosis. I am charmed by laurakg's prescription for menopause. As I approach it I am definitely becoming a battle axe in every way and its ever more fun to train Muay Thai.