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The Enjoyment of Festival Fights https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=942850751079497 So enjoying this Udon festival fight stream, found via Egokind (https://x.com/Egokind1) This is the real of Muay Thai. Hell, the last fight with kids was pulling 6K viewers in the stream, while RWS was pulling 2K. There was a Japanese fighter earlier (guessing from appearances), maybe big-for-his-age 12, or maybe 14, who gave it his all as the Thai illegal tripped him endlessly, such a very real experience for him. Just hearing the crowd of gamblers and community shout on every strike, even the local commercials, this is just beautiful stuff. Hard to explain how satisfying it is when it its not just a "show" for tourists. I say this, as two...maybe "influencers"?? (who don't have much Muay Thai, or once had Muay Thai, but now seem to have have quite a bit of animosity), go hard at each other in the ring, right now. There is a difference between a "show" that is a commercial product, and what I would call Thai spectacle. Spectacle is understood as unreal (thus, "does not count", un-significant). Thailand's Muay Thai, in its cultural fabric, can weave the spectacle and the real, together...which is why Entertainment Muay Thai, as a tv phenomena in Thailand, was so hard to read. It was completely unreal...spectacle (Thai Fight & MAX in those days)...but then it started making claims of the real, even the "most real". In festival fights like these you can get an entire spectrum of Muay Thai, in all its shades and colors, from spectacle to the very real. Kids on the come up, Old Men, rising stars, big side-bet fights. It's like a fair of Muay Thai. The most wonderful is that you get the full ruleset in the provinces, including repeated and continuous clinch fighting, and very strong aesthetic sense of narrative in scoring. Everyone understands stories are being told, and they are being told at all distances, in a full range of skills, even among the less skilled. It is the spoken story of bodies.

Muay Thai is not a commodity, it is a way of Life.

For now this is a placeholder for what could be a fascinating discussion of the more than ideosyncratic way that the metaphysics of Spinoza provided the metaphysical groundwork for Uesugi's Ultranationalist vision for Japan. For now just a brief sketch, and an attached PDF of the full chapter on Uesugi's political thought, from the excellent Japan's Holy War - The Radical Ideology of Japan Shinto Ultranationalism, by Walter Skya. As Skya worked to position Uesugi's thought in terms of Europe's political thought, drawing lines of direct and indirect influence, he finds no correspondence for several elements which to my eye are significantly Spinozist (the Spinoza of the Ethics). He does mark out anarchist Peter Kropotkin's influence on Uesugi, and Kropotkin had Spinoza influence (likely in just the area's Skya cites), but the areas where Spinoza's metaphysics speaks the loudest are not really addressed. This post just lines them up: They are: 1. The spatio-temperal matrix through which Uesugi views sociability. This is VERY Spinozist. 2. The way in which ancestors are said to currently exist, this is could be conceivably argued with Spinoza's sub specie aeternitatis concept of existence, a unique way of using Spinoza's metaphysics to support Shinto ancestor worship. 3. Perhaps most importantly, as it lines up two of the most distinguishing features of both thinkers, the manor in which Free Will is eclipsed both metaphysically in Spinoza, and socio-politically in Uesugi. A non-coercive authority of sheer power to which one aligns....for Spinoza it is the Universe, for Uesugi is the State as an expression of the Emperor. There are other arguable foundational aspects of thought, for instance the way that Spinoza treats women and animals as outside of the normative "us" of men, arguments of sameness which could be homologous to Uesugi's treatment of race or Nationality, and general concepts of the State or a People as a single thing, and organism (a fixed ratio of movement and rest). In any case, putting these thoughts here, and the chapter. Uesugi Shinkichi - The Emperor and the Masses.pdf <<< pdf download

"Establishment of the original military school The original Dai Nippon Butoku Kai facility was created as a private organization in 1895 in Kyoto.[3] in 1919, Mr Hiromichi Mishikubo (Vice-president of DBNK) made the term change from Bujutsu to Budo. In the eyes of Mishikubo the term bujutsu seemed heavily concerned with physical technique and insisted in using Budo as a mental discipline and as it was representative if the term Bushido. All -jutsu termed Arts transitioned to become -Do and thus became standard terms at the Butokukai. In 1921, the DBNK executive committee decided to make kendo, Judo and Kyudo the main Budo disciplines. Kendo and Judo grading system was established in 1895 and kyudo in 1923. By the 1930s a systematic appropriation of martial arts by the state was underway, fueled in the successful wake of the Russo-Japanese War, sped up even more in 1942–1945 during the apex of Japan's "militarisation" (sengika). This led to a number of "unprecedented policies aimed at making martial arts education combat effective and ideologically aligned with ultra-nationalistic government policy" [3] were set into motion. This strove to corral any and all budo organizations under state control to which the proposal of the "National Physical Strength Deliberation Council" sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare recommended that an "all-encompassing extra-governmental organization" formed between the five ministries of Kōseishō (Health and Welfare), Mombushō (Education), Rikugunshō (Army), Kaigunshō (Navy) and the Naimushō (Home) which promoted budō in schools, community organizations and groups. This was an effective way to expand the reach and breadth of the propaganda being issued by the ultra nationalistic government into the community, plus allowing a clear path to community indoctrination through budō programs; especially notable was the efforts targeting children and schools that is apparent by the amount of funding it received, allocated by a national budget at the time." from Dai Nippon Butoku Kai wikipedia

I get caught with the jab pretty often, usually when someone is anticipating to my own. If I see the jab coming, it’s either parry 1-2 or throw a lead hook over the jab if I’m taller, which is usually the case. The two counters I said really only work if I can parry or move my feet in time. If I ret really hit solid, I lose my momentum, shelling and back stepping to circle or jab back in. Is there a simple one shot counter that I can use while my opponents glove is still pressed on my face? Something that I don’t have to think much to land that will stop my opponents rhythm for a combo. If it helps with suggestions, I’m usually the taller man. I don’t often see technique videos on how to take advantage of height in a reactive way after getting hit. Usually it’s all “be first, be far, feint” type stuff which is all well and good I’m trying to figure out how best to respond after I eat the jab. I’m not good enough to block every jab and start every exchange on offense. Thanks

You asked simple, so the answer is simple, but can be very effective. Just kick under it to the open side. You can even be late on this kick. There are probably a few reasons why there isn't a lot of jabbing in Thailand's Muay Thai, but this is one of them. A kick to the open side is a very significant score, one of the few strikes that doesn't even have to have effect. The jab is almost a non-score. So trading these is pure win. But, in same stance this would require you learning a quick, lead-side kick. It's a very good kick to have, so no loss there. Key though is to not rely on point-fighting. If you can develop this to have some pace (preferably with no "step" in the kick) it can become a serious deterrent, not only to the jab, but also to the straight. And, because you are tall, if you turned this also into a long knee, this could be a significant problem for opponents. These are very simple, high scoring, maybe a bit difficult to develop power in, (but you can do it), answers.

A very large difference between Japanese Ultranationalism and mid-century Thai dictatorship is that Japan's theorists placed supreme importance on the Emperor, who embodied The State, while Phibun's dictatorship, at least upon its rise, minimized the King of Thailand (who was very young). Thailand's Fascism was much more paternalistic, and perhaps (?) volkish, and perhaps lacked the same anchorage in religion that Shinto and ancestor worship did in Japan. Thailand seemed also to be positioning itself between world powers, especially in the decline of colonial influence on neighboring territory (and their claim), while all the same passing political mandates that aligned Thailand with "civilized" Western culture. Japanese Ultranationalism on the other hand was in answer and defiance of Western Culture and its seen-as morally corrosive Capitalist values. I don't know enough about Thailand's years of dictatorship to see if there were areas of overlap in theory and discussion, or if wholesale they were distinct in these ways. Or, if the growing Chinese Bangkok population (China an enemy of imperialist Japan) also steered Thailand away from closer alliance. Phibun, apparently, even explained his dress-code mandates in terms of insulating Thailand from too much Japanese influence of not outright cultural hegemony. This is to say that at the same time, roughly, Thailand and Japan were going through Fascist movement, but they were likely understood somewhat differently. Yet, the role of martial prowess, and even the fighting arts like Muay Thai &/or Karate, as a symbol of National strength, or volkish strength, may have had correspondence. As I've mentioned elsewhere, the rise of fighters like the convicted murderer, fearsome Suk in Thailand has been read as a volkish, anti-royal, or at least anti-urban, cultured elite, change in the sport early to mid-century.

This may seem out of place in a forum that is largely focused on Muay Thai, History and Philosophy, but there are two aspects that cause it to be posted here. The first is that I've long been a student of Spinoza, and intuitively felt that his Philosophy had something to say about Thailand's Muay Thai. I've also written on Spinoza and the Totalitarian State: Spinoza and State Torture and Other Unfeeling Things and Spinoza’s Logic of Affects and an Ontology of Torture, a line of thought I've never seen anyone explore. Spinoza is hailed as instead one of the earliest advocates for the democratic state, and even in some ways Liberal Democracy, and very often is depicted in terms of the immanence within his thought, a sort of liberal or radical becoming. The above Uesugi line of thought does not take my imitatio Dei argument, at least not directly. Instead he builds out of the very distinct dimension of Spinoza's thought, its denial of Free Will, putting that denial in the service of authoritarianism. This is an important aspect of Spinoza's metaphysics and I've never seen it argued from before. (There are corollaries to be made between Spinoza read as a proto-Cybernetic thinker, and Totalitarianism, of course. You can read on Spinoza as a Cybernetist here: Is Spinoza a Cyberneticist, or a Chaoplexicist?) Secondly though, I came to this study of Japanese Ultranationalism because Japanese Kickboxing in the 1970s, as it interfaced with Thailand's Muay Thai, was under strong Ultranationalist influence. Noguchi, a father of Japanese Kickboxing, was son to an Ultranationalist terrorist, (the famed boxer) Susumu Noguchi. The Yakuza who likely funded the rise of Japanese Kickboxing, had historical ties with Ultranationalism, enough to hypothesize that some of that era's ethos, behind Japanese fighting prowess was furthering this political view. And, Thailand itself had decades of totalitarian dictatorship, during which it aligned itself with Japanese Fascism, and the Fascism of Germany and Italy, not only becoming an Axis ally in WW2, but aligning itself culturally. Even Rajadamnern Stadium's architect was Italian around WW2, and it expresses some of that Neo-Classical European aesthetic. Thailand's Muay Thai, in its turn toward a volkish heroism in the 1940s-1950s, could be understood in this movement. It is enough to say that these interests and stretches of history, in Japan and Thailand, along with Spinoza, provide an interesting setting for speculative interpretation.

Muay As Hieroglyphics The relationship is to the muay, not to any particular opponent, or achievement, belt. Those things help you create and nurture the relationship to the muay, and that means ultimately to yourself. In the muay you see yourself sculpted out against Time, in the spirit of emotion, with your body, like a stylus that has been writing in hieroglyphics your whole life.

The process is: Learn to fight with your feet.

Muay Thai is like Ancient Greek, Boxing like Latin. ... a related language.

Hey, I just saw this now, I'm surprised nobody replied before. When I was in Thailand in 2021/22, I also did several privates with Yodkhunpon and enjoyed it very much! I paid and did the sessions at Petchrungruang gym in Pattaya and the initial contact was made by Sylvie, whom I wrote on facebook (thanks again!). The sessions after that, I arranged directly with Yodkhunpon. Unfortunately I havent been back to Thailand since, so I like to read about other people's experiences, so keep writing people! Has anyone been at Singha Mawyn in Bkk? Superbon used to train there, but more importantly the trainers are legends themselves e.g. Namsaknoi and Khaolan Kaovichit. Would also be interested in reading about Kiatphontip just outside of Bkk, and other semi-rural settings.

I’ve heard a lot about Hong Thong, and it’s cool you got to train there for a month. The air quality during that time sounds rough, so thanks for the heads-up—I'll definitely keep that in mind if I plan a trip in March. The gym’s focus on fighting sounds perfect if you’re looking to compete. I’ve had similar experiences where the training quality depends on your partners, so I get that. Private sessions with Joe seem like a solid idea, especially for clinch work since Muay Khao fighters really know their stuff.

There's maybe a few reasons I don't put it on the list. The first is that the things that make Petchrungruang so good for me really don't apply to most other people. I'm a small woman (47 kg) who specializes in clinch, and I'm a fighter who fights a lot and books my own fights. What is great about Petchrungruang is really my relationship with the family, and how much clinching I can get as a small female. And of course the padholding and guidance of Pi Nu. But Petchrungruang is a slow cook method gym. There usually isn't a lot of technical instruction or correction, instead there is lots of doing, and lots of self-directed training (I plan and do my own bag rounds, my own side drills, etc). Its teaching method is designed to turn kids into fighters over years. This isn't what a lot of western students or fighters are looking for. Also, I don't really like "selling" my gym. I've written a lot about it so if people have read me over the years they know what it is about. And in some ways I'd like to keep the gym my little secret. I don't want it to change with the arrival of students and fighters who expect things different than it is. And I really don't recommend it for most people because I feel that they would be happier somewhere else. It's just a small family gym that does things in a quiet way, focused on raising Thai boys to be stadium fighters and I like that. Update 2024: Petchrungruang no longer has Thai boys or fighters. The head of the gym decided to stop building fighters and no longer deals with professional fighting, so his focus and the gym's focus is beginner and intermediate non-Thais, but you can get local 3 round fights at the two stadia in Pattaya for experience.

Gyms that I have heard positive things about, or which I visited and have qualities that might appeal to a certain kind of traveler/student/fighter. These are not gym reviews, just quick impressions. Sitjaopho (Hua Hin) - This is a gym in Hua Hin that is quiet popular with those looking for "technical" instruction. It has a strong Swedish connection, as well as a following with some from the East Coast (USA). I've have experienced one afternoon session here and was really impressed by the organization and work put in by everyone. Kru F is the captain of the ship and works directly with his students, sparring and padwork and clinching, and he seems to set the tone that is carried on by everyone in the space. There is a LOT of sparring (very light, very technical), padwork, shadowboxing, some students hit the bag but most didn't, and about 30 minutes of clinch (many participating, but not all), followed by group conditioning. Friendly space, dedicated students, Thai trainers and on this day all non-Thai students, but everyone on the same program from beginners to definitely-experienced fighters. Chatchai Sasakul Gym (BKK) - the former WBC world champion boxer Chatchai is highly recommended if you want to work on your boxing. Precise technician, great instructor. Probably the best boxing gym in Thailand, home of several current world champions. Private sessions are best. You can see a full private session with him here. They also have some nearby accommodation for longer-term stays as well. Dejrat Gym (BKK) - This is a hidden gem in Bangkok run by the coach of the Thai National Team, Arjan Surat. Watch our session together. It just is a very "Thai" gym, so I couldn't recommend it in a broad way, either in a cultural or instruction sense. It's no-nonsense Muay Thai that is focused on its serious Thai fighters. They have had experience with female fighters. Go here only if you want some sort of immersion, are prepared to work very hard, and be positioned in a traditional hierarchy. Not a lot of English spoken. My session with Arjan Surat: Arjan Surat 2 - His Old School Tough & Defensive Style (94 min) Burklerk's Gym (Lampang, contact here) - outstanding instruction from a Legend in sleepy and beautiful Lampang. He and his wife have opened up a brand new resort style gym in Lampang. I wrote about his original home gym here: Burklerk's Family Run Gym in Lampang. Burklerk has a beautiful, powerful style and each time I visit I learn things. Even 5 minutes with him is gold. It's a small community gym in a quiet neighborhood, but not a fighter's gym really. Go there for the time with Burklerk, but there won't be much sparring or clinching. My session with Arjan Burklerk in his original home location: Burklerk PInsinchai - Dynamic Symmetry (82 min) Keatkhamtorn Gym (Bangkok) - This gym is an authentic kai muay gym in Bangkok in that it is still very focused on growing Muay Thai stadium champions from an early age. This means that it is a great gym for small bodied westerners especially those interested in immersive clinch. Immersive clinch the way Thais learned, but be warned it takes a while.They have tons of young male fighters between 45-52 kg, and are a Muay Khao gym, which means that you'll be encouraged to develop proper clinch fighting habits. I will definitely make this my clinch gym when in Bangkok. The owner, Teerawat Chukorn is a Police Captain and very kind, and speaks English. You can contact them through their Facebook page which will respond in English. PK Saenchai Gym (Bangkok) I have never been to this gym during regular training at all, but it is a favorite of Westerners both who are seeking to train under a big name and those who have been in Thailand for a long while and decide to move over there for the fight opportunities and training alongside contemporary stars of Muay Thai. A head trainer is Detduang Pongsawang, who was a great fighter in the Golden Age. From what I understand it's a kind of "build a bear" method for training, so you can decide how much or how little you want to do by speaking with the manager and he works it all out for you. He sounds very personable and his English is very good. NungUbon: (Ubon) this is a lovely little gym just 10 minutes from the Ubon airport. There are fighter rooms, local fights, and NungUbon's son is a stadium fighter in Bangkok so trips down occur when he is fighting. It's mostly westerners, who for whatever reason tend to be tall, so if you are a larger person and looking for a more rural experience but want similarly sized clinch/sparring partners, this is an option.