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So how many of you actually dread sparring (clinch or otherwise) with your coach? As a coach I dont really see it so much unless I post a meme or joke about it, then the truth comes out lol. I always looked at myself as merely a gate keeper, not the top of the food chain, so cant really understand the fear of dealing with me. For me, if they can handle me then thats merely the first step. All my top guys can deal with me no problem. How do you guys feel about it? Scary coaches? Or is it fun sparring with them? Let me know VID_26620329_013231_040.mp4

It's funny you mention it. I get to experience both ends. At my school, I'm like you, I may be the teacher but I don't consider myself the top of the mountain, I'm there to impart knowledge nothing else, however I know some students feel awry about sparring with me. But when I go to my home gym, where I learned the art and am still learning the art, I like sparring the young fighters as (1) I'm nearly twice their age and I find their energy contagious, (2) The fighters are the best to spar with as they can really help you out. Our Kru is nearly 70 and has been involved with Muay Thai since the early 80's and is a wealth of knowledge.

Sorry for the late post! I want to answer by voice recording as I have a whole lot to say about this topic!!! I know I can't, so I'll do my best to type it out here. Very interesting data that Kevin has provided for sure. it's something I've suspected for a long time but this confirms it. I've been saying this to many for years now. It was quite obvious over the years of the decline of the sport in Thailand, superficially it appears that it is growing worldwide but like Kevin stated above--it's probably that was because we associate ourselves with the same like minds. Since I can remember, promoters in the U.S. of local, regional shows as well as national tournaments have all fought each other to get fighters on their cards or in their tourneys. The problem, of course, is that there is a very finite amount of fighters to participate in the number of shows that are available. One promoter will host a show 1-3 weeks away from another and tournament soften are scheduled close to each other. This creates an issue as the fighters can then choose which promotion they want to fight and often times pull out last minute---thereby creating financial losses for promoters. Lots of people argue that the sport isn't growing due to the lack of shows. My argument is that there is a lack of athlete participation! Even looking at one of the biggest Muaythai tournaments now in the world: The TBA World Expo. Even though this year they will have a record number of participants --probably 900 or so-- (with the help of adding the YDL--more on that later) it still has only grown incrementally in recent years. Yes, the inaugural tournament had 100 competitors --so that is an 800 % growth rate in 12 years! Seems very impressive indeed! However, I would like to see what the last 5 years numbers were to get a better understanding of the growth. My belief is that it is only growing by maybe several dozens of new entrants per year. Also, I think everyone is super hyped about Muaythai possibly becoming a full medaled sport in the Olympics and there are some that think that there will suddenly be a flood of new Muaythai students rushing to fill their local Muaythai gyms with the thought of possibly becoming an Olympic Athlete. That cannot be furthest from the truth! As Kevin has showed, TKD is on a decline despite being an Olympic sport. Judo certainly hasn't grown and Karate is included in the 2024 Olympics--Karate Dojos all over the world aren't seeing massive enrollments either! The absolute KEYS to growing the sport are several initiatives that the USMF-United States Muaythai Federation under my direction have implemented and we are already seeing TREMENDOUS results! The YOUTH is where the future of the sport lays!!! To me, NOTHING will grow the sport faster than the following. 1) USA Muaythai Youth Development League (YDL): A "Little League" of Muaythai, if you will. Allows the Youth to have a competitive outlet but with a clear ascension model that is safe and developmental with direct feedback to grow and improve. 2) Muaythai Youth Academy (MYA): A program that teaches teachers how to teach and work with kids so that they love learning and building confidence through the martial arts. 3) Muaythai Business Academy (MBA): Fact--Muaythai is a sport. Fact: Muaythai is a Martial Art. Fact: Muaythai is a BUSINESS! This program helps educate gym owners and potential gym owners on how to run a successful business so that can possibly devote themselves full time to teaching and giving their students and athletes 100% of their time and energy. I just got home from a YDL in Hawaii yesterday. East Coast last week for the Delaware YDL. Dallas the Previous weekend. Denver before that. Phoenix the weekend before and Dallas again before Phoenix! Living for London and Paris on Friday (not Muaythai related lol). I'll try to elaborate more later but I need to get some rest for now!

thanks! appreciate the reply! sounds good! :)

Not sure if this question was meant for Sylvie particularly or open to anyone, but Id go and train at a gym letting them know from the beginning youd like to fight at or near yhe end of your trip IF they felt you were ready. More than likely they'll train you specifically for a fight and find you someone of equal skill to compete against. The cool thing about muay Thai is you can compete as you learn and grow. One doesnt end when the other begins, so you can compete as a beginner and grow from there.

Can't help here but: Wow! This is really cool! :)

Is there a way to leave voice recordings? As I have much to say on this topic butunfortua rely my eyes are getting worse the older I get and it’s getting more difficult to read/type things on my iPhone