Lucy

After having a bad experience at one gym, I found another place to train, I’ve been training there for around six months, and everything about the gym is great. The other students, the trainers, lesson layout, the fact I can see myself progress with this gym, all good, except.. it’s about 40 miles away, so a 90 minute lesson, works out at 4.5 hours, what with traffic ( or traffic jams with rush hour ) plus petrol is costing me around £400 a month on top of member fees. There’s a new gym opened up a lot closer to me, I know the guys running it and we get along great, they know I want to eventually fight and I’m sure they will help me achieve this ( as would the other gym ) Problem is I feel so guilty wanting to leave my gym, as they haven’t done anything to upset or annoy me, it’s purely a monetary reason I don’t know if I should change gyms or stick where I am ( I can afford my gym, but the new one I would save about £250pm, and it’s only 20 mins away ) Anyone else had a similar experience or any advice on what to do? ( even if my gym let me train for free, I wouldn’t want that as my trainer still has to make a living, but I would still be spending lots of petrol and it’s still a lot time wise )

Sadly due to an incident with a scooter, the ground and my leg I never made it to training, ( I actually haven’t been able to train since, hoping to go back in the next couple of days ) Absolutely gutted as I was really looking forward to these, and so annoyed as I was too scared to hire a scooter as I thought I would crash, so I jump on the back of someone’s and a car comes round the corner, catches the front wheel and we both go flying!

I’m pretty sure it’s because I’ve just got back to normal life that I’m suddenly dreaming of adventure and wishing I was doing something else lol I just often feel like I’ve wasted my life and I nothing to show for it, I feel like I need a story to tell the grandkids or some kind of life other then work and being average, maybe I’m too old for a gap year, I just need to squash this constant feeling of failure and disappointment I carry around and have something to say that’s my story, that’s what I’ve done

Has anyone spent a year training in Thailand? I’m thinking in a few years time ( for the dreaded big birthday, plus it gives time to get myself sorted out first ) of packing up and spending a year training, but I’m unsure of the visa, from the uk I can get 90 day visa but how many times can I re-new? Would people recommend one camp or travelling around? All I can is tourist prices are there any long term deals? Any advice or ideas is appreciated, I’m just at the very start of planning ahead Thanks

I’m still here, due to fly to Bangkok tonight and train again on Tuesday, or maybe tomorrow if I can get to Yokkao for a lesson. Fingers crossed my left kick still feels stronger / better

Gym reviews- After spending a few weeks training in Thailand I thought this may come in handy for someone else. Firstly - FIGHTERS GYM RAWAI- The location of this gym is wonderful, just across the road from the beach, ( although a fisherman’s beach, so don’t expect to be sunbathing) there are plenty of places to eat, cheap and freshly caught fish / seafood, Thai food or steak among others. The gym is also situated next to a massage parlour and a family mart, so everything you need is within easy walking distance First impressions of Fighters wasn’t good, i booked 6 months in advance, and checked twice my room was confirmed. When I arrive, no one knew I was coming! The owner also runs a gym in Sweden ( which is where he was, who I’d book with ) and he hadn’t mentioned to anyone about my arrival, luckily one of the trainers was giving a 1-2-1, and he phoned someone who came down and showed me to a room The ‘deluxe’ room id booked was quite simply a very small room with a fridge, wardrobe and single bed, plus sink, toilet and shower hidden behind a thin curtain, the lack of tv I found annoying but I could cope without, the lack of hot water and WiFi was very disappointing. In my opinion especially when travelling alone, being able to use WiFi in my room and connect with family back home is important and partly why I’d choose certain hotels over others, WiFi did work in the gym cafe, but only if sat in certain seats, being 6 hours ahead of the uk and wanting to chat to people at home when they had finished work meant sitting on my own, in a dark corner almost on the pavement at 3am, not great Everything is in one place, all the rooms, pool, gym, gym shop and cafe are on the same grounds. So training is a 5 step walk to get to, the gym consist of a small strength and conditioning area, plyo boxes, squat rack and kettle bells, then there’s two full size rings, and several heavy bags. Training is twice daily 8am and 5pm, usually warm up of running and stretches, then shadow boxing, followed by rounds of pads, bag work and shadow boxing. The trainers are lovely ( if you miss a session, they will ask if you’re ok, and if you’re training next session ) As the group was fairly small, you get plenty of 1-1 time, and those willing to put the work in will be rewarded. For 10 days accommodation and full training cost was 9500baht, a price you really can’t argue with, and there’s the opportunity to fight. I found girls were treated equally, and there was a relaxed atmosphere and non ego gym Would I go back- yes I would, in my opinion, if your serious about training and want a basic but friendly and relaxed place to train then this is the place! Next I moved to Chalong, and as I wanted to do the touristy thing a bit I choose to do 1-2-1’s instead of camps or lessons, first up was the famous- TIGER MUAY THAI or Muay Thai factory! situated on Soi Tad-ied or fight street It’s one long road with Muay Thai, Muay Thai and Muay Thai, throw in a few cafes, all healthy food, from protein shakes to vegan and pizza, a CrossFit Gym and a few shops, I felt like I’d died and gone to Muay Thai heaven! The first thing you can’t help but notice is the size of Tiger, it’s the first gym on the street and huge. I booked a 1-2-1 for the following morning ( you buy a top up card for 200baht which is refunded when you return the card, and pay upfront, 700baht per hour) I checked out the shop and grill, before deciding to watch part of a lesson. There were four to a bag, taking it in turns to 10 right kicks each, before the next person had there go. This went on for 20 minutes, one young man was nearly in tears, his foot was bright red and swollen and he was obviously kicking wrong, but 6 trainers stood together ‘working’ and not one picked up on this. I then got annoyed and went to move on, I sat out front waiting for a taxi, and within the 8-minute wait, 5 mini buses arrived dropping people off all due to train, ( at least in gym kit ) I counted over 40 people in a short space of time The next day I went for my 1-2-1, my time was 10-11am, and I was excited to be training at such a famous place. I arrived a few minutes early as advised, and a trainer was sent down to meet me, he took me to the gym and played on his phone until 10.10, when he said ‘run’, I ran around the matts warming up, although I could of been doing anything as he seemed to forget all about me. Then I began some shadow boxing while he checked my form, he continually said my form was 100%, which was strange as I’ve always struggled with my left kick. Then on to pads, which I did really enjoy but hitting pads is my favourite, 3x3 minute rounds, before we started my training plan- which was me doing 30 standard sit ups, then 20 where he uses a pad to hit my stomach in between. That’s it, my hours 1-2-1 started at 10-10 and finished at 10.50. I’d just managed to take a quick photo of the two of us, before he tried to march me in the office to book more lessons with him, very awkward and uncomfortable when I’m in the office, in front of him, 3 other staff and 1 tourist and I’m having to say ‘I don’t want to book more, I just want to leave’ You book for tomorrow, same time, I teach you again ‘Err no I just want to go’ I’m not one to shout and make a fuss, hence not saying ‘it’s 10.10 get off your phone!’ So this was really out of my comfort zone. Interestingly two days later, this same training ( named Boy ) drove past me, and asked why I hadn’t booked in and said he would give me a lift to the office now to book ) I just walked off Over all impressions of Tiger are mixed, I didn’t have a great experience but that’s only one trainer, the size of the place, the classes they offer, they is always at least one lesson on, is fantastic, for anyone wishing to visit this famous gym or wanting a more western feel, this is the place, but in my opinion there are better gyms and trainers, I felt like with so many people using this gym, the trainers didn’t care, they know for everyone one of me, there will be 50 others ready to take my place, so I wouldn’t go back but I’m glad I experienced it DRAGON MUAY THAI- Situated on the other side of the road to tiger, and a minute or so walk away, is Dragon Muay Thai, the office is on the main road and the gym is hiding down a side street. The gym is shabby looking, the bags are almost thread bare in places, and the trainers shin pads were held together by tape, I can never figure out if this is good or bad, first impressions were what a dive, and also surely the equipment is dangerous? but it also shows it’s had plenty of use, and maybe the equipment becomes like a pair of old slippers and there too comfy to throw away? First you pay 700baht and pick the time you want a 1-2-1, again I opted for 10-11, and was told to arrive a few minutes early to meet my trainer. I was introduced to Pettrang, who asked my name, experience, where I’m from etc, at 10am he told me to start running, soon after we began to shadow box, then on to pads. He told me to do a left kick, then again and again, after three kicks he told me to point my toes backwards, and my knee more forward, and instantly my kicks felt better, ( I’ve always felt like the pads would split my shins when doing a left kick ) soon he has me doing spinning stuff, and superman punches, and 10 minute rounds! I thought I was going to die, he laughed and said ‘ but you only have 4 more rounds to go’ I made it to the end, where we stretched out, did some sit ups, and bowed out to each other, the lesson started a 10, and ended a few minutes past 11. Towards the end other people began to turn up for the lesson starting at 11, every single person said hello or waved and made me feel like part of the team, even though we had never meet before. I’d loved this gym, and would highly recommend it, I honestly couldn’t wait to train here again, sadly what with wanting to do the touristy thing, the only free day I had was Sunday which the gym is closed, so I never got another lesson but I’m already planning next year PHUKET TOP TEAM- situated at the other end of the road to Tiger, I had really high hopes for this gym, I follow the Gym and there fighters on social media, it’s on my bucket list and I was so excited. Only to try and book a 1-2-1 and find out I had to be a member to train there. They then wanted 700baht for the hour, plus 600baht membership, I explained I was only there for two more days and would only have time to train for the one hour ( I had day trip planned, and wanted to visit the temple, and sights etc ) but still they wanted to charge me almost double, so I said no thanks Bit gutted, and maybe with hindsight I should of paid and experienced somewhere I’d always wanted to train? It it’s a hard choice when you feel like you’re being ripped off, it’s unfair I also have 1-2-1 with trainer Gae and Attachai to come, so willpost those later

Just wondering how you got on, and what advice you would give having had your first fight?

Haha, maybe not helpful as such, but it’s exactly how I’m feeling There are many great trainers here and all a lot cheaper, however it’s my chance to train with Saenchai, but....... so much money

Has anyone had a 1-2-1 with Saenchai? His priced at 8000tbh or approx £180 per hour, which is a lot of money although I completely understand it’s Saenchai it’s going to be more money then average But apart from being able to say I’ve trained with him, is it worth the money? Im torn between ‘his a legend’ and ‘I’m being ripped off’

Please can someone recommend w Muay Thai book, I’ve read ( and loved ) Muay Thai peace at last, and was looking for something similar? An account of someone’s Muay Thai journey Thanks

A good friend of mine is opening his own gym, mainly strength and conditioning, he does however teach and fight mma, and he trains me on thai pads. I want to get him / the gym a gift for the start of his new venture but what? I was maybe thinking of a clock or wall plaque with his gym logo on, something he could keep, but please any ideas would be appreciated

Imagyer a long break from training, I’m finally back and loving it, so it’s just my luck that I come down with a cold. My head is saying taking a few days off, rest and recover then get back on it, however I’m worried that a few days off my new regime will mean I fond it difficult to go back, and I’ll also be feeling lazy. Am I best to train through my cold?

Thank you so much, I needed to hear that x

Yes! I’m up for this, I’m very heavy atm ( not prepared to say on here lol ) I train in St Ives Cambs now, where abouts are you?

I know it’s so stupid, but apparently I wasn’t the first person he had done it to. I took about 9 months out as I was so upset and I couldn’t see the point in training, then I decided to go to a lesson ( miles away from home where no one knew me ) and thought I’d train just to lose a bit of weight. Fell back in love with Muay Thai within the first 10 minutes, and 3 weeks in Ive been asked to join the fight team!!! Everything I’ve ever wanted, except... I have those nagging doubts of what if I’m not good enough? What if I kick and hurt the other person? Or what if I get hurt / injured? Then suddenly I lose all confidence and my ex trainer has won, it’s a vicious circle, I just hope it gets better and I reach my full potential, even if that means being limited to interclub s and not actual fights

Love your attitude, what is there to be afraid of? Nothing! I’m going back in April, I can’t wait, I’m hopibg to train as much as possible ( do t think I’ll be ready to fight there ) but hopefully I’ll be ready when I get back to the uk

Just wondering what’s everyone’s goals for next year? ( Muay Thai and fitness ) I’m going for - drop weight ( same as every year ) Complete a half marathon Have my first Muay Thai / K1 fight ( and win!!!

OMG I can’t explain how good it is to read that! Pad work is fine I can kick high ( for my height ) and quite hard, but not in sparring as I just get scared. It wasn’t until I read your reply that I realised I’m the same, what if I do hurt him / her? Especially as I’ve just started at this new place and we are being encouraged to spar at 100% something I’ve never heard of before. But thinking it through, if if I want to fight I need to learn how to hit hard and how to be hit or I’m going to get a shock in a real fight lol Everything at the new place is the total opposite of what I was taught before so it’s going to take some getting used to and I’m still a bit hung up on before ( my last trainer banned me saying ‘you want to fight, but you’ll never be good enough, so I’m not training you anymore’ ) I’ve had nearly a year out sulking and putting weight on!

Today marks my 3 week anniversary there, and there is now with me 5 girls in the gym, the girl ( in my opinion ) is the best girl there, so maybe she was trying to put me in my place? I haven’t seen her since but don’t know how to handle the next sparring session with her, I’m half tempted to use it as ‘fight experience’ and see how it goes for a few weeks

My worst habit is being scared to kick high ( I’ve landed wrong and hurt my ankle quite bad ) now I have no confidence in throwing anything except the low kick, I know the problem is mainly in my head but I can’t seem to get past it ( I had bloody nose etc and that doesn’t stop me from sparring, even though I know apunch to the face hurts )

Can anyone recommend a book on mental toughness or self belief? I find my confidence let’s me down and would like some help Thanks

Hi guys, After around a year out I’ve just started at a new gym and I’m loving being back at training, however on Saturday I came across an ego fighter. The class was just sparring, and everyone was calm and controlled, having fun, learning, helping each other, in my option exactly how it should be. I then go to spar with one girl who just constantly hit harder and harder, so much so the rest of the class stopped to watch, the trainer made a few comments about ‘how she was going it’ and asking her ‘what’s peed you off?’ The round finished and I said there’s no need to spar like that, we are all trying to learn not trying to kill each other. We then swapped partners, and I watched her spar ‘normally’ ( calm etc ) with the others. When it was back to my turn she again went 100% full out, so I did it back, thinking maybe a hard punch to the face will make her realise she’s going to hard, every time I managed to hit her, you could see the anger on her face, and she was getting more and more annoyed and angry. And the end of the round I put my hand out to touch gloves and she began to walk away, I put my arm out accross her so she had to see my glove and she just pushed my arm away, no touch gloves or anything. We had about 4-5 rounds in total, and don’t get me wrong after the first round I gave as good as I got, but we were fighting not sparring! I tried just staying calm but she continues to go harder and harder, I tried to just defend but again she gets angrier and I start taking a lot of hits, I tried to go as hard and that doesn’t help either, I’m honestly lost for what to do. I asked the other girls what I’d done to upset her ( first time I’ve ever seen her, but she wasn’t as crazy when sparring the others ) they all said the same, it’s her ego, she can’t handle being hit and as me and her are quite well matched she doesn’t like it Any ideas what I can do? ( the trainer didn’t seem that bothered that the last few rounds we were going all out ) Thanks everyone

I've decided go to Thailand and train there for a few weeks, did this earlier in the year and loved it! This time however my friend has decided to join me, and suggested to prepare she runs in a sweat suit, having never used a sweat suit I can't comment, will this help her to adjust to the heat / climate ( we are in the uk) is it a good idea? Apart from running and skipping which other training can can be done in one? Thanks everyone

Thank you so much, this is exactly what I needed to hear, you're right I did those things, I learnt, I trained, and I bloody loved it, so I really shouldn't think I've wasted my time, I should be back in a gym doing what I love, and learning from another trainer who will treat me with respect and yes fuck my ex trainer he really is a dick!

Last week I was banned form my beloved lessons, no reason, honestly no reason I haven't done anything wrong. But after my trainer ( now ex trainer ) had taken my money for my weekly 1-2-1, I got home and received a text saying 'I don't want to train you anymore, and I dont need to explain why' and that was that. I've messaged him a few times almost begging him to say what I've done wrong and he has just ignored it. I've since heard from several of his friends that he has done this before, I'm not the first and I probably won't be the last. This hasn't stopped me from being in tears all week, and spending every waking second wondering what went wrong, what should I of done, why me etc? Anyway, I know I should find somewhere else to train and show this bloke I'm not giving up, but I just can't get motivated, I want to train and fight, and the times when I should of been at me lesson I just sit at home crying, I don't understand what happened and I can't seem to find the motivation to carry on, I feel like just giving up, I haven't got the energy to find somewhere else, and start over. I've spent countless hours at stupid o'clock in the dojo trying to improve and all for nothing! What if I join else where and it happens all over again? Even though I don't want to give up, I just can't see the point in carrying on, I can't get motivated to prove him wrong and continue, I just don't understand why me??