SJC74

In my experience, 1 pair of gloves is fine (14oz in my case, so I can spar safely), just air them out between training (bag gloves definitely not necessary). Shinguards are a good idea, though gyms will always have them and lend them out- just more hygienic to have your own. 2 pairs of wraps, 2 shorts (I like the lightweight Raja ones for the heat), 1 pair of good road running trainers. Good gumshield and groin-protector, naturally. Every time I finish training, I bring everything into the shower (not gloves or shinnies, obviously) with me to clean off the (bucketsfull in my case) of sweat, but things dry off quickly here outside of the monsoon season. One thing I have found I like is smallish, cotton briefs for training (less cloth, therefore sweaty wetness than boxers, etc.- bring underwear from home- decent, cotton stuff is strangely expensive here). Don't weigh yourself down too much. You might want to buy shorts or vests from the gym(s) as (useful) souvenirs. I recommend Action Zone and Keelapan, next door, in Bangkok (good selection and prices): https://www.google.com/maps/place/Action+Zone/@13.7474264,100.5206774,17z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x30e29931ee397e41:0x4c8f06926c37408b!2sAction+Zone!8m2!3d13.7474212!4d100.5232523!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3_f5d2!3m5!1s0x30e29931ee397e41:0x4c8f06926c37408b!8m2!3d13.7474212!4d100.5232523!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3_f5d2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Actually, I've just done a week at Lamai, and it's changed: pretty average training now. So I just recommend Wech Pinyo.

Male, intermediate, too-old-to-fight-now here! I've trained in a few gyms in Thailand and both https://wechpinyo-muaythai.com/ and https://lamaimuaythai.com/ were very good gyms, both in Lamai, my favourite part of Samui (nice beach, village feel, plenty to do but not trashy). They cater mainly to farang, but both had fighters and women and take their training seriously.

Not really my thing, but I'm sure some people will find it interesting. I trust the trainer and gym gave their consent to be filmed and broadcast. What are the ethics and conventions regarding sharing any proceeds from the video?

As an older guy coming back to Muay Thai after Western boxing, I can sympathise. There's lots of good stuff on Youtube, I'll post a couple of my favourites below. Would be great if anyone else has some tips... This is a really good one: These guys are interesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg5ltVL3fok&t=14s&ab_channel=StrengthSide

I think this is a question best answered by your doctor or surgeon. Chok dee.

Thanks for a very interesting log: it sounds like a great experience. You seem to have lucked out with PTs from Orono, too; his record is amazing, he's fought (and won some) of the top 10 fighters in recent decades! With regards to fatigue and (over)training, I recently watched this video from a sports scientist specialising in MT (he's very well-known and respected, I believe): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WHDs1SBxFM&ab_channel=HeatrickMuayThaiPerformance Also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukcShX49-Q4&t=329s&ab_channel=HeatrickMuayThaiPerformance Chok dee with it all!

I would say it depends more on purpose, rather than speed or power. For sparring gloves, you want ones which a) protect your hand and wrist well (like all gloves), and b) protect your partner (nice soft padding, etc.). I've also heard decent things about Leone. I have a pair of (Western-style) leather gloves from another Italian manufacturer, Montana: very good price, and seem good, at least after 6 months of use. Wouldn't mind some Thai ones, so will watch this space.

Wow, what an amazing write-up- thanks. That should prove really useful. Tbh, both Lanna and Santai both sound like they have great aspects to them. I find I can usually get something useful from pretty much any gym, trainer or sparring partner, so I don't know whether it's best to stay at one gym for a longer time, or a week at a couple of good ones... How's training in Isaan? Would love to hear about that.

Hey Priscilla, How was your experience? I hope it was good... I'm thinking of training in Chiang Mai for a month (July) and would love to get your feedback, as would others who read this thread, I imagine.