Tyler Byers

Super interesting! And thanks for sharing this question on the forum, it is something I had not considered before. I never knew there was a cultural difference regarding entering the ring. So much tradition and culture I still have yet to learn. Sylvie, I love the simile (metaphor? Gah I suck at English lol) of climbing under the ropes and Sitzpinkler. That is an excellent way to emotionally connect two very separate actions.

Matt, initially when I came to Bangkok I had the same idea as you. I wanted to hop around a bit and check things out. That didn't really end up happening because I went to Master Toddy's first and never left lol. Nor do I plan on leaving. I think it is hugely important to find a gym that matches your goals and style of training. Part of what I love here (and Tu mentioned), we are very diverse. There is always someone here who's goals will line up with yours. Someone to push you that extra mile if you need it, or work on something particular that you are struggling with. Speaking a similar language is also hugely helpful. Even if you are totally lost with what the trainers are saying, there is always someone who has been here a bit who can help try to translate a bit. I can't imagine where I would be skill wise if I was just doing the same drills endlessly while trying to figure out if I needed to correct something or not. Might as well train yourself at that point lol. If nothing else, I'd recommend coming by just to watch training soon after you fly in (you'll be jet lagged and wanting to just chill out a bit anyways). I've been here seven months and made tons of new friends from people coming to train weeks at a time. All of them have said they want to come back :D

Interesting. Lol fear of being hit while sparring was the first thing I thought of while reading through your post. I've seen that so many times when I spar with someone brand new. They usually don't say anything, but you can see they are nervous and doubt themselves a little bit. Putting yourself in fearful situations (controlled fearful situations), is the only way to overcome them in my eyes.

I'll second the running! Really, running is a cornerstone of Muay Thai conditioning since you are going to be using your leg muscles so much. The cardiovascular benefits and exposure to heat certainly doesn't hurt either.

Only thing I have seen so far is a strange flashing/screen tearing. Seems to happening mostly while pages are loading, but a little bit once it is fully loaded as well. I'm viewing the forum on an Android device; perhaps this is a Flash related issue?

Hi everyone! I'm Tyler and currently training at Master Toddy's in Bangkok. I had never trained prior to coming here, but have been going at it for almost seven months now. It's too much fun! I'm excited to meet more of you and expand my Muay Thai social circle!