radarjam

I think its only a matter of how much time have you invested in sparring; your skills/mental game will get better eventually. I can't say for sure on how long it will take you to get comfortable or good. I do believe in hard work....and hard work pays off. :D If you're still getting the hang of it, try sparring with your partners "technical and light" however if they're being an asshole [going more than 40%] tell them that they're going too hard - if they don't comply, go find a new partner. Its not fun getting rattled around, getting injured or hurt after training. Everyone in the gym is there to learn, respect each other, and have fun. PS. I do recommend on practicing on your breathing technique as well, as it helps so much with keeping your composure/control.

I've only seen their package being priced at USD instead of SGD and for us Canadians, we get rekt if its being converted to USD. The price is a little bit more compared to training in Thailand but wouldn't it be epic to be training with legends/famous fighters at Evolve?! If you do go, I'm sure you'll have so much fun. :) I wonder if you can pay for the class at the SGD rate though...because i'd prefer that lol

I've been to Thailand twice (once on Aug 2016 for 2 weeks, and recently in March/April for 1 month) I've experienced training 6x a week, 2 sessions (AM/PM) for 2.5 hours+ My experience training 6 days a week was very brutal obviously, because back home in Canada I only have the opportunity to do this 5x a week, with respect to 1 session per day only (1.5 hours per session) But the more you train as the days go by, the better it gets as your body gets used to the heat/intensity and lifestyle. So the bottom line is, it'll be tough but it gets better over time if you keep at it :) Just listen to your body, hydrate, stretch, and have fun lol

Loveeeeeeee Chiang Mai! I trained at Hongthong Muay Thai and had such a phenomenal experience there. I've only ever been to Bangkok and Chiang Mai but guaranteed, CM is where my heart is at. So much that I plan of heading back there next year. Accommodation, lifestyle (cheap/convenient/fun) and its not as "busy" as Bangkok. And I also happen to love the mountains/trees all around me :P I feel like at home (just like Vancouver, Canada haha) As for Namsaknoi, I was about to check that place out because of legend NSM himself, and the new facilities he has. My budget was of course limited for 1 month so I had to make a better decision for myself. I've had friends that trained there however, and they had a blast :)

WOW! That was such an awesome fight! I wonder if there'll be a rematch because that was such a great match-up between the two!

I've heard of Fighters Gym but don't know anyone that had visited them in the past. I was interested in visiting BALI MMA months ago but I've decided to go back to Thailand again for x amount of reasons.... ALTHOUGH! Can't go wrong training/meeting Tiffany Van Soest, she's awesome! :)

I was in Thailand back in August for 2 weeks - i brought a carry on backpack and a small duffle bag and I was totally fine haha. I kind of wished I had bigger space so that I can bring some goodies back home, but I knew I'd be coming back soon so it wasn't too worried at the time.. (I'm literally coming back in 2 weeks for 1 month, woohoo!) But seriously, with less things to carry around with you it is so much better than having to lug around extra things you may not need. I can't imagine taking every single baggage with me other than my purse/gym bag when I go around. I trust my accommodation/apartment enough to be reliable to not steal anything.... and I know its quite oblivious of me but regardless, try to be conscious at all times. It's good to keep things at a safe place (rather out of sight) and if they have a small locker for your valuables, go ahead and stash it... Always have extra copies of your passport; I don't feel comfortable keeping my actual passport around just because there might be a chance that my purse might get stolen or I might lose it. On my next trip, I'm planning of bringing the same backpack for carry on, my duffle bag (its packable so I'll have it with me in case I need it) and a checked in luggage for extra things I want to bring back home (like new gloves/shin guards/etc) but it will definitely be super light when I arrive in Thailand (Chiang Mai) Also try not to bring too much clothing and extra stuff....just think about what you can purchase in Thailand easily (because its soooo cheap) For example, Muay Thai shorts, gloves, shin-guards, toiletries, clothing, etc. Hope this helps!

Awesome! I am so glad that you had a great time training at KST with Sean! I've been keeping an eye out of daily updates of the current training camps, it looks so much fun and nostalgic! Woohoo! :D

That's quite funny because in Vancouver (I noticed they like to push all sorts of vaccines when travelling too) I went to a travel clinic back in August and got shots but I didn't take any anti-malaria at all (doxycyline was my recommendation by the pharmacist) I was in Bangkok at that time so they said it's not needed UNLESS you head to the northern part of Thailand. However, I'm heading to Chiang Mai in less than 2 months for 28 days......... and I don't think I'm going to take any of that :\ I am just going to slap on some mosquito repellent...not that it will be 100% effective though.. I also just asked my friend who's there right now in CM (for about a year already) and they said they didn't take any anti-malaria either. But if you want to have some piece of mind, might as well?

This had me thinking for a very long time and I wonder if some of you can add on to this (which relates this post as well) I have read some articles [in Boxing] and heard debates about the use of protection [headgear] during sparring and matches. Research has it that there are no "good evidence" that the use of headgear does not prevent head concussions, but could only reduce facial lacerations/cosmetic issues. And unfortunately I have read that it only increases trauma to the brain a whole lot more than "not wearing it" Personally, I do own a headgear but I only find it nuisance while training or sparring because it limits by vision. Not only that, I also found that my head ache's more when I get punched on the head; the force feels rather heavier than not wearing head protection. During training or matches - The way that western boxing and kickboxing works for points and appeal is the fighter doing whole lot more if you were to "aim for the head" and intend to KO your opponent ASAP. However in Muay Thai (I'm just re-iterating what Kevin said in the above) the scoring is different. You know what's interesting lol? Speaking of the use of headgear, I'm not sure if any of you recall this but recently in the Rio 2016 Olympics, boxers no longer use a head gear during matches. Due to basically in the above. However, female fighters were required to have it on. Here's an excerpt from this article: Why is that? Is it because females are not as strong as men [to do KO to the head] thus, keeping that clunky headgear protects us from trauma? I'm a little concerned by that retrospective study. In my opinion, I still think that headgear is a no-no (for me anyways)

My ultimate goal for 2017 is to have my first amateur fight after 2 years of training. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity last year and surely hope I can accomplish that goal! And win. Haha~ I've always dreamed and pictured myself having the referee raise my hand after the fight; that feeling like most of you have must have been phenomenal! - Just a side goal that I'm very pleased to have completed this year was: I finally decided to run and logged in about 2 miles/3.2km under 30 minutes. I know its not the best time ever but for someone who absolutely hated running, and never bothered adding this as part of my training regimen, I am very proud of myself. :D So adding a 5km goal would be awesome! I think these goals are doable :sweat:

I love this post!!! This is going to be added to my list of gyms to visit in the future (glad Hongthong is a part of this list!) Perhaps I can also add on about my 1 month experience training there :)

Thanks for your honest and thoughtful input Sylvie! Either way, I'm still super excited to be there and train - well....we'll see how that goes once I arrive :P I think.... I'd prefer this over tummy sickness tbh LOL

Hello!! I'm heading back to Thailand from March 25 to April 24 and have firmly decided to train in Chiang Mai for 1 month at Hongthong Muay Thai Gym. After some research and advice from friends, I was told the following: 1) It will be the hottest season during the time i'm there, and that's OK - I just have to suck it up and get used it...Gotta burn this fat anyway lol 2) Burning Season for crops/farmers and worst being from Early March to Mid May. - I think this is the only thing I'm concerned about so I have some questions about this. > For those that have lived/trained in Chiang Mai (I know Sylvie has lived here for many years) what's it like training during Burning Season and did it affect your health, cardio/conditioning, etc? I'm a little worried about this as I've been told that it was so bad, and some said it wasn't as bad as you think. I do have a minor case of exercise-induced asthma but I know this is only triggered when it gets freezing cold (especially here in Canada) I do have a puffer with me that I once in a while take before exercising. And to be honest, when I was in Thailand (Bangkok) It was tough for a few days due to the heat/humidity but eventually, I got used to it. And I felt a whole lot better even though it felt like training in the sauna... haha Anyway, that's all! Let me know your experience regarding training during the Burning Season in Chiang Mai. All the best! :)

Thanks for sharing! I'm glad you're having a blast so far in Hua Hin! I just saw your a link for our blog, I enjoyed reading through it! :) Keep us posted!

Lovely! Keep us posted on how it goes, I'm sure it'll be a great experience! I was just Thailand back in August for 2 weeks and trained in Bangkok (Khongsittha Muay Thai) and I had a blast....and I'm also excited to say that I'll be heading back in March/April for 1 month and will be at Koh Phangan haha... it gets addicting :P

Welcome to the forum! So exciting that you're visiting Thailand so soon!! Where are you training/staying?! :)

I agree with Mic haha - indeed she seems such a sweet little girl!! :) Thank you for taking the time to interview and share it with us. I'd love to meet her one day and perhaps train with her if I ever go back to Japan again; I am visiting Thailand in March/April 2017 however but it'll be around the time when she graudates high school. がんばって、さやさん！ヽ(・∀・)ﾉ

I pay: $115.00/month (CAD) - no contract - For unlimited kickboxing classes. I've been very lucky with this price, as far as I know, they go around $150+tax CAD in other gyms. And sometimes, you may have to be in a contract and can cost a hefty fee if you break it. My instructor/coaches are really awesome when it comes to flexibility and suspending the account if they haven't seen your body in many weeks; like if i'm sick/injured or lazy lol. And when I come back, they will happily re-initiate the payment again.

I am shorter than you (5'0) and will always be the shortest fighter in the ring. I have learned that you always want to try to time your shots right and counter (and you will have to eat some shots, so guard up!) and you also want to be getting inside the box/close the range. Your arsenal (well mine actually) will be composed of: body shots/outside or inside leg kicks/overhand right or left/creating angles and stepping out once you're done in order to avoid getting hit badly. Clinching can be tough especially when you're short. Anyway, I find that I felt much better when I learned new things when I was in Thailand (and when Sylvie was teaching her clinch seminar there) You can get detailed explanation through here: http://8limbs.us/muay-thai-thailand/clinch-seminar-khongsittha-bangkok and I've been trying to use her methods when I clinch with my teammates, must say, it's very very handy! And it works well when you're the shorter fighter! Oh! and use your stamina to your advantage too! Its great because you use it for speed/amazing footwork. And if she's tired, there's a greater opportunity for you to use those body shots and when she curls up, go for the face :D You should never feel like you're defeated...and I get how you feel actually! Last week I had my first interclub and I knew that the lady I fought was much taller than me (and I kept worrying about how she's going to fk me up big time lol - she did but I had my fair share as well heh) but really, just try to convince yourself that you will do fine and focus on your well-being. Us short fighters are as deadly as taller fighters ;D

@Threeoaks - I love the way you think, thanks for that! The lady that I sparred with yesterday was 42 years old and I was so impressed with the way she worked so hard and managed to finally get a fight (after 7 years) I was 30lbs heavier than her and she outran me in terms of endurance/stamina. It was a good learning experience and I loved how she encourages and tells me to keep working hard...and wished she was my age (i'm 23) when she started. But wow, I'm so awe-struck! Kudo's to you for keeping up MT at your age, i'm sure you're a badass! My limitation (which is a no excuse) at the moment is my weight as I'm 150lbs @ 5'0 - and I am working really hard to lose weight.. and its been tough because my body mass is mostly muscles (with a love-fat here and there) I get people looking at me saying, wtf you're 150lbs?!? I mean, yeah its nice that they don't see it. But it frustrates me because I want to be able to fight and no one will be at that weight :( @ Maya, to tell you the truth there were days where I lost motivation... I'm in the same boat as you; I literally just had my first mini-interclub (with controlled sparring) it made me realize how I'm quite far from being ready to an actual tournament (which is the one that got pulled-off because my coach told me I wasn't ready) I know I have the skills, passion and will to fight but fuck, I realized how it's annoying/embarrassing when I gas out on the 4th round (we did 3 minute rounds, 5 round) and it just made me want to work so much harder on my endurance and stamina. In fact, the girl I fought that was lighter and older than I am, and she still out-ran me. And she's the one who's having her first fight after 7 years in November! I mean, who knows, maybe she didn't realize that she wanted to fight at a later age, maybe she was scared or not ready, or maybe she was on the same boat as we are because she probably felt that she was 'too old to fight' I suppose the way I see it, and how Threeoaks interpreted as well, keep stating your intentions, don't give up! Claim your space! You got this girl! I've got a long way to go - but I won't stop until I get my hands on a real fight in 2017, that's my early new years resolution - including heading back to Thailand.

Whoa! Nice, I'll bet its a nice feeling to finally see without having to wear contacts/glasses everytime....waking up in the morning and seeing everything so clearly! I'm already at -7.00 both eyes.... i'm sure you know that feeling of being blind as a bat before. I've been thinking about getting laser eye for a while but just worried about post-surgery and the healing duration. Not as bad as I think it is coming from your most recent post - I hope to do it soon but I'm heading to Thailand in Jan/Feb so I'm not sure if my eyes would heal by the time I leave, as I'll be doing some intense training/sparring with also a possibility of a fight. All the best!

Not a pro either. I train 3-4 times a week (1.5 session each) I suck at running lol and I wished I was able to do it every other day when I trained in Thailand, but my knees/calfs always get shot from intense sessions, so I think you will definitely be in a better advantage. I trained for 2 weeks at Khongsittha (Nak Muay Nation Training Camp) to give you an example of our training regime, see this link: http://www.kstmuaythai.com/en/common-muay-thai-routines-training-thailand-part/ I managed to pull through, thank goodness! Best part is that everyone always helps each other -no teammate will be left behind! The atmosphere caters to beginners to pros. For the first few days it was tough because I was not used to the hot-humid weather.. my body was very strained as i was also not used to training twice a day, 6 times a week.. It does get better as the days go by. As long as you have a set goal in mind; always forward. You'll do fine :) It was such an unforgettable experience that I want to go back next year for 1-2 months this time.

It was just about almost a year ago where I started sparring much more frequently during my training sessions. I can remember my first month or so where I would freeze up; i feel that adrenaline rush kicking in, my vision caved in and everything was just slooooowwwinggg down.... It was so bad to the point where I would turtle up as I was so afraid of getting hit on the face or even gas out 30 seconds in because I couldn't control that nerve-wracking feeling. I couldn't figure out why it would happen...it was very frustrating... :( finally i ran to my coach and asked him, what can I do to improve this..? My coach told me - keep sparring and you'll see. It was vague but I knew he meant something. He also put me to the side and said, I want you to shadowbox in the mirror, picture the reflection as your opponent, pretend you're sparring with your own reflection - i'll tell you when to stop (omg it was 20+ mins if I could recall hahaha) It took me a while to understand my own body and stop stressing out when sparring with my teammates. The bottom-line is: It takes a lot of experience/sessions for you to overcome that fear; some professional fighters still experience this too you know and its normal, its just a matter on how you can control it during the fight and it takes time. But I feel that the more I put myself out there - I feel like I can manage my adrenaline rush and my nerves start to relax much better. During cool-downs I would spend some time shadowboxing for 10-15mins in the mirror just out of habit, to me it does help. You've just got to find that "thing" that will help you during these times PS. I know you're going to Thailand soon - guaranteed you'll definitely see that difference/change in your training sessions. It definitely helped me grow as a fighter :)

Whoa Keith! I've never seen you train before but I'm sure you're a badass!! It's Jamaica btw! Hopefully when I come back next year, I'll be able to see you then ;D Chok dee!