Journaling - Readings, Muay Thai, Concepts and Articulations

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

Ran into this fight researching Lakhin for the upcoming MTL session. Somehow I didn't realize he had an entire boxing career after his Golden Age run at FOTY (parallel somewhat to how Muay Thai Samson his nemesis went into pro boxing), and THEN came back to Muay Thai and fought top guys, even giving up weight. I'm impressed.

In 2005 Yodsanklai wins the 147 lb Lumpinee belt, Lakhin would box again at 126 lbs. Lakhin finished his boxing career at 27-0-2 with 18 KOs. Lakhin had an extraordinary fight path, nearly winning a Golden Age FOTY in 1992 (probably missing out by losing the Samson Isaan trilogy that year). A very small bodied Muay Maat, its kind of amazing that he came back giving up weight in Muay Thai in his 30s, and even winning a WMC title vs Jaroenchai Kesagym (2005).

It's a great, illustrative fight on a classic Southpaw counter to a Muay Maat orthodox aggressor. Yodsanklai isn't throwing his big left kick as we would do so much in later years, but his knees are beautiful on the opens side, submarining the pocket, and the fight essentially comes down to Lakhin just being very tough and refusing to stop with the hooks and the body crosses, just trusting that they will eventually break through Yodsanklai's interference, and Lakhin definitely has his moments in the fight where it looks like he's going to get that ball rolling, a few landed punches ring Yodsanklai. Gamblers are cheering every punch at one point, but it just isn't enough. The cagey, small, heavy handed veteran vs the young rising star who would have a big future Internationally, fighting farang at higher weight classes.

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

I also didn't realize how much of Yodsanklai's career, his fame, came from fighting at those much larger weight classes vs farang, and of course Contender. He really is one of those strong Thais that in the stadia had mixed success at the highest stadia level, but then grew into the world of international fighters where he established an immense reputation. 

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

I also didn't realize how much of Yodsanklai's career, his fame, came from fighting at those much larger weight classes vs farang, and of course Contender. He really is one of those strong Thais that in the stadia had mixed success at the highest level, but then grew into the world of international fighters where he established an immense reputation. 

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

got curious so started making a list

Only 4 Fighters have 10 more Lumpinee and/or Rajadamnern Stadium belts and defenses...

Chamuekpet 9+3
Kongtoranee 5+7
Jongrak (Lukprabaht/Kaiadisorn) 3+8
Wichannoi 3+7

 

and only a few more with 6 or more:

Paruhatlek 5+4
Robert 3+6
Petchboonchu 6+3
Sam-A 3+6
Namsaknoi 3+5
Saenchai 6+2
Thongchai 5+3
Saenklai 2+6
Lamnammoon 4+3
Apidej 4+3
Den Srisothon 5+2
Anuwat 5+2
Nong-O 4+3
Mufuang 2+4
Singdam 4+2
Samart 4+2
Nongkai 2+4
Sagat 4+2
Namkabuan 1+5
Sagetdao 4+2

 

Lev helped me with the compilation. Everything pre-COVID (when things changed), probably incomplete

 

 

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

Updated graphic for the above, some corrections. It was enjoyable digging around in the records, creating a new nice of achievement and talent. Jongrak Lukprabaht is the one figure up there with Kongtoranee and Chamuekpet with 12, a Golden Age fighter who fought on the Rajadamnern side of promotions. Notable perhaps that the elite Golden Age legends of Lumpinee and OneSongChai are largely absent. Either the belts were just to competitive on that side, or not fought frequently enough in that time frame (I assume). Probably a few names missing.

 

 

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

The crazy thing about Namkabuan's 130 lb run at Lumpinee is that he told us that he was forced out of the 126 lb class because of his brother Namphon, so he went undefeated at 130 lbs instead (5 defenses). At 126 he would have been unfightable. In those years he was undefeated by Matee, Therdikiat and Jongsanan and Chatchai. Therdkiat himself was adopted into his gym. by the end of his run at 130 lbs he was giving up 10 lbs to Sakmongkol he was so unbeatable fighting up.

 

The Lumpinee belts going off at 126 lbs during Namkabuan's 130 lb run. 

 

[Sittiphong Muay Thai - Pai]

Kevin — this is beautifully written and profoundly resonates with what we are trying to protect.

At our gym in Pai, Thailand — led by Kru Sittiphong (Eminent Air, Bangkok) — we often find ourselves discussing this exact tension. The split you describe between aggression as war and tradition as festival maps directly onto the current shift happening in Muay Thai today, especially in the growing clash between Muay Farang and traditional Muay Femur.

So many Westerners arrive here asking for two sessions a day, intense sparring, and "hard training" to burn through their fire. They believe output equals progress — but they miss that in Thai Muay Thai, form comes before fire.

As Kru says, “If no one corrects your technique, you're just burning energy and money.” You can train for years and still lack timing, balance, and control if no one slows you down.

He calls this rush-to-power style "Muay Farang." Not in judgment — but as a cultural observation. It’s mechanical. It’s linear. It seeks transformation through depletion, rather than refinement. It forgets the smile in the sparring ring. The mutual game. The moment when two fighters laugh and say, “You got me.” That ease is the solarity. That’s the festival.

Lerdsilla, Saenchai — we show students how they move not to win but to shine. Their movement is gift, not dominance.

We see this in our students too — that knife’s edge between aggression and release. Some say they want to spar to “let out the fire.” But this isn’t the Thai way. Not really. Not the artful way. Real Thai Muay Thai is not made in war. It’s made in play, in rhythm, in control, in beauty.

Muay Thai was born out of community, not conquest. The rings were surrounded by farmers, not fighters. And even now, the countryside promotions like Pai Fight Night are pushing back against the gambling, the scoring controversies, the drift toward aggressive spectacle. They are preserving Muay Thai as cultural heritage — as festival, as you so eloquently say.

Even the structure of Thai training reflects this longevity: one thoughtful session a day, not burnout. Recovery built in. Years spent mastering balance before layering in power. It's a slow art. A patient art. It cannot be "hacked." And it cannot be copied in systems that don't understand its roots.

So yes — we’re witnessing a shift. And some, like Samart Payakaroon, are trying to protect the tradition. Others, like the Muay Femur stylist who left ONE Championship, are quietly walking away from the pressure to perform brutality over brilliance.

We believe this conversation matters deeply — and must continue.

Thank you for holding space for it,
— Jennifer & Kru Sittiphong
Sittiphong Muay Thai - Technical Muay Femur Training

Pai, Thailand

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

11 hours ago, Sittiphong Muay Thai - Pai said:

Kevin — this is beautifully written and profoundly resonates with what we are trying to protect.

At our gym in Pai, Thailand — led by Kru Sittiphong (Eminent Air, Bangkok) — we often find ourselves discussing this exact tension. The split you describe between aggression as war and tradition as festival maps directly onto the current shift happening in Muay Thai today, especially in the growing clash between Muay Farang and traditional Muay Femur.

So many Westerners arrive here asking for two sessions a day, intense sparring, and "hard training" to burn through their fire. They believe output equals progress — but they miss that in Thai Muay Thai, form comes before fire.

As Kru says, “If no one corrects your technique, you're just burning energy and money.” You can train for years and still lack timing, balance, and control if no one slows you down.

He calls this rush-to-power style "Muay Farang." Not in judgment — but as a cultural observation. It’s mechanical. It’s linear. It seeks transformation through depletion, rather than refinement. It forgets the smile in the sparring ring. The mutual game. The moment when two fighters laugh and say, “You got me.” That ease is the solarity. That’s the festival.

Lerdsilla, Saenchai — we show students how they move not to win but to shine. Their movement is gift, not dominance.

We see this in our students too — that knife’s edge between aggression and release. Some say they want to spar to “let out the fire.” But this isn’t the Thai way. Not really. Not the artful way. Real Thai Muay Thai is not made in war. It’s made in play, in rhythm, in control, in beauty.

Muay Thai was born out of community, not conquest. The rings were surrounded by farmers, not fighters. And even now, the countryside promotions like Pai Fight Night are pushing back against the gambling, the scoring controversies, the drift toward aggressive spectacle. They are preserving Muay Thai as cultural heritage — as festival, as you so eloquently say.

Even the structure of Thai training reflects this longevity: one thoughtful session a day, not burnout. Recovery built in. Years spent mastering balance before layering in power. It's a slow art. A patient art. It cannot be "hacked." And it cannot be copied in systems that don't understand its roots.

So yes — we’re witnessing a shift. And some, like Samart Payakaroon, are trying to protect the tradition. Others, like the Muay Femur stylist who left ONE Championship, are quietly walking away from the pressure to perform brutality over brilliance.

We believe this conversation matters deeply — and must continue.

Thank you for holding space for it,
— Jennifer & Kru Sittiphong
Sittiphong Muay Thai - Technical Muay Femur Training

Pai, Thailand

 

I'm not sure which entry or post you are responding to, but I'm glad to hear there is resonance between the things you believe and the things I write about. This is going to be a struggle, but as Muay Thai turns harder and harder towards Western values, altering its training and how fights are fought, scored, etc, in an attempt to drive tourism numbers, I believe the lasting and passionate Western tourist will end up yearning for a Muay Thai that is not made in their image. They didn't come 8,000 miles to see and know what they already know and feel. I believe Thailand's Muay Thai has something very important to teach the West, especially on the nature of violence, as it is addressed in the sport (and art). I believe things will bend back...but not before a lot of damage is done, and not before many things will be lost. We just have to do the best we can. 

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

Kardooklek crediting day-before weigh-in for his victory over Chalamchon for the 105 lb Raja belt, a new RWS led change in the sport which will create even bigger weight discrepancies. He did perform admirably throughout the fight. His ruup, accuracy, timing and aura pushing the lead until a smothering clinch took over in the 5th sealing off any comeback. 

Not an excessive example of weight differences, but just posting to show that the change is in the Thai stadium mindset, and part of their custom of providing excuses and reasons for victories.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JPcroe9S8/

 

 

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

A worthy passionate sentiment for Raja trying to hold the line against ONE, but if one wants this...bring back day-of weigh-in (which prevents excessive weight bullying), bring back gambled-on Muay Thai (not just for tourists, but for invested knowledgeable Thai fans), bring back clinch as a dominant fighting form (an entire Thai fighting art which challenges excessive, undisciplined striking), bring back narrative scoring (the actual shape of Golden Age fighting that rewards skillsets and defense), and bring back the small kaimuay (which build the Thai talent pool from the ground up). All those things are what made Muay Thai exciting. Glove size is really the smallest part of it. It's how it is prepared for, fought and scored.

On the other hand, I do count it as win anytime the Golden Age is mentioned in media as a positive, as something to admire. It invites looking at what made it possible, what made Muay Thai reach such great heights.

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

Dieselnoi and glove size Golden Age

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

Recently really feeling the pain of the reality that Muay Thai is washing away. There are just waves and waves of shallow commentary and sharing, content hypes, and mostly just an incredible forgetfulness in our highly digitized culture of imitation and wasting. Do think we have done something with the Muay Thai Library documentation, and are doing something. It's an edifice, a seed bank of knowledge, but I honestly don't even know if what it is will last even 10 years from now, as the sport careers off into the service of the Westerner. Do people not even know that they changed all the rules to let you win???? And that Thailand itself is no longer producing the same highly skilled, deeply founded fighters? Today just bummed by it all. Definitely Benjamin's Angel of History bending down, grasping at windblown scraps. 

All I can comfort myself is with the fact that Thailand's Muay Thai has been incredibly resistant and resilient to incursion and outside influence, for centuries really. And it will last through this. 

But, we have Karuhat today sleeping in the extra bedroom, his knee recovering from ACL reconstruction, maybe with ten years of free movement left in the joint, and my heart is breaking because he is the GOAT in his own way, and people just aren't going to know him. And there are layers and layers of such memory, and capacity. 

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

Enshittification, Here's How Platforms Die, Cory Doctorow

https://youtu.be/rimtaSgGz_4?feature=shared&t=130

 

"First it is good to its users. Then it abuses its users to make things better for its business customers. Then it abuses those business customers to claw back the value that was once with the users, and then with the business customers, allocates it to themselves, then there is no value left. It turns into a pile of shit and then it dies."

We should look at who are the "users" of Muay Thai (fans? consumers?), who are the business customers (the promoters? the gyms?), and who is the platform? There definitely is an abuse of Thai fighters going on in the altering of their sport.

 

...looking into the concept of Capitalist enshittification to understand what is happening to trad Muay Thai. The argument above is that enshitification ensues when anti-competition laws or barrier fail. We can see how, for instance, a certain very well funded Entertainment fighting brand came in and tried to corner the market on big names, lock down messaging across all social media platforms, and (probably quite sensibly for this sort of aggressive move) monopolize as much of the sport as could be, up and down the production and consumption chain. It was likely quite fortunate that competition indeed did arise, and push back across the board, up and down that same chain. 

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

An older legend getting lined up for a seminar visit to America, something we are not connected with...but honestly I wouldn't send anyone to America now and over the next few years, even with absolutely pristine paperwork. The government is just too focused on absurdity being the point. But it feels weird to even say anything. But, don't want to see one of these men imprisoned, that would be a nightmare. 

This is just a small issue, there is a great deal more important suffering and struggle going on, but as I journal about Muay Thai, this is a difficult shadow concern. If anyone is bringing Thai legends to the US now please be extra careful, extra vigilant. 

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

Red Gloves Meant over 126 lbs

Karuhat let out this little piece of knowledge today at lunch. If you fought in red gloves at Luminee in the Golden Age it meant that the fight was over 126 lbs.

 

Hence, red gloves in Samart's fight vs Jaroentong: 

 

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

The Holy Grail Quest of the Classic Thai Style

Three of the hardest characteristics of Thai style to achieve in a unity.

ruup - posture, form, impression, the line you cut

sanae - charm, aura, charisma, almost with magical properties

ning - being at ease, unaffected, unmoved, undisturbed, relaxed

 

*also, not without irony or comment that this is a Crusades related image

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

In one almost categorical sense, nothing is more Colonialist in sport than changing the rules of another people's sport so that you can win.