Journaling - Readings, Muay Thai, Concepts and Articulations

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

 

In 1962 Muay Thai star Adul Srisothorn represented Thailand at the Seattle World Fair AND fought an enormous Indian wrestler at Lumpinee stadium, marking a Thai cultural outreach through Muay Thai.

 

It stands to reason that this internationalism grew out of the United States military and economic interest in Thailand stemming from the Korean War (1950-1953) and the subsequent collaboration with Thailand in countering Communism in the region, which would culminate in the Vietnam War. 

more on that strategy here:

 

In terms of Muay Thai itself, it seems likely that the biggest "fighting" influence that would develop out of this was the increased presence of Western Boxing in the country over the next several decades, part of the Soft Power of the United States.

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

What was happening between America and Thailand, specifically in the Northeast (Isaan) while Adul was at the World's Fair and fighting an Indian wrestler at Lumpinee...

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

Sylvie's trained a lot with Namsaknoi over the last few months at Singmawin, and even sparred and clinched with Jongangdam a bit. It was very cool to watch Jongangdam's style in the fight, never having seen him fight. He fought with great timing, and managed distance in ways that Namsaknoi (who instructs at Singmawin) teaches, with rhythm and off-beats and lowish power accuracy, adding in teeps and jabs. It's a great fight because he's forced to adjust when Kom (red) smartly decided to refuse to fight in space where he's at a disadvantage.

I love how Jongangdam does not trade bite-down combo for combo, against the Muay Maat attack, but is constantly using his eyes. I also kinda love his slurvy left hook in the first few rounds which looks like it has both quickness and hidden weight. link timestamped to 36:21