"What is Muay Thai" - Rob Cox talks fundamentals

Rob Cox is THE authority on Muay Thai in Thailand. The journalist also owns his own camp, Kiatphontip, on the outskirts of Bangkok.

In this interview, he gives a background on Muay Thai, its progression over the years and the current situation in Thailand. If you are interested in training in Thailand or the culture behind the sport, watch this.

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IiYzR8pLeY&feature=player_embedded

Visit Rob's site here: muaythaifocus.com

Real Power comes from Knowledge

We are all in some ways a student preferring one of the three major styles of learning:

Kinesthetic (feeling), Auditory (hearing), Visual (seeing)

However, while we may gravitate to one style, we must not forget the others.

One of the best ways to improve is to know your personal technique: to be knowledgeable about its shortcomings, its strengths, and how it compares to others.

Many beginners tend to neglect fully utilizing the visual method. Watching your instructors, your seniors, professional fighters are all great ways to learn a technique.

The best way, though, to understand your technique is to use the mirrors and shadowbox. Shadowbox in different angles in the mirror to gain different perspectives.



Am I extending my arm enough? Am I leaning on my punches?

These are all questions that can be answered, and problems that can be fixed, simply by being diligent with shadowboxing. Be aware, shadowbox with purpose, and be busy. Don't just zone out and move.

It'll give you an edge over the average guy who is just "going through the motions" in the mirror

More Thai pads, less Pad Thai

Hey all,
One thing I think is important is to understand WHY you do what you do in training. Every school has their own reasons for doing or not doing something.

Here is a little insight into the pad work we do in class, for those of you that don't know.



Pads is technical training. It's the best technical training because you've got an interactive human target and you can hit as hard as you can.

It's because of this, you need to start at about 60% max power (get a feel for your partner and your own technique), but then you need to be going full power once you are in the zone.

Muay Thai weapons are designed to be thrown with intent, and in a real situation that is how your technique would come out anyway. So, pad work is the most important part of your class in terms of working technique. If you don't use the proper power, you won't be learning the extent of your technique.

Imagine getting in the ring having never hit the pads properly. How will your technique come out? You'll probably be both messy and tired, since you aren't used to going full tilt.

* a side note: proper full power doesn't mean being tense. It means being relaxed and letting your strikes go. Think about letting a rubber band fly, as opposed to throwing it in frustration (you can use all the muscle you want, it's less efficient to throw the band than it is to pull and fling it).



If you are making mistakes during pads: it's your partner's job to remind you about a hand dropping or anything else. It's also your instructor's job to come and feed you tips in increments while you hit pads. Keep hitting the pads with proper power and fix your technique according to the advice being given to you as you go along. Avoid wasting too much time. Work and correct as you go.

If there are glaring issues that can be fixed right away, your instructor will slow you down and go over them.

This will translate into partner-cross fighting drills. When you can hit the pads with proper technique and power, you'll be able to throw controlled techniques on your partner without compromising proper form. Many people don't want to hurt their partner in drills and end up using bad form when they do so. This is usually because they haven't properly worked the technique enough on pads/bags to control it yet.

Bag work is similar. The bag allows you to go as hard as you can and is a great tool in the absence of a pad holder for many different drills and exercises.

Watch your seniors or even videos of Thai's hitting pads/bags. They let their technique go and breathe out deeply with each strike.

Aaaand that's it. Keep in mind other schools may have different philosophies for their training, but this is ours.

"Opponents vs Enemies" (Brampton Muay Thai video)

A video courtesy of Brampton Muay Thai. To read about the video and the message, click here: (http://www.bramptonmuaythai.com/2010/08/347/)

How to Wrap Your Hands (video)

Want a way to wrap your hands that'll give you superb support? Check out this video courtesy of PC Nick Bautista, featuring Ajahn Suchart. I've tried this method and it's one of the best ones I've come across. Simple and effective.

A Message from PC Nick Bautista

"Sawadee Khrap,

Just wanted to take some time out to thank you all for your support and hospitality at the club. York MT is truly a special place, and that is a rare culture for any Martial Arts club--the mark of a good club is the way they treat it's visitors/newcomers, and you guys have treated me like family from day one. Thank you for the warm greets, conversations, and curiosity in my classes!

Also, I wanted to clear up some confusion about some footwork technique.

On Tuesday, I had advocated a 'non pivot' during the cross punch and accidentally confused some of the yellow shorts.

I'd like to clarify this a little further so we're all on the same page...

Not pivoting on the foot when the cross is thrown is the goal, not necessarily the starting point. For beginners and yellow shorts, pivoting and turning over is fine, because it allows one to rotate the body easily.

However, as you progress, you'll find that Muay Thai power is generated when LESS is done.

That being said, as you progress to higher levels in Muay Thai, you'll find that your power is to be refined to it's most efficient state. The Pivot, becomes less of a pivot and more of a subtle turn, and over time, no turn is required at all, because the body and the hip suffices.

Again, apologies for the confusion, I meant to express a process of power generation defined by phases, as opposed to a hard rule.

Thank you for your genuine effort in training, you guys bring the best out of me!!"

The Value of each Weapon

Consider the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIpqhu9SFb0 - entire fight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM9P0QY1vK8
- the technique at 4:22-4:25 (though this entire fight is VERY good)

I was talking to one of our fellow students the other day who said something to the effect of: "I default to using teeps (push kick), which is too bad because they aren't that damaging"

To that, I have a response I'd like to share:

Teeps done right are damaging. True, teep isn't a weapon primarily used offensively as a stand alone technique or follow up (as Kru J was discussing with us this week), but you can't under estimate its uses when executed properly. While a lot of people are under the impression that it's mostly a "push", precise and strong teeps dig into their targets (a force made stronger when an opponent walks into a timed one).

A nice direct teep can make it very hard to be touched, and can hurt a lot...they also challenge an opponents confidence.



By no means am I saying that you should rely on teeps to win fights, or that there aren't more than one way to use the technique; You can decide for yourself in time how you feel about it and use it, weighing the risks and gains in a given situation. Muay Thai is a great art and sport because of the room for personal skill and strategy (look len).

All I'm trying to do is show that each Muay Thai weapon is part of a dangerous arsenal. When each weapon is sharpened as much as possible, each weapon is devastating; even if its name has been translated into something sounding as harmless as "push kick"

Trapping the leg for a counter: Buakaw vs Sato (video)

Kru was talking about trapping the leg with two hands and countering right away in today's class...here is Buakaw using this tactic against Sato

Watch at 3:59 and 6:29 to see it in action. The last one is the big one.

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMEQYOfGBC8

Fundametals of Learning: Part 1- The Combo Method (article)

An interesting article about training in Muay Thai (and Martial arts as a whole).

Read: http://www.bramptonmuaythai.com/2010/04/the-fundamentals-of-learning-pt-1-the-combo-method/

*for after you've read the article*
Our training also follows the rationale that pure combination methods aren't enough or legitimate on their own as methods for learning/training Muay Thai. Combinations should fit a context and train the body to be flexible in adapting to the situation. As a beginner, you often learn very simple combinations that focus on shaping your basic technique and footwork.

Often, we work combinations in class that aren't very long, but either a. work specific mechanics for techniques or b. apply a principle that you can be creative with (ie. striking high then low, or using footwork to transfer weight properly, etc...)

As students become more advanced, it becomes their responsibility to try and piece together what mechanics and principles they are working in their class. The instructors will usually if not always tell the students the focal points of the classes, but the experienced should be gaining an acuteness to detail in what may even seem to be the simplest drill or class.

On it's own, the method of memorizing or simply working multiple hit combinations can be useful, but neglects the intellect and the eyes, which we at YMT believe to be at the heart of Muay Thai and its highest levels

"Popularity of Muaythai domestically"

A forum thread exploring Muaythai's growth and popularity both at home and abroad...this is an on going discussion

Read: http://www.muaythaifocus.com/forums/index.php?s=1003e44c9c8749d8adb57735d1402f42&showtopic=685


gamblers at Lumpini stadium

In depth Muay Thai scoring- Muay Thai Phuket Magazine

http://www.jamesgoyder.com/muaythai/issue_seven.pdf

Above is a link to issue 7 of the Muay Thai Phuket Magazine. This is a free magazine based in Phuket, Thailand that covers some of their local news and ads, and some Muay Thai culture over all.


Antuan Siangboxing, a young French fighter based in Thailand

I already wrote about how Muay Thai is scored/judged in an earlier post (search it on the blog). I reference Tony Myers, who is one of the leading experts on Thai style scoring. In this magazine, he has an article that lays out step by step how the Thai's judge the winner of a bout. It is definitely worth a read, and will give you an idea behind the philosophies and methodologies to Muay Thai as both a sport and a fighting art.

Thai Round Music

In Thailand, the round music is played by a live band. The music gets progressively more intense as the rounds continue.



These downloads are mainly for Arash to give to his brother, who will craft us a new rounds cd

To download, right click each link click Save As

Ram Muay: http://www.singto.co.uk/Links/Waikru%5B1%5D.mp3

Round 1: http://www.singto.co.uk/Links/Round1%5B2%5D.mp3

Round 2: http://www.singto.co.uk/Links/Round2%5B1%5D.mp3

Round 3: http://www.singto.co.uk/Links/Round3%5B2%5D.mp3

Round 4: http://www.singto.co.uk/Links/Round4%5B1%5D.mp3

Round 5: http://www.singto.co.uk/Links/Round5%5B1%5D.mp3

Learning Thai Through Muay Thai (Video)

Today is the first day I've posted so many times in order to procrastinate...but it's all worth it.

Interested in Learning Thai or going to Thailand?



This is just part 1, be sure to watch the other parts on youtube if you want more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzl5rnIEiSU&feature=channel_page

"Linguist and author, Antonio Graceffo, in cooperation with David Long, head of the Thai program at AUA Ratchadamri, Bangkok, are working together to find a way to transport the ALG (Automatic Language Growth) learning method from the classroom to living rooms and offices around the world. Experiential learning is by far the most powerful and provides the most remembered lessons. This video is the first in a series of experiential language learning videos. The idea is to provide the students with an immediate context and cultural reference for the language they are hearing. Since about 70 to 80% of communication in your native tongue is non-linguistic, then why shouldnt we use the same non-linguistic clues to interpret and eventually learn a foreign language?"

Nak Muay Magazine

Kru J asked me to pass this along to all of you:

http://www.burythaiboxing.com/nakmuaymag/issue3_nak_muay.pdf



It's a Muay Thai magazine with some great articles. I recommend reading all of them, but I know you're not going to want to do that unless you're bored.

The ones of particular interest are:

- the running article: especially for you new guys who want to pick up the running before class

- the Ram Muay Wai Kru article: for an introduction to what our sport's cultural traditions are about.

- the Science of Muay Thai article: for some in depth understanding behind the mechanics of this very precise and technical sport.

A List of Farang to Watch

I post a lot of Thais fighting, but what about Farang? What's a Farang? It means foreigner, which applies to pretty much any non-Thai fighter.

I could list some very famous ones like Ramon Dekkers and John Wayne Parr, but you've not doubt seen a million clips of them.

I'm going to list some of the Farang that aren't always as talked about (some of which I covered here already). Youtube them or search them up. They are all great fighters for what they have accomplished, and worth studying.

THIS IS BY NO MEANS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST! *in no particular order*:

Soren NTG/Eminent Air Mongkongton

an Australian who appeared in the Contender Asia, Soren has trained extensively in Thailand and has competed in the most competitive stadiums. He has a beautiful Thai style and is very technical

Cosmo Alexandre

a Brazilian fighter who also trains extensively in Thailand. He has had a bad rap for being a slow starter, and also got flack for his loss against Yodsanklai. Do not be fooled...he is a world class fighter with devastating counter knees and elbows.

Antuan "Shark boy" Sianboxing

this French fighter has actually been raised in Thailand...so many actually consider him Thai. He's pretty young (I don't think he's over 18), and he has some excellent timing and anticipation. He's scheduled to fight one of Thailand's best early next year, Khem Sor Pleonjit

Nathan "Carnage" Corbett

this Aussie actually gets a lot of attention. I'm listing him though because he does use Muay Thai's most dangerous weapon very well: the elbows. If you want to see some of the devastating potential you have in your elbows, watch some Carnage fights if you want a break from watching the Thais.

Rayen Simson

this fighter is a living legend. He's fought some of the best of his time: Sakmongkol, Yoddecha, etc. It would be worth it to search up his fights with those men, as they are some great wars.

Andrei "Bullet" Kulebin

probably the best fighter in Belarus, Andrei is a veteran of over 100 amateur fights, and his experience shows when he gets in the ring. He has some excellent timing and technique.

Clifton Brown

Canada's own Clifton Brown may not get all the attention he deserves. He has a very traditional style, strong kicks and excellent timing. You'll find in addition to his victories, he has some very harsh battles with Carnage and Kaoklai on youtube. He is without a doubt a seasoned competitor and a very good watch.

Valdet Gashi

this German fighter is young and has some great skill. One of his fights was with Thai legend Nung Ubon. Search it up. Valdet will probably become a bigger name in the near future.

Chris "Petchdam" Forster

I honestly don't know much about Petchdam. I have seen some of his highlights, and he looks pretty technical. If anyone can send me a link to some of his full fights, I'd be glad to post them up.
*edit*: Petchdam has some WMC titles, a WMPF title, and has fought in both Rajadamnern and Lumpini.

"Illusions"

An interesting video about foreigners in Thailand. However, it speaks to a broader condition of the Western Martial Artist.

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L6iEIG0-8g&feature=channel_page


Remember, learning Muaythai in the west is both accelerated and decelerated. It isn't possible for 90 percent of martial arts enthusiasts in the West to train like a Thai fighter (2x a day, 6 days a week, and fighting as early as under 10 years old).

Everyone has to focus much harder on fundamentals and proper technique, in order to make up for the years that thai kids spend perfecting the kind of balance and coordination they perform with. You do, however, have the advantage of learning certain tricks and having certain training resources available to you before you ever have to fight, if at all (which most Thai fighters pretty much do not).

So, you may not be that guy in Thailand getting schooled, but remember: every step you take here has to be gradual, and your best friend in training is consistency.

Born for the Fight

This documentary on Muay Thai and the culture in Thailand has been floating around for a loooong time but I never got around to watching it. Very cool watch.



It features some greats in the sport like Kru Yodtong Sennan (legendary teacher in Thailand) and Namkabuan Nongkeepayahut (one of the greatest of his time)

1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dimeNdBJB_Q

2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpk3AUKRe7M

3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e67iXHp2VY

4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZE871ids88

5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPa96VA3o9U

Amulets of Muay Thai: an Introduction

You've probably seen traditional fighters entering the ring with a whole bunch of stuff covering them. If you were wondering what they're called, and what they mean, here is a basic introduction.


Canada's World Champ Clifton Brown in full pre-fight attire

Mongkol (pronounced "Mong- kon"):



First off, the Mongkol is unique to Muay Thai, and is not used in Cambodia or Burma (which have very similar arts, such as Pradal Serey); that particular fact is from Wikipedia lol. The Mongkol is a often described as a "crown". It is a sacred (blessed by a monk) piece used to represent the gym or camp the fighter represents.
In the past, each camp had their own distinct Mongkols, but now gyms often have more than one. Fighters do not touch it; It is placed (before the fight) and removed (after the Ram Muay) by their Kru Muay.


Prajied:



These arm bands worn around the bicep are meant to protect the fighter from harm. They are worn throughout the whole fight. They are given to the fighter by friend, family etc

Conversations with a Master

Many of you in class may not know Poochoi Kru Nick Bautista.



He's a hard working student of Muaythai and has been nice enough to share some very interesting materials with us!

His website: http://www.harmonylifearts.com/harmony_muay_thai/harmony_muay_thai.html

and 2 very interesting conversations he has had with none other than Ajahn Suchart:



The Earth: http://www.harmonylifearts.com/harmony_muay_thai/the_blueprint/Entries/2009/4/16_the_earth..html

Art of the Way: http://www.harmonylifearts.com/harmony_muay_thai/the_blueprint/Entries/2009/8/25_Art_of_the_%E2%80%98way%E2%80%99.html

Thanks for sharing, Nick!

Keep checking his site for more

Judging and Scoring in Muay Thai

Judging Thai fights is a much debated subject. It's a great way to score a battle between two fighters, but isn't incredibly easy to understand. So it isn't a surprise that other blogs and articles have tried to cover it.

Here are some reliable sources, from authority on TRADITIONAL MT judging Tony Myers, to help clear up your understanding.



What Techniques Score (Tony Myers)
http://www.muaythaionline.org/disciplines/judgetechniques.html

Key points:
*Must be a MT technique to score

*Can be any MT technique but must be visibly effective to score. The highest scoring is usually the technique that causes your opponent to end up on the floor

*Will not score if walked through, or countered with a equal or stronger technique

*Dominating the ring space can win you the round, and thus...

*Running away or tactics that show a lack of engagement in Muay Thai fashion (ex. grabbing ropes, falling on purpose when leg is caught) can cost you the round



How are the Fights Judged? (Tony Myers)
http://www.muaythaionline.org/disciplines/judgescored.html

Key Points
*Momentum counts: "although one boxer may begin strongly and dominate early in the fight, it's the finish that is important and a boxer behind early can be overtaken"

*Professional fights are judged as a whole and rounds don't have equal emphasis. Emphasis is given to a fighter finishing strongest over the last three rounds.
-R1 has the least significance and is often scored as a draw, and R2 may also be scored as such. Judges make note of the dominant boxer of these 2 rounds for reference.
-R3-5 are the most important, and in the case of a close fight the boxer who had the edge in the first two rounds will be awarded the win.



My Own 2 cents:
Often, we have people describing MT scoring to us by points. You'll hear that punches are worth 1, and kicks are worth 2...etc etc.

There is truth to that in the sense that kicks, elbows and knees are traditionally stronger and more damaging weapons than punches. So they generally score more favourably in Thailand. Punches can be just as devastating, but usually need a lot of visible effect for a Thai judge to score it as favourably as a body kick or knee.

So while MT judging follows no formal points system, this is why it is often explained as such and allows us westerners to conceptualize the scoring at a basic level.

---
Keep in mind, this isn't how fights are necessarily scored all over the world by every organization, including the amateur ones we compete in. This is traditional scoring for fights in Thailand, which many MT enthusiasts are trying to make standard over-seas.