Category Archives: Muay Thai
Importance of Muay Thai in Thailand's Tourism
No doubt about it, tourism in Thailand is still on the rise after it recorded astonishing tourist arrivals of 21 million in 2012 – a record-breaking figure and the most for the kingdom. This year tourism authorities are targeting somewhere in the region of 25 million tourist arrival.
There are two main reasons tourists flock to Thailand – amazing and exotic tourist destinations and Muay Thai. Most of the western tourists that have visited Thailand the first time have come back the second, third, fourth time and so on. The country is just full of surprises especially when it comes to undiscovered and unexplored locations in Thailand. The finest stretches of beaches are found in the kingdom. From one island to another, one will never get enough of the beauty and charm of the place. The kingdom boasts of some of the most spectacular tourist attractions and the friendliest and warmest people that go with the places. No reason for foreign tourists not to fall in love with the country.
But beautiful and fantastic sights and friendly people are not the only reason why Thailand gets that many visitors every year. The popularity gained by Muay Thai – Thailand’s national combat sport, have crossed thousands of ocean miles and people from other countries have grown an insatiable interest and love for the sport. Fortunately, a lot of Muay Thai training camps in Thailand had opened its doors to foreigners who have expressed a desire and interest to learn the basics of Muay Thai. The foreign tourists get as much information about Muay Thai training in between spending their holidays in the beautiful beaches of Phuket or other islands in the kingdom. By the time they depart, they know which Muay Thai training camp they will enlist in for training when they come back to the country. See here one of the most renowned Muay Thai training camp in Phuket.
Those in the Muay Thai industry are making changes in their training programs to accommodate the emerging market for foreign Muay Thai trainees. They have included short-term training programs that will allow the foreigner to learn all the basic techniques in Muay Thai. Some of the training camps even help the tourists find suitable accommodations, which are conveniently located, near the training camp since foreigners are not allowed to stay the nights in the camp while on training.
And while tourism authorities are gearing their efforts and marketing drive for Thailand to become a destination for luxury holidays, with five-star getaways catering to European and American travelers, Muay Thai authorities are beefing up their promotional activities to lure more foreigners to enroll in the Muay Thai training program packaged with their holiday tour. Some Muay Thai gym, especially those located in premier tourist destinations in Thailand such as Phuket and Bangkok organize regular Muay Thai fights where tourists are welcome to watch. Other Muay Thai training camp in Phuket have tie-ups with travel agencies around the world, offering a holiday tour package that includes a minimum two-week training program aside from the air tickets, accommodation, local tour arrangements made by the travel agency.
And since Muay Thai is an important component of tourism, more activities from the Muay Thai community will be expected this year as they step-up their efforts and campaign to attract more Muay Thai trainees and fighters and the plain Muay Thai enthusiasts to go to Thailand. And Thailand’s tourism authorities should appreciate such efforts and provide support and assistance to the Muay Thai community to continue making the sport more known to more people around the world.
Muay Thai Boxing Stadiums in Phuket
Muay Thai is Thailand’s traditional art of self-defense and national combat sport. Travelers visiting Thailand have almost always included a segment of their holiday tour to see some Muay Thai action before leaving the country. In Phuket, where most of the tourist arrivals are recorded, Muay Thai tourism is booming and thriving. A lot of foreign visitors especially the westerners head to Phuket to train before they eventually take part in competitive matches at the Muay Thai stadiums in Phuket and eventually in Bangkok, which is the seat of Muay Thai amateur and professional competitive fights.
The Local Muay Thai Scene
It is almost a way of life for many young boys in Phuket to be part of a Muay Thai training camp or gym as they aspire to be the great Muay Thai fighters of their time. This is the reason why in Phuket, organised fights even for the young boys are held at some Muay Thai stadiums scattered throughout the island. For the amateur and professional fighters, more efforts are made to publicize the fight details. Open pick-up trucks will be driving around Phuket nightly with their blasting loudspeakers announcing the dates and venue of the fights. Promoters will be handing out flyers in crowded areas like Patong Beach so more people would know about the fights.
Most of the organized Muay Thai fights are held in the two famous Muay Thai boxing stadiums in Phuket:
Patong Boxing Stadium.
This is probably the biggest and the best known and highly respected boxing stadium in Phuket. The stadium hosts regular Muay Thai fight nights every Monday and Thursday featuring local Thai and foreign or ‘farang’ fighters. Ringside seat will cost a Muay Thai fan Baht 1,500 while a regular seat will cost Baht 1,300. Patong Boxing Stadium is located at Sai Nam Yen Road in Patong Beach.
The Patong Boxing Stadium is buzzing with fight talk and a video on the large screen is continuously playing, explaining the history of Muay Thai, the Art of the Eight Limbs – the hands, shins, elbows, and knees are all used extensively in this art. The Muay Thai ring is surrounded by the expensively-priced seats and further out are blue-painted bleachers with lower price tags, providing a bird’s eye view of the proceedings.
Bangla Boxing Stadium.
This is another famous Muay Thai boxing stadium in Phuket. It is located just behind the Jung Ceylong shopping center on the upper floor of Tiger Discoteque holding several Muay Thai fights per week. The stadium magnetizes fighters from all parts of the world to participate in the competitive fights scheduled by top Muay Thai boxing promoters. This very dynamic and action-packed competition can give the first-time audience an exhilarating experience. Bangla Boxing Stadium hosts regular fights every Friday, Sunday and BigMatch Wednesday nights. Like the other publicity stunts of other stadiums, open-bed trucks will be driving around with young Thai boxers sparring at the back of the truck to attract more attention.
If you’re traveling outside Phuket, you can see here where to watch Muay Thai fights around Thailand.
Muay Thai in Phuket
Phuket, an island province in the Kingdom of Thailand wherein 33 islands lies in an area of 570 square kilometers making it the largest island in the country. Phuket generates huge tourist arrivals every year, and its not surprising at all with its gorgeous beaches, marvelous landscape, world-class resorts, villas and hotels and being on the list of the favored vacation and retirement place world wide. Furthermore, Thailand is also the home of the most famous Muay Thai fighters and trainers.
A Brief History
Muay Thai is a combat martial art from ancient Thailand stretching back to the era of wars with the Burmese in the 15th century. It is characterized by the combined use of the eight weapons namely the fists, elbows, knees, shins and feet.
During the 16th century, Muay Thai started to gain popularity in Thailand. As time passed, Muay Thai being a combat martial art used for winning wars has changed considerably – changes that were initiated to make the sport safer, reducing the incidence of serious injury and death. This physical and mental discipline is associated with good physical training and mental preparation – all important in making a very efficient full-contact fight.
During the 20th century, Muay Thai gained international recognition as a combat sport after several Muay Thai fighters won consecutive victories over opponents from other martial arts.
Today, the professional league is governed by the World Muay Thai Council while the International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur governs the amateur Muay Thai sport.
Muay Thai Fights in Phuket Gyms and Stadiums
Muay Thai offered in Phuket has an unprecedented presence as evidenced by the numerous Muay Thai Gyms and training camps that are located all over the island / province. Countless visitors in Phuket who only wants a pristine holiday now includes in their itinerary the chance to see a real Muay Thai fight up close and in person via Muay Thai boxing shows. Some foreign tourists even spend months of in-house training in renowned Muay Thai gym in Phuket.
In addition, foreign visitors who are getting enthusiastic over the sport grabs every opportunity to visit Muay Thai training camps in Phuket and see how intense the training is. Plus, the statistics of foreign nationals enrolling and staying at training camps in Phuket is increasing.
Muay Thai gyms and training camps coordinate and organize Muay Thai fights at prominent Phuket locations or commercial stadiums. In Patong, for instance, open pick-up trucks drive around announcing the details of the fights while promoters hand out flyers around crowded places like Patong Beach. What makes these fights interesting is the fact that it sometimes features foreign Muay Thai fighters who trained in Phuket training camps. The audience becomes a mixture of local and foreign Muay Thai lovers. To see other Muay Thai stadiums outside Phuket, you can click here.
At the very least, watching a local Muay Thai fight will provide an interesting experience for anybody visiting Phuket. It gives you the chance to appreciate the artful and creative sport.
For foreign tourists in the Patong Beach area, nightly displays of Muay Thai Boxing are witnessed by cheering crowds in specially built stadiums on Soi Sai Namyen.
Muay Thai Traditions and Ceremonies
Foreign tourists watching a Muay Thai fight in Phuket may be amazed at the traditions and ceremonies that envelop the fight. A special pre-fight dance known as the “ram muay” is performed as the fighters enter the ring, wearing a headband given by their trainer – said to be a talisman earned after several years of dedication to the craft. “Wai Khru” is how the dance is started – each boxer on his knees and bowing three times – symbolizing respect to his teacher. Only after the dance is completed will the fight begin.
Where to Watch Muay Thai in Thailand
Muay Thai is Thailand’s national combat sport, in fact, training camps promoting the sport is scattered all over Thailand. There are Muay Thai training camps in Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui and other places, it’s actually typical to see countless training camps even in the not so urbanized areas because a lot of young Thais dreams of becoming great Muay Thai fighters, and their hope that the sport is their gateway to a better life, that is if they can fight in competitions.
The popularity of Muay Thai is not confined to the Thai nationals alone. In fact, a genuine number of foreign nationals are currently residing in different parts of the country training and preparing for their Muay Thai fights. And such popularity has brought countless tourists to Thailand where a part of their holiday itinerary includes a visit to a Muay Thai training camp or watching a fight in one of the numerous Muay Thai stadiums in the country.
Phuket and Koh Samui
Phuket and Koh Samui are two popular tourist destinations that offers the opportunity to watch a Muay Thai fight. Patong Boxing Stadium has organized Muay Thai match every Monday and Thursday night, on the other hand, Bangla Boxing Stadium also in Patong, Phuket is another place where regular Muay Thai fights are also organized while, Chaweng’s Stadium which is in the south of Chaweng Lake features Muay Thai fights on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Bangkok
In Bangkok, there are two main stadiums thats also popular all over the world as the venue for some of the world’s greatest Muay Thai competitive fights – Rajadamnern and Lumpini Stadiums. Rajadamnern organizes Muay Thai fights for women while Lumpini does not, there is also the Bangkok Boxing Stadium in Huaykwang which is the latest and most modern stadium in Bangkok that offers weekend Muay Thai fights which are sometimes broadcasted on Channel 11.
Rangsit
Rangsit International Boxing Stadium in Rangsit, Thailand is another place where visitors can watch Muay Thai fights every Tuesday night.
For those who want to watch Muay Thai but have a weak heart in seeing the actual, sometimes bloody action, it is possible to watch some top Muay Thai fighters in action for free through the Channel 7 Stadium at Chatuchak Park which hosts a show that is also broadcasted on live TV every Sunday.
There’s also the Queen’s Cup held in August and the King’s Cup held in December every year in Sanam Luang Park near Koh San Road in Bangkok. Information about the fight schedules is posted on the internet.
The importance of Muay Thai in tourism is not to be ignored as many visitors who visits Thailand are eager to witness a live Muay Thai fight, something that is almost, if not always, included in their itinerary and lists of things to see and do while spending their holiday in the country.
And while Bangkok has the biggest chunk of Muay Thai arenas, fortunately, visitors can also visit other less crowded areas in Thailand wherein they can surely spot a stadium or arena with scheduled and organized Muay Thai fights. But if you are looking for big fights with well-known fighters, Bangkok is the place to experience Muay Thai fight up close.
Muay Thai Rules Part II
In the previous post, the rules 1 to 12 were discussed. We will continue with the remaining set of rules in Muay Thai in this post to fully equip anyone planning to learn Muay Thai with the general rules governing the sport. Here are rules 13 to 21:
Rule No. 13 – The Score Judges
There are two score judges in every Muay Thai fight. They will be seated at the opposite side of the ring, far from the public. It is within the discretion of every score judge to give score within the limitations of the rules. Points will be given to each fighter at the end of each round and will be written on the score sheet, adding them up at the end of the fight. The score judges will write the name of the winner and sign the score sheet before giving it to the referee judge.
Rule No. 14 – The Timekeeper
A time keeper’s duty is to oversee the number of rounds and the intervals between the rounds. This is done by sitting on one side of the ring; five seconds before the start of each round, signal the corner men out of the ring; strike the gong or ring the bell to signal the beginning and end of each round; in case of temporary stoppage or upon order of a referee, deduct the time; keep the accurate time on the watch or clock throughout the fight; give the hand signal to the referee for every second, when the referee is counting in case of a knockdown; making sure that the bell is not rung until the end of the three minutes time, when a boxer falls towards the end of a round which is not the final round and the referee is counting. Bell is rung when the referee orders “box” signaling the continuation of the fight. The interval between the rounds should be the full 2 minutes.
Rule No. 15 – The Decision
The decision should be made as per the following principles:
- KO or knockdown victory is declared when the opponent falls onto the floor; leans unconscious on the ropes; unable to box or defend himself within 10 seconds when the referee judge starts count of 1 to 10.
- TKO or technical knockout victory is declared when the referee judges sees no way for the opponent to win, being in an unfavorable position; when the boxer is not able to resume boxing immediately after the end of the rest interval; when the boxer’s injury or wound is deemed serious that could result in damaging harm if he continues the fight – this will be determined by the stadium physician before a decision is made.
- Victory on Points or a Draw. The decision should follow the majority panel at the end of the fight. If both fighters sustain serious wounds, and are not able to continue boxing, a draw will be declared, unless there has been a special agreement.
- Victory is declared when the opponent concedes the fight.
- Victory through the opponent’s disqualification. Victory may be declared when the opponents violates the rules causing his disqualification. The referee will declare the other fighter as the winner.
- No Decision on the Winner or the Loser. A No Decision will be declared when the stadium is damaged; the spectators are unruly preventing the continuing the fight; one boxer or both boxers connive or perform a sham fight or pretend to commit a foul.
Rule No. 16 – The Scoring Procedure
The following scoring procedure is followed:
A. Points from a strike either by a punch, kick, knee or elbow.
- Scoring from a Strike. Points are scored for correct Thai Boxing style, combined with hard and accurate strikes; for aggressive and dominating Muay Thai skill; for a fighter actively dominating his opponent; and for the use of traditional Thai style of defense and counterattack. Points are deducted from a boxer who fouls or breaks the rules.
- Non-scoring strikes include a strike which is against the rules; a strike in defense against the leg or arm of an opponent, and a weak strike.
B. Fouls. Points will be deducted for any foul as directed by the referee. Any foul observed by the judges, but not by the referee will be penalized accordingly.
C. Method Of Scoring. The maximum score for each round is 10 points. The winning fighter gets 10 and the loser scores 9 or lower. In case of a Draw, 10 points will be scored for each boxer. For a No Decision Round, the winning fighter scores 10 while the loser scores 9. For a Decision round, score will be 10:8 for the winner and loser, respectively. For a No Decision round with a single count, winner scores 10 and loser scores 8. For Decision round with single count, winner gets 10 and loser gets 7. The boxer scoring 2 counts against his opponent will score 10:7. Any boxer who commits a foul will have points deducted from his score.
Rule No. 17 – The Proper and Point-Scoring Actions
The scoring of points in Muay Thai is done in conformity with the Thai boxing style. The fighter shall hit, punch, kick, thrust kick, hammer, stab a kick against the opponent etc in whatever way so as to drain the opponent’s strength. Point scoring principles follow Rule No. 16.
Rule No. 18 – Fouls
If the fighters disobey the order of the judge, violates the competition rules in an unsportsmanlike manner, or commits a foul, the referee judge has the power to caution or to declare the forfeiture of the match without giving a prior warning depending on the seriousness of a foul or the circumstances surrounding it.
Fighter will be penalized by deducting 1 point for each time committed.
- Head-butting, biting, eye gouging, or spitting
- Deliberately falling on his opponent.
- Wrestling, back or arm locks or any similar judo or wrestling hold.
- Use of abusive language or swearing during the match.
- Holding the ropes for any reason.
- Causing injury or knocking out the opponent after the referee has ordered the match to stop for any reason.
- Deliberately striking the groin area.
A boxer who has been hit in the groin, may request a 5 minute break before continuing the match.
Rule No. 19 – Fall
- If any part of the boxer’s body except the feet, touches the floor, or leaning or collapsing on the ropes, knocked out of the ring, or unable to defend himself, he is deemed to fall.
- In case of a fall, the referee judge should start counting while the opponent should move to a far corner immediately.
- When the fallen boxer has arisen and received the “box” instruction from the referee, the fight will resume. If the opponent does not move to a far corner in accordance with the referee’s order, the referee shall stop counting until such order is complied with. Then he can continue counting from where he stops.
- When a boxer falls down, the referee shall count out loud from 1 to 10 with the pausing gap of 1 second. And for each second counted, a hand signal will be given by the referee to make known to the fallen boxer that he is being counted out. Before the count of one, a lapse of 1 second should be allowed from the floor. Only then should the referee start the count with one.
- If the fallen boxer stands up before the referee reaches the count of eight, the referee shall continue counting up to 8 before allowing the fight to resume. But if the referee has already counted to ten before the fallen boxer rises up, the match shall be deemed to be over. The fallen boxer shall be given the decision of defeat by knockout.
- If the fallen boxer can arise before the count of ten but falls down again without being punched, the referee must continue counting.
- It is the discretion of the referee to count or not if the boxer cannot resume boxing immediately after the expiry of the rest interval.
Rule No. 20 – Shaking Hands
The fighters will shake hands at the beginning of the first round after rules are clarified by the referee and before the start of the last round to symbolize that they will compete under the spirit of sportsmanship. Shaking hands during the match is forbidden.
Rule No. 21 – Interpretation
Any interpretation of the above rules or any problems arising during the competition although not governed by any existing rules shall be decided by the referee.
In any type of sports, rules are made to ensure a fair decision will be made in each fight. Rules are also made to guide every fighter on what should be and should not be done to the opponent to avoid getting disqualified or incur foul moves. This concludes our article about the Rules in Muay Thai. In case you missed the first half, you can click here to read it.
Rules in Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a combat sport practiced in various countries all over the world. Each country differ in rules set by the organization which arranges the fight. There are 24 rules observed in every Muay Thai fight in Thailand. The first 12 will be discussed in this post. Here are the following rules:
Rule No. 1 – The Ring
In Muay Thai ordinary competition, the ring should be square measuring 20 feet on each side for the small ring, and 24 feet on each side for big rings. Measurements take the inside of the ropes. There should be three ropes with a diameter of at least 1.90 centimeters and each rope is tied to the posts at the height of 18 inches, 35 inches and 52 inches respectively. The ropes are insulated with soft material and the inside of the four corners are also covered with soft material. Raised at least 4 to 5 feet at most, from the ground unobstructed, the edge should protrude at least 70 cm from the ropes. The posts should be of 4 x 4 inches and not higher than 58 inches from the ring floor. The floor should have a layer of soft rubber sheet, cork board or straw mat not less than 1.5 inches thick, covered by canvas tightly stretched to cover the whole ring area. Two ladders should be installed not less than 3.5 feet at the opposite ends to allow the officials, trainors and officials.
Rule No 2 – Gloves
Gloves should weigh not less than 4 ounces and not more than 6 ounces. Boxers should not change the shape, twist or crush the glove stuffing into distortion.
Rule No. 3 – The Hand Bandage
A standard surgical hand bandage of not more than 2 inches will follow the length requirements – 10 yards for flyweight to middleweight; 12 yards for light heavyweight to heavyweight. A plaster bandage may be used provided it is 1 inch wide and not less than 12 inches in length. Boxers are not allowed to use plaster bandage to bound round knuckles.
Rule No. 4 – Dress
Fighters must be dressed as follows:
- Groin protector is a must while mouth guard is optional.
- The pair of shorts which is either red or blue should be the same length as the upper thighs.
- No shirt and shoes shall be worn.
- The cotton laurel is put on only during the wai kruu. Cloth talisman tied to the upper arm or waist is allowed.
- Ankle support is allowed. Ankle bandage is not allowed
- Belt, necklace or any metal material is not allowed to be worn
- Use of Vaseline oil, herbs or any other scented material which opponent might consider repugnant is not allowed
Rule No. 5 – The Ring Equipment
The following equipment should be seen at the ring – 2 seats, 2 bottles of water, 2 jugs, 2 buckets of water, 2 stools, and desks and chairs for the officials, gong with hammer or bell, 1 or 2 time clocks, score sheets and first aid kit and a microphone.
Rule No. 6 – Divisions and Weights
The divisions with their corresponding weight are as follows:
- Maximum of 118 pounds for Bantamweight
- 126 pounds for Featherweight
- 135 pounds for Lightweight
- 147 pounds for Welterweight
- 160 pounds for Middleweight
- 175 pounds for Light Heavyweight
- More than 175 pounds for Heavyweight
Age range of fighter should be between 17 years and 40 years of age.
Rule No. 7 – Weight Measurements
Weighing in happens between 9 and 12 hours prior to the competition start. If weight is over the limit, 12 hours will be given to have a second weighing in. If weight is not the correct weight, weighing in is deemed terminated. Weighing in can be done naked or in boxing attire minus the gloves. Fight will start only at least 3 full hours after the end of weighing in time. Proper examination on health condition of the fighters will be done by the appointed physician. Fighters must compete in one division only. A champion in the lower division may compete in a higher division.
Rule No. 8 – Number of Rounds
Regular competitions shall have no more than 5 rounds of three minutes per round and a minimum of three rounds. For championship final fight, there shall be no more than 6 rounds of 3 minutes each; 5 rounds minimum is required. Wai Kruu dance will be performed before the first round as per tradition. The fight can start only after the dance.
Rule No. 9 – Corner Men
Each fighter can have 2 corner men provided the corner men are not allowed to assist, advise or support the boxer while fighting; the corner men shall not be entitled to concede defeat on behalf of the fighter unless with a special agreement to that effect; the corner men and their assistants are not allowed to stay on the side of the ring before the start of each round – they shall remove towels and buckets, etc from the ring; the corner men must be politely dressed according to boxing standards, not allowing any publicity of any goods on the clothing except the name of the training camp; for the final fight, 3 corner men will be allowed for each fighter but the 3rd man can be on the platform outside the room while the 2 corner men stays inside the ring; if found to violate any rules, the corner men may be cautioned or stripped off the right to be corner men.
Rule No. 10 – The Judging Panel
The fight should have three judges – a referee judge and 2 score judges. These judges should be qualified by their long experience in the profession.
Rule No. 11 – The Referee Judge
The referee judge is duty bound to make sure that the fight in the ring proceeds fairly and is following the rules. The referee should caution the fighter or corner men who do not follow the rules. He should also mark the score on the scorecard at the end of each round and check the scores on the judge’s scorecards at the end of the fight and announce the winner. He will also facilitate sending the checked score cards to the stadium master. The referee will use three words of instruction during the fight, namely, “stop”, “box” and “break”. The referee should point out some rules to the fighters and head corner man before the start of the first round.
Rule No. 12 – Powers of the Referee
It is within the referee’s power to stop the fight if he deems the fight is not fair in terms of level of skills; if the fighter is so wounded and should not be allowed to continue; if the fighters are not performing seriously in which case the referee may expel one or both fighters. The referee can get the fighter to stop the fight so as to warn him in case he breaks the rules or enable the fight to continue fairly and following the rules. The referee can expel the fighter or the corner men who break the Muay Thai rules; expel the fighter who commits a foul from the other fighter regardless if he has been warned or not. The referee’s decision is deemed final. He shall interpret the rules as stipulated and can deliberate on a course of action based on the facts even if not governed by the rules.
These rules are imparted during Muay Thai training in any gym in the Kingdom to prepare the fighter in case the fighter decides to fight professionally. It is important to know the rules while on training to refrain from committing violations or worse case scenario, be thrown out of the a fight because of foul violations.
Warriors of the Mongkon Featured Singpatong Sitnumnoi & Its Fighters
Thailand’s Muay Thai has gained popularity across the globe. This is evident in the many foreign nationals who have taken deep interest in this traditional Thai combat sport that they intentionally go to Thailand to learn the techniques and train to become good Muay Thai fighters. Truth is there are a few foreign nationals who hold Muay Thai titles like Damien Alamos who is a French national.
Its popularity has grown so great that a new TV show called Warriors of the Mongkon has been created for Australian television in 2012, where episodes features and follows Australia’s elite Muay Thai athletes into battle throughout Australia and Thailand. The show highlights the hard and rigid training each fighter has to endure as they push their bodies and minds to become the great Muay Thai warriors.
TV viewers are given an exhaustive introduction on how Muay Thai came to be and how many Thai youth had devoted their lives in becoming good Muay Thai fighters so they can help their families who mostly came from the poor sector. The TV show explained how Muay Thai training has become a privilege and a way of life for most youngsters in Thailand whose only desire is to become good fighters and earn money from their fights.
Pen Ake Sitnumnoi
The show featured famous Thai fighters like Pen Ake, the 22 year old fighter of Singpatong Sitnumnoi and young boys aged 7 and up who have made Singpatong Sitnumnoi Muay Thai camp their home as they train and prepare for their fights in the future. Muay Thai fighters carry the spirit of the Siam soldiers who fought with all their might to defend their country. Hence, it is not at all surprising that the young and modern day warriors step into the ring, willing to give their all even if meant not stepping back out as they honor the heart and soul of Muay Thai.
Warriors of Mongkon then bring to light how Australians are so drawn to Muay Thai. Several Muay Thai gyms in Queensland, the Muay Thai capital of Australia and where one of the great Muay Thai fighters, John Wayne Parr – holder of 9 world titles and the ambassador to the sport is helping other young Australian fighters find their place in the Muay Thai arena. There are pretty young Muay Thai fighters who practically gave up everything so they can be good at Muay Thai.
The TV show also featured fighters who got out of their dark past and out or being caught up with some real bad guys and given a second shot at life with a lot of help from Muay Thai. It’s incredibly amazing how bad boys like Charlie who managed to step out of his troubled youth days and got helped when he started coming in to the Muay Thai gym in Australia.
It also presents the human and emotional side of Muay Thai fighters who had to endure not just the physical pains but more on the emotional burden of losing in a fight. That at the end of the fight, no matter how prepared you think you are, you will just have to be more ready with the outcome of the fight, especially the pains of losing despite the rigid training, mental preparation, self-discipline and a lot of self-sacrifices.
Warriors of the Mongkon presents all the facets of Muay Thai and how this combat sport has affected and touched the lives of many.
Singpatong Sitnumnoi Celebrates Its Fighters Victory
We did not get the “Gym of the Year” or “Trainer of the Year” awards during the Birthday Celebration of Lumpinee Stadium, but we still have a lot to celebrate. The Lumpinee Stadium boss congratulated Num by giving him a trophy and recognizing Num’s work for raising many young fighters and having a great year. Most of all, our own Singpatong Sitnumnoi Muay Thai Fighters won on the following date and venue:
- December 7, 2012: Pen-ake retaining the 126 pound Lumpinee Title and winning ‘fight of the night’ at Lumpinee Krekkai fight night
- December 8, 2012: Rafi Singpatong and Porsai Lukkiat Gym both fought for the first time in Lumpinee. Both fighters did awesome. Rafi won via knock out and Porsai on points.
- December 9, 2012: Young Parnpetch won via knockout in Round 3 in Bangla Stadium.
Num recognized by the Lumpinee Stadium Boss for his work and raising many young fighters and for having a great year.
Pen Ake the Muay Thai champion
Rafi Singpatong and Porsai Lukkiat Gym both fought for the first time in Lumpinee.
Young Parnpetch won via knockout in Round 3 in Bangla Stadium.
Lumpinee Boxing Stadium Big Boss Visits Singpatong Sitnumnoi Gym
This weekend, the boss of Lumpinee Stadium came to our gym to let us know that we are one of the three finalists for “Gym of the Year” and P Mart is one of three finalists for “Trainer of the Year”. The boss of the stadium came to see our Singpatong Sitnumnoi Gym in Phuket, and present us with a gift and give a speech to the young Muay Thai fighters.
Singpatong Sitnumnoi Presented w/ Gift
Lumpinee Stadium Big Boss Giving Speech To Our Young Muay Thai Fighters
Big Boss of Lumpinee Stadium Giving Speech to Singpatong Sitnumnoi Muay Thai Fighters