Training to Fight or Not Fight

I’ve been teaching Muay Thai, and training fighters since 1998. It’s something that I’m very passionate about. That’s why I not only teach the techniques, but also the history, traditions and all that goes with the art of Muay Thai. Every individual who comes to train in Muay Thai, do it for their own reasons. Most for the fitness, the self defense, and of course, some to fight.

What most people forget is that it is an art for the mind and soul, as well as the body. It’s also deep in history and traditions. Too many times, I’ve had individuals who have come to me and want to become a fighter, now! They want to bypass the history, traditions, mind and spirit.

In Thailand, fighters normally live at the gym they train at. They eat and sleep muay Thai. Children as young as 5 years old will sometimes live and train there too! It is their national sport and a big part of their culture.

Muay Thai is more than just about fighting. It’s our motto: Tradition-Honor-Spirit-Discipline. It’s also a lifestyle. You must truly embrace this lifestyle and these traits to become a real student of Thai boxing.
So, many people forget about those things and go straight to the fighting part of Thai boxing.
You have to condition yourself not only physically but, also mentally and spiritually. It takes discipline.
Discipline is the key to success.
It takes discipline to go through hours of bag work, pad work, conditioning and drills. Endless rounds of sparring, and hundreds of kicks. Not to mention the dieting to make weight! That alone is a test of discipline!

Learning the history, traditions and customs. Why we “wai”. Why we perform the wai-kru. What the meaning of wearing the mongkol and pracheats are. That is muay Thai.
Though some of you may not train to become a fighter, you will develop most of these traits. It just happens.
Fighting is a byproduct of Muay Thai training. That’s why only a small percentage of individuals actually get into the ring to fight.

If you want to become a fighter, develop patience. The Thai’s have been practicing this art for over 500 years. It’s part of their history and heritage and is their national sport.
We as Americans have really only been practicing this for a little over 25 years.

For those of you who do it to get the physical fitness and conditioning like a fighter, have fun with it. Who knows, something might spark in you, then the next thing you know, I’m taping your hands in some far away venue getting you ready to do battle!
Kru Albert