The Elite Thailand trip was an incredible experience for everyone who made the journey. Thailand is such a fantastic place to go. The people are so welcoming, the environment is different yet comfortable, and the training there is energizing. It was the third time Elite students and/or instructors have traveled to Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, and each time we make new friends and add facets to the experience. Here are some quick highlights/thoughts on the Thailand trip:
The students who decided to participate spent 3+ months preparing for what they would experience while training in Thailand. They did several Extreme classes each week in addition to a Thailand trip only group private each week, where we focused on aspects of training that are unique to Thai boxing in Thailand. The group did a lot of clinch work and sparring, and everyone was very well prepared for the classes once we arrived and jumped into the various training opportunities at camp.
A bit of background on the camp training: Group Muay Thai kickboxing classes at Tiger Muay Thai are long, and offered twice per day. There are bag rounds and pad rounds and sparring and running and sets of 300 knees and pushups and situps…all in the heat and humidity! But if it sounds too hard, it’s not. Training in that setting gives you an energy and drive that is difficult to describe unless you’ve done it. However, if two long group classes aren’t your thing, you can opt for a one-hour private lesson. You’ll still get quite a workout but the trainer will also work more on technique. One of the special things about Tiger is that they offer Muay Boran and Krabi Krabong classes on alternating days. These are the more ancient versions of the sport Muay Thai that we practice today (Muay Boran was for the military, Krabi Krabong trains with sticks and swords), and it can be difficult to find quality instruction outside of Thailand. All of the students on this trip participated in these classes and really enjoyed the training (as well as the teacher, Kru Oh).
Besides the training aspects, the food at Tiger (and at the hotel) was healthy and tasty, with plenty of Thai and American options. Most students opted for a protein shake after training (chocolate banana was my favorite) and a fresh fruit plate. Breakfast could be a smoothie or omelet or oatmeal/egg white/banana/cinnamon pancakes! The hotel itself was a bunch of private villas throughout a maze of lush tropical plants and swimming pools. Fellow travelers at the hotel and at Tiger were universally friendly and came from all over the world (in one day I chatted with people from Australia, Ireland, Sweden, and Dubai!). Mini marts, money exchanges, massages, and restaurants are all within a few minutes’ walk.
In the evenings or if we needed a break from training, there were plenty of excursions. The Phuket night market was a Thai experience that should not be missed! The food and goods for sale in a loud, bright, chaotic market was something to see! We also took a boat tour to the islands of Koh Phi Phi (universally everyone’s favorite excursion) and saw monkeys and incredible beaches and snorkeled and laughed a bunch. The group also attended a Muay Thai fight night at a nearby stadium and got to see what the sport looks like in its home environment. It’s definitely not like the sparring that fighters do to practice! Additionally, the nuances such as the ritual Wai Kru and Ram Muay were neat to see, as well as the betting and music and celebration and sportsmanship that goes along with a live Muay Thai fight experience.
On a personal note, I was so proud of the students that participated in this trip. None of them have even 3 years of experience, but their technique was so sharp. They looked so good, and it’s really obvious when compared to the skill and technique of other students from around the world. Additionally, they were very respectful to all of the trainers and to the people and country in general. I could not be prouder of each of them!
Elite will be offering another trip in the next year or so, and I hope everyone takes advantage of the opportunity. Speak with the instructors or students who went this year, ask questions, find a way to go…and you’ll see how incredible it is to experience a sport in its home country, and you’ll make memories (and friendships!) that will be very special.
~Katie Toney
Elite Training Center
1628 South Pacific Coast Highway,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 543-1600
www.elitetrainingcenter.net
