The evidence is in. Using a pre fight ritual boosts confidence and performance, fact! Pre fight superstition and ritual are an inherent part of all combat sports, and are baked into the culture of Muay Thai. From Pra Jiad arm bands, Mongkhon headgear, lucky amulets, and sak yant tattoos, to wai kru and ram muay [...]
Not every fighter is as frank and honest as Paul Banasiak in their appraisal of themselves, with themselves, let alone sharing this with others. But, both with more than his fair share of introspective perspective, and also understanding the value of learning from other's mistakes as well as his own... He's happy [...]
"Is it wrong to be ripped?" That was the tagline banded about on GMTV in the UK yesterday, and there where the usual two guests to argue opposing viewpoints. But the attitudes they displayed got me thinking. For me, they'd missed the point. I've trained countless clients over the years (both fighters and regular [...]
Everything evolves, and in the quest to attract a greater paying audience, Muay Thai could be pressured to follow the model of pro boxing or the UFC. And don’t get me wrong, there’s a ton of good marketing points to be taken from these established combat sport giants, but… ...I hope Muay Thai [...]
In Thailand, each day of the week has an associated colour. The day that you were born on will dictate your lucky colour. Many fighters wear Druang Rang or the Prajioud armbands, Mongkon headbands, shorts or anklets that are primarily their day colour to bring them good luck in the ring. Monday – Yellow [...]
Back in 2007, while competing in the WMF World Amateur Muay Thai Championships in Bangkok, I had the privilege to talk with UK Muay Thai legend, Ronnie Green. Ronnie spoke of the spirit of MuayThai and the nature of those that fight. He explained how travelling to Thailand and fighting here allows you not [...]
It's commonly known that a fighter must be focused. An unfocused, mentally distracted fighter doesn't perform well. But, what isn't commonly known is there are two types of focus. One that can help a little (or potentially overload and paralyse you), and one that taps into your flow state, unleashing your full potential. This [...]
January 25th is the memorial day of King Naresuan the Great, Siam's (Thailand, as it was known then) national hero and warrior king. It's thought that on this day in 1592 he defeated the Burmese crown prince, during a legendary elephant duel. In modern-day Thailand, this day is memorialised as Royal Thai Army Day and people [...]
Yodsankai Fairtex showing the sak yant on his hands -designed to make his hands fly trueImage source: MyMuayThai Thailand is a very superstitious country, and this crosses over into all areas of life, none more so than Muay Thai – Thai kickboxing. Thai boxers perform all manner of prefight rituals from sealing [...]
