During my stay in Thailand I was on a roller coaster of emotions about fighting. First, my technique was broken down to a point that felt like I was starting over from the beginning. Second I was not sure if I can compete with the Thais at their game. After speaking to various people and doing a lot of thinking, I have come up with a list of five reasons why you should fight in Thailand if given the opportunity, regardless of the outcome.
5 Reasons Why You Should Fight in Thailand
The quality of training that you get will be substantially better.
When I announced to the trainers I am looking to fight, I was able to receive personal attention every day, be pushed harder than the others, and spend more time with the trainers than those who were not competing. The trainers often make money by betting on you, so the better you are trained the more confident they will be with putting money on you, it’s a win-win.
You get paid. Kinda?
When fighting in the sates, unless you are a professional, most often means you are paying to fight. In Thailand, you will start getting paid around 3,000 Baht for your first fight. That number increases depending on how many fights you have and what kind of performance you put on. Also, if you are confident in the match up, you can place a wager on yourself.
It’s an enlightening experience.
It could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not many people have the time or finances to travel to Thailand every year, if the opportunity presents itself, take advantage of it. Being in that ring immerses you and enables you to have the full experience, the journey of training martial arts is all about testing yourself, the ultimate test takes place inside of the ring.
Win or Lose you will become a better fighter.
You will understand the fight game more and from a different angle. Like I have written in my last couple blog posts, there are quite a few differences between fighting in the US and in Thailand. You will most likely face a difference challenge against an opponent with a different style. You WILL leave a better fighter whether you win or lose.
The whole experience is very relaxed, and most important of all…FUN.
As some Thais fight on a weekly basis, it’s just another part of their routine. The build up to the fight is almost non existent, the promotions take their time with setting everything up and the Wai Kru before every fight is not only beautiful, it is a time to calm your mind. The first two rounds are meant to feel each other out once again slowly building up the pace. Once it’s all over I promise you won’t regret it and have a lot of fun.
The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins With One Step
I believe the most important steps in our lives are made in times of opposition, when we are challenged. If you have the opportunity to share the ring with someone that is just as scared to be in there as you are, you are creating something beautiful. You are not fighting each other, you are fighting together. You are helping one another become a better person and fighter then you were before stepping into that ring.
Paul Banasiak is a Muay Thai fighter/addict,
3x champion, trainer, and fitness professional. After leaving medical school without looking back he decided to fully follow his passion of helping others become the best version of themselves, creating MuayThaiAthlete.com.
A website for those who are already passionate individuals who want to take their life&training to the next level.
Today we begin forging our bodies and
strengthening our minds.
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