I Don't Remember Crashing A Car

This mornings training -
6km jog
1 round shadow boxing
3 rounds thai pads
2 rounds heavy bag
4 rounds grapple/clinch sparring
1 set pull ups (max)
1 set push ups (max)
1 set situps (max)

This afternoons training -
2km jog
3 rounds boxing sparring
2 rounds heavy bag
3 rounds thai pads

The last couple of days have been weird. Takhoon told me I was sparring with Imran on Friday. Imran is one of the best muay thai fighters in the UK. I am not. I asked Takhoon if he was joking and he said he was, but today he told me to do 3 rounds with him. Maybe the joke was that we were sparring on Thursday and not Friday. The Thais have a strange sense of humour sometimes. Imran didn't have a mouthguard. That always means no hard punches to the end, but always ends up in a body shot war.

SO anyway, Geoff killed my neck in the grappling this morning, and Imran killed the rest of my body in the boxing sparring. I've had car accidents that were a lot less painful then this.

Boxing Is Like Ballet, Except There’s No Music, No Choreography & The Dancers Hit Each Other

This mornings training -
6km jog
1 round shadow boxing
3 rounds boxing sparring
3 rounds heavy bag
2 sets pull ups (max)
1 set push ups (max)
1 set sit ups (max)

Boxing sparring was ok today, was up against Paul who is a very thoughtful boxer and doesn't come at you with the same combinations all the time. I'm still trying to make a strong connection between the physical and mental aspect of fighting, instead of just reacting without thinking to whatever is being thrown at me.

Sammuk is back training at the gym, which is exciting for me at least. Check the videos on the right if you don't know who he is.

This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
3 rounds thai pads
4 rounds focus pads
3 rounds heavy bag
3 rounds grapple/clinch sparring
1 set pull ups (max)
1 set push ups (max)
1 set sit ups (max)

Got hammered in the clinch/grapple sparring, I hate to think what kind of bruise is going to be there tomorrow. Learned a couple of new techniques though.

Your Body Hears Everything Your Mind Says

This mornings training -
8 km jog
1 round shadow boxing
3 rounds thai pads
1 round focus pads
1 round heavy bag right kicks
1 round heavy bag left kicks
1 round heavy bag teep kicks
1 set pull ups (max)
1 set push ups (max)
1 set sit ups (max)

This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round thai pads
1 round heavy bag
1 round tyre/footwork with weights
3 rounds thai pads
3 rounds uppercut block
1 set pull ups (max)
1 set push ups (max)
1 set situps (max)

I had to post this up because it's funny..and true..

You know you've been in Thailand too long when:

You think it’s normal to have a beer at 9:00 a.m.

You look four ways before crossing a one way street.

You realize that ALL your problems are caused by Thai girls or cranky ATMs.

You put sugar and chilli on your fruit

A Thai cop stops you for a minor infraction and you automatically reach for your wallet.

You think that a Honda Civic is a prestigious car.

You can’t remember the last time you wore a suit and tie.

You think a polo shirt and jeans are formal attire.

Someone tells you that watching Thai politics is like watching two chameleons making love and you understand the analogy.

You aren’t upset when the bar girl next to you eats beetles as a snack.

You haven’t had a solid stool for five years.

You wake up in the morning and realize that you have nowhere to go and all day to get there.

You think white wine goes well with Som Tam.

You understand when your Thai wife says, ‘My friend you’ or ‘Same, same, but different.’

A Thai bar girl you’ve just met tells you that her mother is deathly ill and you just laugh and walk away.

You realize that your Thai wife’s loyalties belong to

1. Her parents.

2. Her brats from a previous marriage to a Thai scoundrel who deserted her.

3. Any remaining blood relatives.

4. The family buffalo.

5. The family’s goldfish.

6. You.

The Thai Navy buys a new submarine and you’re not surprised when the first thing they do is remove the mufflers and hang a garland from the rear view mirror.

You become an expert on buying and selling gold jewellery.

Dogs become animals you'd rather kick than pet.

You flash your 4 indicator lights when driving straight on at an intersection.

It’s two days before payday, so you only go to bars with balloons strung outside.

You realize that all the important words in Thai begin with the letter ‘S’. Sanuk (Fun), Saduak (convenient), Sabai (comfortable), Suay (pretty).

You believe that buying a gold chain is an acceptable courtship ritual, or at least a form of foreplay.

You think a calendar more useful than a watch.

You go to a Thai Boxing match and a soccer game breaks out.

You stand in the shadow of a telephone pole while waiting for a bus.

Only Half Lazy

Saturday mornings training -
2km jog

Thats all unfortunately because I was knackered.

Afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching
3 rounds thai pads
1 round heavy bag
4 rounds muay thai sparring
1 set pull ups (max)
1 set push ups (max)
1 set situps (max)

Sparring was good because for the first time for a while I wasn't just a punching bag. Was sparring with a girl who has a hard kick. Anyway, it was enjoyable to be able to relax and try out some different things for a change.

He Who Is Not Courageous Enough To Take Risks Will Accomplish Nothing In Life

This mornings training -
6km jog
1 round shadow boxing
3 rounds thai pads
1 round focus pads
1 round upper cut block
1 round teep kicks heavy bag
1 round tyre/footwork with weights
1 set pull ups (max)
1 set pushups (max)
1 set sit ups (max)

This morning was good, went with the short stocky trainer who is very technical, slow and very strong. Working on developing the correct mental attitude instead of just going through the motions.

Couple of days ago I asked the owner about when I can fight because I'm getting bored of training for nothing. He said maybe June, which made me swear. Of course I have to trust him, but its frustraing to keep training hard then being told you still have another month and a half to go. Anyway, it will give me time to work on some things, get fitter and stronger. Still have bad leg/shoulder/knuckle on my right hand so I'm looking forward to Sunday, ye daye of rest.

This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round boxing shadow boxing
4 rounds boxing sparring
1 round heavy bag
3 rounds thai pads
1 round focus pads

Sparring was ok considering I was up against someone with REALLY strong hands. The first couple of rounds he went easy on me, and the last couple he unloaded which was cool. He hit me so hard at one point it seems to have bruised my forehead, but if I can take a punch like that and not get dizzy or have to stop then I don't have a lot to worry about.

The Reward Of A Thing Well Done Is To Have Done It

This mornings training -
6km jog
1 round shadow boxing
3 rounds thai pads
1 round focus pads
1 round heavy bag
1 round punching bag
1 set pull ups (max)
1 set push ups (max)
1 set sit ups with punches in the stomach (max)

Seems I didn't do a lot this morning, and that's absolutely right. I didn't train yesterday for two reasons, the first being my left calf muscle was really tight and sore. It's still sore today, and I can't kick properly. I think it's from doing 3 rounds just kicking with my left leg couple of days ago. The other reason was I was busy setting up a business here but I'll save the details of that for another blog. Roll on this afternoon...

This afternoons training -

2km jog

1 round shadow boxing

1 round fast punching

1 round heavy bag

3 rounds thai pads

1 round uppercut block

1 round tyre/footwork

1 round teep kicks on heavy bag

1 round tyre/footwork with weights

4 rounds grappling/clinch sparring

1 set pull ups (max)

1 set push ups (max)

1 set sit ups (max)

Thanks Syd (my best mate from home) for calling me today. Thanks to everyone else who offered support/advice about living in a foreign country. The cultural differences just get on top of me sometimes but it's ok. I'm definately not taking this trip for granted and I'm training hard almost every session, pushing myself as hard as I can. Damn it's hot! 40 degrees (I know Australia gets hotter but I'm not training for 4/5 hours a day in it 6 days a week). Apparently there's a tropical storm on it's way down from China.

This mornings training -
6km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching
2 rounds heavy bag
3 rounds thai pads
3 rounds heavy bag
1 set pull ups (max)
1 set push ups (max)
1 set sit ups (max)

Pushed out a few extra pull ups and push ups this morning, something must be working. Working up to getting fighting fit (literally). Funny this morning though, the padholder couldn't be bothered holding pads and I couldn't be bothered hitting them.

This afternoons training -
2km jog
3 rounds boxing sparring (I hate boxing)
1 round uppercut block
2 rounds thai pads
3 rounds heavy bag
2 rounds teep kick block
1 set pull ups (max)
1 set push ups (max)
1 set sit ups (max)

Sparring wasn't bad, only got hit a couple of times. One thing I need to work on is my footwork. At the moment I'm just leaning back to avoid punches instead of moving my feet. Put a couple of combinations I learned the last 2 weeks to good use. Still a long way to go..

Right now I hate Thailand. I'm bored of people pushing in front of me in the 7-11. I'm feeling homesick so I went and ordered a pork steak and it wasn't cooked properly (at all?) and I had to wait 30 minutes for the waitress to take my order when there were only 2 other people in there. I'm sick of dodging crazy motorcycle riders with a death wish and agressive dogs. I'm bored of the compressing heat every time I walk outside. Outside of the gym, no-one here seems normal. I asked the trainer at the gym if I can fight and he said one more month, even after I've been working and training so hard. God I want to go home.

First of all, Congratulations to Murray and Alicia from my gym in Australia, Kalamunda Kickboxing for their wins over the weekend at the local fight night. I don't know where Murray found another pensioner to fight. (I can say that because I'm thousands of kms away from him). Congratulations guys.

This mornings training -
None because I slept in.

This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching
3 rounds thai pads
3 rounds heavy bag
1 round focus pads
3 rounds uppercut block
50 knees heavy bag
1 set pull ups (max)
1 set push ups (max)
1 set sit ups (max)

Getting back into the full on training now and it feels great. Although my shin is still a bit bruised and lumpy from last week it's not painful at all. Now working on trying to kick with my left leg as hard as I can with my right.

The head trainers been working on me with my hands a lot this last week or two, so hopefully I won't get smacked in the head so much next time I get into the ring.

West I passed your message onto Imran, he was really happy to get a message from home. Thanks mate.

Congratulations Imran

This mornings training -

6km jog

1 round shadow boxing

1 round fast punching

4 rounds thai pads

3 rounds uppercut block

Yeah lazy day today which is always nice because I still have a few lumps and bruises in various places (including behind my ear?) from sparring. My fitness is improving as I'd hoped. It's so hot here in Thailand right now, I wouldn't be surprised if I lose another 2kgs this month.

This afternoons training -

2km jog

1 round shadow boxing

1 round fast punching

4 rounds thai pads

2 rounds uppercut block

Few people from the gym went to Lumpinee last night to see Imran (England) demolish Joey (South Africa) in less than two rounds. Here are some photos from the fight..

Nothing Will Work Unless You Do

This mornings training -
6km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching
3 rounds thai pads
4 rounds kick sparring
3 rounds heavy bag

No training this afternoon because Imran Khan (not the cricketer) is fighting at Lumpinee against some Frenchy. As usual I'll post up some photos after the fight.

My arms still swollen, but it doesn't look like their is a lego brick in there like it did yesterday after I got kicked. Interestingly enough, I've worn out an almost brand new pair of nike running shoes after 3 months, because I do so much damn running here.

My First Songkran

First the formalities....This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round fast punching
2 rounds thai pads
2 rounds kick sparring
4 rounds uppercut block

Training was good today, I'm still working on punching hard enough to knock someone out. I have a huge lump on my lower arm from sparring one of the trainers where I didn't check his kick. I have been training the last couple of days, but because it's Songkran (Thai New Year) it's really only been 3 rounds thai pads and a few rounds on the bag or uppercut block.

Now...Songkran here is really something you have to experience for yourself. Basically 3/5 days of partying. The tradition here is to throw water on everyone, and everyone who is outdoors is fair game. The other tradition is to paint peoples faces with white paste. Trucks drive past loaded with people on the back wetting everyone on the sidewalk. The Motorcycle Taxis blocked the street and were drunk and dancing around throwing water everywhere. Everyone is in such a great mood. Last night I went to Silom with my Thai friend and one of my mates from New Zealand. There would have been at least 30,000 Thais there, all in the street, dancing, throwing water around and painting each others faces with paste. It was a really fun night.

Someone asked on comment.. what ever happened the the chick who's number the cop gave you?

Well it took me a couple of days to figure out she was a compulsive liar so I told her to get lost. She broke into my apartment one day and I had to throw her out because security guards here are completely useless. After that she took a massive overdose of drugs and tried to kill herself. Thankfully she survived, but she still lives in the same apartment upstairs from mine. I've blocked all her numbers in my phone and thankfully I don't see her very often so we don't talk at all. Be warned...some girls here are completely nuts.

This mornings training -
6 km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching
3 rounds thai pads
3 rounds heavy bag
1 round thai pads
3 rounds uppercut block
50 knees on heavy bag

This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
2 rounds heavy bag
4 rounds thai pads
1 round tyre/footwork
2 rounds heavy bag
2 rounds uppercut block
50 knees on heavy bag

Working on sparring techniques more, even though I haven't been sparring. Working specifically on boxing defense. Was supposed to spar boxing this afternoon, and despite getting smashed the last couple of times I've done it, I was looking forward to it...but the guy I was supposed to be sparring backed out.

In other news, I've lost 2 kgs this month without trying, so now down to 68. Also, this next 3 days it's the Thai new year (Songkran) so a lot of places in Bangkok are closed, including internet cafes and my gym. So I will continue to run, do a lot of situps, push ups and shadow boxing, but I can't train or update my blog until Thursday at least. Happy Songkran/Easter everybody!

This mornings training -
6km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
3 rounds heavy bag
2 rounds thai pads
3 rounds heavy bag
1 round shadow boxing
2 rounds grappling/clinch sparring

Congratulations on Your Belt Julie!

This mornings training-
6km jog (easy!)
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching heavy bag
3 rounds thai pads
1 round sit down and avoid heart attack
1 round shadow boxing
5 rounds technique
50 knees heavy bag
1 set pull ups (max)
1 set push ups (max)
1 set situps (max)

This afternoons training-
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
2 rounds heavy bag
3 rounds thai pads
1 round tyre/footwork
2 rounds shadow boxing
3 rounds shadow boxing but concentrating on getting power into my punches
2 rounds uppercut block strong punches only

Still unfit but I'm very quickly getting back up to what I was at before I had to stop. One of the trainers told me my kicks are excellent, but I need more power in my punches, so that's the next thing I'm working on.

As promised, here are some more photos of Julies fight last night.

This mornings training-

4km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
2 rounds heavy bag
3 rounds thai pads
4 rounds heavy bag
50 knees on heavy bag
1 set situps (max)

Feel a lot better boxing today, if only my fitness/running was good, I would be very happy indeed. My knees still hate running, and I can no longer tell my body to be quiet and do what I want, I have to listen to it. Anyway, I could run further today, train longer, I think it won't take long to get back up to speed. Soo soo!

This afternoons training -

None, because I went to support Julie at MBK where she was fighting against one of the girls from Tiger Muay Thai for a belt. I'm still editing the photos of Julie, but here are some from the muay boran demonstration to tide you over.

And one of Julie (blue) in action

So I Thought I'd Give This Muay Thai Thing a Try

Tuesday mornings training -
6km jog...almost died
1 round shadow boxing
3 rounds thai pads...almost died
3 rounds heavy bag...almost died

I think after that point the trainers took pity on me and told me that's enough. First time that's ever happened. After being out of action for 9 days I haven't lost any strength, conditioning or speed. What I have lost is fitness.

Afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
3 rounds thai pads
4 rounds heavy bag
3 rounds tyre/footwork
1 set pull ups (max)
1 set push ups (max)
1 set sit ups (max)

I've noticed my knees hate me, especially when I'm running. The mind is willing but the body is weak. I remember I had the same problem when I first started training here so I'll just push on with it and hope they improve. Some new guys at the gym, they all seem pretty cool, but none of them have tried to smack my head off my shoulders yet..