More on Infections

I've been asked some questions, not only via my blog comments but also via a couple of forums I subscribe to, specifically about my infection. As it's raining heavily outside and I'm rapidly becoming an expert on this subject, I thought I'd answer them for your enjoyment.

You've had a couple of infections, how did you get them?

The first was a staph infection, which I caught from grappling/clinching with someone else who had staph. Staph infections are not to be fucked with and it's important you get medicial attention pretty damn quickly.

I was blessed with the second infection from cutting my elbow practicing upwards elbows (sok cheng) on one of the heavy bags where it was ripped. I made the mistake of washing it with soap and tap water, and not a sterilising solution from the chemist. The quality of tap water here is awful so don't drink it, and don't wash open cuts in it! Not even for a dare!

Was the infection due to an open wound sparring?

Well, open wound yes, sparring no. However, Staph infection is contagious and can be spread spread by skin/blood contact so if you have any open cuts, cover them up with bandaids or tape before you spar to avoid any nasty surprises.

Is the gym unhygienic?

Yes, but nowhere near as dirty as a lot of other Thai gyms I've seen. If you're worried about hygiene there are some things you can do, (have your own water, use anti bacterial soap etc) but I've always been a fan of letting my body fend for itself, which in hindsight probably wasn't the best strategy.

Is your infection a boil?

No, and I did consider this when I got the first one too. Back home when I was very young our house got burnt down. We lived in the bush so we kind of had to made do with a tin shack for a while. Anyway, our water wasn't the best and caused us to get boils, which is a fond childhood memory. Actually the infection felt like a pimple for the first couple of days, which is why I ignored it.

How can I avoid infections when I train in Thailand?

Well, you can't. Even the Thai's can't avoid them. My doctor said there's nothing I can really do to avoid them either, and it's a common problem amongst us foreigners. Honestly, if you're only coming for a short time you probably won't have any problems. I only starting having problems after the first month. If you have problems with your lymph node or have a weakened immune system you may need to take extra precautions however.

In closing

Thailand isn't a bad place to get sick, especially if your apartment has free cable tv and room service. The hospitals can be expensive (average 1,000 baht for a first time visit inc medicine), but your trainer/gym should be able to point you in the direction of a decent/cheap one.

The medical attention I've had from the docotors and hospital here has been excellent, and I have no fears about going to a Thai hospital. They do like to prescribe medicine though, so ask what the doctor is giving you and make sure you understand why before you take and pay for it. Once your medicine runs out, it's always cheaper to take the empty packet to the pharmacy/chemist and get a refill rather than paying hospital prices.

That's all until I think of something to write about next time. On the plus side, the nurse I said today said it's looking better so hopefully I can still fight 13-15 April at Sing Buri, even after a week of doing absolutely nothing.

And Dan... I feel so sorry for you mate, to have the same thing on your ass. I can't imagine how painful that must have been. I hope your ass made a full recovery and thanks for letting me know about your similar experiences. I'm also a fan of just cutting the damn thing open and draining it but with a fight coming up hopefully I won't have to go down that route.

Can You Still Fight?

I went to visit my trainer today, to tell him about what had happened and to see about postponing the fight. His first question was "what happened?", his second question was "can you still fight?".

It's funny to me that having one week off training two weeks before a fight is no problem. I feel lazy after one day off, I can't imagine how I will feel after a whole week. But I love the level of committment and focus these guys have, and it's definately what I need. Even though I'm not training I'm still thinking about it. Thinking about countering and defences, and running through previous sparring sessions in my mind as I go to sleep. Training without training..very yoda and jedi mind tricks kind of stuff...

Taking The Bad With The Bad

I have been so lucky this week, I managed to get another infection...this time in my elbow. It's pretty bad too. I went to the hospital and they gave me antibiotics to take for one week plus I have to go there every day to get the dressing changed. If it's no better in one week they will operate.

But the most important thing...NO TRAINING FOR ONE WEEK.

Sigh..

What annoys me is in the best case senario, if it were better in one week, that would still only give me one week to prepare for my fight. I think it's impossible. Anyway, I am very lucky because now I can spend all week getting bored around BKK. I'll be back training as soon as I possibly can though.. it's a pity I'm taking antibiotics because I'd love to cheer my training partners from my balcony sipping cocktails as they run in the afternoons..

Maybe this week I'll profile some of the trainers or something, else I'm going to go stir crazy.

This mornings training
8km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
4 rounds thai pads
1 rounds focus pads
4 rounds heavy bag
2 x 50 knees on heavy bag
3 sets situps (max)

This afternoons training
2km jog
1 round boxing shadow boxing
4 rounds boxing sparring
3 rounds heavy bag
3 rounds thai pads
2 rounds footwork/tyre
5 rounds grapple/clinch sparring
2 x 50 knees on heavy bag

Tired...and lazy... I have some photos of Matts fight from last night that I'll post up tomorrow when I'm not so tired and lazy. Matt lost in the final round on stoppage but dominated most of the fight. He was against someone with 10 times the fight experience he had. Karen won easily and is retiring undeafted. God Im tired.

This mornings training -
8km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching
4 rounds thai pads
3 rounds heavy bag
2 rounds heavy bag, just kicks

Pretty standard day really, I'm drinking more water to try and increase my energy level.

Found out some more about the fight, apparently it's between 13-15 April at Sing Buri, which is where a lot of new thai boxers get their first fights. I'll post more when I get a solid date. Because it's during the Thai new year (Songkran), I guess they're still working out the schedule.

Whatever You're Ready For Is Ready For You

This mornings training -
8km jog
4 rounds thai pads
1 round focus pads
4 rounds heavy bag
5 rounds muay thai sparring
50 knees on heavy bag

Still feel very tired but at least I bothered to show up. Tomorrow Matt (England) and Karen (New Zealand) fight at MBK...near National Stadium BTS. Entry is free and the fights start at 6pm so come and support them.

This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round fast punching
4 rounds thai pads
4 rounds heavy bag
1 round footwork
4 rounds technique work
50 knees on heavy bag

The Obstacle IS The Path

This mornings training -
8km jog
1 round shadow boxing
3 rounds thai pads
4 rounds heavy bag

I'm not ashamed to say I was exhausted after that, but I don't know why. Maybe the weather, because it's starting to heat up, but I'm going to be paying close attention to my diet as well.

Below are some photos from Parowits (Sasiprapa) fight yesterday at Channel 7. He won easily on points.

Wake Up Legs

This mornings training -
8km jog
1 round shadow boxing
3 rounds thai pads
4 rounds muay thai sparring
4 rounds heavy bag just doing kicks
2 x 50 knees
3 sets shoulder press (max)

Yesterday I couldn't train because my body wouldn't let me. I jogged 1.5 kms and it just refused to move. This morning was better, but my legs feel about 10kgs heavier than they are. I hope they wake up for this afternoons training.

My trainer told me maybe I can find during Songkran at MBK shopping centre against a thai. I was waiting for him to laugh when he saw the look of panic on my face but he didn't. I think he was serious..

This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching
3 rounds thai pads
3 rounds heavy bag
9 round grapple/clinch sparring
2 x 50 knees on heavy bag
2 x 30 kicks on heavy bag

The Man Who Has No Imagination Has No Wings

This mornings training -
8km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
4 rounds grappling
4 rounds thai pads
3 rounds heavy bag

Grappling/clinch sparring still kills my neck :(

The Italian Muay Boran team trained today which was interesting, and also Dzhabar from The Contender Asia has starting training with us. There's so many talented fighters here at the moment I feel privilged to even be in the same gym as them.

This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
3 rounds thai pads
3 rounds heavy bag
3 rounds tyre/footwork
2 x 50 knees on heavy bag
3 sets shoulder press (max)

Roll on Sunday...my day off...

If You Start To Feel Good During Training, Dont Worry You Will Get Over It

This mornings training -
8km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
4 rounds thai pads
5 rounds heavy bag
2 x 50 knees on heavy bag

This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
3 rounds thai pads
1 round focus pads
3 rounds heavy bag
3 rounds tyre/footwork
2 rounds muay thai sparring
3 sets shoulder press (max)

I declined sparring because I didn't want to get hit in the nose again until the swelling went down so they made me do two rounds anyway.

Went to watch some fights at MBK tonight (next to National Stadium BTS), they are on there every Wednesday night 6pm - 8:30pm. Free entry and well worth the trip if you're in BKK on a Wednesday night.

Results-
Carlos, Spain (Sasiprapa) defeated Savia, France (P.N. Gym) by TKO round 3
Alexander, Sweden (Kiatkamjorn) defeated Kato, Japan (Sasiprapa) by KO round 3
Petsiri (S.Sakdafarm) defeated Chatdao (Singnakhompathom) by points
Panom (King Boxing Gym) defeated Don, South Africa (Kaewsumrit) by KO round 2
Sindy, Italy (Kaewsumrit) defeated Tuktapetch (C.Mongkolchai) by points
Wikok (S.Singyu) defeated Tobe, Australia (Kaewsumrit) by points

The two Sasiprapa guys put in great performances. Carlos easily dominated his opponent and the referee stopped it as there was no contest really. Kato also looked to be on top with some strong hand combinations during the first 2 rounds, but his opponent closed him up in round 3 and used his knees to great effect to finish the fight early. It was a top effort by both fighters!

I got asked a question via comment;
"Seems like both the guys you sparred with have no sportsmanship at all! Do most of the trainees behave like this in general?"

In response to that question, I have to say that most of the guys I train with are fantastic. The atmosphere really is like a big family there. Most of the fighters have been training long enough to have control over their shots, and know how hard to hit you when sparring. I've just been unlucky the last couple of times, to get paired against new students who don't have much control and unable to show any restraint. I spoke to my trainer about this, and he said sometimes new students are just like that, but it doesn't take them long to learn. The attidude I complained about really isn't typical of our gym.

Happy Naikhanom Tom Day!

This mornings training -
8km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
3 rounds thai pads
1 round focus pads
3 rounds muay thai sparring
2 x 50 knees on heavy bag

Heavy legs this morning, maybe because of the McDonalds I ate last night. So I detatched my brain from my feet and the run seemed pretty easy after that.

Sparring was horrible. I have a fight next month which is weighing on my mind. However, the trainer said "Light Contact" which was fine with me because I had to spar with a german who is at least 1 foot taller, and about 20 kgs heavier.

Do the Germans have any word in their langauge for 'Light Contact'? Does anyone know? This guy obviously hadn't heard the phrase before. In round one I copped a punch that almost broke my nose (it was still swollen from getting belted around the ring by the Japanese last week). I thought if I get hit like that once more I'm going to have to go to hospital.

By the end of the first round I was spitting up blood. By the end of the second round he'd managed to cut my head open. During the third round the trainer stepped in and reminded him it was 'light contact sparring' which he ignored. Some of the trainers sat down to watch round one and actually cheered because he was kicking me so hard. Not cheering him on, but they do appreciate a good brawl. In round 3 he kept saying "faster, faster". No mate, learn some control first, then we can spar as hard and fast as you like.

However, despite getting injured and this guy being a knob, I'm happy with my performance. If he can't knock me out then maybe there is some hope for me as a boxer yet. I managed to slip past a couple of punches which I didn't have the confidence to try before. But I'm really starting to hate this guy and his superiority issues, which leaves me with an interesting question to consider... How do you train with someone you hate? It's not just me, other people have said bad things about this guy as well but it's a gym that's open to everyone and I just want to get along with the people who come there.

My trainers given me this afternoon off training and told me to go and watch a fight not far from my gym so I'll try and get some photos. Below, are photos from the 5th Annual Muay Thai & Wai Kru Festival which kicked off yesterday.


Elephants, obviously.


Wouldn't have been a Thai festival without a 9 metre high buddha to watch over it.


Team Iraq taking advantage of the free training sessions.

Photo from the traditional tattoo stall

'Wat' a sunset..

Boat for serving free food from

Sasiprapa stall & bling. Easily the most popular stall of the day.

The whole reason for the festival. This is a statue of Nai Khanomtom, the Thai who defeated 10 Burmese Boxers after the Burmese captured him during the invasion of 1767.

Cowards Never Start & The Weak Never Finish

This mornings training-
4km sprint
4km jog

This afternoons training -
4km jog

This morning I still felt bit sick. My thumb still hurts a lot and I can barely make a fist because of it. I woke up early and decided I'd take another day off. Went downstairs to get breakfast, and one of the trainers was waiting outside my apartment. As soon as he saw me he gave me the biggest smile and said"running, running" so I knew a day off wasn't going to be an option. I went upstairs, scoffed my breakfast and headed out on my daily run. Because of the promise of an upcoming fight, I decided not to train at the gym today, in the hope my thumb will be back to normal on Monday.

I spoke with Takhoon briefly about getting smashed around the ring on Thursday, and his response more or less was "it's good for you sometimes", which made me laugh. I spoke with Paul about it and we discussed the peaks and troughs of performance during sparring. He said if we were great at it every time, I'd be world champion, so I can see his point. It got me thinking about what the secret is to being so switched on mentally every time though. Anyway, today I'll try and get some video of what's happening in the ring at the gym, and tomorrow I'll get some photos from the muay thai festival, and I'll put them up here for everyone to see Monday.

Until then, train hard!

Don't Be Such A Pussy

Well I didn't train this morning because yesterday I managed to injure my thumb, which isn't serious but hurts when I make a fist, so I'll take today off and wait and see how it feels yesterday. Still have a splitting headache and sore nose too so a day off won't be so bad for me.

After having a cry on my blog about getting smashed I'm not quite so bothered anymore. I'm angry that these guys went so hard on me, but that's fighting isn't it. I'm also frustrated that they were able to get through my guard so easily. I'll ask my trainer about that when I go back there.

On the plus side, I did get a couple of good shots in, a straight right, left hook and an uppercut, and despite the beating I got, I didn't quit or get knocked out so that's something I guess.

Still beats sitting behind a desk for 8 hours a day too...

Strength Is The Product Of Struggle

This mornings training -
8km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
5 rounds heavy bag
3 rounds grappling
3 sets shoulder press (max)

This afternoons training -
2km sprint
2 rounds boxing shadow boxing
3 rounds boxing sparring

Sigh...where do I start. I got absolutely hammered this afternoon. When I woke up for training this afternoon this little voice in my head was saying "sparring...sparring". In case you don't remember or are new to this blog I hate boxing sparring, absolutely fucking hate it. But after the last sparring with Paul I felt confident and good. Clearly I shouldn't have.

We changed opponents every round, so for the first two rounds I was against two different Japanese fighters. They are not so good with muay thai but their boxing is excellent. However, last time I sparred the trainer said "no power" which suited me fine because my technique needs a lot of work. However this time I'm certain the two Japanese guys were deliberately trying to knock me out and hit me hard with every shot. Even when I collided with the other guys who were sparring and tried to move out of the way with my hands down, the Japanese guy just kept pummling me. End of the round and I was glad to change opponents but the other Japanese guy was no better.

I'm not mad at either of them, as Paul says, "If you're going to take a shower you're going to get wet" and clearly I should have been better prepared mentally than I was. But to be honest, after training here for over two months, my muay thai is excellent on the pads and if I ever have to fight a thai pad I'll win no contest, but when it comes to actual fighting I haven't learned a goddamn thing. I feel incredibly disheartened but lucky not to have gotten my nose or jaw broken, some of the shots were honestly that hard. I want to quit right now, pack up, go back to australia and back to my shitty fucking life that I hated. Motivational quotes are great but not when you're just gotten smashed badly. I have absolutely no faith in myself anymore. Fuck everything.



This weekend big weekend for muay thai in Thailand...

CELEBRATION NAIKHANOM TOM DAY ASSOCIATION INSTITUTE OF THAI MARTIAL ARTS & WORLD MUAYTHAI FEDERATION

Wai-Kru Ceremony Muay Boran & Krabi – Krabong Seminar
Nai Khanomtom Pro/Championships Belt

Date: 15th - 17th March 2009

Venue: City of Ayutthaya Stadium, Ayutthaya, Thailand

Programs
Sunday 15th March 2009
07.00 - 16.00 hr. Seminar of Muay Boran Courses & Krabi Krabong
08.00 - 16.00 hr. Competition of Amateur Muay Thai, Muay Thai Boran and Krabi Krabong
17.30 hr. Introduction to all the Grand Masters and Masters all Ranking of Kru. Oats of respect to all teachers. Present Mongkon and blessing to the new comers. The Fighter for Muaythai ready for the start.
19.30 hr. Welcome Party Monday

16th March 2009
07.00 - 16.00 hr. Seminar of Muay Boran & Krabi Krabong Courses
08.00 - 16.00 hr. Competition of Mae Mai Muay Thai, Amateur Muay Thai, Muay Thai Boran and Krabi Krabong (Semi-Finals)
10.00 - 16.00 hr. Local Thai Sports Show…Muay Thai Boran, Muay Tabchak and fighting cock
19.00 - 20.00 hr. Competition of Aerobic Muay Thai

Tuesday 17th March 2009 "WORLD MUAYTHAI DAY (NAI KHANOMTOM DAY)"
07.00 hr. For anyone must go to pay respect and holy
10.00 - 15.00 hr. Ceremony at Nai Khanomtom statue. President arrival at the statue Start of the Holy CeremonyThe final 3 bout of Amateur, Final Muay Boran, demonstration Presentation of Wai Kru, Mae Mai & Amateur Medals And Special Nai Khanomtom Amateur Local Thai Sports Show… Muay Thai Boran, Muay Tabchak and fighting cock (stop giggling)
10.00 - 16.00 hr. Closing Ceremony


For More Information : www.ideabar.com/muaythai

It Doesnt Matter How Many Times You Get Knocked Down, But How Many Times You Get Up

This mornings training -
8km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
1 round heavy bag
3 rounds thai pads
3 rounds heavy bag
3 rounds muay thai sparring with British amatuer muay thai champion

Great session this morning. Running is still killing me, but I finally managed to correct my kicking action on the pads with the trainer. You may think it's easy, but hard when I don't speak much thai, and they don't speak much english.

The sparring was also great fun, but I'm finding I drop my hands when I block a kick, and I got tagged a couple of times in the head for it. I'm surprised that after 2 months training here I still have so much to learn. Takhoon reminded me about the upcoming fight today and sparring made me nervous about that, but I have to keep pushing on.

This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
3 rounds thai pads
1 round focus pads
4 rounds heavy bag
6 rounds technique work

Someone (anon) asked some questions via comment and didn't leave an email address so I'll answer them here. Thanks for the comments about the blog too, I'm really glad you enjoy it.

What prior experience had you had before going to Thailand?
Black belt in Shotokan Karate, learned 2 different styles of kung fu (ging mo kune & shaolin chok ra), but only trained in muay thai about 9 months prior to coming to Thailand.

How can you stay here for 12 months? What visa is that?
Well actually it's easy. I went to the Thai Consulate General in my country and applied for a Non Immigrant O Visa with multiple entries. This allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 12 months, and you can exit and enter Thailand as many times as you like during that 12 months, however you still have to do border runs every 90 days. To apply, I filled out an application form, paid about $200 AUD, gave them a passport photo and a letter of invitation from Sasiprapa gym stating they wanted me to train there for 12 months. There is no trick to getting this visa and it's very easy to get.

Suffer Now & Live The Rest Of Your Life A Champion

This mornings training -
8km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
3 rounds thai pads
4 rounds bag

Two things I am finding difficult at the moment, the first is training in this heat, the second is getting used to running 8kms instead of 6. I went with one of the pad holders who insists all the techniques are executed quickly, and as soon as he said 'fitness' before we started I knew I was in trouble. To be honest I'm surprised I have enough energy left to type this. If I haven't updated my blog by tomorrow, someone please send an ambulance because it means I will have died from exhaustion in my apartment. Khob khun krup (thanks).

This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on heavy bag
3 rounds thai pads
4 rounds heavy bag
50 rounds technique

Ok so I'm lying about the 50 rounds of technique, it was probably closer to 100.

I wanted to avoid getting the same pad holder who tried to kill me this morning so I tried staying at the opposite end of the gym, but of course he knew this and called me over to work with him. He's a great pad holder but he really pushes you the whole time. Great session.. my body hates me.

Lumpinee stadium exterior, pictured below.

If you make an ass out of yourself, there will always be someone to ride you

This mornings training -
8km jog (sigh)
1 round shadow boxing
1 round heavy bag
3 rounds thai pads
3 rounds heavy bag
3 sets shoulder press (max)
3 sets situps (max)

This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round shadow boxing
4 rounds thai pads
5 rounds heavy bag
3 sets shoulder press (max)

A new trainer has been at the gym lately and it's a breath of fresh air. I don't know his name yet, but someone at the gym said he's a former Lumpinee champion who went into boxing later in his career. He's been correcting my technique and I learnt a lot just having him hold pads for me today. He's more into the 'beautiful boxing' than trying to kill you, which I'm sure some of the other trainers are trying to do to me.

16 Hour Bus Rides

This afternoons training -
2km jog
1 round boxing sparring
3 rounds boxing sparring
4 rounds heavy bag
2 x 50 knees on heavy bag
3 sets shoulder press (max)
3 sets situp (max)

I'm really happy with the boxing today, I only got hit in the head a couple of times and a few body shots which I'm not bored about, but jesus Paul can punch hard when he wants to. Today was a bit different in that when I backed off, he kept coming at me so it kept me on my toes.

Today I asked Takhoon about a fight and he said to train hard for one more month then he will arrange it for me..so I'm nervous and excited about that.

I didn't train the last couple of days because I attended my first buddhist wedding, all the way up in Issan... 8 hours away by bus. It was interesting to see the differences between a western and eastern wedding, and I'm ask my friend about some of the things they did and why, and write more about it later.

Photos of Steins (Norway) fight at Lumpinee stadium.

Showing Off is the Fools Idea of Glory

This mornings training -
8km jog
1 round shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
3 rounds thai pads
3 rounds heavy bag
3 rounds technique work
50 knees on heavy bag

My foots starting to blister and my knee hurts so maybe take this afternoon off, not sure yet. Actually I want to sleep but the neighbour has her TV up very loud at the moment.

Thursday and Friday I will travel to Issan (about 8 hours north of BKK by bus) for a friends wedding so no training but I will be back posting about training on Saturday!

This afternoons training -
2km jog
2 rounds shadow boxing
3 rounds thai pads
4 rounds heavy bag
4 rounds grappling

I don't hate Germans. Why do they hate me so much? Today I had to grapple with a big German guy who is at least one foot taller than me. I think this guy was still mad from last time when he grappled Boo (about my size) and Boo dumped him on the canvas every 30 seconds.

Anyway, so much for the saying "family don't hurt family". He was obviously getting pissed off that he wasn't dominating me either so he started throwing knees into my hip which is sporting some nice bruises. I don't care, I mean if you want to train like a dickhead I'll put up with it, but it's funny to see how quickly people lose their cool.

Anyway, wedding tomorrow and Friday but I'll be back on training (and blogging) on Saturday with some new photos.

There Is No Opponent

This mornings training -
8km jog (why???)
2 rounds shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
3 rounds thai pads
5 rounds technique work
4 rounds heavy bag
3 sets shoulder press (max)
Eat/sleep

Considering fighting soon...but then I think about Steins face being split open on Saturday night and that makes me think twice. Difficult decision.. I came to Thailand because I don't just want to win fights, I want to dominate my opponent, and I think fighting here it's difficult to do that. But the itch is definately there..

This afternoons training -
2km jog
2 rounds shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
3 rounds thai pads
4 rounds heavy bag
3 rounds umm...I don't know what to call it. Special twins bag/thing for practicing punches/elbows/knees..learnt a great elbow combination
2 x 50 knees on heavy bag

I'm going to go to sleep dreaming about that elbow combo..

Photo below of some of the Sasiprapa trainers and foreign fighters

A Sword is Useless in The Hands of a Coward

This mornings training -
6km jog, sprinted the last 400m
2 rounds shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
3 rounds thai pads
1 round focus pads, working on getting more power into my cross
4 rounds heavy bag
3 sets shoulder press (max)
3 sets situps (max)

Good training this morning, not many injuries and I almost feel back to my normal energy level. Ireland almost broke Englands nose this morning in sparring (had the red lines going). I hope he never reads this blog. Anyway, just proves how dangerous muay thai is and how hard it is to balance between technique and power.


Photo shows one part of the gym with a crazy German lazing around nearby.
















This afternoons training -
4km jog
1 round boxing shadow boxing
3 rounds boxing sparring
1 round bag
3 rounds thai pads
3 rounds heavy bag
3 sets shoulder press (max)

Have I mentioned I hate boxing sparring? Muay thai is ok but boxing is not good..I hadn't done any prior to moving to Thailand. Despite that, it wasn't bad today. I had to spar Kris from England and he only managed to get some shots on me when we were in close, so I can see the improvement. I'm starting to move my head around a lot more, and I'm more relaxed and confident when sparring too. I still hate it, but at least I'm not getting black eyes anymore (for now).

The young Japanese fighter who is staying a the camp fought yesterday at a new stadium in BKK and won by KO in the second round. Fantastic work.

Hardcore - Fight Night

Saturday mornings training -
6km jog
2 rounds shadow boxing
1 round fast punching on the bag
3 rounds thai pads
4 rounds heavy bag
2 km jog

God only knows why I thought it would be a good idea to run another 2km after training on Saturday.

Anyway, there was no training in the afternoon because my mate from Norway (Stein) was fighting at Lumpinee. He was fighting on the early program, against a 19 year old Italian with twice as much experience as he had. It was a brutal fight, and Stein got hit with Sok Cheng (upward smashing elbow) to his cheek which opened a deep cut that later required 9 stitches to close. It was such a deep gash you could actually see the bone. What a great fight though, it went the full five rounds despite the Italian breaking a bone in his face, and Stein only lost on points. I'll post some photos later because we got some good ones. Good work Stein! I hope your girlfriend wasn't too angry about the stitches...

Also got to meet John Wayne Parr, famous Australian fighter from Boonchu gym that was on the Contender recently. Might do an article on him soon if I can catch up with him again.