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Fight Club: Muay Thai Kickbox Circuit
Tuesday 19th March 2013 | Hanan
Having been to a few Muay Thai Championships, winning a fight of my own, and generally speaking often surrounded by many alike myself within Londons Muay Thai Kickboxing circuit, it’s something that I reckon everyone should participate in at least once in their lifetime. I can't pinpoint whether it is the sheer focus you gain that comes forth as part of the package, or the toned arms and abs from the harkening, rough 5 AM training regimes, that I'll be honest, would often regret participating in the minute I was summoned during those early hours. It is definitely something to consider particularly for women as a healthy alternative to yoga or Pilates, which let’s be honest, seems like quite a dull way to tone up in comparison.
The uproar in popular culture for the appreciation of Muay Thai Kickboxing as a sport and art form has defiantly exploded in both celebrity and civilian culture in recent years. Crowds often include stars by the likes of Paul Walker, a self-acclaimed boxer, "I grew up around fighting," says Walker. "My grandfather was a prize-fighter; he actually fought for the Middleweight World Title at Madison Square Garden." Other celebrities who took up the sport are Sarah Michelle Geller, Mathew McConaughey, 50 cent, Angelina Jolie and Gwen Stefani. The Muay art form originated in Thailand, with physical and mental discipline it includes combat on foot, known to many as, "the art of eight weapons" characterised by the combination use of knees, elbows, fists, shins and feet, being associated with a good physical preparation that makes a full-contact fight, which in turn makes for very entertaining viewing. It actually first circulated around the 16th century, but only became popular during the 20th century. The ancient traditions and ceremonial like practices called Wai Kru (respects to the teacher) have remained within the sport during fights. Examples of this are, traditional Thai music uthat unearths once fighters have beguiled the ring. As well as ancient laws implementing that fighters are encouraged to bow towards the teacher in respect for country, religion and King (Ramma) before a fight for luck.
I recently went down to Scala to watch the Muay Thai championships with a few friends, it was a pretty perfect setting, it could have been the combination of dramatic backing soundtracks the fighters used to make quite the entrance. From Kanye to Chris Breezy to the even more infamous Harlem Shake theme tune fuelling both dominant Alpha male and female rivalry. The fights consist of 5 rounds depending on: the level, weight category and belt of the fighter and the class of the fight. For instance a C-class fight would mean 5 three-minute rounds which means punches, kicks, knees and elbows to the head. Many of the more sought after-fights are fought without shin pads, or head guards, as fighters are stripped down to the bare minimum which to me means stripped of civilisation to animalistic instinct. For all the hot-blooded males across the country, uproar of gifted female fighters has surged to the surface, thus pretty much a fine selection for all. Many upcoming fighters are competing at Scala. Some have specialized in Muay Thai for 10 years and train at the humble but incredibly fierce upcoming company Team Tieu, a band of brothers originating from Thailand (the real McCoy) having displayed phenomenal skills that often take years to master. Teaching: discipline, durability, technique and engaging core inner strength all at such a young age. The extent to which this sport focuses on enhancing personal life skills is increasingly apparent; they are defiantly a company to keep an eye on. The next major championship will be taking place: Saturday March 31st, at the o2 Arena with fighters including the fierce Sam Wilson from Team Tieu. For new fighters alike Ruqsana Begum, this will be a possible break as she is set to compete in one of the biggest crowds in her Kickboxing career which means heavy showcasing for us to see, heavily anticipated, this will undoubtedly offer the crème de la crème of the Muai Thai Kickboxing world something I recommend all should be a part of.
Hanan Abdel- Khalek
