To Bangkok, then home!

Three months. Eighty-nine nights. Two muay thai gyms with over 400km between them. Countless rounds of hitting the pads and bags, shadow boxing, sparring, clinching. Litre upon litre of sweat. Sleepless nights and days which consisted of nothing but training, eating and sleeping. My first win in the ring. Friendships made with people across the globe.
It's been one hell of an adventure. And now it is over.

The End is Near: Final week in Thailand 2015

As I mentioned in my previous post with the end of my 3 month Thailand adventure drawing close, and no fight on the horizon due to a couple of nagging injuries, I'd decided to relax a little and enjoy my last couple weeks in Hua Hin. I've still been training, but mostly only in the afternoon to allow myself the time and energy to do other things.

Two Weeks left in Thailand

It doesn't seem all that long ago I was making my way to Manchester airport, ready to begin my 3 month Thailand adventure. Three months seemed like such a long time, and during my initial stay on Koh Phangan I quickly got used to the lifestyle, almost feeling like it would never end. But all good things must come to an end, or so the saying goes, and I now have less than 2 weeks left before I return to the UK and 'reality'. As much as I am missing my family, friends and my gym (Shor Chana muay thai), I really wish I could stay longer but I don't have the money available to do so. I will absolutely be returning to Thailand, however, at the soonest opportunity.

An Average Day at Sitjaopho Muay Thai Gym

6am- the alarm clock on my phone goes off. I hit snooze and plant my face in my pillow, already wishing I'd been able to get to sleep earlier the night before

6.05am- the damn alarm goes off again. I wonder why the hell I'm doing this, and run through a list of exuses as to why I should skip training and just stay in bed

Stage 2: Sitjaopho Muay Thai, Hua Hin

The next stage of my Thailand muay thai adventure is set in Hua Hin, a coastal town a few hours drive from Bangkok. I am living and training at Sitjaopho gym, about 15 minutes drive from the town. The gym is run by Phet-tho and Petch-eak, brothers and former champions renowned for their beautiful muay thai style. Petch-eak is currently away from the gym, recovering from surgery on his leg, leaving Phet-tho (also known as Eff) to run the place along with a handful of trainers.

Halfway Point- Highs and Lows

I did it. I won my fight. The main reason for me coming to Thailand was to train and fight, to become a better, stronger fighter. After losing my first three fights (one in Phuket, the others back in England), I had finally got that first win. To top it off, it was a great fight against a skilled and experienced Thai, which ended via TKO in the 4th round due to leg kicks. 

In the corner at my fight at Haad Rin Arena

But what now?

Fight Night

I was sat on a plastic chair, facing backwards with my arms rested on the back of the chair. In front of me, Nop was busy wrapping my hands in the layers of tape and bandage that would allow me to punch without fear of breaking my hand. Behind me, the first fight is underway between two young girls, the traditional Thai music that accompanies every bout contending with the shouts of the crowd. Soon it would be my turn. I was set to be the 5th fight of the night, so I had a bit of time to relax barring several first round knockouts.

It's fight night in Haad Rin arena, and I'm about to have my 4th muay thai fight.