Picture: Justin from England getting ready to fight
Unlike Bangkok, one can watch Muay Thai Boxing in Chiang Mai for a modest 400 Baht, ringside that is. Compared to the eye watering 2’000 Baht the promoters demand from tourists in the capital of Thailand it is a bargain and the fights are of similar quality. With the promise of a “farang” (foreigner) fight on Friday night EastEatsWest had to go and watch the gruesome duel. It is not uncommon for foreigners to come and train in Thailand in Muay Thai Camps available throughout the country. Interestingly the Dutch seem to excel in their fighting prowess as the current K1-champion, Sammy Schilt, clearly lays proof. Compared to European fighters, the Thais start learning their skills at a tender age of 14 or younger. These adolescents were also the ones who kicked off the fights that night. Most of the younger fighters were fighting wholeheartedly but lacked the punch of older fighters. Nevertheless, one 15 year old fighter kicked his opponent so furiously on the thigh that the poor guy could not walk anymore for over a hour. Ouch! As the evening wore on, more seasoned fighters, among them soldiers, made their way to the ring for a five round of three minutes each. Most of the fights were mediocre as all fighters, true to Thai tradition, clutched on to their opponents for prolonged period of times and not much kicking or boxing could be witnessed (in Muay Thai elbow and knee-strikes are considered to be the pinnacle). Due to the fighters light weight, tiny build and the extensive clutching Muay Thai sometimes looks dull compared to K1 where much heavier and bigger fighters fight with very little clinging and more KOs can be observed. 
Picture: Justin posing before the fight
After 10pm the climax of the night was about to happen when bald-headed and greased-up Justin from England got ready to fight against a much smaller Thai opponent. Before the fight Justin got oiled up by a Thai in a dimly lit room and got his glove put on (everyone uses the same gear, including genital protection). In the meantime his Thai opponent powdered his face white and started pacing up and down without much warming up. Justin had even enough time to strike a few poses for the numerous foreigners attending the spectacle. Once the bell rang Justin fought bravely but he was also a bit timid and I wondered if that was his first ever fight. He seemed to not really want to hurt his faster but much smaller opponent.True to his style the Thai started off slowly, judging his opponent with probing kicks and blows. As the fight progressed and the traditional Thai music became more feverish the Thai stepped up his fancywork but clearly did not unleash his full power. Justin, due to his lack of decisiveness, never really threatened the Thai fighter but got punished a few times for his delayed reactions. At the end the Thai won and quickly left home after his day’s task was done while Justin seemed happy to have survived. Nevertheless I have to pay my due respect to Justin who stepped up in a ring to fight a Thai in their homeground. And for the many foreign spectators, they also got one of their own to cheer for, so everyone earned something from the whole spectacle. Anyhow, if you have not been kicked in the shin or upper leg and punched once, you cannot appreciate the pain and skill involved in Thai Boxing. And never ever underestimate a tiny Thai fighter, the Thais are ferocious and fearless fighters! 
Picture: They local Thai fighter getting ready to fight
Yes I got my ass kicked that night! It was actually that guys 167th fight and my third, so he was a bit smaller but man those kicks! I couldn't walk for a week! My blocks certainly improved after that, and you will be pleased to know Alexander that I stayed on in Thailand a few more years and had 8 more. There are a few of them on youtube if anyone is interested.
Thanks so much for writing this though Alexander, one of my friends came across it today and sent me the link, I couldn't believe it!
Looking forward to reading more of your blog, Best regards, Justin Hart
Posted by: Justin Hart | June 08, 2011 at 03:53 AM