Martial Arts, Self-Protection & Personal Development
Competitive Muay Thai is about one thing and one thing only. That is to win the fight! Taking second place to this maxim, is to hit the opponent without being hit yourself. It is as simple as that. However, there are many boxers about (and this I address to their Coaches and Teachers) who hope this will happen…
Some of the most prolific empty hand fighters in the world have come from Thailand. The training methods alone make for a well conditioned and physically fit fighting machine, offensive in approach rather than defensive. The attitude of no surrender in the ring is a legacy from their past. This attitude, having of course been shaped by Thailand’s colourful…
Ritual plays a significant factor in the daily life of every Thai. From the everyday rituals of honouring the house spirits to the more elaborate public displays expressed in the Water Festival ritual is woven into the very fabric of Thai society. Without going into too much detail, I shall attempt to explain the significance…
For some instructors, martial arts are more than just about making money! Although if you looked at some posts you see on Facebook, money seems to be the only motivator. I’m not being critical of that approach, we all need to pay the bills and its right that there should be value placed on your…
One of the most common questions asked by experienced students who have recently qualified as Instructors is: “What would you think if I opened a martial arts club of my own?” My answer is always the same: “Go for it… But make sure you consider all the possibilities.” Deciding to open a new martial arts club is an…
In the last post we left you, the Hero standing at the mouth of the “Innermost Cave” and you were about to enter into the darkness. Into the unknown. It is at this point you will have to decide about how you should make the “Approach” and enter into what we call “The Ordeal”. But…
When it comes to the study of myth one of the most influential books has to be Joseph Campbell’s. “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”. He found that all narratives can be understood in terms of what he calls the “Heroes Journey”. We are all on a journey of sorts and we have a narrative…
Most people are easily intimidated when confronted. When you are faced by a potential threat, your fight-or-flight response kicks in. You effectively lose your shit or lose your shit… If you get my meaning! So you need to sort that shit out! Training to counter your natural responses, your habitual reactions should be done alongside any actual physical training. But…
Muay Thai and Modalities I think its safe to say that we have all had the experience of sitting in a lesson and not being engaged.Looking at the clock and wondering when is this lesson going to end. Time seems to slow down and your energy saps away. The teacher or coach obviously has the knowledge…