Thai boxing…a female perspective
I wanted to give a little description of my first Muay Thai (Thai boxing) match. Scott and I were walking down the streets of Patong, in awe of all the loud music and neon lights, when we became surrounded by men in green vests promoting the big bout. I must admit I’m usually a little squeamish about boxing but somehow these persuasive gentlemen made it sound like the fight of a lifetime. I secretly wanted to spend the evening watching some Thai Dance, but before I knew it we had purchased tickets to the match for about 500B/$12 US. A few hours later we were in a cab speeding down a dark alley to the arena. I was starting to get a little nervous after I read a brief description in our guide book. The five, three-minute rounds, consist of opponents kicking each other in the head, neck, and any other body part they can reach, apparently, high kicks to the face, knees to the ribs, and elbow thrust are especially encouraged and they consider punching as a weaker blow. I was a little on edge as we entered the testosterone filled stadium. Much to my surprise there was a orchestra of men in the corner blowing on all kinds of instruments I’ve never seen. The music was a little erratic but the boxers seemed to enjoy the rhythm as they bowed to the audience and performed a little jig?
We were approached by a waiter who offered us some refreshments and an evening meal of fish balls and rice. We passed on the fish balls, decided on a drink, and settled in to watch the match. Sure enough they came out kicking! It really looked quite painful as they delivered multiple kicks and punches to the face. I must admit, they were very skillful and even a little graceful as they delivered the blows. At the end of each round the trainers physically picked them up and sat them in steal trays filled with ice. I noticed multiple reddish/purplish hematomas developing on their legs and they certainly looked exhausted. At the end of the round the judges declared a winner whom took home 2000B about $50US. Seemed like a lot of work and physical abuse for that much money? Surprisingly, I actually had a good time and would recommend the experience, at least once, to anyone visiting Thailand.
Tags: Thailand
Weiser Wander
Taking advantage of impromptu opportunities to observe/participate in social and cultural activities of locals is the best part of foreign travel. It teaches travelers there are many ways to live one’s life other than how we do it here in North America. Terra’s kick boxing tale reminded me of wandering with a friend by a crowd of men gathered outside a large thatched structure in the boondocks of Equador. One of them ushered us inside to a front row bench in this cock fighting arena. Over the next hour we were spellbound by the proud dueling roosters, the frenzied boisterous gambling, the mouth to mouth resuscitation of fallen warriors by their owners. We left blood splattered but with vivid memories that remain after thirty years.
What Wayne said. 🙂
I think it’s awesome. You are going to come away from this trip with such perspective. And it will last forever. What a wonderful gift to give yourselves.
I have missed you guys!! You both look wonderful and seem to be having a great time. I will keep checking back to see how things are going….until then I hope that you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
!!!!!!!TANYA!!!!
SO GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!! PLEASE SEND ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN WRITE YOU BACK. FOR SOME REASON YOUR ADDRESS DIDN’T TRANSFER OVER THE BLOG. CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN SOON. T
Hey, kiddo any desire to heal the wounded? After your experiences with the hockey guys that should have been a cinch. Lots of folks following you after the local paper came out. We’ve had many people stop us and comment on how great it is you all did it. I even think there may be a little envy in some of the eyes. Keep safe and stay away from the “birds”. (Sounds like a mother doesn’t it?) Merry Christmas since you’ll get there before we do. Love Ya both.
Merry Christmas!!! 🙂