Learning Thai Through Muay Thai (Video)

Today is the first day I've posted so many times in order to procrastinate...but it's all worth it.

Interested in Learning Thai or going to Thailand?



This is just part 1, be sure to watch the other parts on youtube if you want more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzl5rnIEiSU&feature=channel_page

"Linguist and author, Antonio Graceffo, in cooperation with David Long, head of the Thai program at AUA Ratchadamri, Bangkok, are working together to find a way to transport the ALG (Automatic Language Growth) learning method from the classroom to living rooms and offices around the world. Experiential learning is by far the most powerful and provides the most remembered lessons. This video is the first in a series of experiential language learning videos. The idea is to provide the students with an immediate context and cultural reference for the language they are hearing. Since about 70 to 80% of communication in your native tongue is non-linguistic, then why shouldnt we use the same non-linguistic clues to interpret and eventually learn a foreign language?"

"Chaos Madmax" (video)

This was actually posted on Mymuaythai.com, but it was so interesting that I had to share it. Chaos Madmax is essentially a Japanese "anything goes standing up" fight event. Fighters only have tape on their fists, and are allowed to kick, punch, elbow, knee and head butt.



If you are pressed for time, skip to part 2 of this series and watch 2 old retired Muay Thai fighters tear it up in the ring with these young Japanese fighters. This is worth the watch.

The series is hosted by Robert Clyne, who has a whole bunch of great videos on Martial arts and Muay Thai (I posted one by him already: "Illusions").

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-juRPykpko&feature=player_embedded

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPiJvEZryO0&feature=player_embedded

It will be worth asking yourself, from these clips, what makes the Thai fighters most different from their opponents (stylistically? technically?). Although these clips only offer us a small look at the fights, the answer is actually quite simple. Don't over think it too much. Remember: quality over quantity...

Clifton Brown to Defend WMC title in Stockholm, November 20th

More info here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43002667164

and here: http://www.k-1.se/

From what I understand, Rickard is the former IFMA Muaytha World Champion and K-1 Scandinavia 2004 & 2006 Finalist.

YUMT wishes Kru Clifton the best of luck!

Clifton Brown highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0XJ5BNHTSQ

Rickard Norstrand highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx7P5Rifsac

K-1 World MAX 2009 Final Approaches

Some of you have heard of K-1 MAX (anyone who googled the name "Buakaw" lol), but probably don't really know what it is. I will try to be as brief as possible in explaining it, and why this year will be interesting for us Muay Thai fans.

K-1 World MAX is a huge tournament in Japan for the 70kg weight class. They invite fighters from all over the world for a very fancily put together tournament. Seriously, the stadium and event is epic...youtube it.


yes, this is what the entrance looks like for fighters. ridonculous

The rules are simple: punches, kicks, and knees. They do not allow clinching, or elbows. They do not score throwing in the clinch. They also count kicks to the arms as "blocked" (in Muay Thai, the arms are considered a legitimate target for kicks).

In short, it is kick boxing and NOT Muay Thai. The rules and scoring are definitely restricting for a full Muay Thai rules fighter. Keep in mind how different the two are.

However, you'll find that some really amazing MT fighters compete in this tournament (the payday is probably the highest you can get in fighting).

Buakao Por Pramuk made his name known to the world in this Tournament. This year, he and fellow Nak Muay, Giorgio Petrosyan, will be competing in it. Buakao and Giorgio are two very talented MT fighters who have fought to a draw before under full MT rules. This year they are 2 of 4 fighters competing in the final for K-1 World MAX 2009 title.



Youtube both of their K-1 fights. You will notice that it can be awkward for both of them with some of the restrictions. Either way, I'm rooting for 1 of these guys to bring home the belt.

Keep an eye out on October 26th!

Nak Muay Magazine

Kru J asked me to pass this along to all of you:

http://www.burythaiboxing.com/nakmuaymag/issue3_nak_muay.pdf



It's a Muay Thai magazine with some great articles. I recommend reading all of them, but I know you're not going to want to do that unless you're bored.

The ones of particular interest are:

- the running article: especially for you new guys who want to pick up the running before class

- the Ram Muay Wai Kru article: for an introduction to what our sport's cultural traditions are about.

- the Science of Muay Thai article: for some in depth understanding behind the mechanics of this very precise and technical sport.

If You Ordered Handwraps Last Class

Anyone who was given the BLUE coloured wraps on Tuesday by Kru accidentally
got the kids sized wraps. That is why they are short and don't fit well.

Please bring them back to me on Saturday and I will trade them for longer
ones.

This was an error by the supplier. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Kru

Fight Video: Buakao vs Marco Pique

Yes! it's another Buakao fight. If you can't tell by now, I am a huge fan of his. He doesn't have many full Muaythai rules fights available online (most of his online library consists of K-1), but his Thai style battles are usually very technical and full of great exchanges.

Here he fights Marco Pique (who is confirmed to be on the Contender Asia 2), at a past Slamm! event.

Watch: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x16wim_buakaw-vs-marco-pique_sport