Determination

Here's a classic fight you may not have seen. Sakmongkol, a fighter known for having shoulder problems, takes on Perry Ubeda of Holland. The fight is well known because at 5:33 (near the end of round 2), Sak's shoulder pops out.

Sak continues to experience problems with it as he takes an 8 count in round 3. The unexpected happens at Sak pushes and brings the fight to an end at 14:27. He kicks Ubeda's arm until Ubeda gives up. I'm not sure he broke Ubeda's arm, but I can only imagine...

The reason I remembered this fight was because yesterday we were talking about how Badmon's shoulder popped out in his last fight, then popped back in, and he pushed through to take the win.

The pain of a dislocated shoulder is incredible (well, of course it is...but I think it's easy for someone to underestimate an injury they've never had).

Watching Sakmongkol's fight is somewhat of a harsh reminder of what it takes to fight at the highest levels of Muay Thai. It has been said many times: it takes not only physical strength but a powerful mental game to push through something like that. Being determined is to determine.

It makes all the little battles we take on every day seem a little more manageable.

Here's the full fight. It's got a lot of action that only escalates as it goes on, so enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqhH9o9jjpY

What You "Do"

Whenever I talk to anyone outside of the gym who sees our logo on a t shirt or the website, I get the question: "Shouldn't it be belief, and not believe?"

They are of course referring to our school's philosophy: Love, Respect and Believe.
To them, it's as simple as saying we've made a grammatical error. Naturally, they think we should stand for Love, Respect and Belief.

What they, and more importantly we, must understand is that we aren't using Belief because it is a noun. We use Believe because it is a verb.

Here's a video to help explain why:



Simon Sinek uses sentences (ie do the right thing), but our philosophy works as verbs as well. You can't "do" belief, but you can certainly believe.

Think about this when you start considering your own values and how you articulate the things you stand for.

It seems like semantics...and you have to wonder if Ajahn Suchart had that figured out when he came up with it. BUT, I think he took a very pure idea, and kept it as pure as possible: three simple words...that are all verbs. 

The Spectrum

Think of your performance like a mountain. Your highest moment is a peak in the middle.

If you are on one end of the spectrum, your instructor will probably tell you to shift to the other side as much as possible in order to get you to the middle.

This is why one student who has a lot of muscle and energy will be told to relax and be smoother, and another student with great fluidity will be told to hit harder and with more intent.

This is also true for the fighter who becomes too hyped up for a fight so that they freeze or tire out, and the fighter who lacks the adrenaline and intensity to perform well.



One way to keep yourself in the middle of the spectrum, or "stay centered", is to breathe. It seems obvious, but it isn't. Listen to Thai fighters hit pads on youtube; listen to your senior fighters and instructors.

They ALWAYS exhale deeply during exercise or striking. They have their own personal noise. That "ISHH", or growl, or yelp isn't necessarily one of anger or pain. It's a release of energy and effort. It keeps your brain alive, but also ensures that at the very least, your body and mind are in sync. This balances intensity with fluidity. If you aren't making noise, chances are you aren't breathing [enough], or you're breathing too late. Your body and mind are therefore not synced, and so your technique will be lacking.

If your body and mind aren't synced, how can your technique keep from being disjointed?

Everything else follows.

The challenge then, is to continually search for that balance, and trust that your instructors have the knowledge to help you find it.

Technique. Power. Speed.

Work all three... but prioritize the first before the second, and the second before the third.

....and breathe.

Saenchai and Saiyoknoi Demo at Bangla (video)

on pads: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge_i-FERuto&feature=related

Vs each other: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do1UwSkHgI8&feature=feedf

This kind of thing usually doesn't interest me at all. Tiger Muay Thai or Bangla stadium in Phuket are known for bringing big name fighters to do demonstration pads and fights at the local stadium. I like watching fighters spar and hit pads to appreciate their technical abilities, but its not something I tend to gloss over like a real fight.

Anyways, I thought I'd post it anyway, since these are two of the most prominent names in Muay Thai. Saenchai regularly fights at 130-135, while Saiyoknoi comes in at a much heavier 150.

You'll notice they are in shin guards...I think this has more to do with Saenchai's recent injury than it being a demo fight

Stephen Sondheim Interview

CBC Radio's Jian Gomeshi interviews Stephen Sondheim about his new book. Some interesting things come up like relevancy of teachers (28 minutes in), Idols and perfection (29:45 minutes in). February 21st edition.

http://www.cbc.ca/q/episodes/

Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee vs Giorgio Petrosyan (video)

If you don't know who either of these guys are, youtube will be one of your best friends. They are both easily among the top strikers in the world at their weight.

The fight between K-1 Max 2010-11 champion Giorgio Petrosyan and the infamous Sudsakorn (seriously, look what he wears into the ring). This was a pretty interesting match on paper that didn't disappoint. Unfortunately, it's not under full MT rules (elbows banned and clinching is limited but not illegal). However, both fighters put on a good show and prove why they are at the top of their weight class.

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoS7IZqguzU

Training on Family Day

I got some work done today...so chances are I can spare some time to come into the gym tmrw! No classes, but feel free to work out, or we can do some training together...you guys are my team after all!

Coming in at 430pm for about 2 hours!

Fights in Rochester NY Cancelled this Weekend

Unfortunately, once we were about 20 mins from the venue, we received notification that the entire Border Brawl 3 fight card in Rochester was cancelled. Our fighters Patrick, Durst and Zhang did not get to compete last night.

You can find the details that we were given here:
http://www.rochestermma.com/

Needless to say, the fighters were not happy, but they stayed the night with some of the team to make the best of the trip anyway.

Thank you to everyone who supported the team and helped out with the training.

This Weekend!

Lots going on!

Saturday:
The team goes to Rochester NY for some Muay Thai fights...Durst, Patrick and Zhangalangadingdong will be representing us in the evening's bouts.

As such- Fighter's class is CANCELLED on Saturday. Kids and mixed classes are still on.



Sunday:
Yoga will STILL be happening
but sparring is CANCELLED as most of the team will still be in NY.

Monday:
We are closed for Family Day...however, if I'm in to train I will try to let everyone know, and you can come work in with me :)...you just have to go home when I go home haha

AAAAAND the Hoodie sale is still on...TUESDAY is the last day you can get them discounted!!

Some Healthier Choices

Click!

Q and A with Kru Jen (video)

YMT Hoodies on Sale!!!

York Muay Thai HOODIES on SALE from NOW to Feb 20th. Take advantage of the savings!! $10 off regular price!!!

Behold, our unsuspecting hoodie models :)

Believe

It may be hard to hear, but it's an interesting message. Give it a listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD1512_XJEw

Jomthong Chuwattana vs Tukkatatong Phetpayatai (video)

A good technical Muay Thai fight from the famous Rajadamnern Stadium. You'll notice the Thai fighters tend to clinch up in the later rounds these days...You can really see how they are able to be dangerous at all ranges, as they manage to sneak in elbows and knees

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9TSsehXj70&feature=feedf

My Lifestyle, Your Lifestyle?

"I'm training all the time. I consider myself a martial artist because I'm not training because of a fight coming up, but because its my lifestyle...
I'm not always training as hard as when I'm getting ready for a fight, but I always train and try to get better.
My mentality is when I go to bed at night I know I'll be a better martial artist when I wake up."
- Georges St Pierre at the UFC 129 Press Conference in Toronto

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUp-7vMTd7k&t=5m49s

You don't need to be a fighter to understand this. The key word in the whole thing is "lifestyle". 90% of the people you train with will never be a champion or get in the ring, but 100% of the people have the opportunity to grow. That opportunity only gets stuffed when the training isn't happening.

Important Class Announcements!

Sawadeekhap everyone, just a reminder of the following class cancellations for THIS weekend ONLY!

1. Fighters class at 130 on Sat is cancelled this week
2. Sparring is cancelled on Sunday this week

YOGA IS STILL HAPPENING!

Enjoy your week! :)

Welcome to York Muay Thai: video

Hey everyone, check out this video for a sample of what goes on at York Muay Thai! If you know anyone interested in trying MT out, this is our little welcome video :)

Shout outs to Durst for creating it for us!

Kem Sitsongpeenong Vs Diesellek Kings Boxing (video)

This is a WMC and Thailand national championship fight that happened a few years ago.

Both are top super welterweights

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd0aCPwPkkA

Student of the Month (January 2011): Patrick Wallace

Sawadeekha,

Check out January's Student of the Month!

Patrick Wallace!
Wish him luck on February 19th as he takes on Rochester New York in his next fight!

Way to go Patrick! Keep up the great work!