Respect the 1 - 2: Chokpreecha Kor Sagunchua vs Mondam Sor Werapon (video)

This fight is an absolute war with both sides stringing together some non stop offense.

At the end of the day, basic technique was the deciding factor. Even the best fighters get caught with their hands down. Take that into consideration when you train, but more importantly, enjoy the fight:

Joseph Valtellini vs. Murat Direkci- GLORY/kickboxing rules (video)

Here is a fight from GLORY world serie- probably the top kickboxing promotion in the world right now. Bear in mind that this is NOT Muay Thai. There are no elbows, clinch, and the pro rules are only 3 rounds (pro MT is 5 rounds). You also cannot knee more than once in a row after grabbing an opponent.

What this means is that the pace of the fights are much faster (less rounds, mostly punches and kicks forcing you to stay at a certain range for most of the fight), and the scoring is a little different.

That being said, Glory is incredibly entertaining, and can be a great side dish for those who watch full rules Muay Thai. It's important to see how the game changes when the weapons and range is limited. A lot great Muay Thai fighters also compete in Glory on the side as well, so you get to see how they adjust.

Joe Valtellini is one of these Muay Thai fighters. He comes from Toronto's Ultimate Martial Arts.

Anniversary Party Line Up Shaping up for next Saturday (May 4)

In addition to our contests and exhibition matches, we have a great night planned for you on May 4th!

Take a look, and please read carefully as some vendors will only accept cash!!

YMT's party will have SaalinBMJ, up and coming rapper from our very own Toronto, as our emcee!
Check out his music here:
http://www.reverbnation.com/staalinbmj

Beatdown Sports will be selling Muay Thai gear and accessories at a discounted price!!! Cash only please! Come get some cool new shorts and more!

Need a good quality Mouthguard?

You can get that here too! Smartguards Mouthguards will have a table where you can get your mouthguard fitted ON THE SPOT, choose the design! Easy! They accept cash cheque, Visa, AMEX and debit.

Organo Gold coffee by Steph Palma will also be in the house, which will go great with the food prepared by our own Karen and Kru Kosta.

Win 2 Free tickets to our Anniversary Party on May 4th!

Have you been on our Anniversary Party event on Facebook lately? 

Get over there now and see if you can answer a question in order to win 2 free tickets to the show!

Don't forget to come over to YMT on Saturday May 4th, 2013 to celebrate our 3rd year!

Live exhibitions of MT, food, a "Muay Thai cash bar" (grab some gear for discount prices), contests (how many push ups can you do for the prize?)....it's going to be a great night.

Thai Fight April 19th Fight videos

Peemai Jitmuangnon vs Yacine Darkrim:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-puE6PxI_8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mZeyPQhS0k

Yodsanklai Fairtex vs Naimjon Tuhtobaev:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLXYLt4XROk 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xySwCJlyvH0

Fahmongkol Sor.Jor.Danrayong vs Iquezang Kor.Rungthanakeat 67Kg. 19 Apr 2013:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFGcAsp2EyA

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

Sudsakorn Sor.Klinmee vs Ong Piarak:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPOop4CmtFU

Payakdum Mor.Puvana vs Behzad Rafigh Doust:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MttzUgVU67g

Offense/Defense...timing. Yin and Yang.

When we begin learning techniques, we tend to think of them as offensive or defensive, in strict categories. Strikes are offensive, blocks are defensive, this movement is this or that.

However, martial arts in motion is more complex than a strict offensive/defensive dichotomy. There is no single "ball" or "puck" in possession.

Offense and defense are two sides of the same coin. With patience and timing, any movement can become more versatile than we initially believe.

A timed high kick allows Buakaw to avoid this punch, and strike his opponent at the same time 

The way we look at conflict and problem solving gets deeper all of the sudden.

Sometimes it pays off to be single minded and just offensive, and sometimes it pays off to be just defensive. But at any moment, there is an opportunity to use both in a much more potent way.

 And now, a video of the master of timing:

Tham SitYodtong vs Angelo Campoli (video)

A fight from the Yokkao boxing event in Italy. Enjoy!

Watch for some subtle footwork in there....

Kongsak Sitboonmee vs Nong - O Gaiyanghadao (video)

 Here's a pretty competitive fight from Lumpinee. Kongsak is among the southpaw elite with a wicked left kick. It's no secret that left handed fighters throw their strongest shots from the left, and in Muay Thai, the left swing kick is one of those weapons that can be a game breaker. You'll notice that the shots from the left side line up perfectly against an orthodox opponent's body positioning.

Nong O is an accomplished fighter himself, though. At this level of competition, the southpaw opponent doesn't rattle him.

Songkran is upon us! Sawadee Pii Mai!!

Songkran (Thai new year) is upon us!

Sawadee Pii Mai!! (Happy New Year)

Info here: http://songkran2013.com/category/what-is-songkran-festival/ 

In Thailand, the water festival gets pretty wet, with people super soaking each other in the streets.

Last year, we celebrated by hosting an out door class that involved some water balloon tag relay racing. Yes, you read that right. Since our Canadian weather has decided to grace us with snow, we won't be doing any of that this year.

Instead, enjoy this photo collage of last year's fun from Stef Bernaudo:

and a video of course:



In addition, our family at Siam no 1 will be hosting an event with food and exhibitions for Songkran:
http://www.facebook.com/events/627749103909304/

 

and last but not least (!):  Our friend G from Hamilton Muay Thai, who's been beasting it out in our classes is going to be participating in an exhibition at TKMT as well!

Pornsanae Sitmonchai vs Palangtip Nor Sripung (videos)

This one has been passed around on facebook quite a bit. Pornsanae is known for being a banger...he comes out hard and fast with flurries of punches and low kicks. It's interesting to see Palangtip try to deal with and neutralize him.

Inspiration: Muay Thai fighter Laurie Cahill not slowing down

Photo by William Mason Photography

"Usually when someone describes their 32-year history in the martial arts, it is because they are retiring. Such is not the case with Laurie Cahill, who is just coming off of a big win from her fight with Friday Night Fights Muay Thai in NYC.
Laurie is fifty-two.

Did you hear me? FIFTY-TWO! Her peers are grandparents! Shopping for hip replacements! Sneaking senior discounts at McDonalds! Complaining about children on their lawns! And Laurie is punching people in the face in public for fun."


Read the entire article here:  http://hackenblog.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/muay-thai-fighter-laurie-cahill-not-slowing-down/

Ole Kiatoneway vs Matee Jedeepitak (video)

Kru Jen mentioned this fight a while ago in class. The footwork of Ole vs the power of Matee. Enjoy!

2013 T SHIRT Pre orders! Get yours now!

YMT, You asked for T-Shirts and Tank Tops!!
Here is your pre-order:
$20 to pre-order $25 after deadline.
 
To pre order please email info@yorkmuaythai.com with your sizes and colour selections.

Signs ups and Volunteers!

Hi everyone. There are a lot of things going on at the gym that will requiere sign ups. See what you're interested in, then sign up at the front of the gym.

1. Jungle Training:
Strength and Conditioning with Ken Sylvan coming to YMT every Sunday. Expect to train and do things most people won't do.  Pushing up your lactate levels will burn, but you will like what you see in the end.



2. York University flyer blitz:

Kru Jen is looking for a team of about 12-15 people to help me flyer blast York University once per week for the month of April. Please contact her ASAP if you are interested in helping. 

3. Volunteers for YMT's 3 year Anniversary Party!

Help needed for our big event on May 4th! Set up, handling food, clean up etc...Find the sign up sheet at the front of the gym on the cork board!