In Thailand it is very easy to be seduced by the apparent freedom here. Falling into this trap has smashed the dreams of many aspirant young fighters. It's hard to resist but to do so is the only path to success. -Lynne Miller Sumalee Boxing Gym owner and Managing Director Dr. Lynne Miller is one of a small number of foreigners who have been able to build a successful Muay Thai gym in Thailand amongst thousands of Thai gyms. She has been able to accomplish this feat within three years. Based out of Phuket, Lynne took time out of her schedule to give us an in-depth look into Muay Thai in Phuket; being a business owner in Thailand; and details on how … [Read more...]
Capturing The Root And Soul Of Muay Thai With Jacob Klensin
I realized that I was seeing things that should be shared, and when I found myself learning how to do that properly, and feeling like I was good at it, I never stopped. -Jacob Klensin Through his detailed and emotive work, Jacob Klensin allows us all a deeper peak into the world of Muay Thai and MMA. The photographer, filmmaker and writer took time out of his busy schedule in Philadelphia to let us in on his work and his world. You're a photographer, a filmmaker and a writer...what drives you? I studied history in college and was always fascinated by the creation of the material that will one day define how the future remembers the … [Read more...]
The Perils Of Dating Your Trainer: Is He Cheating?
PART 7 Note: This is a work of fiction based on the author's experiences training muay thai in Thailand. FEBRUARY Phuket, Thailand I don't hear from Gong until the next morning. He calls right after morning training. "Called you last night," I say. "Why didn't you answer?" "I was already asleep. You train this morning?" "Yeah, it was good. They all know you here." Morning training had been productive, a focus on clinching. The trainers at this Phuket gym talk to me between rounds. A couple of them flirt halfheartedly, mostly harmless. I smile without engagement. The ones who know Gong … [Read more...]
The Perils Of Dating Your Trainer: Everyone Lies And Everyone Cheats
PART 6 Note: This is a work of fiction based on the author's experiences training muay thai in Thailand. FEBRUARY Phuket, Thailand Hollie parks her motorbike outside the restaurant and I jump off the back, relieved I'm still alive. Even with my responsible friend driving, and even being allowed to wear her helmet, I still hate riding on motorbikes. "You just have to use motorbikes if you want to get around in Phuket," she said. "There isn't a good public transportation system. Taxis are expensive. They're run by the mafia." A couple cars cut us off on our way to the restaurant. I suppressed a gasp as Hollie swerved to avoid … [Read more...]