Nak Muay Magazine

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PREMIERE EDITION

Muay Thais legendary kicker Apidej Sit Hirun Gladiator (Siam Style) Iman Barlow: S1 World Champion Age 14 !

Nak Muay Jeckll & Hyde

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Contributors this Issue

Don Heatrick is the Editor of Nak Muay Magazine, and an International Amateur Muay Thai fighter (Team England). He has written numerous articles for Combat, Traditional Karate, Taekwondo & Korean Martial Arts and Fighters magazines, and teaches and coaches fighters at Phraya Pichai Muay ThaiBury St Edmunds Camp.

Nak Muay Magazine

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Nak Muay Magazine is published Quarterly by Martial Concept. January April July
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Mark Hampton is the Head trainer of VUW Kickboxing based in Wellington, New Zealand. Mark has been involved with VUW Kickboxing since 1992 and has helped produce many champions. >> Website: VUW Kickboxing

October

Editor Don Heatrick

Get Your Work Published

If youd like to have your work published, send your text, along with some good quality digital images to our email address: >> [email protected] Please ensure your email, including attachments, is no larger than 10MB. You may need to send several smaller emails if images are numerous and/or large.

Nopadon Wongpakdee is an American born Thai who started studying Okinawan Shorinji Ryu at the age of ten or eleven. After spending a summer with relatives in Bangkok, he was exposed to Muay Thai for the first time at Lumpini Stadium. That was it, hes never looked back. I dont train because Im a professional, or an amateur or any good for that matter. I train because I love Muay Thai. >> Website: My Muay Thai

Disclaimer
Nak Muay Magazine is published Martial Concept, 37 Bury Park Drive, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 2DA, UK. The Publishers reserve the right to reject editorial or advertising material as they see fit. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the return of unsolicted material. Any material accepted by the Publishers may revised and altered should the Publishers deem it necessary to do so. The act of submitting material shall be considered an express warranty that such material is original and infringes in no way upon the rights of others. It is expressly forbidden for any part of this magazine to be reported whatsoever without the express permission of the Editor/ Publishers. The views or comments expressed in these pages are not necessarily those of the Editor or Publisher. Copyright Martial Concept 2008

Nathan Kitchen is the founder of Touchgloves Camp based in Cornwall, UK. He is the trainer husband of Julie Kitchen, World No 1 under Thai boxing rules, and trainer to numerous other champions. >> Website: Touchgloves

Nak Muay Magazine is FREE in electronic (PDF) form and may not be sold.

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EDITORIAL
Firstly, Sawadee pee mai khap or happy New Year! Welcome to the first addition of Nak Muay Magazine. I hope that you will enjoy this free magazine, which brings you the latest in Muay Thai. Unfortunately, traditional Muay Thai coverage seems to suffering in these times of growing MMA popularity. So I've decided, with your help, to try and produce a magazine which fills a need amongst those, like me, who are enthusiastic about Muay Thai. Each issue can be downloaded (PDF) for free from the Martial Concept website. Please feel free to distribute, print out and share copies around as you wish. An advantage of the PDF format is that we can embed 'hyperlinks' to web sites and references in each issue that may be of interest to you readers. If youd like to regularly be emailed with a link to download the latest edition of Nak Muay Magazine, then please send an email to >> [email protected] Your email address will be privately stored and not passed on to anyone else, and youll only ever be sent a link to the magazine download page. To begin with, Nak Muay Magazine will be published quarterly, to allow me to collate sufficient content together for each issue. Once the response from contributors is adequate, I'll look to move to bi-monthly publication. Sincerest thanks to those that have contributed to this first edition of Nak Muay Magazine, getting things off the ground. I've myself written many articles for Combat, Traditional Karate, Taekwondo & Korean Martial Arts and Fighters Magazines, and appreciate the work that goes into every article submission. Each issue of Nak Muay Magazine will fully accredit and profile the authors that contribute to each edition, and a 'Contributors' web page will allow you to browse and find out more about those who are helping out in such a valuable way. Please keep your articles coming! Also, please let me know about all your Muay Thai events, seminars, interclubs, amateur shows, pro shows, results and Thailand training trips etc. Send in your readers letters (emails) to >> [email protected]. Without your input this magazine really won't go anywhere! Best regards, Don Heatrick
You can email Don directly at:

CONTENTS
2 >> Nak Muay Magazine News 5 >> Nak Muay; Jeckll and Hyde 6 >> Muay Thais legendary kicker Apidej Sit Hirun 8 >> 10 ways to lose weight before a fight... 9 >> Gladiator (Siam Style) 11 >> Iman Barlow, S1 World Champion... aged 14! 16 >> Hands up, who remembers Tong Po? 18 >> Beyond the fog and the distant sound of banjos strumming...

Magazine Hyper Links

Throughout Nak Muay magazine youll find hyper links to other pages within the magazine (such as the Contents listing above), and to web pages and email addresses on the internet. Text hyper links are always preceeded with a >> symbol. Some images may also contain hyper links. These are evident if the mouse over cursor turns to a pointing finger.

>> editor@martialconcept

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Nak Muay Magazine NEWS

Beautiful Boxer, Nong Toom, Defeated in Holland
Nong Toom, Parinya Kiartbussaba, the publicised transsexual boxer from Thailand, took on Dutch 19year-old female boxer Jorina Baars in Arnhem, Amsterdam, Holland on 14 October 2007. Barrs proved to be too big and powerful for the lady-boy nak muay over the three-round bout. Nong Toom fully guarded her face throughout the fight, moving to the outside to avoid direct attack, but still managed to collect punches to the face from her aggressive Dutch opponent. Baars larger size and continuous and varied attacks prevented Nong Toom from mounting a substantial attack of her own, remaining defensive for the majority of the contest. Baars was announced the winner and Nong Toom congratulated her opponent on her victory After the event, Nong Toom spoke to the press and admitted that she hadn't prepared sufficiently for the fight, and that she was afraid to be hit in the face. She intends to train harder, and return to fight again at the Dutch promoter's show.

International register of Muay Thai instructors

The Bramajarns (Grand Masters) of Thailand have decided to create an International Register/Directory of Whos who of Teachers in our beloved Art of Muay Thai. This register any teacher of Muay Thai who has obtained the level of Khan 10 or above through a grading system and can provide proof of this. The register is being compiled by Bramajarn Woody, AKA Master Woody, who is the current Chairman of the Kru Association of Thailand appointed by the Bramajarn. To apply, an application form can be obtained from the Country representative appointed by GM Woodys panel in Thailand. For England this is Master (Arjarn) Kevin Lloyd, who along with a committee, will process your application details on behalf of Thailand. Ajarn Kevin Lloyd can be contacted either by e-mail [email protected] or mobile number 07850 544148 You will be asked to fill in the application form and send along with your proof of grade, your administration fee, a short testimonial of your martial art experience (Max of 500 words) and a photo (the Grand Masters would like the photos of yourselves to be in the red traditional instructors uniforms). The cost is $20 (10) per year once accepted, and you will be recognised for your achievement and be listed on the only official Register of Teachers, Kru Kru Yai Masters Grand Masters in the World. If not accepted, your fee will be refunded by return, and information regarding where you can be assessed or where you can complete a grading exam to obtain the relevant level to be accepted will be forwarded to you. This is chance to be recognised by Thailand and be accepted for the dedication you have put into learning and promoting the Art of Muay Thai. If you have any further questions then contact Master Kevin Lloyd. >> email: Master Kevin Lloyd >> Website: AX Forum discussion

Spartans John Dennis KOs Thai Opponent

Spartans fighter John Dennis took on Surasit Sitphosawat in the top of the bill England Vs Thailand fight at the recent Archers Blinds Fight Night held in Oldham, UK. Both fighters started slowly, testing each other for weaknesses. But, only one-minute and 20 seconds into the first round, Surasit made a mistakemissing with a round kick and taking his time to gain his balance. Dennis saw the opening and took the opportunity with an accurate left hook, knocking his opponent out. John Dennis hopes to be back in ring action in December. This time against a Spanish fighter at the next fight night in Oldham.

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Nak Muay Magazine NEWS

Liam Harrison Successfully Defends World Title at Lumpinee Stadium
On 22 September 2007, Liam Harrison defended his WPMF World Title against Ahmed Saadi from Tunisia, at the Lumpinee Stadium, Bangkok. Liam shocked Ahmed in the second round, knocking him out with a left hook. Ahmed commented on the AX Forum Congratulation Liam! You are a better fighter then I. I didnt see that left hook coming! After I was carried to the changing room, I didnt know what I was knocked out with! It was a big step up for me to fight a World-class fighter like you. I hope to do better in my next fight. Good luck with your next fight. Liam replied Ahmed you are a true gentleman. Good luck in the future. Im sure Ill see you about! Liam Harrison (Bad Company) fought a month later at the Power of Scotland 3 show, at Braehead Arena in Glasgow, against Sornkom Jocky Gym from Thailand. Liam Controlled Somkorn all the way through the fight and hurt him with strong low kicks. Samkorn attempted to press forward, using the clinch to prevent Liam kicking. Liams answer was a perfect elbow, cutting Samkorn and ending the fight. Liams next fight will be a rematch with Numpon PK Stei for WMC World Title. Source: Richard SmithBad Company

>> Website: Bad Company Gym >> Website: Ax Forum

The Contender Asia

Sony's AXN television channel in Singapore has given Muay Thai the 'Contender' treatment, teaming up MarkBurnett Productins with Imagine OmniMedia to produce a new version of the sports reality series. The Contender Asia follows two camps of Thai Boxers, competing against each other in a series of outdoor challenges and sanctioned fight-of-the-week matches to ultimately claim the Contender Title and a USD $250,000 cash prize. The sixteen Thai boxers vying for this reward are: Yodsaenklai FairtexThailand John Wayne ParrAustralia Naruepol FairtexThailand Kim Khan Zaki aka "Zach"Singapore Dzhabar AskerovRussia Jose Pitu SansSpain Trevor "TNT" SmandychCanada Bruce "Preacher" MacfieAustralia James MartinezHonolulu, Hawai Sean WrightUnited Kingdom Rafik BakkouriFrance Joakim KarlssonSweden Soren MongkontongAustralia Domenik ZidovSwitzerland Dave PacquetteUnited Kingdom Alain SylvestreCanada The co-production with Imagine OmniMedia is the first time a different fighting

system to orthodox boxing has been employed, but uses a similar format to the original 'boxing' series. The show, which has now finished filming, places all the fighters into one dwelling for the duration of the competition, and separates them into two camps for training and challenge participation. In an interview for FOX2 Sports, Australia's John Wayne Parr has commented, I got to work with some great producers from The Survivor and The Apprentice. Mark Burnett spent $15 million on production. We had crazy challenges just like the other boxing contenderswe had a dragon boat race, a tug-of-war with an 8-tonne truck. The rewards are amazing, I've walked away with a lot of good stuff The fights are incredible. Without giving away anything, there were fourteen fights and only five went the distance so be prepared to see some knockout action! The series will be aired in 2008, so for the time being we'll have to make do with the following online video clips:

>> Official Website: The Contender Asia >> Promotion video clip >> Muay Thai Singapores collection of clips >> First Press Conference amateur video

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Nak Muay Magazine NEWS

New Zealand's Dion Crouch wins WMC title in Thailand
Dion Crouch from Zero Tolerance Gym in Napier, New Zealand spent Christmas in Pattaya, Thailand, to compete against Midi Sidyodthong of France for the I-1 WMC (World Muay Thai Council) Heavy Weight title. Dion successfully took the title, knocking his opponent out in the second round with brutal punches. The title fight was offered after Dion fought for a WMC Intercontinental title last year, and was sanctioned by Master Kim Ip, who came over from Hong Kong to watch the fight. Source: Miriam CrouchZero Tolerance

Thailand mourns death of king's sister

The Thai nation is in mourning for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, who died after a 6-month battle with cancer. She was 84. The London-born princess was recognised as a patron of the arts, culture and countless charities, many of which were initiated by Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother. Princess Galyani Vadhanas condition was not made public until October, shortly before King Bhumibol was admitted to the same hospital for restricted blood flow to the brain. The world's longest reigning monarch was discharged three weeks later, but his illness served as a reminder to many of Thailand's 64 million people of the king's advancing years and increasing fragility. The country laid on massive celebrations for his 80th birthday in December, just over a year after similar festivities to mark 60 years on the throne.

Criccieth Thai boxer takes the Golden Belt British title

It was a case of third time lucky for the (Welsh) Criccieth Thai boxer Danielle Barlow recently, after loosing in two previous attempts at British title fights. She traveled to Wallasey in Merseyside with only two days notice to fight for the official Golden Belt North Western Area British title. Also traveling was Edward Rawlinson for a junior interclub fight which ended in a draw decision. Danielle's contest was fought over 5 rounds of full contact Thai boxing against a fighter with at least 15 fights under her beltwith Danielle only ever fighting 9 times. The first 2 rounds were evenly

matched, and boxed at a very heavy pace in hot conditions as it was a full house in the Wallasey Gym! In the third round Danielle stepped up the pace, hitting her opponent with strong knee blows to the body and legs, knocking her down, with the referee giving a standing count. The fourth and fifth rounds saw Danielle growing in confidence, dominating with excellent punch, knee and kick combinations. The judges awarded the official Golden Belt British Title to Danielle by a majority decision. Danielle would like to thank her trainers Kru Carl, Steve and Callum and all the juniors and seniors (including her mum Rose) at Criccieth Thai Boxing for all they're help and support over the last 12months! Anyone interested in learning the art of Muay Thai Boxing contact Kru Carl 01766 523342

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Nak Muay Jeckll & Hyde

During my recent trip to Bangkok, to compete in the WMF World Amateur Muay Thai Championships, I had a brief conversation with Master Ronnie Green regarding the spirit of Muay Thai and the nature of those that fight.
Master Ronnie began explaining how fighting in Thailand allows you to not only experience Muay Thai in the ring, but also experience the culture outside of the ring-in every day life. So here's the contradiction. Thais are very respectful, polite and easy going. Hence the tourist tagline 'Land of Smiles'.However, in Thailand it even reflects badly on you if you raise your voice in an argument, so how can these gentle people fight in this seemingly brutal way? And outside of the ring, why do those that fight seem to be the kindest of all! Master Pimu (Chaichokchana Krutsuwan) is known World wide as a Muay Thai authority, and has produced many champions, both Thai and foreign. Yet, he still found time to meet my corner men and I at the airport on arrival in Bangkok. He even arranged taxis to take us to see his WPT Gym, showed us around, and allowed us to watch the remainder of the morning training session before arranging more taxis to take us on to our hotel.

By Don Heatrick

Master Pimus WPT Gym, Bangkok

It's also true that fighters prove themselves in the ring, and have little need to do so outside of it. The competitive side of a Nak Muay is more attuned to testing themselves against a good opponent, rather than purely brawling, intent on causing damage and injury. True Nak Muay are both the nicest people you'll meet, and the most ferocious when fighting. Master Ronnie Green personifies this example. He has achieved a great amount of success in his fighting career (5-times World Muay Thai Champion), yet he is softly spoken, without ego and has time for everyone. By his own admission, when those unfamiliar with him learn of his Muay Thai pedigree, they often can't believe it, commenting that he seems too mild mannered, friendly and well, nice!

Buddhist principles, along Master Ronnie Green and Don It's because of this at the 2007 WMF World with a history of conflict disposition that he's had Championships Bangkok with neighbouring Khmers, such success. The truth is Burma and Vietnam have that Muay Thai is for shaped Thailand, and everyone. It won't turn you into a savage, intrinsically Muay Thai.Tradition, superstition aggressive thug. In fact, the further you are and above all respect permeate Muay Thai, from that, the closer to real Muay Thai you both in the ring and during everyday are. training. Rituals such as the Wai Kru (paying "He is as gentle as a lamb, as fierce as a Lion." respect to the teacher) in the ring, and the annual Homage Paying Ceremony, cement Panya Kraitus, author of Muay Thai-The Most the humble attitude of the Nak Muay (Thai Distinguished Art of Fighting. Boxer). This is a long way from the intimidating aggressors that those outside of Muay Thai may perceive boxers to be.

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Muay Thais legendary kicker Apidej Sit Hirun

By Mark Hampton (New Zealand)
At 62 years old, the legendary Muay Thai kicker Apidej Sit Hirun still loves Muay Thai although now he is known more for his students skills than his own.
"Suay Maak" - very beautifulhe says, as a student kicks the Thai pads with full force. The same student musters up all his energy and power to kick the pads again "Dee Maak" very good Apidej says with a wide grin. Apidej demonstrates some fancy footwork, "same as Cassius Clay" he says. Here is a man who was a legend in Thailand at the same time as Ali was a legend in America and the world. Today, when Apidej goes to the big Muay Thai stadiums many people still recognise him and pay their respects. In his early 20's Apidej fought one of his former trainers Kru 'Srisavet' five times. Apidej won every encounter using many of the same tricks and skills that Srisavet had taught him. One of Apidej's many tricks was to put a finger on the eye or the throat of an opponent to make them loose control of their vision and body. Actually this trick can even harm the opponent but you should know how to use it. It was done to me once and then my opponent knocked me out," he says with a laugh. Unlike many of his peers, Apidej had more than one great weapon - in addition to kicking with unparalleled power he was feared for his elbows and strong punching ability, and could end a fight with all of these weapons. "My elbows and punches were the same as everyone else's but I used them at the right time. Apply everything smartly when you fight". Still heavily involved in Muay Thai, Apidej rises each day before 6am to teach at the Fairtex Gym (more info see links) on the outskirts of Bangkok. Greeting everyone with the same warm inviting smile, it is hard to imagine that this friendly man was renowned and feared for his powerful kicks; in one fight he broke both of his opponent's arms.

However it was not always this way. At the age of 12 Apidej had his first fight, a win by KO - and this without any training! After this win Apidej was taught by his Uncle and then his schoolteacher. He also played soccer, attributing a lot of his kicking finesse to his football skills and hard practice. "The most important thing is to kick at the right time, when the opponent is most vulnerable. Don't kick at the same target all the time, try to confuse and deceive your opponent with your kicks". By the late 1960's Apidej simultaneously held 7 titles in Muay Thai and international boxing, a record that remains unmatched to this day. In recognition of this achievement the King of Thailand awarded him Best Muay Thai Kicker and Fighter of the Century. He is also the only Thai boxer to have a display in the national Museum of Thailand. At the age of 39, after around 300 fights, he retired to spend more time with his wife and family and felt it was time for a change. What are the ingredients of a top fighter? "Great fighters have honesty in themselves and others. They have discipline and always respect their trainer.

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They work hard and never cheat themselves and work hard towards fighting smart, improving skill, technique and tricks. Every technique is harmful when used the right way". Many westerners think that Muay Thai's boxing is weak - despite the fact that many former Thai boxers have gone on to win World Boxing titles. What do you think? "In International Boxing they punch fast but in Muay Thai we do not. We punch when it's a suitable time to punch because Muay Thai has many weapons to choose from. We only focus on the hardest punch, the explosive punch, the one punch that can produce the best result. Every punch is intended to knock out the opponent". When asked about the modern state of Muay Thai Apidej ponders before replying: "Today fighters rarely respect their trainers. In the past Muay Thai fighters worshiped the people who trained them. This gratitude is important in Thai culture and especially in Muay Thai. What I want is someone to conserve the disappearing old Muay Thai techniques for the next generation of Thai people. How many modern fighters use the old Muay Thai techniques in the ring?" Currently who is your favourite fighter? "I don't have any favourite modern fighters. I like smart fighters who have good tricks and use the right technique at the right time focusing on the next moves against their opponent. At the moment there are no such fighters. Hippie Singmanee was such a fighter and I liked the way he fought". Tomorrow the sun will rise over Bangkok and once more Apidej will be there to greet it, with a smile and words of encouragement for all the students of the camp.

Music plays an important part in your training sessions, either at home or the gym. It not only affects your mood, but also sets the pace. It can make the difference between a good training session and a bad one! We all have a track that gets us 'fired-up' and ready to push ourselves. This feature aims to suggest some tracks that may be new to you, and worth checking out.

This issue's training track is: Stomp Box by The Qemists

Relevant Internet Links >> Website: Authors VUW Gym

>> Gym Training Track: Stomp Box

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10 ways to lose weight before a fight...

Try these 10-steps to safely reduce your weight before your next fight.
1. Run before breakfast
Four to six-weeks before the fight, begin getting up and running slowly for 3060 minutes BEFORE eating your breakfast at least three times a week. Just have a glass of water, then get out there! Having consumed all the food in your stomach overnight, your body will have to primarily target stored fat reserves. Keep the running slow (6070% of max heart rate), or muscle will be used for fuel instead of mainly fat. To preserve muscle mass, have a protein meal/drink (breakfast) within 30-mins of finishing your run. 2. Limit your intake of fatty foods 1-gram of fat contains 9-calories, whereas 1-gram of carbohydrate or protein contains just 4-calories. Watching the fat in your food will cut a lot of calories from your diet with little effort. Also bear in mind that 1-gram of alcohol is 7-calories, so watch that as well. 3. Increase your water intake Water will help your body metabolise fat, and help suppress your appetite. 4. Reduce or cut out starchy food in the last week before the fight By watching your intake of potatoes, rice, pasta, spaghetti and bread etc, you'll limit the amount of glycogen sitting in your stomach. And excessive glycogen makes you hold onto waterand water equals weight! 5. Monitor your body weight Also in the final week before the fight, monitor your body weight before bed, first thing in the morning, and again after breakfast. You'll typically lose 1 kg overnight through dehydration (water lost through sweat and moisture in your breath). If you can predict your weight in the morning, you know what weight you need to be before you go to bed! That way you can start getting your weight right the day before, rather than a crash in the morning! 6. Avoid a heavy breakfast on weigh-in day On the day of the weight-in, don't eat a heavy breakfast in the morning and go easy on the drinks!

By Don Heatrick

1-litre of water weighs 1 kg. So 300 ml of orange juice is going to put 0.3 kg on you instantlyjust be careful, you should know where you are if you've been monitoring your body weight for a week. 7. A hot bath for rapid water loss If you need to make a rapid adjustment, fully submerge yourself in a hot bath (as hot as you can bear)! You can easily lose 1-1/2 kg in sweat loss in just 15-minutes with this method, without any physical activity consuming your energy. 8. Don't under estimate the diuretic effect of nerves! Pre-fight tension can help empty your bladder (and bowel) of surplus weight! 9. Once you get to the weigh-in, skip-off the remaining weight. If you need to make further adjustments, make sure you've brought your sweat suit, woolly-hat and skipping rope! 10.Don't plan to cut more than 2% of your body weight through dehydration! Losing just 2% of your body-weight through dehydration will reduce your performance by at least 10%. This performance loss is both physical and mental. Your concentration, decision-making and judgement will be impaired and your aerobic performance, speed and strength will depreciate significantly as you dehydrate. Any advantages you had thought you'd get by drying-out quickly disappear. But of greater consequence to fighters, dehydration also drastically increases the likelihood of serious brain injury resulting from concussive blows to the head. This is due to a reduction in the protective fluid surrounding the brain. Keep it sensible and always fully hydrate again before your fight using isotonic drinks etc.

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Gladiator (Siam Style)

By Nopadon Wongpakdee (USA) New Years Eve, I had an opportunity to go to the fights at Rajadomnern Stadium. This was a unique experience for me because it was the first time I was able to accompany the fighters back stage.
I got a call from Bu the of strange because the fighters are head trainer of Ingram Gym, laying 3 feet away from each in the morning Are you other. Nobody makes eye contact. doing anything this Its hard to verbalize the feeling in afternoon? UmmmmNo, there. I can honestly say that I had just stuffing my face Good a pit in my stomach just sitting in meet us in front of there. It's overwhelming Rajadomnern 5pm don't be late. 22 I'm so excited that I don't Two fighters return as two fighters take into account it's NYE on deck make their way out. and there is no traffic. (yes it What's strange is that based on does happen) So I end up their expressions it's really getting there about an hour difficult to tell who won the early. If you ever find yourself match. I tried scrutinizing the at Radjamonern with some fighters expressions and those time to kill there is an around them to gauge who might excellent Grilled Chicken and Bernung Sakhomsin have won. Invariably there was a Som Tom place next door. comment like You didn't get your wrapping So they roll up in a cab and kicks fast enough or something to Daosaming Ingram hands me that nature which gave it away. No an equipment bag, and tells loud cheering, no celebratory high fives. Hard me to follow them. We slip in through the to explain but it's very Thai. fighters entrance and walk quickly into the Dressing area.

Mystical Armor

Old School

We make it out of the dressing area and head to the opposite end towards an empty corridor. Dressing Room is as sugar coated description Ali wants some space we sit for 10 min. in as I can come up with. You've honestly walked silence as Ali stands off by himself into the belly of the beast the energy in the shadowboxing. Bu the head trainer calls him room is palpable. It's like you've stepped back over. It's time to put on his Monkol and into time and you are in the under belly of the Prajouid. Mongkon and Prajouid are blessed as Colosseum with the gladiators. Everyone is talismans and are believed eerily quiet, the only noise to be endowed with is the syncopated roar of protective qualities. Some Oye, Oye, Oye as fighters have Yants someone undoubtedly is (blessed prayer flags) getting their ass kicked. interwoven into their Mongkon and Prajouids. The fighters are laying on The trainer recites a these long wooden tables Mantra with fighters hands that resemble a big picnic in Anjali (prayer position) table. They are being oiled what is recited varies from down and massaged camp to camp, but the gist throughly with Thai oil. of it is to ask for protection The tables are stained and victory. Time to move black from the countless into the hallway. Rub down coats of Thai oil. It's kind

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Alone time On Deck

At this point we are sitting in view of the other fighter. I notice them sneaking peaks at each other, but no mad dogging. Ali is sitting quietly taking in the fight. Everyone is now watching the action in front of us. Daosaming whispers to me Those guys have skills he says it with mixture of admiration and appreciation. End of the fight it's time to make our way ring side.

Last round advice from Sagatpetch

The crowd is also starting to go against him in the final minute of the 5th round, Ali begins throwing down (Mat Kom) to our amazement his opponent continues to eat all 8 or 9 punches! He begins to stumble into the corner10-seconds. left, we being losing our shit screaming at the top of our lungs I'm so hyped I don't even realize I'm standing there throwing punches into the air! (what a dick). At this point the crowd has turned and is cheering for Ali. 5-seconds the fighter legs wobble as he isn't able to get away from the flurry. He begins to fall DING! DING! DING! that's it. It turns out that he had done enough to take the fight. If it would have gone 10-seconds longer he would have been out cold. All of us were jumping around, voices cracked. What an unbelievable finish. I want to thank Hideki Suzuki and the rest of Team Ingram for allowing me to tag along. It was an incredible experience.

Getting your head on That's how you watch Muay Thai

What really annoys me about watching Muay Thai in the US, is that the spectators as a whole are quiet. Many of you who've been to fights in Thailand know that shit is crazy. You have one side of the stadium cheering for a fighter, as fighters exchange blow the stadium erupts with cheers of Oiy. I got be ringside with Bernung Sitkhomsing, Daosaming, and Sagatpetch yelling and cheering at the top of my lungs. Ali and his opponent got into a knee battle and spent the greater part of 4 rounds kneeing each other. It wasn't looking good for Ali as his opponent was just getting the better of him.

Relevant Internet Links >> Authors Website: My Muay Thai >> Gym Website: Ingram Gym

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Iman Barlow, S1 World Champion... aged 14!

Interview with Mark Barlow
Few fighters outside of Thailand can compete successfully for a Muay Thai World Title in Bangkok. Imans achievement at the age of 14-years-old is simply outstanding. Don Heatrick speaks to Assassin Gyms Mark Barlow, father and trainer of ImanS1 World Champion.

But first... The FIGHT

Melton Mowbray Thai boxer, Iman Barlow, faced the reigning World Champion, Petchsakron Sor.Anchalee, in an S1 World Title fight in Bangkok. The 18-year-old Thai opponent came out fast in the first round, seeming to believe she could intimidate the young English girl. But Iman remained calm, blocking and countering her opponent's kicks. After instruction from her corner, Iman picked up the pace in the second round, troubling the champion with strong front kicks that continually knocked the Thai back. To the delight of the crowd, the third round saw both girls standing toe-to-toe trading powerful punches and kicks. As the round continued, the champion began to tire and the young Assassin started to dominate the fight. Knowing that she only had to win the final round to be awarded the bout, Iman came out fast and continued to hit the Thai girl with fierce combinations, forcing the exhausted champion onto the ropes. After a one-sided barrage, the referee stepped in and gave the champion a standing count, and the final bell rang. The final decision was in no doubt, and the judges quickly announced Iman Barlow the new S1 World Champion.

Nak Muay: Congratulations on Iman's recent S1 World Title fight in Thailand, very impressive. Mark: She's doing well isn't she! She has been doing it for a long time though. Nak Muay: She started at the age of five, is that right? Mark: She started training at about 2--years-old, messing around with the pads with her mum and me. Then, she had her first fight when 4--years-old, and her first title fight when she was 5-years-old against a boy. The young lad was quite good actually. I think it was the first time that anyone under 20 kg and at that age had fought (in the UK). She went on from there really. Nak Muay: It seems to be the usual story, for girls to have to fight boys early on. Mark: Yes, she fought quite a few boys. Then 6-months later she was supposed to fight a girl called Larell Fitzsimmonds from Sandy Holts Gym. Sandy tried to put the fight on at his show, and advertised it. But, Bolton Council got onto it and banned it because there were two young girls fighting. It was in the newspapers at the time. They made out it was like a pub brawl instead of a Thai boxing bout with shin pads, belly protectors and no shots to the head. It was also on TV, about nine years ago. We've been through a few of things like that, you know, not wanting to watch girls fight, not wanting them to fight boys.

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Nak Muay: How do you feel generally, not just about girls, but also about juniors fighting? And what level of contact at what age? Mark: To be honest, I think they shouldn't do head contact unless theyIt's hard to say, they do full contact in Thailand. I won't let my younger one, Thai (who's just turned ten), do it in this country. I just feel if they do it too young in this country, and something happens to one of them (and hopefully nothing ever happens), not just junior Thai boxing, but all Thai boxing in this country will suffer. I think we've got to be very careful with the juniors. I've been to Interclubs, where the kids have been knocking the hell out of other with punches to the face. I won't let my kids do it. Beginners as well I can understand it if they've had forty or fifty fights and they're very good. Like Luke Phillips from GFC is very good. I know his Dad won't let him do it, but I can understand letting people like that do it because they're at a higher standard, and they know how to protect themselves. For the novices, it can only be bad for them. That's why I always take my kids to Thailand, because it's out of the way, it's my responsibility. It's not going to come back on Thai boxing in this country. If it's going to come back on anyone, it's going to be me. Plus to be honest, most of the guys in Thailand at that age, and Iman's girls, aren't very good boxersthey're good kickers, and good with knees. Which helps both of my kids, because they're good with kicks and knees. I think novices should wear chest protectors, but when they get to 15 or 20 fights they should take them off. And they should all have to wear shin pads up to a certain age to protect the shins. Most of the guys out in Thailand are finished by 23 or 24-yearsold because they've been fighting since they were 5years-old, with no shin pads and elbows and knees to the face. By the time their 25-years-old, a lot of them look like been run over by a truck! I think that we in this country (and Europeans) mature much later on because we protect our kids. At the end of the day we don't have to fight for a living, we fight for the enjoyment of the sport. Thais fight because they have to fight. I think there's a big difference there. Iman fights full Thai rules with no shin pads, and it suits her more. If she fights over here now she has to wear shin pads, chest protectors, and head guards, and it's kind of a step back for her. I was talking to Richard Smith (Bad Company) "I know she's won a S1 World Title, but I know she's only 14 years old still. I ain't got know delusions of grandeur like sticking her with someone like Michelle Grizzle or someone like that." Because Iman needs to mature a bit more. It's always been said in Thailand that she kicks and knees like a Thai, and both of them are 100%, but that her boxing work is 50%. We've got another

good year to 18-months to work on her boxing to get it to 100%, then we'll let her lose and let her fight anybody. But I've still got to nurture her into the adults, and try to get her a few fights where she's fighting 17 or 18-year-olds that have had a few fights, and bring her on. It's like Christi Campbell, she's a good fighter but you just can't stick her in with a British Champion. You've got to bring her on slowly. Someone said, "Iman should be able to fight anybody" I said, "Well no, she's fourteen. She's got a lot of maturing to do and I want to bring her on slowly." I think by the time she is 18-years-old, she will be able to fight anybody anywhere in the worldand I think she'll beat anybody. But I think she needs to be brought along, nurtured, encouraged, and get confidence against adults. Nak Muay: Well, she's had a lot of success already, but there's no rush is there? That's it, yes. Richard (Smith) said, "I'm glad you said that, because you could have gotten carried away with yourself." Every time Iman goes to Thailand she ends up fighting 17-year-olds. The only loss she's had in her career was at the Queen's Birthday 3-years ago. Iman was 12-years-old and she fought a 17-year-old Thai girl, Nongnee, who was really good. Iman had a good fight, and technically I think she would have won it in this country (UK), but they gave it to the Thai girl. Iman's mum said The Thai's had 98 fights, and now Iman's lost her record because you put her with someone too old!

I said, Hold on, Iman's really good. We've got to put her against people that are really good. You can't put her against people she's going to batter to keep her record. In the end, Iman said in an interview in Thailand that her best 'learning fight' was against Nongnee, because it made her hungrier to win.

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Nak Muay: You learn so much from a tough fight don't you, win or lose? Mark: Yes, she didn't get battered, but it was a tough fight. This year she's fought two 17, 18-yearolds, and she made mince meat of them to be honest! Nak Muay: You spend a lot of time training at Jitti's Gym in Thailand don't you? Mark: We've been training with Jitti for 17-years, going every year, or twice when the kids are able to. Iman's been training there since she was 7-yearsold, and she's also fought 8-times in Thailand. She had her first fight in Thailand when she was 7years-old against a Northern Champion in Thailand, a boy! Before the fight stared, they started laughing at her because it was a boy fighting a girl. To be honest, that's the worst thing you can do with a girl is laugh them, that's it you suffer! I just kept saying to her They're laughing at you Iman, they're laughing at you! She did really well and got a draw, and the crowd was going mad because they couldn't believe itthis young lad was really, really good! You could see that in each round Iman was learning from him. In the first round the guy basically wiped her out, and I was a bit worried that I'd made the wrong decision. But, in the second round Iman came back, and she was doing things to him that he was doing to her in the first round! It was quite amazing, how the hell did she do that? I mean, I'd never taught her it, and Jitti hadn't. She just picked it up off this guy in the first round! By the third round, I thought Iman had won it convincingly. But, we were quite happy to just get a draw, coming out alive! [laughing] Jitti actually said just this year, after the S1 World Title fight, I knew she was going to be a World Champion Mark. I see it when she fought that boy. That boy was very, very good. "He had a good reputation in Thailand, and Iman was there with him toe-to-toe and there was nothing in it. I could see it then she was going to be World Champion some day. Nak Muay: That early fight was a defining moment for Iman? Well, it was to Jitti. He thought that, and that was nice of him. Because he's known Iman since she was 7-years-old, and he's known me for 17-years. He's part of the family, my kids think of him as uncle Jitti! When Iman was young, she'd always walk down the road holding Jitti's hand beside us. It was funny really. Nak Muay: You quite often come across the Bad Company guys at Jitti's when you're there don't you?

Excerpt from Jitti Gym Website

Who is Jitti?
Jitti Damriram was born in Buriram, Northeast Thailand. This is an area (in)famous for Muay Thai. As an area champion he moved to Bangkok. There he fought at Rajadamnoen Stadium, one of the top stadiums in the country. He was a successful fighter, ranked in the top 5 between 1978-1981. With a record of over 80 fights he retired from the Muay Thai stadium and started teaching. He has taught in Japan, France, Germany, Switzerland and England. Jittigym 1 In 1991, he established the original JittiGym, near Khao San Road. He was one of the first trainers to accept foreign students in Bangkok and he built an outstanding reputation as an International teacher - possibly the first in Thailand! Jittigym 2 The new "JittiGym" opened on August 12th (The Queen's Birthday) 2003. All Jittigym trainers are highly respected ex-stadium fighters and champions with experience working abroad. The gym has a strong reputation for quality training at International and Thai, level from beginners to fighters. Many Jittigym fighters are ranked in Thailand and at the stadiums, regularly winning tournaments and titles. Jitti's high standards for teaching and his life time knowledge of Muay Thai always provides authentic and effective training.

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Mark: We've spent most of the summer with the guys for the last four-years. We've built a really good relationship with Richard (Smith), Lisa (Houghton-Smith) and their little boys. And we get on really well with Liam (Harrison) and Andy (Howson), and all the guys at Bad Company to be honest. Our gym seems to be there (Jitti's) at the same time as them. We spend a lot of time together, they're really nice guys and they always help out ImanLiam normally does her corner. They really encourage both Iman and Thai (Mark's son), which is really nice. They're always there, and always watch their fights. Liam's always on the internet saying how well Iman's done, Andy Howson as well which is niceespecially guys like that. Liam and Andy are good fighters and Richard's got a great stable. Lisa as well, being a World Champion. Lisa was at Iman's last fight, when she won the title, and she said, You know Iman, you fought superbly, fantastic fight! Lisa was quite proud of Iman because she's known her for a while. I said to Richard (Smith), You know I'd still never put Iman in with Lisa! [laughs] Lisa would destroy Iman. But it's always good because Lisa helps out with clinch work and a bit of sparring every now and then when she's in Thailand. Lisa is always helping. Nak Muay: Liam has posted on the AX Forum that the Thais refer to Iman as the 'Pretty Killer'. What does she think to that? Mark: She got given a fight name from Jitti when she was seven, after the fight with that boy. We wanted a fight name, and we wanted Jitti to come up with it. He spent about 2-weeks thinking about it, and he said, I think we should call her the Pretty Killer. So we've got in on the back of her shorts in Thai, 'suwypikat'. I don't think Liam can read Thai, so I don't think he knows what is says on the back, but they have got on the bandwagon of calling her it. But apparently Iman in Thai is a swear word!!!! Nak Muay: It's not is it! [laughs] Well that's what I've been told! When Iman fought three-years ago, they spelt her name on the video as 'Aman'. And then last year she was on TV and she was 'Aman' again. When she fought this year they called her the lovely Emma, and then the TV for the World Title they called her Angela! We said to Jitti we'd just use her fight name and just call her 'suwypikat'. He said, No, no, no. Iman's alright. I said, Well, everyone keeps saying it's a swear word! He just looked at me confused. We also talked to Smingnum, another Thai guy at Jitti's Gym, and he said Oh yes, Iman is a bad word in Thai. It's not very nice. I said, Well what does it mean then?

I don't want to tell you. It's a really bad word. he replied. But Jitti said, Iman's alright, don't worry about it. It's a really nice word in Arabic, but you learn something new every day don't you! Nak Muay: The S1 World Title fight came out of the blue didn't it? Mark: Yes, well after the Queen's Birthday, they offered a stadium title fight and asked if were up for it on the 8th or 12th of September. I said yes, but we go home on the 28th of August. We've been here for 6- weeks and we can't afford to stay any longer. Plus the kids have got to start school on the 29th September, and they can't miss any school. They're important years for Iman. I said, that even if there's a show the day before we leave, we'd fight that day at the stadium- just a normal fight. They got back to us saying that there was a fight on the 25th September. I said, Yes ok, we've trained for it and haven't missed an training, what weight has Iman got to be? They said 49.5 kg. I said Yes, no problem. We got there on the day and I though, I recognise that girl. She's skipping in the car park with a sweat suit on. I asked Jitti if that was Iman's opponent, and he said yes. I said to him that I recognised her from somewhere. I've seen her fight. He said "Yeh, yeh, yeh, no problem, no problem. We've bet on Iman. Iman's going to win. We bet all our money!" I said, "Ok, alright, no problem, I'll bet all that I've got." At the weigh-in, Iman makes weight and then Jitti turns around and says it's a S1 Title fight! I don't know if this was a ploy by Jitti, because he's fairly laid back old Jitti is and sometimes he knows I'm the protective father, so he doesn't say something sometimes! I was really shocked by it, but I didn't want to show Iman that I was a bit nervous really! I said, "Ok, no problem. It's that girl outside?" Jitti said Yes, it's the girl outside. She hasn't made weight and she's been skipping for half-an-hour. I said Oh good. Ok." and we weighed in. Songchai's promoter introduced us to everyone, and said Ok Iman, you go in now and have something to eat. Iman said that she wanted to wait right here for her (opponent) to weigh in. Apparently, she was skipping for an hour-and-ahalf to make weight. The Thais do this quite regular, which I think is quite stupid. Jitti said to me the day before the fight Let Iman eat as much as she can. Well, Iman is one of those girls that will eat the same as me. I just blame the Bad Co. lads really! She spends a lot of time with them, and you know what they're like for making weight from the comments on the Internet! If you tell Iman to eat, she'll eat, eat, eat and eat, and not stop all day! I said to Jitti, Ok, I'll make her eat. But I thought, no you're not eating Iman. So we watched her

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picture, and a big write upabout 200-300 words. I asked Jitti what it said. He said, Iman very happy. I said, Is that all! It's got to say more than that! I think they just can't read properly most of them! There was also a big magazine shoot (that we haven't seen yet), dubbing Iman as the new superstar at 50 kg. That was amazing! When Iman was walking around, there were tuk tuk and motorbike riders stopping and saying, I see you fight, you champion! It was really, really strange! Nak Muay: Is it true Iman may have to defend her title in December at the King of Thailand's birthday celebration? Mark: Yes, well they asked us. In the Thai magazine they advertised that in December Iman would be defending her title. But, basically we've said we can't go because we can't get any more time off school. And to be honest, I'm only a Thai-boxing instructor with a little gym in a small town (Melton Mowbray). I just can't afford it, so Jitti was trying to get some sponsors. I've said that if we can get some sponsors we'll go over at Christmas. They said we'd go over from the 15th of December to the 9th January 2008. So Iman and Thai will be missing a couple of days of school each side. Channel Four have been filming with us at the moment, and they're keen to come to Thailand at Christmas as well, to follow my son Thai's and Iman's fights. So that will be really good. The program hasn't been finalised yet, but they've been to Darren Philip's (GFC) gym, Steve Logan's (KStar) gym, Alan Keddle's gym and a few others around the country. But because Iman has won the S1 World Title, and because Thai fights regularly in Thailand, they'll be coming along. I don't know if it's for a holiday or not, you know what I mean! [laughing] The second part of the interview will conclude in the next edition of Nak Muay Magazine. Relevant Internet Links >> Website: One Songchai >> Website: Jitti Gym >> Website: Bad Company >> Website: GFC Muay Thai >> Website: Bolton Thai Boxing Club >> Website: AX Kickboxing Forum

weight the day before, so she didn't have to skip in the morning. She was bang on weight at 6:00 am, but by 7:30 am she was 51 kg. So she'd put on just over a kilo within an hour-and-a-half, and the Thai girl was still skipping! Nak Muay: Still skipping, that's not good! Mark: It's not good, but they do it quite regular. It's the normal thing to them. I think it's a bit silly really. There was no way I was going to put Iman in a sweat suit for an hour-and-a-half to skip any weight off you know! Anyway, Jitti said she weighed in about an hourand-a-half later, and was 49.6 kg. Jitti said A little bit more please. And she took the T-shirt off to make weight! She was a really good fighter, and Iman was ever so well matched. They both looked exactly like each other, exactly the same build, exactly the same legs. Iman's got great big thigh muscles, and so did this girlso I knew she was going to be a good kicker. It was like looking in the mirror. Nak Muay: Is it true there was quite a lot of media attention after the fight? Mark: Yes, it was surreal really! We were unlucky that the TV coverage missed the last round. But, the TV crew were going mad for Iman afterwards. They obviously like their own fighters to win, and Iman had beaten the local champion, their favourite fighterSongchai's girl! Jitti's guys were saying You beat their favourite. He (Songchai) not very happy! We were all laughing about it. Next we had an article in the Siam Muay, which is a daily paper. There was a big

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Hands up, who remembers Tong Po?

Jean-Claude Van Damme's 1989 movie, Kickboxer, may have exhibited a super cheesy depiction of Muay Thai after all, it was an 80's martial arts moviebut it also spawned the villainous character Tong Po.
For those that can't remember (or haven't come across it), here's a brief synopsis: Kurt Sloane (Van Damme) accompanies his big brother Eric (Dennis Alexio), an American kickboxing champion, to Thailand for a Muay Thai fight against their champion, Tong Po (Michel Qissi). One early scene establishes the brothers characters well: Eric and Kurt are sparring together in a park, and Eric places controlled but purposeful kicks and punches on target as he moves toward Kurt. Kurt responds by chambering up a high bent knee and repeatedly flicking out a round kick at Eric's guard. Eric reverse punches Kurt in the chest and exclaims, Damn it kid! How many times do I have to tell you? You don't win fights with that tip-tap $#!+ Our first glimpse of Tong Po comes before the fight with Eric in Bangkok. Kurt investigates a banging sound emanating through the stadium, and discovers Tong Po kicking and kneeing a concrete pillar in his dressing room! With each strike, dust and debris falls from the ceilingnow that's a character introduction!

By Don Heatrick

Needless to say, once in the ring, Eric isn't prepared for Tong Po and finds himself in trouble in the first round. Eric slumps stunned in his corner, protesting " See that! He got me with an elbow." Kurt replies, "That's the way they fight here, I told you!" I remember thinking 'elbow', what about the barrage of knees you were just hit with?????? Despite Kurt's pleas, Eric goes out for round two and promptly eats canvas! Kurt throws in the towel to save his brother further humiliation and injury. Enraged, Tong Po kicks the towel out of the ring, and kneels over Eric as he attempts to climb to his feet, dropping a paralysing elbow into his spine. From here on, Kurt seeks to learn Muay Thai so that he may avenge his crippled brother by defeating Tong Po in the ring, and begins training with Muay Thai Master Xian Chow. Chows training resembles Tai Chi rather than Muay Thai, and Kurt's technique still looks like freestyle Karatebut just go with it, it's a cheesy movie! Chow's training is unorthodox to say the least. I did laugh when Master Chow hands Kurt a slab of raw meat, telling him it will make

See that! He got me with an elbow!

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him run faster then the scene cuts to Kurt sprinting across the courtyard with the meat hanging from the back of his shorts promptly chased by a large hungry dog! The rest of the movie is kind of blah, blah along the way Kurt falls in love with Master Chow's daughter and has a hilarious drunken dance scene in a bar and finally concludes with Muay Kad Cheuk style fight with Tong Po, where Kurt freestyle Karatesizes him into bloody submission!

production crew saying they needed a tall oriental-looking guy with a background in Muay Thai. Qissi had studied Muay Thai years before in Thailand, so volunteered and got the part of Tong Po. He was given a make-up job to look more oriental, which also made him appear pretty damn evil! Regardless of how 'Muay Thai' this movie really was, Tong Po still remains a great movie villain. In a more nave era, he did a reasonable job of distinguishing for western audiences the differences between kickboxers and Thai boxers. Tong Po has even inspired some of today's Thai boxers. When New Zealand's Shane 'Choppa' Chapman was asked "Why Thai boxing?" he replies "Ever since Kickboxer [the film] came out, I loved the way Tong Po fought, Muay Thai style." Thank you Tong Po for being a hardcore inspirationand showing how "tip tap $#!+" has no place in the ring!

In the movie credits, Tong Po was mistakenly listed as playing himself, leading movie goers to believe he was a real Thai boxer! In reality, Tong Po was acted by Michel Qissia childhood friend of Van Damme's, who met when they both studied Shotokan Karate as boys. Originally, Qissi was working as Van Damme's personal trainier and choreographer with no part in the movie, but overheard the

Relevant Internet Links

>> Movie clip: Tong Pos dressing room >> Movie clip: Eric and Tong Po fight >> Movie clip: Kurts drunken dance fight >> Movie clip: Kurt and Tong Po fight

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Beyond the fog and the distant sound of banjos strumming...

The TouchGloves Thai/kickboxing gym, situated in the far Southwest of Cornwall was established in 2002 as a family fitness class centre incorporating the techniques of boxing & Muay Thai.
The gym continues first and foremost with its No Attitude, No Bullying, No Intimidation slogan, yet with a combination of hard work and risk taking (accepting last-minute fights when other fighters have pulled out) has taken the club to a great new level with a string of Area Champions under Thai boxing, Oriental/K1 & Full Contact rules, and four highly ranked British fighters and two World Champions! Loyalty, reliability & honesty are key to a successful relationship with promoters. The TouchGloves fighters arrive on time, make weight and are honest with fight records, travel fees & purses etc. Julie Kitchen is currently ranked as Worlds No1. She is the W.I.K.B.A K1 Rules World champion and also took a World Title at Sean Toomeys Capital Punishment Show in boxings famous York Hall venue in November last year. Training for only 4years, she also holds two European Titles and six British Titles, ranging from Featherweight to Welterweight. She has represented England in matches against Spain, Italy, Finland and U.S.A, and has recently defended her World Title against New Zealand's highly regarded Karen Lynch on July 1st 2007. The most amazing part of Julies success is the fact that in 2002, which when the club started, she had no interest in Thai boxing. She had just given birth to Twin girls, Amber & Allaya, and walked around at about 73kg!! Since then she has become renowned for her last minute step ins, taking six of her championship fights at under 2-weeks notice. She even jumped out of the audience to fight former British no1 Karla Hood at just 1 hr notice! In May this year, she

By Nathan Kitchen

fought twice in the same week, headlining both shows. Yet speak to her outside the ring and she doesn't seem capable of vocal argument let alone a physical fight. Julie is a great inspiration to up-and-coming female fighters, and has been inspired herself by 3-times World Champion Karen Ousey, who has become a great friend, supporting Julies success 100%. In May 2008, Julie hopes to face undefeated 6times World Champion Germaine de Randarmie, which will be Julies win, lose or draw retirement bout. This will be a huge test for the Cornish girl and a fight worth seeing. Also representing Cornwall, Isaac Ashley started competing at aged 8, and has faced difficulties in progressing to hold greater titles. But under Modified Junior Thai boxing rules, he is definitely a class act. Unbeaten now in seven fights (6 wins 1 draw), Isaac currently holds 5 titles, including a British title @ 34kg and an English title @ 32kg. John Jarvis gave Issac the chance to fight on a World class show alongside Kieren Keddle, Dave Parquette & Richard Fenwick at the K2 Lesuire Centre in Crawley. Issac captured the hearts of the audience with his unusual footwork, jumping techniques and all round 'cuteness'. He is an asset to children's Thai boxingpolite, respectful and professional, maybe a future adults no1? Touch Gloves full contact duo, Sean Bowman and Mike Nudd, can almost be reported together, having been referred to as the 'Kray Brothers' of the sport. Both out of the 'School of Hard Knocks for Pikeys', the only thing their legs were ever used for was running from the 'Old Bill'! Yet they continue to kick their way through the rankings.

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Sean Bowman is already at NO 1 in the Bantamweight Division after just 3 fights! His amateur boxing experience of 5 wins has certainly helped, but his kicking skills have also impressed promoters throughout the country. It has been a difficult start for Sean; fighting out of Cornwall, at an awkward weight of 55 kg with too much experience for novice competitions. As a result he was forced to fight higher ranked fighters from the outset. He was laughed at when billed to face World Champion Barry Lock back in February, yet he silenced critics in an amazing fight, which many regarded in one-sided in Seans favour, against a classy, tough and fit Barry Lockwho I would describe as a true gent, with one of the best attitudes in the game. A 2008 rematch is inevitable. Mike Nudd has also sent shock waves through the Full Contact scene in his 61.5 kg weight division with two highly charged battles with TKOs fitness freak and former W.K.U English champion, Neil Aytonwith both fights taken at very late notice. Nudd seems to appreciate a hard fight. Hes built a good reputation for five round fights, due to his awkard left 'Penalty' style kicking, and ability to throw KO shots with both hands. He has recently scored a higher ranking position after becoming the W.K.A Southern area Full Contact Champion with an indescribably hard war in a rematch with undefeated 'Rocky' Rob Hingston (Taurus Plymouth), resulting in a 5th round KO by Nudd seconds from the final bell. Alongside these fighters, other TouchGloves Champions include Full Contacts Steph Wolak, whose record stands at nine fights, 7 wins, 2 losses at 69kg. He plans to return to the scene next year following a very bad hand injury in his last fight. Lee Toms has clinched his way through some tough fights, including a very close loss to MunKornDams Kyle Hellieur, yet has recently secured himself an Area Title and already looks to defend it later in the year. Ryan Tamblin captured his Oriental/K1 style rules South West Title at 69 kg against Exeters talent, Dean Tratt last year. Tamblin now lives in New Zealand, and is looking to fight whilst taking a year out.

The teams first ever Thaiboxing fighter, Zac Orr remained unbeaten as a Junior taking the British W.K.A Junior Championship, and three Southern Area Titles. He had bouts against some of the top juniors at the time, Terry Stout, Roy Fletcher and Mike Holton, all who failed to make the final bell, leaving Zacs unbeaten record at five fights, 5 Wins, 5 Stoppages. Zoe Mason (64-67kg) is the upcoming female talent for the club, nicknamed 'Baby Faced Assassin. Her relentless stamina & persistence will hopefully see her ranked later in the year in both Thai & Kickboxing. She is now the current Southern Area Thaiboxing Champion after a five round war with Phraya Pichais Rachael Price-Whittle. Other active fighters include Tommy Hall and junior Thom Whillock. Thom had a points loss for the National School Boy Title against Woking Thais talented Nathan Edwards, and Tommy Hall was victorious in his first Thai boxing fight, despite giving away 6 kg against a European fighter. The clubs instructor Nathan Kitchen has no Titles and has only had 2 fights both of which he won but did not enjoy.He has no wish to be called Master, Mister, Sensei or Sir. He has also taken risks which have been crippling both mentally and financially to gain acknowledgement for his fighters but with great success. The whole TouchGloves achievement story has escalated beyond what I could have wished for,I have had a lot of fun and met some of the best people in my life through Thai boxing and wouldn't change my experiences for pound notes.I have no secrets to produce good fighters and don't regard myself in the same league as some of the great instructors I have met,but I do spend eccessive time with all of my students which seems to be working for me and the club. Note-Nathan is unbeaten on the dance floor of every after show party and will take up any challenges.

Relevant Internet Links >> Gym Website: Touch Gloves