TRAINING IN KOH PHANGAN - MUAY THAI CHINNARACH
Muay Thai, which translates to “Thai Boxing”, is the national sport of Thailand. It is a form of martial art which involves one-on-one fighting, focusing on stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques.
This discipline is known as the art of eight limbs, referring to the eight points of contact that are used to strike the opponent - fists, elbows, knees and shins. It makes Muay Thai one of the most effective stand-up striking arts that is practised by many people around the world.
One of the great things about Muay Thai is it will get you in shape – it’s a full-body workout that helps to improve cardio, strength, core and flexibility.
Additionally, the techniques you learn in Muay Thai classes can keep you safe outside of the gym. It is also one of the few martial arts in the world that has been undeniably battle-tested and street certified for real-life encounters.
There is no shortcut to becoming good at Muay Thai. Everyone starts from their own level and the only way to improve is to start practicing. In short, show up and train as frequently as possible. Pushing yourself and giving your everything each training session is the way for progression. Good things happen out of the comfort zone.
Muay Thai techniques are easy to learn and it is all about drilling – practicing the same techniques over and over again on a daily basis until they become second nature. Besides working on techniques, cardio and strength are also important elements to become good in this martial art.
Professional fighters in Thailand train twice daily, six days a week and compete almost every month. Many of them accumulate hundreds of fights on their record over their career as they started training as young as four or five. Their ultimate goal is to compete at the stadiums of Lumpinee and Rajadamnern, which are considered to be the most prestigious arenas of Muay Thai.
Traditionally, Muay Thai fighters would wear Pra Jiad - an armband made of fabric from their mother’s clothes to signify protection and good luck.
In this blog post I would like to introduce you to a gym where my Muay Thai journey started – Muay Thai Chinnarach, which is the longest running gym on Koh Phangan island.
Muay Thai Chinnarach, shortly MTC, was established in 2005 on Koh Phangan by Master Chin after having a very successful fighting career in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.
Master Chin or also known as King of the South, is former Thailand’s Junior Champion, 3x Lumpinee Stadium Champion, 3x Rajadamnern Stadium Champion and 2x World Champion in Muay Thai.
Junior Southern Title – 1997
Thailand’s Junior Champion – 1998
Lumpinee Stadium Champion – 1999, 2000 & 2001
Rajadamnern Stadium Champion – 1999, 2000 & 2001
Champion of the World – 2000 & 2001
From the beginning the main idea of Muay Thai Chinnarach has been to provide the best Muay Thai training possible. For over 14 years Master Chin and his team have been teaching Muay Thai for different levels – from first timers and children to elite competitors. Having trained thousands of people MTC has the experience and knowledge to improve everyone who steps in the gym.
Muay Thai Chinnarach has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, you feel like a family member after training there for a while. High level trainers will make sure that work ethics are still in place and push you as much as needed to make progress and have fun at the same time.
I started training in Muay Thai Chinnarach three months ago with zero background in martial arts, never having kicked or punched pads. It has been one of the best decisions in my life. Every training has been challenging and interesting. At times it has been difficult without having any fundamentals but I feel trainers have improved my technique and skills a lot.
I’m sure there are many great gyms on Koh Phangan but speaking from my experience Muay Thai Chinnarach has to be one of the best to learn authentic Muay Thai.
MTC has just opened their new facility and it is the perfect time to start training there.
Come to the gym and you won’t regret it – your body and mind will thank you later.
Facebook: Muay Thai Chinnarach
Address: Google Maps