Thats not my shirt but that's Muay Thai

Okay, I thought I would give a bit of an insight in to the Muay Thai training.

Above in the orange is 'Ajahn' - or 'Teacher'. This is the only name I know him by. Anyone who he teaches would refer to him as the same. Outside of the Muay Thai camp then it may be fine to ask his name and address him by it but whilst training then there is always a respect shown, that it seems right to adhere to.

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This kind of respect for a teacher, or someone of higher cultural statue, for example a monk, is echoed across much of Thai life. Though witnessed a lot, it does appear that more and more the ever growing western influences and cultural ways are taking precedent over the Thai ways. It really does depend on the place that you are in, or the people that you are with.

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Ajahn's Muay Thai camp is within the village a couple of kilometers south east of Nong Khai town, or at least the part of the town that rests upon the Mekong.

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I have purchased a second hand mountain bike for my time in Nong Khai and so reach the camp using pedal power whenever I go. Thankfully in the day there are far less dogs willing to start chasing you when cycling.

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I have not committed to the training as fully as I had first considered; originally planning to commit to a month of pretty much daily training. I do not mind though. I think I would of passed out several times over if I had committed as thoroughly. In this climate, a brief walk can wipe you out so I have come to enjoy training every other day or so.

In the picture above is Kevin. Once the bartender at Gaai Bar, of Mut Mee. After reading about Muay Thai training in the Lonely Planet (other guides are available), and inquiring at Mut Mee reception I was pointed in Kevin's direction.

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Really sound guy from Hawaii, it was Kevin and his girlfriend Taia who introduced me to Ajahn.

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Typical training may consist of:

Stretching.

Several minutes jumping on large tyres to warm up.

Various bag / box work:Kicks, Knees, Elbows. Combinations of these.

Some sparring in the ring with Ajahn where he is fully padded up. (as above)

- Pushups - Sit ups

Warm down

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I become a horrible sweaty mess although this is not unusual even in winter in the UK, so I am surprised that in this heat I do not simply dwindle to nothing.