Issue 159

October 2017

Tips from an art of eight limbs expert so you know where to train in Thailand.

Expert: Mark Sayer

• Lifelong martial artist with extensive Thai training currently living in New York City. Visit sayerfit.com for more information.

So, you’ve saved up your money and vacation time and you’re ready to make the leap to the home of Muay Thai. If you’re anything like me and the generation of martial artists who grew up on Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Kickboxer, you’ve probably dreamed of training in Thailand. You might also idolize Cris Cyborg or Anderson Silva and want to emulate their striking. You’re not alone.

Foreigners, or farang to Thais, flying over to the Land of Smiles is a huge business and you’ll be one of thousands. That’s not to say you shouldn’t, nor does it mean you won’t be on your own unique adventure.

But this does mean there are plenty of people with a lot of experience who can help guide you on your adventure east. And after five trips across the last decade – and more than a year in total time spent in The Kingdom – I have gleaned some essential pieces of advice for choosing your first gym to train at, should you be willing to take on the challenge.

Be honest with yourself

Firstly, you need to decide exactly what type of experience you’re looking for.

If you want to be really secluded and do nothing but train, great. Also, if you are working a stressful job and this is your only chance to get a vacation in, which you want to combine with training, then that’s great, too. If you want to have access to other activities like scuba, snorkeling or trekking, pick a gym in one of the busier spots like Chiang Mai or Phuket. It’s OK, JCVD will forgive you.

Pick somewhere according to your skill level...

I’ve trained at gyms that were the perfect environment for foreigners who have already fought and are looking to hone their skills and conditioning. The caveat is those gyms can be unprepared, or unwilling, to take the time to get you up to speed to where you’re getting the most out of your training. Also, do you want to test yourself in a competitive fight or just be able to say you fought – no matter who the opponent was/is? Maybe you just want to hone your skills, or you’re a beginner who wants an authentic experience of an exotic gym. In this instance, seek out a mom-and-pop operation instead.

Do your research

look for the most up-to-date information you can find. Visit forums and look for gym review websites. Just keep in mind, Thai gyms often shut down or change owners with little to no notice. If you read an awesome review of a place that sounds like it’s perfectly tailored to your needs, be sure to check the date. The Muay Thai community at large is welcoming and ready to help.

Do you still want to cross-train?

If you want to keep up with your ground game or western-style boxing, there are options to do both while you’re learning authentic Muay Thai. If you’re looking to hone your standup skills for MMA, you might be best served by a gym that regularly sends fighters to promotions throughout Asia for MMA. Phuket Top Team and Legacy in Ubon are great choices.

Are you well-traveled?

If you want a truly authentic Thai training experience, you need to understand the living conditions, food and general sanitation might not be what you are used to. If you’re the kind of person who thinks going to a Sandals resort is experiencing Jamaica, you might not want to go and train in Ubon.