"Honour Muay Thai": a two-week self-experiment in experiencing authentic Thai Boxing
- sinjahaag
- 24. Okt. 2024
- 13 Min. Lesezeit
Aktualisiert: 11. März
A two-week self-experiment in getting-to-know and practicing Muay Thai- the national sport and cultural martial arts of Thailand. Learn about my personal enriching experience whilst staying in the authentic training camp "Honour Muay Thai" in Ao Nang, Krabi, and get to know Howard's inspiring story of founding the training camp a few years back, as a former Muay Thai fighter himself, originating from England.
Muay Thai is about the heart, not just the body! - Samarat Payakaroon
Table of Content
Muay Thai: a children's dream caught up on
Even as a small child, I was always fascinated and interested in martial arts. However, my father, who practiced taekwondo and judo himself in younger years, never complied with my wish to practicing martial arts, based on the premise that fighting was not a sport for girls. He also had doubts that my congenital underlying disease (arthrocryposis multiplex congenita), which does not allow me to extend both arms to their full length, was an obstacle and would be detrimental to successfully blocking the opponent (which, to be honest, is ridiculous, considering the fact that I have the slightest form ever seen). So I had no choice but to follow martial arts in its various forms and practices on the screen via various television broadcasts only.
When I took a job at McDonald's as a teenager, a colleague of mine told me that he practiced Muay Thai. Having had no idea what Muay Thai actually was back in the day, I started doing some research on the internet and quickly realised: this is something i would love to try, too!
The years went by and I was caught in a constant loop of studying, job interviews and ultimately endless projects in the medical and pharmaceutical world at work- until my sabbatical year started. It was clear to me that this was my time and chance to finally give Muay Thai a chance. No more waiting, no more excuses, just going for it- even if my previous experiences in sports solely relied upon ballet, dancing, basketball, competitive swimming and fitness in general. So I booked my flight to Thailand and looked up several camp options meeting my need to test- and try Muay Thai as a bloody beginner without any previous experience.
In the mass of offers that you can find in Thailand, one thing caught my eye particularly quickly and positively: the "Honor Muay Thai" camp in Ao Nang, Krabi. And that decision was the best I could have made. Not only did I feel at home and in good hands from day one onwards, also everyone joining the camp, trainers and the head of the camp, Howard, welcomed me with open arms and responded to my beginner level perfectly fine and with lots of patience, so that within just 2 weeks I was able to master the first basics of Muay Thai proudly.
This article is therefore dedicated about the heart of the training camp, Howard, and his team of trainers, who not only impart expertise and competence to all participants, but also promote and challenge everyone individually, based on their level of experience and fitness, in the martial art of Muay Thai with heart and soul, passion and humour.
Get to know Howard: the story of "Honour Muay Thai"
Howard is the heart, owner and founder of the "Honour Muay Thai" Camp. Originating from England with his own history in Muay Thai fighting, Howard combines the perfect mixture of experience, coaching spirit, wit, hospitality, openness and passion for both students and his team of trainers on-site.
Have you noticed the "u" in "Honour"? Then you probably realized the camp is built and run by an "English bloke" :)
Taking into consideration that Howard obtains several years of professional Muay Thai fighting experience, having had his first fight in Thailand with only 17 years old whilst ending his fighting career at the age of 36, it might seem quite surprising that sports in general was nothing Howard used to be good at in school.
With the age of 10, Howard tried his hand at Judo before moving on to practicing Kung Fu for a while. He then signed up for a gym memberance, tackling both muscle strength and weight lifting. Eventually spotting a sign on the black wall inside the gym premises promoting Muay Thai courses finally was the all-important turning point and origin of a consequent larger undertaking.
Joining first taster courses of Muay Thai quickly made Howard fall in love with the national sport of Thailand. He states that “the sole sound of your foot touching the boxing bag when doing a front kick makes you addictive”. And funnily, I could not agree more. From here on, Howard started his Muay Thai training career on a weekly basis, paired with training sessions in the gym, dedicated to become better. An additional side motivation for Muay Thai was also based on the fact to have better chances of winning street fights in case of occurance.
In his early 20th, Howard's trainers abruptly stopped their training courses. Hence, all of a sudden, the daily routine he got used to seemed to fall apart. Luckily, with the experience collected until then, Howard decided to open up his own premise for training Muay Thai in England. He found a location to move into and started building up his own training course being in his third year of training himself. And this decision proved to be a tough one: living near the outskirts, Howard dedicated himself to an everyday training schedule whilst working full time during weekdays (formerly as a farmer, also obtaining a background in railway work).
The charm of England did not last too long. Eventually the point was reached where Howard wanted to test his fighting expertise in the land of Muay Thai: Thailand. Said, done. Together with his former girlfriend, who was willing to join him to travel to Thailand together as a teacher, they both made their way over in 2009. Arrived on-site, Howard started fighting in several premises all over Thailand, starting in Phuket, moving onto Bangkok, Chiang Mai and finally Krabi. In total, Howard went to over 20 gyms prior to deciding that the initial plan of returning to England after one year in Thailand was obsolete. The foundation stone of opening up an own Muay Thai training premise was thus laid.
In 2015, the "Honour Muay Thai" Camp was opened in Ao Nang, Krabi, after initially having had a camp premise in Pattaya, Thailand. The camp site was established and built step by step by own measures. Ever since, people of all ages with different national backgrounds come to stay here for various time periods, ranging from only a few days up to several months. Every fitness- and experience level is welcome and individually supported by appropriate training measures for everyone to have the best-possible training experience- and outcome. The cohesion of the camp is unbelievable nice and familiar, as I can state from my personal experience. During high season, up to 36 trainees can fill up the gym premises and Howard and the team will give everything to make you join each training session as often as possible for you to incorporate a steady training routine.
Even though Howard admits that he is not aware what other gym premises offer in terms of training schedule and/or measures since different gyms have different approaches, training schedules and teaching methods, I am certain that compared to competition, his way of doing is not only unique and well working, but applicable to everyone.
Next to the Honour Muay Thai Camp, Howard additionally owns another training premise which is more likely dedicated to Thai profesionals.
All in all, it is safe to say that Howard is a very blessed and content man who can be proud of his overall achievement and life-fullfilling project. He nowadays lives next to the camp with his lovely wife, Goy, taking care of feeding the hungry mouth of trainees & trainers after practice. Up until today, Muay Thai retains its magic to Howard, who outlines that practicing it lets you think about nothing but technique itself and breathing, solely focussing on the actual execution of practice without your mind wandering around. Covering a holistic training approach that encompasses your entire body, mind and willpower, Muay Thai is not solely about strength and power but about your heart, dedication and soul being crucial criteria for determining how good of a fighter one will become.
Meet the Trainers: a charming pool of sweat accelerators
The "Honour Muay Thai" Trainer Team gives the camp its very special touch and charm. Individually selected and chosen by Howard, I probably speak for everyone attending the camp by saying that he did a fantastic job! With humour, calmness and expertise, everyone training at the camp will be benefiting from the coaches great and varying expertise based on own fighting experiences. It is simply impossible to not like them. Whilst the trainers teach you more on reputition, Howard will be the devils advocat in critically observing your footwork.
Camp Facilities: a place to call home
The camp includes a large fully equipped training area with a ring, several punching bags, a water bag, upper cut posts, and other gym equipment (dumbbells, jump ropes, etc.). Boxing gloves, hand- and foot wraps as well as shin guards can be rented cheaply for training purposes and/or purchased for personal use. Additionally, one can also purchase jump ropes, Honour Muay Thai T-shirts and training pants.
Showers, toilets as well as a washing machine and dryer are available. If in use, you can simply cross the road to find a laundry salon where you can cheaply wash and dry your clothes as well. A kiosk can also be found right next to it for the little hunger in between, toilet accessories, electrolyte powder or energy drinks to keep your energy levels alive.
Behind the training area, a lounge with three sofas and a TV screen with all channels, including Netflix, invited for resting and cozy movie nights together with your team mates, just like the accompanying pool table. A fridge is also in place for you to store some food and drinks in case needed.
Next to the little cozy lounge, which is mainly the heart and meeting point for everyone to relax, play games, read and have some talks, you will find the breakfast- and dinner seating area. Here, you will be able to eat and taste delicious, home-cooked food by Goy, Howard's wife, and her team twice a day (one at 10am after the morning session, the other at 6pm after the afternoon session). Via a large menu card of different options (ranging from your favorite Thai foods, such as Pad Thai, Papaya Salad, different curries up to English breakfast options and much more) you get to personally pick- and- choose your meals on a daily basis. Your meal of choice can be found via an assigned number that you can check on a writing board. Water is available 24/7 and free of charge.
Daily Training: clear your mind of I can't and replace it with I will
Training takes part twice a day, being distributed upon a morning session from 07:30am - 10am and an afternoon session from 03:30pm - 06:00pm. Each training starts with a 30min. warm-up that you are free to choose and practice yourself: either you can go for a 3 - 5km run on a nearby track, alternatively around the neighbourhood of the camp, or you can do rope skipping. Some people like to mix- and - match some stretching exercises or HIIT workouts as well. Up to you.
Next up is stretching, followed by individual shadowboxing, pad- and bag work. Hereafter comes a differing training mixture that varies: this can imply practicing Muay Thai techniques in the bigger group or with a sparing partner, boxing, Thai sparing or clinching. The training usually ends with some kind of conditioning training, e.g. 100x front kicks + 100x knees, which can be carried out individually or with a partner. Last up is stretching, prior to once more pushing yourself through 100 sit-ups and 100 push-ups.
Sounds tough? Can be. But the beautiful thing about it is that if you push through, I promise you to become the best and strongest version of yourself, feeling proud of every little small achievement and success you will come across your training journey. Yes, it can be frustrating sometimes. And yes, you might be feeling slightly uncomfortable in the very beginning, especially during shadowboxing when not yet really knowing what to do and how to do it. You might also come across the feeling that you are not doing anything right after your technique has been corrected for the seemingly 150th time. But I guarantee you that, if you stick to a certain routine and try to give your best even on days where you do not feel like training, you will eventually see progress and get addicted in becoming better everyday.
One last advise: don't forget to bring your towel and plenty of water fueled up with elecrolyte supplements because if there's one thing I can guarantee, it is that you will be sweating a lot!
Experiencing Muay Thai Fighting first hand: Landmark Stadium, Ao Nang
No training in this world takes place without a greater plan behind- whether it is to loose weight, to build muscle, to become fitter, to become leaner or, as in the case of Muay Thai, to step into a ring.
If your desire is based upon the latter, Ao Nang Landmark Arena is the place of occurrence. From very young to older age groups, different fights can be seen and watched each week.
Your dream is to fight an opponent as well? Then you simply need to follow and stick to some game rules:
show up to training consistently twice a day for at least two weeks
run everyday
stick to a certain weight management (based on the opponent chosen for you, you you should be moving in a comparable weight scale)
obtain a solid fighting technique (good balance & foot work)
and listen to your coaches advises, who will give their best to prepare you the best they can, critically checking upon your fighting skills daily.
You should also obtain a positive mindset, attitude and strong willpower to not give up easily; leaving the ring in the middle of a fight just out of frustration casts a bad light onto the camp and training team.
Both, students and trainers will take on the challenge to fight sequentially at Ao Nang Landmark, offering you and your camp team to join and cheer collectively for Honour Muay Thai Family Members. Tickets can be purchased at reduced rates in the camp, usually ranging around 1000 Baht. Persons and dates of respective fights are listed upon a writing board in the gym facilities for everyone to be aware of. If you have the chance to join one or several fights, my recommendation is to certainly take advantage of it to fully immerse into this spectacular event and atmosphere. Each fight consists of 5 rounds with 3min. fighting each, typically starting of with the beautiful traditional ritual of "Wai Kru" and "Ram Muay".
In case your Honour Muay Thai camp fighter wins, everyone is being called onto the stage to take a joint photo, which you can find and see on Instagram. Check on some impressions below:
The camp team enjoying themselves, preparing for another round of cheering for one of our trainers, called "Dragonball":
Watch "Dragonball", one of our very talented trainers, in his last and final round winning his fight at Ao Nang Landmark Stadium:
And of course not to miss out on: the final winning picture with the entire Honour Muay Thai Team!
Personal development and overall conclusion
Looking back on my two-week journey it seems like time has passed unbelievable fast, though, and that is the fascinating thing about it, with leaving a deeply anchored feeling of belonging and homesickness. Connecting and training with people on-site twice a day built up a strong bondage words cannot express, but only experiencing yourself will. Not only will you be able to quickly connect with like-minded people training on-site, also the trainers will go out of their way making you feel comfortable and well taken care off by considering your level of experience and fitness. No one is left behind.
When firstly arriving at the camp I did not know what to expect, feeling like a chicken in the basket being one of the lonely rangers to not having had any kind of previous experience in marshall arts. The first few training sessions felt unreal and partially uncomfortable in not really knowing what- and how to do it:
How do I stand correctly? How do I need to move my feet now? How can I block, punch AND move my feet correctly all at the same time? This is not working! How to properly kick and hold your foot correctly when doing a knee? I don't get it. Wait, huh? What was a hook again? And what the hell is an uppercut? Why do I need to shadowbox again? I'm doing it wrong, still? Can I please just skip the sparing part? Why do I keep forgetting everything? Oh lord, trainers must be thinking I'm the most untalented human being on this planet.
Just to give you some glimpse of the questions and phrases continoulsy running through my head when firstly starting to learn Muay Thai, but hey, all part of the journey and progress! And I would need to lie by saying that every little "better" felt like being awarded with a Hollywood grammy. So yes, independent on how good or bad one might judge my current level of Muay Thai, I am quite proud of the personal progress I have made :)
If there is one thing I learned during my two-week experience, it is to allow yourself to grow over time, slowly but steadily. Rome wasn't built in one day, so why should you have the ambition to become a Muay Thai world champion in a short period of time? Impossible. Take out the self-pressure and progress will follow.
What mattered most to me was my inner attitude, personal drive and dedication to learn. Some days, I would stand in my room practicing different punch variations and technqiues whilst watching random YouTube videos, other days I would repeat foot work practices with friends at camp off training sessions. But never without losing focus upon what I consider the most important: enjoying the progress & having fun without comparing my level of skills to anyone else but me.
Howard and the team did a brilliant job in steadily introducing me into the beautiful arts of Muay Thai, letting me discover a new level of endurance and fitness I have not yet come across my fitness journey.
And this being said, I have already booked a return ticket to Thailand at the end of the year to do it all again. For a longer period of time, for more muscle soreness, laughter and personal growth. Well, what else is needed to be said for you to give this experience a try yourself? Check out https://honourmuaythai.com/de and become part of a family you will not want to miss out on and/or leave again.
And just as Tony Jaa used to say, remember the following:
You never lose. You either win, or you learn!
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