Paradise isn’t always pristine, picturesque, and perfumed; sometimes it’s shabby, sweaty, and stinky. Such is the Lanna Muay Thai Training Camp in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where I have taken Muay Thai classes the last two days. I say “classes,” but Lanna isn’t about fitness-oriented group workouts; it’s about serious individual training. This is Kronk’s, this is Smokin’ Joe’s, this is not Sports Club LA. Most people here are professional fighters – or intend to be. (One woman I talked to has an upcoming stadium bout in Bangkok where the winner will receive US$8K … a pretty big payday in Thailand.)
Needless to say, I don’t belong here. I am pretty fair at Taekwondo point sparring (or used to be), but this is something else. Sure, Muay Thai is a sport. But it is also war. Winning isn’t mostly about precision. There is no sense of “outscoring your opponent.” Almost all fights end in knockouts, and those that do not are awarded to the combatant who has inflicted greater damage.
The Muay Thai roundhouse kick is widely regarded as the hardest blow in all of martial arts (and its elbow and knee strikes ain’t no love pats). Andy, who taught me the kick, is a Canadian-born Scot who has lived, trained, fought (professionally), and taught in Thailand for 18 years. He embodies Muay Thai. On the one hand, he is very, very fit (and dangerous) for a 45-year old. On the other hand, he retains a lower percentage of his original teeth than I do of my original hair. Perhaps, it isn’t so bad I don’t belong here.
The owner of the facility is a former top pro, who was forced to retire 11 years ago following a scooter/car collision (he was on the scooter). He is almost completely healed, but his left leg never quite got back up to pro-fighting caliber. He is a joy! Although he speaks little English, he has an infectious smile, great personality, and true gift at martial arts. I am fortunate that he spends a great deal of time (like, 30 minutes?!?) sparring with me during each of my two visits. Even without formal verbal communication, I feel I learn a lot. My roundhouse kick (with my right leg at any rate) seems to begin hitting with real force. One of the great things about vacation is stepping outside your little world. For six great hours spread over two days, I feel I do belong at Lanna.
Author’s Note:
I realize I am giving high praise to many of the sights and activities of this trip. This feels “wrong” … or at least out of character. Normally, I am pretty discriminating, not a complainer or nit-picker, but (I feel) I am not easily impressed.
So, one of 3 things is going on. I may have gotten soft. Or, perhaps, I haven’t had a vacation in so long that I have temporarily let my judgmental guard down with respect to travel. Hopefully, though, it is just that a combination of good research, high-quality recommendations, and smiling fortune has led to great outcomes. I suspect it is the last; but caveat lector.
2 comments:
Awesome.
Kris
Commentator's Note: You're on vacation going to places you feel will inspire you. If you don't feel impressed by what you see, you've wasted your money and time.
Loving it is what makes it worthwhile.
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