Soccer players are known for their direct kicks and corner kicks. Basketball players have popularized the free-throw shot and their dribbling skills. Football (American) players perfected tackling techniques and footwork. Teams display their athletic abilities to see who reigns supreme. Their goal is simple, to be number one. Sports observe the importance of winning a match but fail to imply the importance of mindfulness. Through team sports athletes are able to rise to their peak but eventually fall. Though some athletes ultimately leave, there are certain sports where participants are never too old to depart.
Despite its reputation for being the most brutal and dangerous martial arts in the world, Muay Thai is not limited to aggressive fighters but people of any age, gender and lifestyle.
Muay Thai can be depicted in two very distinctive ways. A spectator views it as raw and vicious, and should be illegal in the world of fighting. Another aspect is its religious and humble implications which molds people into a more righteous and virtuous individual. Yet another motive would be the fitness and exercise portion of the sport. Whatever the reason, the outcome is always the same. People of all levels fall in love with this science.
Master Toddy has dedicated his life to shape and create world champion fighters. His expertise shook the world, and thousands of enthusiasts respect and followed his ways. He was on a new venture, to teach Muay Thai ten martial arts instructors from different parts of the country.
There was a broad range of students, from police men from the east coast to women from the down south who attended this Las Vegas seminar in the summer of 2007. There was a noticeable difference in appearance between instructors. Some tall, some small, a few young, and a few older.
The instructors were already skilled in their own discipline and had various ability levels. A challenge for Master Toddy would be to be able to train and educate a diverse crowd and condition them to teach Muay Thai successfully.
The week commenced with learning the basic jargon. They had to alliterate elementary Thai words that were synonymous with each exercise. They instructors, like grade school children, were taught to count to four for in Thai, and the proper way to greet each individual.
The training continued with practices on the kick bag and target glove. They each worked with Master Toddy and some of his personal instructors on pad work and had the opportunity to exhibited their own martial arts and spar with each other.
It was an intensive week, but on the final day the instructors were to the test. They were to utilize their knowledge and train Master Toddy’s existing students.
Five instructors were randomly paired with one of Master Toddy’s female students to train for three rounds of pure Muay Thai. The instructors were unaware of the ability of each of their partner.
“It is always a little more difficult to train newer students since they are unfamiliar with the moves. It really tests their teaching skills,” said Master Toddy.
Entering the training ring, the instructors were prepared with target gloves, belly pads and mouth pieces. “They all must wear protective equipment because you never can underestimate the power of female,” said Master Toddy.
The females bowed to their male counterpart to initiate the first round.
“One, two,” yelled Tim Franks, a six-foot, middle aged, police officer and martial arts expert from New Jersey as he towers over his 5’3 trainee, Karina Deleon. She lands a left jab then a right punch on the target gloves.
In the distance the loud voices from the other trainers depleted the sound of the fighting music, “kick,” “uppercut,” “good move!”
Franks circled the ring trying to distract Deleon as he called for the next move.
“Kick,” hollered Franks as he readjusted the pads and strategically placed them his left hip. Deleon performed a roundhouse kick.
“Good,” said Franks as sweat drops trickle down his face. “How long have you been doing this?”
“About six weeks,” Deleon answered shyly, a little embarrassed of her lack of skill.
“Wow! That is really impressive. I thought you have been doing this for at least two years.”
Deleon smiled humbly.
The round ended and Franks dropped the pads, “I have been doing martial arts for the past 21 years and you were able to do those moves in a short period of time. The training here is excellent.”
Round two began and the trainers rotated. Deleon’s next instructor was a lean, 5‘7” older man with salt and pepper hair. Dan Robbie, a three year practitioner of martial arts from Denver, Colorado erected the target pads in front of his body. Deleon was slightly unsure of what type of punch he wanted. He then verbalized he wanted a hook thrown. Master Toddy saw the confusion and assisted the couple.
“You make it easy for the student to see the target. You must always communicate with them.” stated Master Toddy, as he took the target pad with his right hand and shook it vigorously, stimulating a right hook.
With that advice, there was less misunderstanding with Robbie.
After the round Robbie was astounded with the relationship the entire gym had.
“Everyone is so sincere. They all seem to be helping each other. Master Toddy retains the authenticity of Muay Thai. You can’t find that anywhere else,” said Robbie.
It was time again to rotate, and the final instructor was 26 year-old martial arts school owner, Casey Pharis from Boise, Idaho. With a background in karate and MMA, Pharis was immediately impressed with Muay Thai.
“There are no restrictions and I love the open atmosphere.” claimed Pharis. “I come from a small town and no one has really seen Muay Thai. This is the best school I have trained at.”
The final round was completed and the thirsty trainers exited the ring and walked to their water. Winded and tired they were delighted with the training and confident to deliver it to their hometown.
Team sports once created visible icons for the public. Michael Jordan, Dan Marino and Diego Maradona have been considered legends in their sports. Unlike most sports, Muay Thai is not limited to the young. The participants of Muay Thai come with different attitudes, means and intentions. Not like basketball, or soccer or football participants do not retire from this sport as they age. Muay Thai practitioners discover something innovative to keep their passion alive. They grow with it, learn from it and live by it.