“As they do it a third time, it will once again be the skill of Yodsanklai Vs the desire of John Wayne Parr.”

By Steven Wright

International Superstar John Wayne Parr, who was known the world over for fighting in Japan’s K-1 Max organization, and was fresh off a fight of the year win over Bruce “Preacher” Macfie for the title of the best in Australia, was slated to fight who at the time was an unknown 20 year old Thai named Yodsanklai Fairtex.

I say unknown because though he was a Lumpinee Champion, he was moving up in weight and to that point was nothing more than a Thai name on a foreign card.

I had grown weary on the promotions who brought undersized Thai fighters out of Thailand to show the strength of their home grown rosters, but all of that changed with a second round high kick heard round the world.

It wasn’t long into the first round that I realized the difference in this Thai fighter as opposed to others. Yodsanklai had the best head movement that I have ever seen in a Thai fighter.

He wasn’t just avoiding shots and circling, like a Koaklai for example. He was slipping, staying in striking range, and countering big. Adding to this strange Thai fighter was his hands.

He was throwing crisp bombs that were landing right on the mark, which complimented his power left high and body kick game perfect.

It is not common to see a lot of Thai fighters with big hands as the scoring system in Thailand rewards the strikes with the hands the least, so if you don’t get a KO you will get out scored by a kicker.

Yet Yodsanklai had it all, and in the second round, he set up a perfect left high kick, by striking the same left body kick for the duration of the round.

Then he put his right knee high to sell a shot to the body again, and went high with the left catching John Wayne across the neck.

He came on strong with big left straights and right hooks, but it was at the end of the round and JWP was able to escape the round.

Yodsanklai would continue to be an enigma as to JWP, who continued to rush after the Thai with six punch combinations and high kicks, but the Thai was to slick, only catching one of the six and tying up when Parr came in.

After five rounds the decision went to Yodsanklai and a star was born.  

The fighters would go down two paths. Yodsanklai would go on to be considered the best 70kgs fighter not fighting in the K-1 Max division.

He had gotten one opportunity in which he easily defeated Kamel El Amrani the Super League Champion, scoring a knockdown in the third and taking a unanimous decision.

He went on to win fights over other international opponents in Europe and his legend grew with every fight. He became known as the man Max was to afraid to bring in, as everyone wanted to see him fight the big names, in particular, fellow Thai superstar Buakaw Por. Pramuk.

John Wayne Parr would go down a different path, as he would enter the worse slump of his career. He went on to challenge for another WBC title at a higher weight, and came up short against England’s Steven Wakeling.

He then went on to loss to Thai’s Oomsin Sitkuanam and Wanlop Sitpholek. Including Yodsanklai he had dropped four straight, before turning it around against top Australian competition.

Our two Muaythai rivals would meet for a second time, when the World Muaythai Council sanctioned the reality show Contender Asia, which was made of Muaythai fighters instead of boxers.

It was a hit and the show was well received internationally and brought great ratings in the East Asian markets. The two stars of the show would be Yodsanklai, who ran thru all of his opponents in the tournament, and John Wayne Parr, who was sort of the father figure in the house and his very presence represented the best of Muaythai in and out the ring.

In the second battle, there was more of the same Yodsanklai dominance. In the opening two rounds, John Wayne came out and tried to establish more work rate, closing the distance and throwing punches in bunches.

However it was the big fist of the Yodsanklai that told the story, as he scored a knockdown in each of the first two rounds. Both times JWP was able to get to his feet and return to the fight, but heading into the last round, he needed a KO to win it.

In a moment of great action Parr started to land some significant shots and got the Thai going backwards, before Yodsanklai landed a big right hand and followed it with killer shots, the final bell keeping John Wayne from going down again.

October 17, 2010 will be the third meeting of these men. However for the first time, John Wayne Parr comes in with more momentum. No longer cutting 10 plus kgs before the fight, John has looked good in his last few fights.

He showed Australia that he is still the top fighter at his weight class by beating new kid on the block Eli Madigan. He then beat Dmitry Valent for another world title, went to a draw with Eugene Ekkelboom, and took a big win off Thai Lamsongkram heading into the showdown with Yodsanklai.

Yodsanklai is still a dominate fighter, but the work ethic and killer instinct doesn’t seem to be as high as it was, before the big Contender Asia finale win.

The big fight with Buakaw eluded him and he resigned to facing solid, but not well known competition.

He has started a habit of coming out strong in the opening rounds and then coasting for the last one or two. Though he has notched wins over Marco Pique and Khalid Bourdif, he slowed in the later portions of both fights.

Even more of note his power looked like it failed him against Takaaki Nakamura, as he dominated the fight, but could not fell Takaaki no matter how much he hit him.

Even though he beat Vuyisile Colossa three times, only getting credit for two, he slowed again down the stretch, allowing a bias judging panel to reward a unanimous decision to a fighter who was dropped in the fight and bullied for the first three rounds.

As they do it a third time, it will once again be the skill of Yodsanklai Vs the desire of John Wayne Parr.

Nothing shows John Wayne Parr’s desire to beat Yodsanklai more than the fact that he has yet to come close to beating him, but feels all the more to take the fight and believes he can.

He has half of the formula already.

He has to outwork Yodsanklai enough to take at least one of the three early rounds, than make sure he puts the pressure on thick when the fight comes to an end.

The second half is he can’t take the big shots. Yodsanklai is a 10-8 round waiting to happen to anyone who gets hit flush on a regular occasion, so the best formula is to use head movement, throw flurries, then get out, as opposed to moving forward.

If John Wayne can do that for his home country he can pull off the upset.

For Yodsanklai more of the same. He must land the big shots, use his head movement, and hit hard to the body. In all of his fights I have yet to see a fighter change how Yodsanklai fights.

He is always the bully, whether he is going forward or backwards, he lands the more significant shots.

If he is to do it a third time, he might want to put the gas on when he gets John Wayne Parr hurt.

As for what the final result will actually be, you will just have to tune in with the rest of the world October 17^th.  WMM ©

About Powerplay :: In 2005 Joe Nader founded Powerplay and since has created a loyal following in one of Australia’s most successful operations combining both Gym and fight sports Promotions. Joe Nader is a former Australian and South Pacific Cruiser Weight Champion.

Joe has trained with the best including the late great Dana Goodson and World Champions such as Stan ‘The Man’ Longinidis and Sam Greco. With his experience and knowledge of the fight game, Joe decided to put all his hard earned years into action developing the concept of Powerplay Promotions which has seen the likes of Mike Zambidis, Dzhabar Askerov, Virgil Kalakoda, Ali Gunyar, Lamsongkram to mention but a few. www.powerplaygym.com

WMM is available directly and online as we boost our online issues from 4 per year to 10, that’s more Muaythai than ever before.

Sharing a wide range of Muaythai news from around the world and what an exciting few months it has been on the fight scene and for WMM.  

WMM Issue #10 will be available in PDF online and our ultra-cool e-mag issue can be viewed shortly at www.worldmuyathaimagazine.com and will showcase World Muaythai Magazine’s brand new digital identity.

From the moment Issue #01 was published, our design team has been interactive in building and developing Muaythai in our own style which would allow us to both add extra depth in coverage for Muaythai, while also helping us stand out to our unique and individual audience. 

TOP TEN COUNTRIES VISITING WMM WEEK 3 SEPTEMBER No. 1 United Kingdom – 2. Australia – 3. United States – 4. Canada – 5.Thailand – 6. Belarus – 7. France – 8. Ireland – 9. Germany and 10. Spain

With this new direction will come a variety of new content, more pages and include some of our most interesting features and articles to date. We also have a new website, complete with community elements such as blogs and sharing our affiliations with online forums, and allowing our readers to share their thoughts, suggestions and opinions with one another.

Soon you will be able to sign up to World Muaythai Magazine’s new website and gain access to all our amazing features and content.

NEWS ON :: Epic 1 :: Muaythai Action Vl :: WBC Muaythai Battle Collossal XI – IFMA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS “The Battle of 100 Nations and 100 Hearts” – King’s Cup Challenge, 2010.

THAILAND CELEBRATES THE 78TH BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN WITH TWO DAYS OF MUAYTHAI CELEBRATIONS

 The first of two days celebrating Muaythai kicked off on August 11, with a great card from Match Makers at World Professional Muaythai Federation.

A collection of fighters from around the world united in Stadiums through-out Thailand, showcasing their skills in some great bouts. It is an honour to be invited to fight at such a grand event. This event represents the Thai people’s deepest respect for their Queen. It was a great showcase of Thailand’s cultural heritage on display to the world.

The second day of events on August 12, for The Queen’s Cup, which is the biggest event in the Muaythai calendar for female fighters, was officially promoted by Songchai’s company, One Songchai Promotions. The event was sanctioned by World Muaythai Council in conjunction as co-promoter Elite Boxing of this prestigious event.

INTERVIEWS WITH :: Brenda Hilltop, Charles Karlito Francois’s, Jesse Seangmorakot and Saiyok Pumphanmuang

MUAYTHAI A KNOCKOUT AT THE SPORTACCORD WORLD COMBAT GAMES

Muaythai’s inclusion into the World Combat Games was a knockout. Day 1 saw 44 fights in 2 rings and the capacity crowd stayed to the very last-minute. Day 2 saw 22 fights and people queuing on the door to watch the Muaythai competition.

The final day was really Muaythai at its finest, with the best of the best going toe to toe for the gold medal, in some of the most exciting fights ever. IFMA General Secretary, Mr Stephan Fox presented “The Social Values and Contributions of Martial Arts” at a special two-hour Muaythai cultural showcase to promote all things Muaythai from Wai-Khru to Muay Boran.

The Muaythai cultural showcase was arranged by the Foreign Ministry, National Cultural Commission, The Royal Thai Embassy and the IFMA with over 300 invitees including top Embassy officials, SportAccord and assorted VIP’s.

There are far too many single moments to mention, but importantly the medals were spread across all five continents, proving that Muaythai has become truly a worldwide sport.Our coming issue WMM #10 covers all the highlights and results.

LUCIEN CARBIN :: THE INTERVIEW :: By Tania Presutti

 “If you can do it fast, you can do it hard”

The voice of Lucien Carbin is quiet but firm. The Dutch trainer doesn’t make much of a fuss about himself, instead he gives off an impression of soft-spoken, kind and maybe a bit goofy looking, as he roams the gym in shorts three times his size. But make no mistake, everyone listen when the man in the big shorts talks.

Lucien Carbin has been an institution in Dutch Muaythai and fight sport for decades, and still to this day considered to be one of the most successful trainers in Holland if not Europe. Among his most famous fighters are Tyrone Spong, Gilbert Yvert, Llonka Elmont and Alistair Overeem. But they’re only the famous top of the mountain; Lucien Carbin is behind more than 35 world champions.

FIGHTING FACTORY CARBIN :: By Tania Presutti

Mark, Patrick Robert Lucien Raymond (boxing coach)

Located in the outskirts of Amsterdam one of Holland’s famous gyms resides, and head coach Lucien Carbin is the undisputed ruler. Fighting Factory Carbin is along with The Golden Glory Gym, Pancration, Mejiro, Mike’s Gym and Voss gym some of Holland’s most recognized gyms.

Fighting Factory Carbin (FFC) offers Muaythai, Boxing and MMA classes and in addition to this, the gym has a wide range of skilled private teachers who can assist with everything from MT or boxing technique to hardcore conditioning privates.

OMAR “SITAN” AHMED :: By John Tozeland

The fight seen in New York is growing and it has its followers from the East Coast of America New York has the most Muaythai events. One stand out fighter Omar “Sitan” Ahmed was 12 years old and in the 7th grade when his older brother took him along to watch some Muaythai fights, once I saw it I said this is the sport I should be doing and I started right away.

Omar recently competed in the first-ever Professional $10,000 Muaythai Tournament in U.S. history. Take On NY matched 8 top North American professional Muaythai fighters who competed in a full contact single elimination tournament for a grand prize of $10,000 Omar won against a stacked card of talent  and talks us through his thoughts on the fight.

Omar also talk about his best experience in Muaythai,  his life around the ring and training at 13 coins in Thailand. 

“I fought a Thai fighter “Pet Burapa Sor. Montana Sanchai” who had 150 fights and I was 18 years old at the time. It was the co main event of the night. I was very nervous but excited. I was also confident because I saw that the trainers from 13 coins were very confident in me and proud to be by my side.

And talks about training at 13 coins “I loved it. I improve every time I go to 13 coins and I have a great friendship with Mr. coke and all the fighters and staff that work there. I’ve been there twice and I stayed a combined total of five months there all in 13 coins and I cannot wait to go back.

JULIE KITCHEN TAKES ON ANNALISA BUCCI FOR MTEC WORLD TITLE FIGHT

UK Muaythai legend and World Number 1 Julie Kitchen is currently preparing herself and training for the 50th fight in her career.

Julie will be taking on Italian Champion Annalisa Bucci in the 63.5 kg weight category, with her eyes and mind firmly set on adding a 12th World Title to her achievements and a 22nd belt to her outstanding collection.

The fight for the MTEC World Title will be taking place at the England versus Holland International Full Contact Muaythai Boxing contest in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on 2nd October 2010, presented by Backstreet Brawler and Top King.

There will be 14 exhilarating bouts of top class Muaythai action with World, European and British titles up for grabs. Tickets are available from £25 pp, and VIP packages at £65 pp.

Julie Kitchen, who is also known as the ‘Queen of Muaythai’, is looking forward to taking on Annalisa Bucci in her 50th fight: ‘I am thrilled to be fighting in Blackpool and to be giving the opportunity to add the MTEC World Title to my list of titles and successes in my career so far.

Annalisa is a strong and talented fighter and I will have to watch those legs on the outside and in the clinch! I will be working even harder than normal for this title – having come this far and being able to fight for a World Title in my 50th fight is massive, and I am hungry to win it. Come and show your support in Blackpool!’ 

Go to www.facebook.com/JulieKitchenUK for more information on Julie, and to www.backstreetbrawler.com to buy your tickets to see the best Muaythai talent from England go toe to toe with the best fighters from Holland, and to see Julie Kitchen in action for her 50th fight and 12th World Title. 

STEVE MCKINNON VS EDUARDO MAIORINO DE MORAIS FOR WBC SUPER CRUISER TITLE IN SYDNEY 16 OCTOBER

http://www.invinciblepromotions.com.au/ 

WBC MUAYTHAI Super Cruiserweight Champion Steve McKinnon (Australia) will defend his world title in front of his fan base in Sydney on 16 October when he takes on Brazilian challenger Eduardo Mairino.

Invincible Promotions booked the venue at the famous Luna Park landmark alongside the Harbour Bridge with a view of the Opera House.

A packed crowd will be assembling to witness Sydney’s favourite Muaythai hero who will take on Brazil’s top contender – the master fighter Mairino, who has a record of 37 wins from 51 fights.

McKinnon won the WBC World Super Cruiser title in Jamaica. Before he claimed the famous WBC green and gold belt McKinnon trained in Thailand at the two Fairtex Muaythai training camps alongside former WBC Super Welterweight Champion Yodsaenklai.

A crowd favorite on the Muaythai circuit in Las Vegas, McKinnon has also fought in Bangkok’s Lumpinee stadium where he earned a reputation for his fierce courage and eight weapons mastery. His trademark technique is a flying knee attack.

WORLD TITLE FIGHT :: PAY BACK TIME 2

 John Wayne Parr Vs Yodsanklai

 “As they do it a third time, it will once again be the skill of  Yodsanklai Vs the desire of John Wayne Parr.” By Steven Wright

The two stars were matched a second time, when the World Muaythai Council sanctioned the reality show Contender Asia. Yodsanklai, who ran thru all of his opponents in the tournament, and John Wayne Parr, who was sort of the father figure in the house and his very presence represented the best of Muaythai in and out the ring.

Worldwide and Muaythai fight sports fans are now talking up Australia’s “Fight of the Year” between World Champion JOHN WAYNE PARR matched for the third time with the world’s highest ranked “NO. 1” Muaythai fighter and native to Thailand, YODSANKLAI.

In addition to the “Fight of the Year” this world-class event we have an amazing local under card including the stand out fighter by the name of Aaron Goodson.

Aaron Goodson is the son of the late Master Dana Goodson who pioneered Kickboxing and Muaythai from Fitzroy All Stars Gym. Aaron Goodson at the ripe age of 22, Dana’s youngest son, is now at the level in his fighting career to be given the opportunity to compete for the Australian Title in his weight division.

This is set to be his toughest match yet and date is sentimental as it is around his father’s anniversary.

Joe Nader the master match maker behind Powerplay Promotions has had great success with Pay Back Time 1 where Parr claimed revenge on Mike Zambidis where 4,000 people witnessed the fight of the decade. Now people will get the opportunity to see Parr take on his toughest opponent ever and hope’s to do the same here in his own country.

“The names say it all we have the two best fighters in the world, the hype is growing by the minute and everywhere I go people are talking it up. Very exciting!!!”

CHECK OUT THE PROMO ON THE FOLLOWING LINK: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lJ_cGHVGNw

OR VISIT

http://www.powerplaygym.com/promotions

VALDET GASHI :: By John Tozeland

WMM catches up with Valdet’s between his busy professional schedule that has him travelling to different places around the world, and the chance to meeting new people, and he sees it as the best part next to the fight.

 Valdet talks about his training with Grand Master Amnat

http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=2063223&id=1442659493 

I love it! Everywhere in the world the fighters and people who work with them are in one way different but on the other side just like me. We share all the same passion for Muaythai.

The audiences are so different from country to country, some just watch, and some are silent, some scream around like in a soccer game, most like to watch a hard fight, some love to watch technical fights. It’s so different and exciting every time.

MUAYTHAI THE CANADIAN WAY :: By Cameron Fraser

Canada is a country known for its multiculturalism. We tend to accept other cultures and customs with open arms, and Muaythai is no exception. Since the 1970’s, Muaythai in Canada has grown substantially and in a very obvious way, especially when you look at Canada’s current talented stable of fighters.

With the popularity of combat sports rising exponentially every year, more and more people are signing up to try Muaythai, MMA, Kickboxing and other high impact martial arts. Since Muaythai events don’t happen as often as athletes would like, many Canadian fighters participate in Kickboxing or K-1 rules fights or boxing matches.  As we look at the top ten fighters on top of their game in 2010.

THE MUAYTHAI AMATEUR ISSUE :: By Steven Wright

I have a lot of friends on Facebook and the other day I got a message that was sent out on behalf of a person who was very pro amateur MMA. He began his argument talking about how great the careers of Cassias Clay (Muhammad Ali), Joe Frazier, and George Foreman were. He argued what if they had never gone to the amateurs, had great success, and went on to the professional ranks to have such great careers.

He then rounded his argument by presuming that anyone can go straight to the pros and they may even win a few fights. However they are skipping an important part in their development and they need the seasoning that an amateur career brings.

Steven Wright takes a in-depth look at the current Amateur fight scene.

YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN MUAYTHAI :: By Alana Gain

As we know obesity is one of the leading issues in the society of the world today and our children’s health are the worries of nations everywhere as they assume, “an obese child is the next obese adult.” More and more compulsory physical and nutritional education is being added into schooling curriculums, but is it being done in the right context?

How many children enjoy running laps around the field and getting weighed and measured in front of their peers especially when they are not the ‘ideal’ body shape?  And how many of them would then want to participate in that outside of school in their own time? Not many!

Don’t you think it would be more interesting to include different and fun sports into physical activity inside and outside of schooling to help our youth become more aware of the issues and needs their bodies have and require? Why don’t we get them involved in Muaythai?

SITKRUMAT MUAYTHAI MALAYSIA :: By John Tozeland

Established on 1^st January 2009, in Selangor, Malaysia by Kru Raja Ahmad Talmizi, former Kelantan champion. Kelantan incidentally, is a state located on the Thai-Malaysian border.

Kru Raja Ahmad, scouted for a recreational park to serve as the camp’s training centre. As Kru Raja Ahmad is also a high school teacher, most of the camp’s pioneering trainees, consisted of his own students at school.

The syllabus taught at Sitkrumat is complete and exhilarating as it encompasses Muaythai teaching and education for pre-school.

SOREN MONKONGTONG :: FIGHTER FITNESS

When you fight in the ring you’re representing your gym, your trainer, your family, in front of thousands of people, which means you have to represent these people in your life in a good way.

But, most of all you’re representing yourself. So you need to be self-disciplined. You know if you’re eating properly. You know if you’re getting enough rest. Only you know if you’re thinking in a positive way.

Living in Thailand taught me to understand Muaythai better. It’s not about anger, losing control, going psycho. It’s about controlling yourself, controlling the pace of the fight, an ultimately controlling your opponent. But the bit everyone can benefit from is learning how to control yourself.

MUAYTHAI CONDITIONING :: By Ashley Lartey

Optimum Performance – Stage 1

There are hundreds of different sports across the world, some that make use of hands others legs and in some cases even fingers. So it would be fair to say, there are as many different types of conditioning programmes out there, as there are sports.

Muaythai as we all know is a complex puzzle and in order to be the best, fighters push themselves to the limit for glory! Conditioning for this sport should not be treated with any less respect.

RECOVERY STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE YOUR PERFORMANCE :: By Nathan Parnham

With the expansion of Muaythai on a global scale it’s important for trainers and competitors alike to understand how best to recover from training or competition.

By adopting appropriate recovery strategies this ensures athletes are capable of training at their maximum potential, are able to reduce the time between bouts, and promote career longevity by minimizing the incidence of injury as a result of participation.

This article aims to outline the various recovery strategies available, and provide an overview of an effective post-fight recovery regime.

FIGHT CALENDAR covers news on events as well as WMM covers FIGHT NEWS FROM :: Warriors at War upcoming show and news from the Elimination. Unleashed in Sydney,  War of the Hero’s 7 Fight Night Review. Madness at Mansfield, Annihilation, WKN’s The Big 8 in Belarus and many more.

We also feature news on the Thai Fight and the upcoming semi final 2nd round is scheduled to be held on October 25th, 2010.

PLUS :: In Gym Kettlebell Review with Daniel Bell at Ironfist Gym and Leon Spain from Spain’s Muaythai Gym. Also news from Joanna Maceachern on her trip to fight in Las Vegas. News from Siangboxing Camp. Update on WMM’s 72kg Amateur Scholarship, 2010. Also we talk with Maurice Cooper, Tahne Newton-Green and Liam Everson. Catch all the latest with our Marketplace directory, News Briefs and don’t miss out on The Goods.

We are respectful and appreciate our supporters with No Contest Boxing, Corporate Box Gym, Trounce Fight Wear, Fighting Dragons, Dream Movie Australia, Fight World, Gold Coast, AX Forum, K-1Fans, kettlebells Australia, Hilltop Muaythai, The Champions Club, Full Force Gym, Full Boar Gym, GV Martial Arts, Team Ngapuhi, First Strike Muaythai, Fit-A-Cuffs, West Australian Thai Boxing, Kelly  Muaythai, Fighting Arts, Street Alert Gym, Sunshine Coast Thai Boxing Centre, VT-1 Gym, Street Smart Thai Boxing Centre, Spain’s Muaythai Gym, Taipan Muaythai Gym, Dip Muaythai, IronFist Muaythai Riddler’s Gym WMC Lamai Muaythai, Lamai Fitness Gym.

SYNOPSIS While China is traumatized by military cliques during the Warlord Era in the 1920s, Shanghai is the cynosure of all eyes.

People see it as both Hell’s Kitchen and Heaven’s Gate. One of the city’s most memorable heroes has to be Chen Zhen, who single-handedly avenges his mentor’s death by killing all the Japanese at a dojo in Hongkou, only to be showered with bullets while making his legendary flying kick.

Vanished from the public eye ever since, he has been taken for dead though his body is never found. Seven years later, a wealthy entrepreneur called Koo returns from abroad and makes a grand entrance on the Shanghai social scene by befriending the notorious mafia boss of the city.

This mysterious man is none other than Chen Zhen in disguise who dwells in a world of nefarious means in order to infiltrate the criminal empire. He soon discovers a clandestine collusion between the mafia and the Japanese.

 Disguised as a caped crusader at night, Chen sets out to dismantle with his martial arts skill the evil collusion that plaques the country. One of his foremost missions is to ferret out the assassination list prepared by the Japanese.

Follow Cinema Release and Session times at www.DreamMovieAustralia.blogspot.com

Kurt Finlayson

Wai Kru Paying homage to the Masters of Muaythai ’Kru’ is a Thai word which means the person who teaches, or passes on knowledge to pupils. Krus are highly respected within Thai society.

They are knowledgeable and full of perseverance. They practice high moral standards as a way of life, leading very respectable lives. They always devote themselves to performing their teaching commitment until their pupils attains full knowledge and are successful in their fields.

Such a Kru is usually rewarded by his sense of achievement, respect from everyone and an increase in the number of students willing to submit to his guidance.

To show sincere appreciation and perseverance, dedication and generosity in conferring knowledge and providing experience for good opportunities, pupils in return will submit themselves obediently and respectfully to their own teacher’s instruction and advice, serve him diligently, and obey the rules and regulations laid down by him (or her), so that the teacher can pass on the knowledge of that particular field to them closely, quickly, properly and wisely.

Wai Kru is a demonstration of the pupil’s respect and gratitude to his teacher in submission to the teaching and training. Wai Kru is traditionally practised by Thais of various professions and arts, e.g. dancers, sword fighters, musicians, as well as academic students, and of course Muaythai Boxers are no exception. As we have previously stated, “Wai” means to pay respect by putting both hands together in front of the chest.

The demonstration of Wai Kru does not only imply paying respect to the present teacher, but also includes homage to all the teachers of the discipline.

The Wai Kru Ceremony The Thais always hold Wai Kru ceremonies on a Thursday, which is believed to be the teacher’s day. On that day, pupils present certain offerings, usually flowers, money, cloth, etc to the person who has accepted them as his student.

The pupils make a vow that they will study seriously and patiently, respect him and behave fairly to their fellow students and will use the knowledge gained properly. The Ceremonial Blessing Following Thai tradition, the place which has been chosen for the Wai Kru Ceremony should be carefully arranged with Muaythai Boxing Equipment laid out on each side of the setting. Usually, a statue of the Buddha is placed in a central location as the main focus of attention.

White flowers, incense sticks and candles will normally be brought to this place as ceremonial objects for paying homage with. For instance, a white wax candle will also be brought weighing (approx) 15 grams and a bowl for holding ‘Holy Water’. Some scented blessed powder will also can be used during the ceremony for the traditional marking of the boxing equipment. It is also customary for a metal tray to be brought for donations that will normally be given to the Buddhist monks as a gift on the next day.

 The ceremony usually begins as follows the Muaythai trainees (fighters) will enter the location reverently, bringing with each of them five incense sticks, white flowers, a white wax candle and some coins to be donated to the monks.

They should then sit down on the floor preferable in the Lotus Position, in neat rows facing their Muaythai Teacher (Kru), silently thinking about him, and recalling as many different aspects as possible about him for approx one minute duration.

The Wai Kru Ceremony should then commence with the trainees bending forward to perform three prostrations to show respect. They should then resume sitting quietly and still again.

Their Teacher will usually at this point in time prepare the ‘Holy Water’, by certain Rituals such as dripping wax from the candle into it. At the same time, he will say prayers in Thai praising all the virtues of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

At this point in time during the ceremony, all of the lit candles and incense sticks will then be collected and put together in one place. After which, all the trainees will usually perform three more prostrations towards their Master.

 Then after kneeling down, sit in the Lotus Position with their hands clasped together at the centre of their chests (palms flat) as in the Traditional ‘Wai’ position. The teacher will usually lead the trainees in the chanting of Buddhist prayers.

While preparing the Ceremonial “Holy Water” it is not unusual for teachers to drink some of it, sprinkling some onto the crown of the head. After which, he will then usually dip the index finger of his right hand into the container that holds the scented powder made moist by him and dab it onto all of the Muaythai training equipment.

The teacher will also mark the crown of the trainee’s heads with the moist powder while saying (chanting) ‘Namo Buddhaya’ which means roughly – a blessing from the Buddha. Following tradition, normally at this point in time the trainees may take some of the wax from the ‘Holy Water’ and stick it to their hair.

This is meant to be very lucky and is called – ‘To attach or stick the wax’. Wai Kru In Muaythai, the boxer will always preface the fight with Wai Kru and this tradition is still practised nowadays. This ceremony is usually performed to rousing Thai music from pipes and drums, and with the initial Ram Muay (the boxing movement).

The Wai Kru and Ram Muay are useful, since the boxer gains encouragement from paying homage to his teachers and feels that he is not on his own: he has his teacher and the other teachers of the Muaythai discipline to support him.

The Wai Kru process will also give him time to concentrate and revise what he has learned, as well as display the nature of his weapons and the high degree of his skill. The steps, movements and use of his weapons are designed to warm up the body’s muscles, survey the field of combat and conceal the contestant’s style of fighting. When the traditional Sarama music sounds around the ring it is recognised by all who are present as a symbol of deference and respect.

Prior to the fight, the music helps to urge the fighter on, and rouses his spirit until he is ready to face his opponent. The Mongkon (Mangala) A traditional Thai head band which is worn by Muaythai exponents while paying respect to their teachers and carrying out the ritual dance prior to the contest. It is usually made from a special cotton yarn which has been bound together in a certain way. T

he Mongkon is a sacred object which a Master of Muaythai has previously ceremoniously blessed at a special teachers homage ceremony and can contain sacred Buddhist items such as a picture and inscriptions. Boxers in the past and presently time have had a sacred amulet wrapped in them which a monk has said special prayers for. Ancient warriors and fighters used to wear the Mongkons before any bout of combat because they believed it would bring them good luck and enable them to win the fight.

Etiquette, Discipline and Respect Muaythai Teachers have a duty to our students and society to help teach younger generations all the traditional values so that they can contribute to society themselves, as well as teaching them all the pure techniques of Muaythai.

There is a need for some guidelines, such as self control, discipline and most of all respect. One should not show anger or irritation, or offer blunt criticism. Anger not only breaks all the rules about avoidance of conflict, but it also causes considerable, possibly irreparable, loss of face to whoever displays it.

 Try to remember to stay calm in the face of frustration and difficulty. The Thai people applaud the quality of – ‘Jai Yen’ which literally means “Cool Heart”.

The Path of How to become a Master The path to becoming a Master of Muaythai is not as straightforward as one may think! For there is no easy route one can follow in this endeavour.

Not even for those who have had the most experience, or even the greatest champions of the boxing ring! The reasons for this are many and varied, but basically we can say that even the best of even the Greatest Champions is not guaranteed to be able to teach what he knows or pass on that invaluable knowledge.

Likewise, someone who is a good Teacher in many aspects of the Art may not be able to instil in his Students the ability to become a Champion of the Ring.

A Master or even Grand Master of Muaythai needs to have all these qualities in him and have many more! In fact, we can say that he must be the embodiment of the art and live it every day! Some of the qualities he should have are – a full understanding of the history, traditions and techniques of Muaythai and be able to communicate it to all levels of Students.

He should be of good character and have respect for himself, others and all of life. He should be willing to totally commit himself to the endeavour of becoming a Master of this martial art no matter how long it may take. He should also show the same commitment to his students!

Even if a Teacher has most of the previously mentioned qualities – the experience, skills and knowledge of Muaythai, or the commitment, this will not necessarily guarantee him of the accolade of master.

For there is one last hurdle he must clear, he will require the acceptance and acknowledgement of his abilities from his peers (other Masters). Unlike as in some other Martial Arts over the last few years, where people have reached a certain level and then granted themselves dubious titles, tradition still plays a very important role in Muaythai and the candidates for this title must have the full backing of a committee of the current masters as well as representatives of the Department of Physical Education, Thailand.

The Official Wai Kru Ceremony Revived The International Muaythai Federation with the Office of the National Culture Commission and Tourism Authority of Thailand have re-introduced the Official Wai Kru ceremony for both Muaythai and & Krabi Krabong after years of it being neglected.

This neglect came about because of the fragmentation of Muaythai Groups around the world, many of which did not completely understand the correct procedure to follow and the true meaning of Wai Kru. For, without the Wai Kru Muaythai would not be the same, and would lack one of the most essential aspects of the Art! The very first official Wai Kru ceremony was held in the Janyingyong Gym at the National Stadium in Bangkok during 1994. President of this auspicious ceremony was General Prem Tinsulanon, a Member of the King’s Privy Council and also a Senior Statesman of Thailand.

 He was so impressed with this, that he suggested that it should be preserved and organised the same way every year for posterity, for the benefit of all people’s from around the world, who are interested in Traditional Thai Culture and Arts. The International Muaythai Federation and the Office of the National Culture Commission have now made all the arrangements for this to happen.

World Muaythai Magazine

JWP and Preacher are two very Professional world-class Muaythai fighters and went toe to toe over 5 rounds FTR. Bruce Macfie defeats Wayne Parr with a Split Decision.

Also on the night at Evolution in Australia saw Chris Kearney win over Ben Lane by Unanimous Decision :: Mark Sarracino won against Kevin NTG by Unanimous Decision :: Dan Moulder cam up trumps against a hard fighting Jamie Stamp with a Unanimous Decision :: Michael “Tomohawk” Thompson won against Wayne Martin with a TKO during Round 4 :: Danny Derdowski won against Kim Olsen Unanimous Decision :: Cedric NTG won against Eric Nosa with a Split Decision and Franki Giorgi won over Robbie Filliponi with a Unanimous Decision going his way.

These games marked the first world combat sports and the IOC was on hand to assess the various martial arts. 

Simon defeated top athletes from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia – countries commonly known for having strong, competitive athletes in Muaythai. 

 There is much more to see from this young athlete. Simon is 22 years old and currently trains with Master Suchart Yodkerepauprai from Siam No.1 – Toronto”

The location is an intimate venue with limited seating, and tickets will sell fast! Get yours early! 

The Main Event features Muaythai bouts including Jesse ‘Smiles’ Miles (Calgary) in his first Professional World Muaythai Title Bout. Also featuring Sandra ‘Heart’ Bastian in a Professional Title Bout.

Other Calgary athletes include Misty ‘Magic” Sutherland/Kolozetti, and ‘Mean’ Hakeem Dawodu (Calgary). Doors Open 5:00 PM – Fights Start 7:00 PM Pre-sale reserved tickets for this Event available online at www.ticketweb.ca as well as: Mike Miles Muaythai & Kickboxing.

A portion of the funds raised will be donated to the Children’s Charity – LITTLE WARRIORS (education and prevention of Child Sexual Abuse)!!! More to Come!

Facebook :: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=146071148765044

To further highlight this gala event CAKMA has added a professional bouts featuring Jessica ‘Thumper’ Gladstone to round out the card!

Other evening bouts will feature local athletes: John Hamm, Lindsay Rae, Seth Grabinsky, Bryan Campbell, Sean McKinnon, Mark McKinnon, Kurtis McGeachy, Stephanie Essensa and Melissa Reaume.
Reserved seats are as follows:
VIP tables $1000 (seats
Ringside Row 1 seating $65

Ringside Row 2 $50

Location:  Century Casino
1010 42Ave. SE

Date: Saturday, Sept 18th, 2010
Doors at: 5:30pm
Fights at: 6:30PM
Tickets: General $20
Tickets available at: www.ticketweb.ca