Post: #1

Does anyone here have any experience training at a MuayThai/MMA camp in SE Asia that is

-NOT in Thailand
-good for relative beginners (2 months experience)
-has English speaking trainers
-preferably near a beach

I plan on going for a month. Main goals - getting in shape, learning self defence - not really interested in competing.

Any new leads on this would be very helpful, I'm at a dead end now.

Thx

Post: #2

I'm curious why you cant stay in your own country and train until you pass the beginner phase. The differences in high level coaching will not help you that much more when you start out in any sport. Learn the fundamentals and then go seek experienced coaches.

That said if you are hell bent on traveling Evolve MMA in Singapore is loaded with high level talent. So are Korean top team and China top team.

Post: #3

Dee Muay Thai just opened up in Bali a few weeks ago. (Facebook page)

Post: #4

(02-22-2013 12:56 PM)Ace Wrote:  I'm curious why you cant stay in your own country and train until you pass the beginner phase. The differences in high level coaching will not help you that much more when you start out in any sport. Learn the fundamentals and then go seek experienced coaches.

That said if you are hell bent on traveling Evolve MMA in Singapore is loaded with high level talent. So are Korean top team and China top team.

That's a good point, but I am currently traveling in SE Asia, so it will make more sense to stay here and take advantage of cheap training and good trainers rather than go home and come back later.

I did look into Korea and China top team (and phuket and taiwan as well) but didn't really want to head north as I just came from that way. Looked good though.

Post: #5

I looked into this before, doing some kind of training while in the Philippines and there isn't much for Muay Thai/MMA, although I think there may be some options in Manila, but I don't think you want to be there since you say you prefer being close to a beach.

However, boxing is quite popular in the Philippines (home to to Manny Pacquiao) and I plan on checking out some gyms in whatever city I settle into after I'm done diving, probably in Davao.

Have you considered boxing? It seems like that could be a decent option to achieve your main goals; getting in shape, learning self defence. You should be able to find a gym in a city reasonably close to decent beaches, Lapu Lapu near Cebu could be good for that.

Post: #6

Scotian, keep me updated on the boxing if you would. Curious about boxing in the Phillipines and how easy it is to find a legit gym there.

Post: #7

(02-23-2013 01:25 AM)scotian Wrote:  I looked into this before, doing some kind of training while in the Philippines and there isn't much for Muay Thai/MMA, although I think there may be some options in Manila, but I don't think you want to be there since you say you prefer being close to a beach.

However, boxing is quite popular in the Philippines (home to to Manny Pacquiao) and I plan on checking out some gyms in whatever city I settle into after I'm done diving, probably in Davao.

Have you considered boxing? It seems like that could be a decent option to achieve your main goals; getting in shape, learning self defence. You should be able to find a gym in a city reasonably close to decent beaches, Lapu Lapu near Cebu could be good for that.

Yeah, I spent a whole day just googling around for gyms in the philippines and didn't come up with much. I came up with http://www.bamfmma.com/ in the Manila and Deftac MT in Cebu https://www.facebook.com/deftac.cebumuaythai

Both seem OK, although I guess you don't know until you actually go there.

I've tried boxing, but i far prefer MT.

Post: #8

I know Muay Thai is the shit as far as striking goes, but if you're talking about the Philippines, seriously, why not check out eskrima? The Philippines is one of the best places, if not the best, to learn how to fight with (as well as defend yourself against) knives. Plenty of other weapons too. The Filipinos are a force to be reckoned with - no fucking doubt about it - and in my opinion, eskrima is one of the best reasons to visit that particular country.

And knowing how to fight with weapons would be an invaluable skill to have if ever caught in a true fight-for-your-life street situation. In all honesty, you'd probably be better off with eskrima than muay thai in a situation where you were facing multiple attackers, which is a much more realistic scenario than one-on-one in the streets.

If martial arts is your thing, exploring new styles everywhere you go is a fantastic way to get insight into the culture of any country you visit. Might as well get the most out of your travels. We're in it to learn about new cultures, right?

Nothing personal, as this is more social commentary here than anything else, but it's interesting how so many people who travel tend to follow the same paths as others, even while aiming to venture off the "beaten track." We all know dozens of guys who have done Muay Thai training in Thailand - I'd even venture that most Americans know someone that has.

Fair enough, as it's a very worthy endeavor.

But how many guys do you know that have studied eskrima in The Philippines, Muay Bhurma in Myanmar, or Silat Melayu in Malaysia (not to mention Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei)? Even though all those countries are right next door to Thailand, hardly anyone bothers. And it's definitely not because they aren't worthy arts to study.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #9

I also looked into Escrima, or was it Arnis? Or are they same thing? Whatever it was, it looked pretty badass, and it's definitely something I am considering in the future. I was actually ready to book a ticket to Palawan and just do it, after being so frustrated with not finding a MT/MMA camp. However my main goals for this was 50% improving on MT which I had practiced back home and 50% on getting my 6pack back after the months of booze and partying. For that, a MT camp seemed the natural choice. I also got the impression that the type of person who would benefit most from only a short time learning escrima were the more experienced martial artists who could concentrate solely on the technical and spend less time lifting weight/doing cardio etc. I derived all this from my very comprehensive research of 30 mins on youtube.

I totally agree with you on the cliche muay thai tourist thing, people wanting to avoid the beaten track while inadvertently making the muay thai track one of the most beaten in thailand. imo it still is a great way to get in shape and learn something new, albeit a little touristy and overdone. This largely depends on the camp itself, however.

Post: #10

(02-23-2013 04:01 AM)shibby Wrote:  I also looked into Escrima, or was it Arnis? Or are they same thing? Whatever it was, it looked pretty badass, and it's definitely something I am considering in the future. I was actually ready to book a ticket to Palawan and just do it, after being so frustrated with not finding a MT/MMA camp. However my main goals for this was 50% improving on MT which I had practiced back home and 50% on getting my 6pack back after the months of booze and partying. For that, a MT camp seemed the natural choice. I also got the impression that the type of person who would benefit most from only a short time learning escrima were the more experienced martial artists who could concentrate solely on the technical and spend less time lifting weight/doing cardio etc. I derived all this from my very comprehensive research of 30 mins on youtube.

I totally agree with you on the cliche muay thai tourist thing, people wanting to avoid the beaten track while inadvertently making the muay thai track one of the most beaten in thailand. imo it still is a great way to get in shape and learn something new, albeit a little touristy and overdone. This largely depends on the camp itself, however.

Here's a plan for you (albeit from a guy who doesn't know muay thai).

Coach John Wooden became legendary because he drilled players, even the best of the best, on the basics. No matter what level they were at, he had them do the basics, over and over and over and over and over.

You could do the same in Phils. Practice the basics of muay thai until they become absolutely natural to you. Until you've perfected them. Boring but effective.

Focus on physical training as much as possible when not doing this, to get in great shape. And study eskrima on the side to learn something new (not to mention I'm sure they value and train for all-around fitness as well).

If you're dead set on getting some muay thai sparring in, put together your own group of guys to practice - I'm sure plenty of other travelers in the area want the same thing, and they may even have their own thing going already.

Barring that, as it may not be ideal for you, why avoid Thailand? If it's the tourist track you're worried about, you can surely find a place that's not so played out. Or go to Myanmar or Laos and find a local fighter with passable English to give you Muay Lao or Muay Bhurma lessons. Both bad-ass sports that are similar to Muay thai. Prawdal Serey, in Cambodia, is another choice - I believe it's the fighting style from which muay thai originated.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #11

(02-23-2013 04:16 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  Focus on physical training as much as possible when not doing this, to get in great shape. And study eskrima on the side to learn something new (not to mention I'm sure they value and train for all-around fitness as well).

This is precisely what I am planning. If I can find the right city that ticks all the boxes.

Post: #12

I know Cambodia has their own form of Muay Thai. Can't remember the name, but maybe that is something to look into. Might be tougher to find info online though as Cambodia is much more off the beaten path. Might make a thread over at MauyThaiLand.com or something asking about it. Someone might know of a gym in one of Cambodia's beach towns.

Post: #13

Khmer Boxing right? I've seen head butting in those fight videos, brutal!

Post: #14

Two muay thai gym in davao. I will check out tomorrow.

Post: #15

(03-03-2013 04:42 AM)pants Wrote:  Two muay thai gym in davao. I will check out tomorrow.

You're in Davao? I may be going there next week

Post: #16

http://www.legacygymphilippines.com/ owned and run by Ole Laursen. He also has Legacy gym in Ubon in Thailand

Post: #17

Scotian: yes, i am there now. Not sure how long i'll stay. This is not a pretty city. So far i haven't found any nice spots to hang out.

In Chiang Mai, i found some really nice coffee shops to hang out in. All life here seems centered around the shopping mall. But I only stayed one day, so little early to judge this place.

not got the chance to check out the Muay thai yet.
For other fighters check out this link

http://vipervv-march2010.blogspot.com/p/...s-gym.html

Many fighting gyms in davao

Post: #18

I was under the impression that Davao was one of the nicest cities in the Phils?

Post: #19

It is. But still.

The downtown area is grim.

But I had a drive around in a motirbike like it better. You're allowed driving in the beach. A nice experience

Post: #20

Cambodia = Khun Khmer Boran - head butts are not allowed.

Myanmar = Leth Wei - this is where head butts are sometimes allowed. Also, a fighter can be knocked out twice and still win or get a draw. If he's knocked out a third time, the fight is over. If both fighters are standing at the end of the fight, the fight's a draw.

Boxing in the PI near Cebu or in Cebu - ALA Boxing Gym

Post: #21

There's a Muay Thai gym on Jalan Alor in Kuala Lumpur.

Post: #22

Legacy gym in Boracay

The owner is a Ole Laursen... A guy who`s gone mathces with the best, including Buakaw. Location is sweet, and I will check it out next time when I go to the Philippines. He has a gym up in Thailand to that seems sweet.

Post: #23

I'd love to train boxing in the Philippines! I just love BKK too much that I tend to head there whenever possible.

BKK is great for boxing too though for those interested. Galaxy Gym, Saengmorakot, Chuwattana, and Sor Vorapin are all really good for hands. At these gyms you can train with guys that have produced multiple world class boxers, and you will have access to great sparring (while there I got to spar with several elite level boxers (including a few current and past WBC and IBF world champions)).

Post: #24

Next to a pokerclub near metrowalk in manila i saw a MMA-gym. They also had muay thai sessions.

It was also much cheaper than training muay thai in thailand. But for me personally i think many places is thailand has a much better environment than in manila city.

Best way to find, is probably to look for an mma-gym, they most likely have muay thai practices.

EDIT:

it was this place
https://www.facebook.com/UltimateFitnessMNL