During the last 2 years I’ve spent a total of 6 weeks of my PTO in a Thai Boxing Training camp in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was a truly amazing experience, physically challenging, but I learned a lot from amazing coaches and actual/former professional Thai Boxers who were/are A class fighters in the most famous stadiums of Thailand, the Lumpinee & the Rajadamnern. At the same time I had lots of fun during training and met many friendly, like-minded people from all over the world.
Discovery Journey
My first contact with kickboxing was during university, where we had the opportunity to attend free courses. I fell in love with the sport from the very first moment. Besides that, the people attending the classes where a super nice crowd and fun to hang out with for a beer or two after training...
How did you know this is it
The kickboxing training like any other combat sport is a very intense, demanding workout which pushes me to my limits and sometimes a little beyond. It tests not only physical strength and fitness, but mental strength as well.
During sparring and fighting I have learnt a lot about myself, particularly about my personal weaknesses and my fear. And I most likely will continue to learn for as long as I practice. It's a never ending journey. At the moment where you see the amazing results of the hard work, the sweat, the tears and the bruises, you realise there is still a lot of room for self improvement.
I enjoy this process. It continuously encourages me to step out of my comfort zone and makes me go beyond what I previously thought I could do. Above all I have been fortunate to lead an easy and comfortable life with very few adversities. Kickboxing has taught me to grow stamina and to struggle my way through when it gets a little tough. Plus, I have learned to take some hits.
But most importantly, the people who I train with are all very nice and a fun crowd to hang out with...:)
Try it
Anyone can do it. If you're not fit at all, it will be challenging at the beginning. But your fitness will improve quickly. And don't be frustrated if the movements feel a bit awkward at first. It takes some time and patience to build a solid technique and improve skills.
What I definitely recommend is carefully choosing a gym where they emphasise on proper technique and, even more importantly, where you're comfortable with the crowd. It makes a big difference when you're training in a friendly atmosphere, where there's mutual respect between coach and students as well as amongst the students. No matter what level you're at. And last but not least, you should have fun!
