D+C's Gym Diary

[Dazed and Confused]

I just wanted to open a thread where I can post my observations about the different gyms/dojos/clubs I'm visiting this week, so the wiser and more experienced among you can help me make my assessments.

Last night I was at a Thai Boxing club in Stafford, and I have never seen anything like it. The training room was underneath a gym, paint peeling off the walls and stank of sweat and DeepHeat. There was a rough boxing ring and a concrete pillar covered in thin padding and duct tape which the students took turns to beat the hell out of at the start of the session. The session was two hours long, almost entirely consisting of focus pad work with twenty minutes of light contact sparring at the end. The students ranged from tiny children (5-8 years old) up to terrifyingly intimidating Area and National Champs. The style was brutal, unbelievably powerful and direct. There was loud dance music being played throughout and the instructor was very friendly. All in all I was impressed but had a few reservations- there seemed to be no beginners over the age of 10 and the instruction was very "hands off", so I would worry about drowning at the beginning if you see what I mean. Also the style was so brutal I would be quite concerned about being hurt!!

I would greatly appreciate any observations you may have!

Cheers,

D+C

[bushido_man96]

Although the facilities may leave a little to be desired, you may want to give it a try. If the instructor is friendly, that may transfer to his training as well.

[Havoc88]

I go with BM here. Just give it a try. Looks like you have found yourself a hardcore gym out there! You just can't beat that.

Tom

[ps1]

IAlso the style was so brutal I would be quite concerned about being hurt!!

I would greatly appreciate any observations you may have!

Cheers,

D+C

What kind of injuries are you concerned with. Muay Thai is a very brutal fighting system. It sounds like you've got a good gym but if you don't want the occasional bloddy lip or black eye, it's not for you. It's a full contact knockdown sport. If you want to get into good shape and have phenomenal self defense, you've found the place. If you just want to get into shape, it's probably not for you.

If you really can't decide just talk to the instructor about your reservations. I'm sure he'll work with you if possible.

[Shotokan-kez]

Yeah i agree with all points made here. As Brian says if he has a friendly approach then maybe he can help you with your concerns. I also agree totally with ps1. I once visited a muay thai club and it was scary, that was with master Sken. Like ps1 said you really need to decide what it is that you want. I would advise give it a try for a few lessons (if thats possible) and see how you feel. Good luck.

[jaymac]

Good advice from everyone, Muay thai is an awesome sport. You will get in great shape, you will learn great self defense, you will get hurt. Maybe if this is the only place you have looked at, shop around a little longer and see what else is available to you and compare them all, then pick the MA that is right for you.

[bushido_man96]

I think it is cool that you are checking out gyms, and reporting them here as to what you think. Keep it going, and let us know what else you turn up!