Muay Thai IIXV

Bruce came to teach us for the first time along with the free trial. It might be because of the lack of training but Bruce's 1 hour was enough to kick ass. He incorporated exercises into training. Stuff like burpices, push ups, interval trainings etc.

The difference was stark. Where what we used to do was technique technique technique, Bruce was more focused on what could be used in the ring. Technique was being taught as well as protection and practical stances and moves for the ring.

We did a sort of balancing thingy and I think it makes a hell lot of sense. We need balance and most of the time we do not use the muscles that are supposed to be keeping us balanced because, well, we don't usually walk on one leg all the time haha...

This is something new. I am confident that we can move forward after the minor setback and we can enter the ring, for those who want to, and not come off as too shabby. Shall train hard towards my dream. =))

Muay Thai IIXIV

Learned to align the toe, knee and both hip points for the push kick and the same for the knees. ALIGN ALIGN ALIGN. Did punches. The impact must be quick but with low frequency. Learned shin kick. Same thing alignment. Grab the ankle and twist till thigh is parallel-lined to the floor and hold. ALWAYS ALIGN!!

Muay Thai IIXIII

Cairnhill today, school tomorrow. =)) Today was kinda fun! But real tiring! 10secs of jabs, punch, one-twos, knees; 5 sets at a time. Shin kicks 30, knee for 1 min, kick and punch for 1 min.... physical. It feels good. My shin kicks are getting steader though they are still not good enough yet. Shall train harder =))

Did some boxing today and while I think I am still fearful of getting punched it was ok enough for me to laugh when I was attacked? Not a good idea but then I feel the fear slipping. Soon I will be used enough to it that I will stop fearing. Have to keep my defenses up. I see improvement =))

Muay Thai IIXII

Today I went to watch Louis and Leroy fight in the San da competition =)) They had a faceoff for the gold medal but in the end even though Louis took down Leroy twice, Leroy still won by points.... =(( Ah well... Doubt Louis will be fighting any more =(( But Saw Impact MMA people fight and MAN WAS I IMPRESSED! It has solidified my resolve to join the gym =))
Saw Bruce but didn't say Hi even though I walked pass him. Hope he either didn't recognise me or doesn't hold it against me..... will work hard to make things better after I join =))

Went to Cairnhill after that. Did a set of 5min skipping then stretching. Did a lot of pad work for shin kick today. My foot is fine. Just that have to brush up on my technique. I saw hoe Edwin and another kicked today. They all had the twist. Edwin's twist was very pronounced and even though he did not put enough power into it it still looks powerful. Must work on my twist =))

Paired up with a new girl today. Push kicks wise I think I still have what it takes even though she didn't hold the pad properly. And this time round I could last the 1-10 shin kicks =)) while last time I couldn't do consecutive kicks, now I can. Next is to put in more technique to make the consecutiveness count =))

Saw how Marcus punched today. Right punch was from the right toe twisting up, snapping at the waist and throwing the shoulder into the punch. Will work on that too.
But first warm up!!! Haha gotta take care of my back =))

Muay Thai IIXI

Went back to Cairnhill after a whole 3+ months and a week or two of illness. I must say though even with the power play and the upcoming "move", this was one heck of an enjoyable training session. Maybe I've not been to a Sunday training for a long long while, maybe I miss the craziness of intense training. But this was WOW. Lots of pad work to tire us out. Then kicking the bags.

I must say I hit them wrongly quite a number of times with the shin kicks but either my shin is totally weak now, or I'm actually using my shin for the shin kick. I don't think I've ever felt that pain in my shin before so I must be doing the shin kick right finally. I did use my instep at some point which is why it hurts like a m*********** now but I must say, when I don't train for a long while and start picking up, I do better than with once a week training which is not enough for you to recap you knowledge yet makes you active enough to remember only parts of the technique and screws you up when you mix shit up.

My punching seems to be ok given that I twist more now (like I said, I do better after a break). My arm muscles are no longer as strong so for me to actually be able to pack the same power or maybe more now shows that my technique has improved. The stamina could go up a bit though.

I have a problem now. Now I don't think I am as scared of being hit, but I tend to close my eyes when I hit back. Maybe I'm scared of a repose? So I AM still scared of being hit. Nothing more sparring won't help. I have to make a concious effort to keep my eyes open then!

Now I take a dogged approoach and advance like how Louis does by hunching and moving forward while swaying the upper body a bit. I find that this slow advance is my first step to conquering fear. I did use the dogged approach with my sparring with Elsie once. I decided that since she's so good and I am gonna get whacked anyways, might as well go in and learn how to take the hits and not fear it. Once I set my mind to being NOT AFRAID and just TAKE THE SHIT AS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE I did better than expected. I actually could remain calm and hit her back.
I guess this is what is said in the X Men First Class by Xavier: the place between anger and happiness? or something like that. For me it brought calmness like it was a meditative state. I may not remember how to do it but with regular practice I'm sure things will pick up. =))

I love the training at Cairnhill but there is no doubt that whilst the training at their HQ is good, that at school is horrid. I cannot progress with such training and will no longer be satisfied with the ocassional treat when I can have that sort of training every session with another gym. I'm sorry sirs, but I think if you stay, I will go.

I want to fight in a match; something I cannot do here. What I am learning now is self-taught. They gave me the basics, I have to train myself to be a fighter. But since I need extra help, Imma find it.

Coming back...

The last post was actually typed on the 14th of Jan and I had started Muay Thai on the 13th of July 2010.Kind long ain't it... and yet I still can't fight. Anyway, after that last post, I kinda lost heart in training what with issues of the heart coupled with the fact that Sunday training was taken away from us and I didn't see the oomph in the coaches anymore. I started to move away from Muay Thai and I even picked up smoking. I saw no need to push myself any harder for a CCA which didn't seem to deliver.

And then recently, I thought things through. I wrote in my new Muay Thai Journal.

Monday April 18 2011

Today I set my mind to keeping a Muay Thai Journal. I have records of past practices but I want to start writing here. I am on a break from Muay Thai now due to the examinations. Haven't been focused on Muay Thai before that either. No more excuses. After exams, I am coming back. Have been watching Buakaw Por Pramuk fight and am very inspired. Am starting to build muscles again by static exercises. My goal is to go back into training with a suitable amount of strength and endurence. I will work on my technique and speed from there. I am hopeful to join an outside gym to supplement my training, or lack of it, in SIM Muay Thai. Twice a week training won't do me any good what's more we only have one training a week now. I want to be able to fight by the end of this year and I hope and will work hard to have nothing sway me from my goals again. Till then.

Mel

Muay Thai IIX

Today we did lots of knees. The process is like so: bounce on your back foot by putting your body weight on the back leg and bouncing back up again. The front leg will bend accordingly. Next, push the hip backward (tilt the butt out) as you sit into the back leg and bounce back up again. Next bring the back leg up and align the knee, pelvic region and back in a straight line. Hit the opponent and use the hit to bounce back to starting position. Do not forget to be on the ball of your supporting leg's foot.

We did this stationarily as well as moving around. It was good!! =)) My kneeing technique is not bad if I may say so myself =))

The last Muay Thai Training we did hooks. The thing to note is that the elbows should be from start position and moving forwards not tilting sideways. Bring it out and twist your waist, putting your arm at a 45 degree angle, using the last two knuckles to graze the opponent's cheek.

Today we did grappling as well. I used Chin's technique of stepping forward and twisting as well as Lai's method of stepping back and twisting toward the hind leg =))

Muay Thai XIX

Today was not a bad day. My right shin kicks are coming nicely though my left still need more work. I have to remind myself to twist when I kick though. Hmmm but my hips ARE being thrown over for my right shin =)) Today we used our handwraps for punching the pads and I think I'm getting the hang of twisting =)) Did some combinations:

- Left Push Kick, jab n punch, shin kick
- Muay boran hook, elbow to knee and back elbow,
- Hook, punch, double knee
- Hook, sweep
- Hook, trip and push

Things are coming along very well =)) can't wait for Sunday training~!

Muay Thai XVIII

I didn't post the one on Thursday... but today's Cairhill training was a disaster. First I forgot to take my training tshirt to training. Then the bus took so freaking long that I was late. Then when we started the punches I totally had no power. My upper arms felt so freaking weak that I couldn't even retract them fast enough. My shin kicks were totally screwed. Only my knees did me justice... then I freaking LEFT MY GLOVES AT CAIRNHILL!!! What the hell is going on???!!!

Muay Thai XVII

Cairnhill with the rest of SIM Muay Thai =)) Most of the juniors came haha woots it was FUN!!! We did lots of stuff!! The starting itself was different. Wilson made us do stuff like knee block- push kicks all done without putting the foot down! It was tiring on the thighs! Hmmm we were seperated into two groups, boys and girls. The girls hit the sandbags first. We had 30sec per set of punching, kneeing, shin kicking and finally anything-goes. I did some extra sets when I could. Wilson saw that my shin kick was mostly from my foot thats why there was sound so I made myself use more of my shin. The other trainer (I don't know what's his name) told me to keep my back straight and not lean so far back for my shin kick. I'll keep that in mind!!

After that we went over to Wilson and we did knee block-shin kicks and block-one two punches. It was seriously tiring. By then it felt very much like shagged out already. We went for another round of kneeing with the sandbags as well s air-kneeing with Coach Jason. After which we had PT!! LOL Loads of different push ups and abs exercises!!! It was a blast!! Didn;t stay for fighter training as Coach Lai obviously had chosen ones in mind. Ah wells. I'll be there one day!!!

Muay Thai XVI

I've been lazy haha haven't updated the last Muay thai session at Cairnhill. But here goes. Last Sunday I finally went for Muay Thai after a 2 week break due to my right foot. I've never felt so alive. Yes I did injure my achilles/ ankle area walking to training but it was fine. I did two sets, one extra, of what Coach Jason told us to do. But first we had skipping and stretching. I think I got a good rope cos it was lighter and easier to skip with. We had normal shadow and stance practice though and after that we had pad work. We did one-two punches as well as shin kicks for 30s. Then we had circuit sets of 10 secs each for 5 sets. We did one-two power+agility punches, knees, elbows and shins. I Did the extra set on the punching bag that gave me the injury haha.... I really saw that my form was getting better! My shin kick carried the stance and power I was looking for and though my right shin kick was weakers as I was favouring my injury I know I can do well with it now =)) Can't wait for Sunday as Thursday's training is cancelled. =)) Whheeees LOVE MUAY THAI!!!

Muay Thai XV

Today I didn't do much due to injury however, we did learn some grappling tricks from trainer R. Basically a lot of losing balance and tilting one elbow up and swinging down on the other side. Kneeing was also done lol... Was more focused on the collection of cake. Today is Russell's Bday so we decided to celebrate the birthday of the babies of the three months term hahahhaa wheeeeeeeeees can't wait for Sunday training!!! =)) I so miss it. Have been dieting of late, cutting down my meals and all to compensate for the lack of exercise. =))

Muay Thai XIV

Am currently nursing a swollen right foot. Kicked the punch bag wrongly during circuits when we were having fighter training at Cairnhill. It wasn't that bad at first Iwas just limping slightly. But now the whole foot is swollen =(( I was supposed to do low shin kicks. My left leg was fine but my right leg just couldn't do it right and the instep kept hitting the bag. I hit it once and I felt a sharp pain but I decided to carry on. The next kick was just fine but then suddenly I kicked and my foot connected with the bag and I knew I would not kick with my right leg anymore. It was that painful.

Think the blood clotted when I went to chill just now... hmmm am icing it and massaging it but even moving my toes hurts the foot =((

Well today during the normal training, we did a hell lot of pad work. We started with jabs, punches, one-two punches, cross, vertical elbow, cross elbow, diagonal elbow, knees and shin kicks for about 30s each activity. Then we had to do combinations 10reps per combi. Then we did anoter set and we did double shin kicks as well. We also do shin kicks left-right 20 and ended off with shin kicks 1-12, the no. of kicks the same as the set we were doing. We were tired after that mann hahaha BUT it was GREAT!!

After the circuit training during fighter training, Coach L thought us the first few parts of the Waikrhu.
1) Before we enter the ring, we kneel at the stairs and bow, scooping some earth energy and capping it onto our heads.
2) We move to the middle of the rope and put our hands in a praying gesture, then smoothen them out to the sides caressing the top rope, doing this motion thrice.
3)Enter the ring by pressing the ropes down, stepping in first and onto the bottom rope then going in with the other leg.
4) Face the head judge, and apply pressure on the front leg and bow; bow to the four sides of the ring like so in a clockwise manner.
5) Head to your corner of the ring and pray for blessing at the corner. Then bend your front leg slightly and jab(right hand) the pillar three times moving upwards, on the third bringing it up in a flourish.
6) Slide the right hand on the rope as you walk to the next pillar and do the same untill all four pillars have been prayed to. Advance to the middle of the next rope and move to the centre of the ring.
7) Circle a spot three times and finally kneel down. (Right leg in front, left knee goes down first.)
8) Bow forward scooping up earth energy and bring it to your heart, head and form a diamond shape while looking upward.
9) Place the left hand on the floor as you raise the right up in a twist to the right and look at the right. Bring it down to join your left to form a triangle/diamond on the ground and touch it with your forehead.
10) Bring the right arm back up again and then bring it to join your left at the chest. Repeat this once more. Stand up.

Hope to learn more. This is highly symbolic for me and I love the way we show respect to the ring and elements like so. Hope my foot will get better soon so that I can go down for Thursday's training! Won't go for Tuesday's I guess. But I wanna train again soon =))

Muay Thai XIII

Went to Cairnhill after a short nap and some instant noodles for muay thai training. Didn't know I was so tired until we did the skipping session. Man I was TIRED!!! LOL... Today we did wuite a bit of padwork and it was quite tiring but as the padwork continued I became less and less tired and became more and more aggressive. There is also one thing about my shin kick- I need to do some kicks as warm up first to get my form before I can do some proper kicks... Hmmm like Alex said my muscle memory is not there yet. I should train more. I can see the kicks forming and when I hit the punch bag some of the kicks were quite nicely done. I must really remember to throw my hip. The problem is when I have a barrier there be it a human body or whatsoever, I tend to control too much when I should be slicing the air. Gotta take note of that. Did some sparring with the guys too. Although coach told them to only aim at the forehead a few blows still got me. Gotta keep my guard up if not I'll be pushed to punch myself. I also have to get my experience down pat for me to get my distance and to be able to judge how my opponent is going to move. I've got much to learn and every training at Cairnhill just makes me fall in love with Muay Thai more and more <3

Muay Thai XII

Cairnhill CC training was the BOMB!!!! hahahaa.... honestly, I can see quite a bit of improvement although this is like my 3rd lesson. I remember my first time there and we had something like free sparring. I partnered with a girl who was more senior in the sport with me and all I could do was put the gloves to my face. I didn't dare to drop my guard because of the barrage of punches she was giving me. That was my first contact sparring sort of and it SUCKED!! LOL!! But well today we did quite a bit of that while moving round robin style. Thing is I didn't do anything with her. However, I am picking up some stuff like how to parry and repose, using the fencing terms hahaa... During the fighter training, I also went for a session with trainer R. Although he was tough with the guys, he gave me a lot of chance as I was a girl and it was my first time doing such a session. He did tell me some stuff such as after parrying, I have to repose immediately. However the thing is when I parry his left punch and I attack with my left hand, he will have his arm up to guard himself so it kinda defeats the purpose? And also, I parried by curving his arm down which is kinda a waste as when I asked Coach J, he advised me to just beat the hand off track while blocking your jaw with the other hand and immediately using the hand used to parry to punch in a one motion sense. It was awesome. Also, I learned to move and be limber. When punching, we have to dodge as well and not stay on one spot. My shin kick was also corrected by Coach L. as I seemed to be lifting my striking leg one big round before landing on target. After a few tries with the punch bag I think I got it but I really have to practice or the feel will be forgotten. Not forgotten totally but I will need some time to get the form back like how I am doing now. Can't wait for Thursday training!!! Going to ask coach if we can have some sparring after training!! Wheeeees =))

Muay Thai XI

Today we did quite a bit of padwork. Paired up with a junior so things weren't that streneous. My shin kick sucks again... I can see that I'm slapping the pads.... I've gotta work at it.... really... The consecutive kicks aren't good either... I guess when technique is there, consecutive kicks will have a lil bit of technique left but if the technique is shaky, consecutive kicks will be just a mess.... and Mine is a mess.... I really wanna perfect my kicks... really.... maybe on Sunday I'll go and kick the bags when the others are doing fighter training.... >.<

Muay Thai X

It's been quite some time since my last Muay Thai post.... I've been lazy!!! >.< haha.... Today I went for my second Cairnhill CC training. It was a blast!! =))Did light sparring during the fighter training session but for the first park, lotsa pad work. I really like it. In the beginning my shin kick was horrible...AGAIN!!! I have to buck up!! I can't believe I forgot after one week of no training!!! Hmmm I gotta work harder if I wanna become a fighter!!

We did rotational punch/kicking and blockings and I got to do the punching bag a few times. Think my right side knee is still weak hmmmm I think I have to twist my waist more more more!!! Also we did some conditioning by letting others punch us... with gloves on of course!! Haha... I think I like the pain? Hahaha or I just want my body to get the maximum it can get!!! =P

I find that I'm kinda scared of punching myself in the face when someone punches me and I block now. I was taught how to block properly by Yan after training. The thing is to place the edge of your palm on your brow and block using your whole arm generally and must not forget to hunch so that you can protect your ribs as well... I am just scared of getting hit I guess or maybe I'm not used to it...

I can't wait for next week's training!!! I really wanna up my level!!! I must make sure I do well from now on =)) GAMBATTE

Muay Thai IX

Yesterday we had a free trial with new folks =)) Met a classmate from ICP there too =)) Yesterday the batch after us trained with us and Coach Jason. Did a lot of padwork =)) The hardest one for me was still the shin kick. Throughout the day at the CCA booth, I got help from XN and Yan on how to do the kick and it was getting better, I was twisting and pivoting and all =)) VS helped as well by sharing the method used by Kyokushin Karate. I much prefer that move because it was bent-kneed and offered more stability and your opponent would be less likely to sweep you off your feet. Loved the padwork though and I think my knee technique is getting better =)) punching wise I still think I am lagging and all =)) gotta pick myself up =)) Gotta train train train train TRAIN =))

Muay Thai VIII

Hmmmm today's 4.8km wasn't good at all.... my stamina has dropped drastically since I forwent last week's run.... Gotta start eating right again and training!!! Today we had the booths and all and I think I made a fool of myself shadow boxing but heyy it was for a good cause LOL.... D led the static exercises today and it was really worth it =)) push ups, crunches, squats all 3 sets and finally air bridge (sides and front). I really felt worked out!!! Will be doing my 300 crunches (assorted) and 50 push ups every night from now!!! Got Andrew to push me haha =)) I'm gonna get fighting fit!!! =))

Muay Thai VII

Today Coach Lai and Coach Jason thought me how to do the shin kick properly. Coach Jason told me to throw my hip forward without a care for the leg. Coach Lai emphasised on the pivoting of the supporting leg. Coach Lai told me to perfect my form against the pillar. Will perfect my form then shadow box for 3min to see the effects. I was practicing with my right shin just now and I can seriously see the improvement. The thing now is to let my leg go and not restrict myself. I had a good form but now I have to look after my balance =))

28th I'll be doing padwork on stage with some of the peeps =)) hope to make lotsa noises with the pad work hahahaaa =))

Coach Lai seems happy that I am asking how to do the shin kick properly =)) I will do my best not to let him down. I really wanna be a Muay Thai fighter. I know it is a big dream considering I just started out but heyy someone has to dream big, why not me?

Muay Thai VI

Forgot to do a blog post about the last few trainings!!! I know that ther wa techinique included in one =(( the rest was PT!!! The last PT led by Alex... the last 3 rounds of the 10 I couldnot finish in the same pace as the guys!!!! SO SAD!!!! MUST TRAIN HARDER!!!! =))

Today did pad work and patterns =)) learning my shin kick well =)) We did Wai Kru as well =)) LOVING IT!!! Haha will have to practice!! OH and next week onwards must bring handwraps siaaa!!! Hahahaha

Muay Thai V

I wanna start running barefoot. Apparently it's better for the bones as it forces us to not put pressure on our heels like how we normally do with sneakers which leads to jarring amounts of force being applied to our legs.

During training today I saw how the trainers were panting during sparring and all and I am thinking that my stamina would definitely not be enough. I have decided, I wanna go all way out. Wanna be a fighter in MTW and I will do my best to achieve it. I am the sort who wants to be the best I can be in any sport that I enter and now, my one love is Muay Thai. School is very important too so I will focus my energy on these two things =))

I really want to try to discipline myself and I know that I can, with the help of Muay Thai =))

Today we 4 joined the seniors. Grappling and all that was fun especially when I did it with Elsie. She puts the Ooomph in training haha... Love training with tough ppl like her =)) Can learn more and know where you stand =)) After training got Shervin, Jasper and Xiao Nan to teach me how to do my shin kick properly. Am getting the hang of it =)) Just hope that I can replicate it the next training. Shadow boxing is getting better and I am now more comfortable with my stances =))

I really cannot wait to join the seniors for Sunday training. I gotta pull my socks up and start making things happen.

This time it's gonna get serious =))

Muay Thai IV

Today was PT!!!! We did 4km run and it was SHIOOOKKK hahaha haven't done 4km in a long time. Ran mostly with Chris though... hmmm think my stamina is not as good anymore.... Miss the old canoeing days where we have stations in between fartleg runs hahaha now THAT was nice and I think we will be progressing towards that soon!!! Can't wait!!! After thet we did push ups, crunches, dips and inclines and for the inclines I only did a measly 15 plus 5.... =(( I remmeber during secondary school I could only do 11 too.... but during canoeing days 40 plus was NO PROBLEMO hahaha my arms must have been HUGE hahaha but I wanna aim to get there again without those large arms!!! Hoping to go for the 55KG catagory or something!!! Haha

Training makes me feel alive!! I feel the competitive spirit and myself awakening!!! =)) Wooots

Muay Thai III

Today we had new juniors joining us so after the first segment coach asked the four of us to train under trainer Louis. Hmmm it was different from what I was used to I guess? I learnt that my elbows, especially my right one, and they have to be slanted diagonally so it slices down across the opponent's face. Also learnt from Louis and Wilson that my knees were lagging in a sense that when I knee my hips need to push forward and my supporting leg has to snap for the knee to have power. =))
Coach had taught us before hand the step and punch. =)) think I shall practice more. Can't wait for running on Tuesdays =))

Muay Thai II

Today we trained under Coach and trainer Wilson. Learned how to

Punch properly: upper cut, hook, sequence coupled with footwork; dodging: U dodge, side dodge and the leaning back dodge haha... Put all of them together for shadow boxing.

Then coach taught us the Side Kick: lift kicking leg up but twist, angle leg and kick with heel out, shoulders turn clockwise to face behind while head still looks towards the opponent.

Next was the Shin Kick: Lock Pivot leg, turn kicking leg so that shin is aiming to the target while rotating the hips like the side kick, do not withdraw the kicking leg but let is SWOOSH downward to the ground like an arc and quickly bring it back to start position after hitting the ground.

We also learned the Knee: The pivot leg should actually twist so that when you knee infront, both legs actually form an L shape. The twisting of the picot leg is so that it opens up the joint at the hip so that you can swing and push the hip forward more. Locking the knee is also essential. We learned to combinerght and left knee continuously. =))

Muay Thai I

Hmmm starting Muay Thai CCA =)) hell I'm just scared I'll be too caught up in it hahahaha coupled with the fact that Imma gonna fail my modules so I may have to take 6 modules in the next year. Hahaha but I wanna keep myself busy if not I tend to go out and slack too much =))

I guess I'm interested in the sport because it seems rough and ruthless enough =)) I joined fencing and canoeing for the same reasons. I like to test myself physically and make myself stronger =)) we'll see =))

New beggining for my blog

I have another blog which I update rather regularly and there are a decent number of entries about what I do during Muay Thai trainings as I have learned that it is good to write out stuff that you've been taught during trainings so that you can read through them and retain them longer. I will import the previous posts from my personal blog and will update my "exploits" while learning Muay Thai. I really want to do well so this is actually my training journal. Hope that I can learn from whatever I am taught and do well in a sport that I've grown to love.