Ben's diary
Here's what Ben had to say after two weeks' training at the Sor Vorapin gym, Bangkok:
"This is the end of my second week at Sor Vorapin. My first two days were spent in a hammock trying to get used to the time difference, which is seven hours ahead of us. For the first week and a half, I found the training very hard and could only do the afternoon sessions. My calf muscles were throbbing all of the time and the heat seemed to enhance all aspects of the training. The training isn't much different from England, it's just with more repetition and for a longer time. The trainers seem to be really nice here - just a shame none of them speak much English.
"At the moment I'm the only student, which is good because it means one-on-one training, so I'm improving really quickly. Unfortunately, it also means I have no one to talk to. I really like the gym, it's very spacious, I have a nice air-conditioned room, and the food is delicious. I'm looking forward to seeing what my training will bring, but I think the cold showers will take some getting used to..."
Ben got in touch with us again after six weeks' training:
"This month, I started to do both sessions every day. It hasn't been easy! Knuckles on both my hands and my left shin began to bleed, making training very difficult. Because of the moisture in the air and constantly hitting pads, the cuts didn't seem to be healing. I decided to take a few days off until they did, then I returned to training. I went jogging with a WBO champion (photo below) along a motorway and got cheered by locals, which was certainly an experience!
"I didn't think fumes from the cars will help my training so I decided not to go again, and ended up running round in circles around a large area of grass in the gym. Now, there are about five more students in the gym from all around the world, including Nicholas, who was three-times champion in Belgium, and I found my picture on his French gym's website after he left, which was nice. The trainers have just finished a fast for Buddha and now seem to be drinking and smoking every day! They still get us up in the morning and hold the pads for us so no one complains. I'm happy with my training this month, and I'll keep you updated.
Here's what Ben had to say after eight weeks:
"This is my daily training routine after two months.
Morning
7am: Wake up!
20 minutes jogging
10 minutes skipping
Warm-up
5 minutes shadow boxing
3, 3-minute rounds pad work (just boxing)
Then bag work, which consists of:
25 just left push kick
25 just right push kick
and then 50 left, right, left, right etc
25 just left knee
25 just right knee
and then 50 left, right, left, right, etc
20 left roundhouse kick
20 right roundhouse kick
100 sit-ups
Breakfast.
Then................sleep!
Afternoon
2:30pm: Wake up!
3pm: 15 minutes jogging
10 minutes skipping
Warm-up
5-10 minutes shadow boxing
5, 3 minute rounds pad work (3 muay Thai, then 2 boxing)
Then bag work, which is same as above...
100 sit-ups
Clinching and sparring optional
Then weights if I've got the energy
Dinner time!"
Ben's final diary entry:
"This is my last week at Sor Vorapin. I've been here three months now and what an experience! The training has now just become routine and I'm enjoying it more. Apart from my hip hurting from constant kicking movement, I'm feeling in top shape and I would highly recommend a trip to a gym in Bangkok to anyone. Note that a basic level of fitness will be needed before attempting muay Thai training. All in all, it's been an amazing experience! I've really enjoyed my stay but can't wait to come back to the Fight Factory." |
