#PickUp: Muay Thai

Superman and Batman are not coming to your rescue in a life or death situation – so why not pick up a skill like Muay Thai to defend yourself? Youth.SG recently tried out a beginner Muay Thai class at Singapore’s most established martial arts gym, Evolve MMA, and it was an intense workout!

I stepped into the Evolve MMA gym at Far East Square and was extremely impressed with the facilities. Everything was ready-for-use: lockers, shoe racks, towels, body wash and even a hairdryer.

I was very privileged to be taught by the authentic Thai world champion, Orono Wor Petchpun, otherwise known as Kru No. Kru No picked up Muay Thai at 15 and was crowned Thailand’s champion three times. He looked intimidating at first, but he was actually really funny and friendly!

I thought a private session meant a whole training room to myself, but nope, I was led into the black cage in the middle of the gym, where all the pro members were staring at me trying to land a kick.

I felt small, but I wanted to give my best.

When I entered my training cage, Kru No sat down to help me put on a pre-made hand wrap. It was the smallest size available, but it still did not fit me. He thus manually wrapped a cloth hand wrap to protect my tiny hands, knuckles and wrists.

Next, I learnt the four basic moves of Muay Thai: punching, elbowing, kicking and kneeing. I also learnt guarding and defence moves. The coach thought I was not bad *muahaha* so I was taught the push-kick as well.

As I had Silat experience from young, it was challenging to adapt to Muay Thai’s basic stance. Instead of shielding my face with one fist when punching, I was used to putting my fist next to my chest. Instead of swinging my fist backwards when kicking, I kept moving my fist to a groin guard position.

Kru No was very affirming each time I gave a good kick. I loved the thrill of hearing a louder impact on the padding for every kick I pulled off.

He was also generous with his words of encouragement, but was firm if I made a mistake such as not shielding my face.

All in all, the Muay Thai class at Evolve MMA was extremely exciting and action-packed.

Before I left the gym, I decided to take a photo beside the life-sized poster of world champion Angela Lee. As I was doing so however, the real Angela Lee came out from behind the poster.

Course: Muay Thai beginner course
Where: Far East Square
School: Evolve MMA
Duration: Each class lasts for an hour
Price: 30 minute trial classes are free; consult gym for additional price packages