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One and a half years ago seem like another lifetime. My wife and I were expecting our second child, I had just started a new job, and I began taking an interest in Martial Arts. Having fancied myself as a “tough guy”growing up, children and inactivity had turned me into an old man at 23 years old. My desire to change finally overcame my apathy after watching an amazing event called K-1. The Internet became my tool for researching K-1; it’s fighters, and the disciplines they practiced. For weeks my search went on and it led me to some conclusions about striking. First, Muay Thai is the king of all striking forms. Second, striking is difficult to learn. Last, the Thai’s do it better than anyone does. Some of the people I met on-line sent me videos of real Muay Thai from Thailand and I was hooked.


Joshua Stall
 
My connection with Master K (Kumron Vaitayanon) was a critical moment in my development as a person and as a Martial Artist. A wonderful Martial Artist named Bill Stevens brokered our initial meeting (www.stevenskarate.com). He is accomplished in Jiu Jitsu and various forms of striking. One day in passing, he mentioned a great Muay Thai class that had started in his gym. It felt like fate had intervened on behalf of Muay Thai.

Amazement is the word I would use to describe my first Muay Thai class. His knowledge and passion for teaching Muay Thai made up for what Master K lacked in stature. His technique was perfect and so was his instruction. As he made his way around the class he would point out intricate details to improve everyone’s technique while managing to give individual advice too. The seriousness and passion in his voice could only be conveyed by a former fighter, which he is, with over 70 victories in his Muay Thai career. You would think that 50 years of practicing Muay Thai would take its toll on a body but Master K has more energy than any of his students.

Technique is paramount in Muay Thai. Without the body working as one you cannot perfect or even practice Muay Thai. Good technique begins on the ground with the feet. Stay on the balls of the feet to let your body rotate freely and generate the needed power for punches, elbows, knees, and kicks. Foot technique allows you to pivot and move defensively. If the feet are the wheels of Muay Thai, the hips are the steering wheel. As the hips turn, technique will follow. Offensive and Defensive movement depend on how quickly the hips can turn. Once hip movement is mastered, the student can parry, feint, check, and generate power. The back is the other essential element in Muay Thai. The back should always stand tall to control the shoulders. When kneeing and kicking, throw your back away from your opponent to fully use your power. Punches and kicks will be more powerful when the back is utilized properly. Always use the body as a whole in Muay Thai.
Master believes that successful Muay Thai is based on the Push Kick. It is a defensive and Offensive weapon. Good defense wins fights so use the Push Kick to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and balance, this will negate his offense. Push Kicking the legs will keep your opponent from setting his feet; thus his power is diminished. Push Kick his hip to make him lose his balance. Push Kicking the body and face causes pain and will deplete his energy. The Push Kick wins fights therefore it is Muay Thai’s most important technique.

Master K has been teaching me Muay Thai for over a year. He is the catalyst for a drastic change in my life through “The Art of the Eight Limbs.”I feel blessed to have met and worked with such a wonderful teacher and human being. Through countless hours of training he has shown a love for Muay Thai and his students by opening his home to them 7 days a week. Chris O’neil and I have been able to train twice a week at his home for the past year. From 9am to 11pm he is available to us. When I master Muay Thai, I will fight to honor Muay Thai, Master K and myself. It is my job as a Muay Thai student to expose others to the wonderful I have received. This is a gift that truly keeps on giving.
 

J
oshua Stall
 

Special Thanks To: Master K, Suriya Sak Muay Thai, Chris O’neil, Bill S, Louis, Ron, Augustino, Art, Collis, Steve R, and Mark.



 

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