*Our Boxing Journey 2007!! (:]











Wednesday, November 14, 2007



SPREAD OF MUAY THAI IN SEA (PART 2) -
INCREASING NO. OF GYMS SET UP IN SINGAPORE




Under Muaythai.sg, there 11 gyms registered and this I believe doesnt cover all existing gyms in Singapore. The variety of gyms serve diverse needs of the population. We have the high-end gyms, such as the Singapore Island Country Club, which serves the upper class clientele who can afford and are willing to pay a substantial price for professional training. We also have community centers which cater to the middle class public. And of course with have the student clubs, like the NUS Muay Thai Club, which not only trains but also participates in inter varsity competitions.



The gyms in Singapore however contrasts to those in Thailand. Especially when compared to those in the provinces. Singapore gyms provide modern equipment and safety is highly prioritised. As seen in movies, the Thai fighters are very likely to train outdoors. They not only practice on punching bags but also kick trees using their shins to allow them to be hardened. This acts may result in wounds and infections yet it is accepted as a component of the martial art. Hence, the training in Thailand is definitely more strenuous and extreme. It is set up for nurturing of the toughened professional fighter. Singaporeans adopt the sport more for fitness and self defense rather than building a career of professional fighting.




Singapore gyms also are not like training camps in Thailand. They do not house trainees. They only meet in times of training. This contrasts with the communal spirit of Thai training camps where the fighters train together, eat together and sleep together from a young age. This is most probably due to the martial art not being an integral part of our culture. It is an imported sport from a culture that isn't ours. The practice of the martial art is thus not taken as seriously as it is in Thailand.

Credit:

http://muaythai.sg/muay_thai_gyms_singapore, viewed on 14th November 2007

Pictures: BXG Boxing & Fitness, http://www.bxgfitness.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=61, viewed on 14th Noverm 2007

That's all for now,
Izzah (:


* my stories -5:21 AM