Training

The Reason We Came

Workouts were 3 to 6 every afternoon, plus 7 to 10 every morning for the serious fighters (including Heather). A few miles of jogging to warm up (not a problem in the 90 degree heat), stretching, and a couple of rounds of jump rope. Then shadow boxing, hitting and kicking the heavy bags, and the highlight of the trip -- pad work with the trainers. Finally, situps and pushups, and call it a day. Unless you feel like a little light sparring.

Neil	John	Heather digs into an animal-product-free coconut.

That's me, throwing a bad punch and a worse kick.		Trainer Tiet. He's not a huge guy, but his fists are like bricks.

Abdominals contest. A 3-way tie.

They start serious full-time training as little kids. While it sounds brutal, they're treated gently -- but seriously.		"Mae mai" demonstration of old-school techniques for the (mostly Chinese) tour groups.

How about a handstand, Dave?	For once, a piece of martial arts history is well documented: Brazilian jiu-jitsu (ground fighting) is brought to Thailand in December, 2001 by Dave Ginsberg.

The classic "I trained in Thailand" shot. I'm in the back row in front of the pillar.

Even the best martial artists in the world like to relax after a workout.