The Zone

Here at Kaewsamrit Gym, you do not really need an alarm clock. Once the bells rings you'll immediately hear the sound of kicks hitting the pads and grunts from the fighters who yell them. That typically tells you that training has started for the Thai fighters which is typically at 6:30 AM.

That is what happened to me today as I normally start training a good 30 minutes after the Thai fighters start. I drink my cold green tea beverage, get dressed for training, and head out to the gym.

Surprisingly there were not a lot of people that came out for the morning session. I was then called out to the ring by trainer Mao who I've worked with a few times during my stay here. I was able to stretch but I was not able to warm up the way that I wanted.

During the first round of my training there was nothing significant as it typically starts slow and then builds and builds until finally towards the end you're at a pace that was a lot faster than when you started. However, it was during the 2nd round that I realized something and it was something I haven't felt in so long. I realized that I was not getting tired and I was not getting winded. It was the same feeling when I was on the Delta College wrestling team. Wrestling is another grueling sport that I participated in my youth. Three weeks into the season I realized that not only was I in great shape but that I had what seemed to be an unlimited gas tank.

When I competed as a Shootwrestler (combat sport made famous in Japan) my strategy for competing was what I called "taking them out to drown." The analogy was like taking somebody slowly out to sea until they couldn't get out. I would push a pace that my opponent could not match until after 10 minutes I would make them fold and I would score a submission with a leglock, armlock, or a choke.

During the middle of that 2nd round I felt alive. I started to push to the amazement of my trainer. My body had adjusted to this great training and I wanted to take advantage of it. Did I want to spar with anybody there? No, that was would be crazy...The fighters from Thailand would've killed me. But it was great finishing up my training that morning. Only small problem was that I think I pushed it a little too hard. After breakfast I couldn't resist sleeping.

I slept for a few hours before the afternoon session began. Again, I slept so good that I missed lunch. I trained with Ong this time and had a decent session. However, after the bag work and the clinch training it was time to do drills. Master Cheng had us do one drill in which we would throw a "one two" and a "rear leg kick" (left jab, followed by a right straight, and finally a rear leg round kick to the body). We would run that combo 20 times at Cheng, who was holding pads. After that combo we had to throw 20 front leg round kicks at him as well. I was able to do both. After that we had to run about 2 miles, do 60 push ups, and 100 sit ups. Honestly, I was able to do them all. It kind of sucks because I'm scheduled to leave in a few days to go to the Fairtex Gym in Pattaya City. I'm now getting used to the training and have been acclimated over here.

After training we had to saw good bye to one of my friends. Sloan, from Sydney, Australia, left today to go back home. Sloan was a great bloke and training partner. I hope to see him again someday in the future.

After dinner I went out to the internet cafe to hang out with the locals and to just chill out. Now, I'm here just typing away. It's about almost 12 midnight here in Thailand. I'm going to catch some z's and charge up again. Tomorrow is my last day training here at Kaewsamrit.