Muay Thai is one of Thailand’s most popular combat sports, with local and national fights drawing large audiences either to the live venues themselves or to the weekly televised bouts.
Globally, the sport has grown immensely over the last decade, with people drawn both to the combat elements and just as importantly, the high fitness levels it brings once you practice regularly. MMA, in particular, use Muay Thai as an integral part of its training regimes.
How The Sport Works
Unlike kick boxing, which uses punches and kicks, Muay Thai also allows contact with fists, forearms, elbows, knees, shins and feet as well as grappling and clinching.
Contests are over 5 three minute rounds, with victory either by a knock-out or a technical knock-out when the referee deems one fighter unable to continue. Each round is also scored up to 10, so enabling a winner to be declared if both fighters remain standing at the end of the contest.
Traditions
- Similar to martial arts, Muay Thai’s rich tradition and philosophy dates back to the 16th century.
- Central to its ethos, mind, body and spirit must be harnessed as one if a fighter is to reach the top levels.
- Before all bouts, each fighter will don a Mongkol, a sort of sacred headband.
- During the contest itself, they will wear a charm or an inscribed cloth around the upper arm or waist.
Muay Thai Gyms on Koh Chang
Koh Chang now has a handful of gyms including, Koh Chang Muay Thai Club and Hills Training Camp (both in White Sand Beach), Soeren Tor Chairat (2 branches, Pearl Beach and Klong Prao), Koh Chang Sports Arena (Kai Bae), Ban Muaythai by Saeng (Pearl Beach) and a couple in Bailan Beach – Erawan and one on the lane parallel to Red Moon.
As a guide, hourly classes are around 500bt for group sessions or 12,000bt to 13,000bt for 30 monthly times in high season. You can also book private tuition 1 on 1 at 1,200bt to 1,500bt for 90 minutes to 2 hours, with monthly rates at around 30,000bt. Novices are especially welcome.
Koh Chang also hosts fight nights and tournaments – Koh Chang Muay Thai Club behind Grand View Plaza at the southern end of White Sand Beach and Koh Chang Sports Arena, behind the market in Kai Bae – check below for details on both.
Koh Chang Muay Thai Club
White Sand Beach – 081 983 9949 or 082 570 2391
In the plaza area opposite Grand View Resort at the southern end of White Sand Beach, regular gym open from from 8.00 to 18.00.
- Per Person: 500bt for 1 hour for group sessions, 1,300bt for private, weekly and monthly available too.
Stadium next door for fight nights – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 20.00, 900bt per person, kids 1/2 price, drinks, snacks, MCs, tiered seating, good atmosphere – Koh Chang Muay Thai Facebook Group Page, 098 972 9976
Soeren Tor Chairat Koh Chang
Klong Prao and Pearl Beach – 065 946 9171
Soeren runs the small gym at the start of the small road leading down to Santhiya Tree Resort in Klong Prao Beach. Open from 8.00 to 20.00. Also has 2nd gym in Pearl Beach by the entrance to Privilege Resort.
- Per Person: 500bt for 1 hour for group sessions, 13,000bt for monthly (30 sessions)
- Per Person: 1,200bt for private 90 minutes or 30,000bt (monthly).
Koh Chang Sports Arena
Kai Bae – 098 025 8642 or 087 935 3935
Located in Kai Bae at at the end of the food court street which runs down from Morgans, it has intensive training on offer for allcomers and monthly courses. Open from 07.00 to 18.00.
- Per Person: 500bt for group session (1 hour) or 12,000bt for monthly
- Per Person: 1,500bt for 1 on 1 private (2 hours), prices for longer courses on application, possible residential courses too.
Stadium for fight nights – Monday and Friday, 20.00, 1,500bt ringside, 1,200bt per person tiered, kids 1/2 price, drinks, snacks, MCs – Koh Chang Sports Arena Facebook Page, 098 025 8642, Whatapp +66 87935 3935.
UPDATED April 26
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