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A day in the life of a Thai boxer
By James Fuller
King Mheng Rai built Chiang Mai in 1296. The city stands as the most significant populace of Northern Thailand.
As the sun cuts through the early haze, lighting the golden structures of Wat Doi Suthep, atop the mountain, sleepy limbs are stretched and prepared to run.
Near the foot of Mt. Doi Suthep, members of Kiat Busaba (a.k.a Lanna Muay Thai) boxing camp jog past the stoic monks who collect alms. They will climb the fluctuating gradient to the eight kilometre pick up point.
Stragglers who cannot meet the demands of the mountain are gathered on the way down.
By seven-thirty, the sun has risen to embrace the camp. Two younger members hail us as they leave the camp wearing crisp white shirts bearing their school logo. Their training will be made up in the afternoon session.
The boxers stretch again, before shadow-boxing, bag and pad work in the relatively cool shade of the roofed, open-walled areas.
Morning training focuses on leg strength through running and kicking drills, not to mention the abdominal workout that maintains an armour of muscle over the stomach. As round and sit-up quotas are met, the sound of shins slamming rapidly against leather wind down.
Bodies are soaped and bathed in the outdoor shower. Water scooped over heads refreshes the body after so much activity. Laundry is hung to dry. Wicker mats are rolled out for the brief breakfast.
Various curries and Northern Thai dishes from the local market are shared communually, and supplement the sticky glutinous rice that is squeezed into a ball in the hand and said to provide much strength. Sitting cross-legged in a circle, the boxers are unaware of the ritual impression made on western eyes.
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