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In the ring at Kiat Busaba, boxers work with trainers - former fighters themselves - who artfully pressure reactions and develop the instincts that will maintain the fighters technique in times of exhaustion.
Later, between drills of repetitive kicks, "teeps" and knees, members spar. Spectators and fighters alike offer encouragement. "O-ay!"
These spectators might be a fight promoter or a veteran Muay Thai boxer or a local neighbour with his young son, eager to enjoy the company of dedication and camaraderie. As the sparring boxers block and trade blows, their set jaws wear smiles, not scowls.
This is sanook. This is fun. The smiles can be menacing for the pure enjoyment that they relate. Night has fallen by eight o'clock in the evening in May.
Stretching will relieve some of tomorrows stiffness. But that will be relieved mostly by the milder run on flat ground. As a few remaining boxers finish practising grappling technique, soapy white figures are vaguely visible through the darkness, others drink water mixed with re-hydrating electrolytes to compensate the loss of fluid.
Once again the wicker mats are spread and the diminutive feast laid out. Dinner involves more conversation and with the day at an end, the food is eaten slowly. The boxers retire to their rooms or the wooden landing to watch television, in a comfortable stupor of accomplishment for their endorphin sedated bodies. Sleep comes quickly when it is this well earned.
All photos and text copyright (c) 2000 by James Fuller.
All rights reserved.
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