After training Muay Thai for around three years, I finally decided to step into the ring.
On the 19th of May, 2024 I took part in my first inter club. Quite a big leap for me after losing over 88kg in weight, it was time to really put myself to the test.
My Training over the years
For over 3 years now I have trained consistently and had little breaks here and there. Even when I’m having a break, I’m not really having a break, I’m still doing some form of training or exercise.
I’ve always trained as though I’m going to compete, even though when I first started, I had no visions of actually competing. It was all just for fitness in the start.
Throughout consistent training and just naturally getting better, the goals had shifted.
First I just wanted to get fit, and I did. Then I wanted to start a business to inspire others to take up Muay Thai or martial arts training in general. I launched GYM NASTY.
So, what’s the new goal?
Well, it’s to have GYM NASTY shorts be worn in a fight at Rajadamnern or Lumpini, inspiring people along the way.
Now I’ve lost over 88kg in weight, my injuries had been all cleared. I took it upon myself to start taking my training a bit more seriously.
Training for a Muay Thai Interclub
It might sound a bit excessive but I was training for my Muay Thai interclub like it was an actual fight.
Running before pads and sparring, weights, strength and conditioning. To be fair this is how I usually train, but I wanted to get in the right mindset and prepare as best as I could so I stepped up the intensity a little bit more. There’s no point signing up if your head isn’t fully focussed on competing.
I didn’t focus on anything specifically but I upped my running and skipping to help with footwork, cardio and conditioning.
The day of my Interclub
On the day of my interclub I weighed myself again, only to find out that I was .8kg lighter than I had entered. I wasn’t too fussed about this, I spar a lot of bigger and taller opponents quite regularly. Being 5ft3 it’s something I’ve had to get used to over the years.
The interclub was held at Kiatphontip in Leeds, a very highly respected gym around the world, especially in the UK Muay Thai scene.
Believe it or not, I actually knew who my opponent was as he’d spoken to me through GYM NASTY before and had shown a lot of support for my journey so it was really nice to share my first interclub with him.
I had warmed up around the ring ready to go in, I felt quite sharp and very energetic. Wasn’t nervous at all which came as a surprise.
Once I’d stepped in the ring my mind went blank, it felt as though I’d just gone into auto pilot and everything was just going at 1,000 mph.
My first interclub
It was such a good feeling to finally get in the ring and compete. After training for over 3 years, it’s nice to see what level I’m at.
With it being my first time competing, I didn’t fully expect my mind to go as blank as it did. I kind of zoned out and could only hear faint voices from my coaches.
In the second round I relaxed a bit more and felt more comfortable. I wasn’t throwing as many fancy techniques as I usually experiment with in sparring, I was just trying to keep it basic without using too much energy.
It just goes to show, you definitely do fight how you train. Even though I wasn’t fully comfortable, I resorted to what I knew best and just kept it basic without trying risky techniques.
My first interclub was a really good experience, I wasn’t really worried at all and I handled it really well. I spent some time speaking with fighters and reading people’s interclub experiences online, just to get a feel of what I was letting myself in for.
Having competed now I can say it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done and I can’t wait to fight again.
If you’re considering competing and it’s your first time, here are some of my key takeaways.
- Focus on cardio: Your adrenalin is going to kick in and sap your energy. It’s a bit more intense than usual sparring.
- Don’t worry: Everything is safe and controlled, you’re not meant to be putting all of your power into your shots.
- Enjoy the experience: Take everything in, once you’re settled start to enjoy it and have some fun.
- Warm up beforehand: Make sure you’re warmed up and you feel loose. You don’t want to cause yourself every injuries.
- Listen to your coaches: They’re there to help you, they will see things that you can’t see when you’re in there so make sure you keep an ear out for your corner once you’re settled.
What’s next for me competing?
Well, now I’ve got a taste for it, I most definitely want to go again.
I plan on competing in a few more interclubs this year to gain more experience and hopefully move up to fighting different classes.