Man-in-the-Middle Muay Thai Clinch Practice | Namsaknoi Muay Thai

Kaito being put through the grind in man-in-the-middle 3-man clinch practice in preparation for his upcoming fight. This is 2 minutes out of a typical 20-minute clinching session. I remember when I first moved to Bangkok to train as a scrawny 12-year-old, I was tossed around helplessly like a ragdoll by my camp seniors in the clinch all the time. I would often end up on the canvas, humiliated, hot tears streaming down my face, as my seniors and trainers simply laughed at the youthful defiance of this kid. I got up, again and again, even as I landed on my butt again and again. But gradually, my body learned and adapted to the hard knocks. I got stronger and better at reading subtle body movements, and the tables were turned. The clinch game turned out to be one of my strongest weapons in a fight. It was then I realized the true value of growth in learning to accept and deal with adversity. Today as a trainer, I used the same principles I learnt to condition my fighters. Kaito is the smallest fighter at the gym, and everyday he is put through relentless grind that tests his spirit. Often, he had to clinch and spar with guys twice his size, but he never backed down or complained. He might not see the value of it yet, but he trusts me completely as his trainer to provide the best training plan to help him grow. It is very tempting to give up in the face of hardship and humiliation. It is even more tempting to find blame in others for the pain you are feeling. Martial art taught me that it is only through difficulties that true grit is developed. Pain, adversity, anything that is bothering you, THAT is your teacher. That is what you should respect, welcome, and be thankful for. And one day, when the essence of all your past hardships are deeply woven into your muscles, you will fall down no more. www.NamsaknoiMuaythai.com