FAQ's about Matee, Muay Thai and Training at Warrior Way
Question: What classes are available at Warrior Way?
Answer: Warrior Way offers Muay Thai classes 5 days a week. Muay Thai is offered Monday through Thurday along with Saturday afternoons. A schedule is available in our Training section. In addition, Warrior Way offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes as well as a Combat Conditioning class.
Question: Who runs/teaches the Muay Thai classes at Warrior Way?
Answer: From your question I assume you are afraid an "underling" comes in and teaches the classes while Matee sits on his throne and collects money. No, that *NEVER* happens. Matee returned to Thailand this past February, so we were LUCKY enough to have Saekson Jinjira (another Thai champion, trainer of Pete Spratt if you watch NHB stuff) come and teach our class for two weeks. If you come in for your first class or two, you probably will be paired up with a senior student and work on the basics. Matee will be around to correct your form but you get personal attention on day #1.
Question: What is a typical class like?
Answer: I remember wishing I had someone to answer all these types of questions before I started... so I'll help a brother (or a sister, yes we have plenty of women attending as well) out. A typical 1 hour class will go like this... 4 - 8 minutes of jumping rope to start out. Then we will take a partner.. you can either try to grab a senior person if you want some guidance or someone of similar skill level.... Usually we'll do a drill where one person has Thai pads on (pads covering your arms) and maybe a belly pad and/or shin pads. The other person will typically take some gloves. Matee will show us a combination several times and answer questions. A combo would be like, left block a kick, step down into a right cross, left hook, then step and two right kicks, foot jab. That's a relatively simple one. The person punching and kicking typically will do that for 3 rounds. Then switch with your partner and they do 3 rounds. Next, we will do a leg kicking drill. 4 or 5 people will take "leg pads" (very thick pads meant to absorb relatively powerful kicks aimed at the legs and body). Matee will set up 5 stations with a different combo at each.. you go from station to station, no stopping for about 15 minutes.. switching people amongst the pad holders. Finally we'll do some strengthing work... tricep pushups, situps, legups, etc...
Question: How does ranking work? How quick can I be a "black belt"?
Answer: We recently implimented an armband system for the Muay Thai at Warrior Way. Generally, a student will begin and train for a good amount of time (at least 3-6 months) getting the basics of Muay Thai down. At some point, Matee will feel that you're ready for a white arm band signifying your progression to understanding the basics of Muay Thai. At that point you will be tested directly by Matee or by one of the senior students in the class with Matee watching closely. Testing for a white arm band, the basic level, will test knowledge of how to stand, basics of punching, basic footwork skills and an ability to kick and come back in a good stance. If you are compotent, Matee will grant you your white arm band, and your journey in Muay Thai has begun.
Question: How about training in Thailand?
Answer: An excellent idea and several of our students have done so! Training in Thailand can greatly accelerate your Muay Thai skills and and conditioning. In November-December of 2005, Saekson Jinjira is leading a trip into Thailand for training and sight seeing that seems to be quite excellent. I would check his website, saekson.com for more details. Additionally, sign up for the Dragon Leg Muay Thai mailing list for information about future trips to Thailand.
Question: If I train Muay Thai, am I expected to fight?
Answer: Absolutely not. If you are interested in Muay Thai for the recreational and cardio aspects, you will never be placed in an uncomfortable position. Many of our students, both male and female, train Muay Thai for the tremendous cardio benefits it provides.
Question: I want to fight! How do I do it?
Answer: Well, that's great too. Training Muay Thai under Matee is an excellent first step. I would recommend training as often as possible as quickly as possible to gain as much Muay Thai experience as you can. When you are certain like you enjoy Muay Thai, tell Matee you are interested in fighting. This could well be in your first month, or 6 months down the line. At that point Matee will keep an eye on you and help you progress through Muay Thai, keeping in mind your desires to be a fighter. The next time Matee is planning on bringing fighters to an event, be it at the Warrior Way studio or at another location, he may well ask you if you would like to fight. If you do, the tough part has only begun! Fight training begins!
Question: What's a Muay Thai fight like?
Answer: Well, I, your humble webmaster will answer this one with a whopping 2 amateur fights under his belt. Training under Matee is exceedingly difficult. Matee's fight motto is "train hard, fight easy". Honestly training for fights, I have been more bloodied and hurt than ever before in my life, but I was very happy I went through it since it made my fights seem easy in comparison. Everyone seems to handle fighting differently. Some people get nervous beforehand, some stay remarkably relaxed. Personally, I tend to block everything out, try to stay relaxed and go with the flow. Once you are in there and staring at your opponent, nothing else in the world matters. You have complete tunnelvision and concentrate on the task at hand. It's not magic. Those who train the hardest, win.