Muay Thai In the Ring - SBartlett's Blog

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Muay Thai In the Ring Stuck

Posted on October 21, 2010 at 02:02 AM.

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S. Bartlett here from OS. I'm beginning my review process for the new EA Sports MMA.

In an attempt to make this the most genuine and authentic review on an MMA game on the web, I am hitting the training facilities here in the Greater Boston Area with my boy J. Hova to learn fighting styles first hand. Jay is a fighter with expertise in Muay Thai. I will be documenting my training on my blog here with video and commentary. This will fully immerse me into the world of MMA. I hope to learn the body control, movements, strength, finesse, intelligence and strategy involved in the world of MMA.

Here is my latest entry...
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Hey World,

Off on an adventure, I began Muay Thai training on Monday night. I am privileged to have an instructor in Neil LeGallo who has trained UFC fighters across the globe so when he talks, I listen.

I began with basic striking as I have had no prior experience in martial arts of any kind. I worked on the heavy bags with fundamental striking stances and throws. As the class went on, I worked at different stations, practicing my technique.

As I threw my strikes and performed proper Thai kicks, I began to feel what I had witnessed just last week � each movement and every inch is calculated to maximize your balance and, in turn, your power.

Bowing before the ring, paying respect to the discipline and those before me, I stepped in through the ropes. My heart was popping off in my chest at this point from both the workout and the adrenaline rush.

I began to strike the Thai Pads my instructor was holding. I began to throw combinations: jab, jab, cross, Thai kick. Tuck that elbow. Snap that jab. Return, replant. Eyes on opponent. Slight step and open hips, return.

There was way more to throwing strikes than I had realized.

My shins pounded the pads, while my eyes focused in on the target. My focus waivered as I became fatigued, but I made a conscious effort to zero in on my opponent�s shoulders and chest as instructed, with my chin tucked.

Interesting first class. I couldn�t move after about two hours after training from soreness. Tuesday night proved to be just as exciting.

Neil put on the stereo system to warm up. DJ Khaled filled the studio � that 305 music. Reminds me of my University of Miami days, out there working, doing whatever it took to prepare myself for a career in sports marketing. I�m still fighting to get there. The music zoned me in to a rhythm during the warm up drill and I was ready to begin training.

My instructor demonstrated some new combinations to throw. He emphasized the importance of hand placement through every movement you make. It�s essential to your defense.

Thai Kick, slip left, slip right, circle around back to fighting stance. I began to shadow box. Kick. Keep that chin tucked. Move light on your feet, Steve. Focus. Reset. Repeat.

You must always be able to see every throw coming at you.

My shins sore and calves tired, we began sparring practicing the technique from the lesson of the night. Putting any apprehensiveness to rest, I took a combo to the face that smashed my cheek off my teeth. Damn. Now that�s out of the way, I�m ready to continue my studies in Muay Thai with a new-found confidence. I flashed a smile for a second, shook my head, and went back at it.

During my light sparring, I got a nice feel for a stance I felt comfortable in. Ducking, slipping, and throwing as I had been practicing, it felt good to freestyle against an opponent. It felt real good to go out there and throw whatever felt natural.

Tuesday night I also began to learn the Thai Clinch techniques. A grappling art of sorts, my instructor taught us the importance of hand placement in the clinch; How to swim our arms in and out to gain the advantage, where to grip to gain dominant position, and how to escape. There was a surprising amount of balance and footwork involved in the clinch. Whoever has the better base under them will eventually be able to throw knees to the midsection with ease and control the fight. It�s quite an art. I was surprised how quick I was able to pick up the clinch moves taught that night and how much I enjoyed it.

What an experience this EA Sports MMA Review has become. I packed my things, pulled my black hoodie on over my black fitted cap and walked out to my car.

��

I will be posting my EA Sports MMA impressions this week before my review hits next week.

Follow my journey into the world of MMA on my blog and stay updated on my twitter: @Hurricane414

Comments

# 1 mikemulloy @ Oct 21

Are you training at the Somerville gym or the one on the North Shore?

# 2 pslieber @ Oct 21

Very nice piece. I too discovered Muay Thai following a UFC videogame event I covered for ExtremeGamer. So much for gamers being couch potatoes, eh?

Nearly 5 months into a steady Muay Thai training regiment, it's simultaneous sophisticiation and simplicity is awe-inspiring. You captue it quite well above. Just make sure to stay on the balls of your feet, keep those eyes forward...even when hips turn.

# 3 SBartlett @ Oct 21

Ha, yeah. It's legit an insane workout. Every muscle is sore right now...but I love it. This MMA Review is going to be so fun. The game is great...I'm really enjoying it right now. I have a heavyweight belt if you want to come test me on 360 lol.

I'm just trying to separate my review from IGN, GameSpot, ESPNGames, etc. Make it as legit as possible.