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My focus and endurance were
tried, tested and strengthened on a
whole new level.
Rebecca Faye Albuquerque
What inspired you to do Muay Thai?
Kabir: I rst started Muay Thai in August last year, to diversify my daily exercise
and increase my cardiovascular conditioning. But with regular training, it
developed from being a routine exercise to a passion of mine. Muay Thai requires
a lot of kicking and footwork, which strengthens the musculature of the lower
body. Due to other activities that I partake in, I found there to be a fair amount of
stress on my knees, hamstrings and calves. Therefore, I slowly transitioned from
doing Muay Thai to regular boxing.
Rebecca: Having completed a black belt in Taekwondo, I’ve always had an interest
in the martial arts. My curiosity grew while I was in university, when some friends
(who have trained professionally) and I would go to the gym on campus. There
was a room with mats, punching bags and boxing gloves – so instead of the
generic cardio workout, we’d go and throw some punches and kicks. Within the
next three years, there was a small outburst of Muay Thai gyms near university,
and that’s when I took the opportunity to o cially start training in March 2016.
Why Muay Thai? Why not something else?
Kabir: I always enjoy a challenge, and to master Muay Thai one must possess a
large number of athletic qualities, as well as discipline and focus. Having been
born and brought up in Thailand, I wanted to embrace the national sport and
immerse myself with the culture.
Rebecca: Having understood various forms of martial arts, I wanted my activity of
choice to be challenging yet therapeutic at the same time. Muay Thai’s complexity
drew me towards it, as one doesn’t just need to possess the physical attributes
to practice it, but also requires them to up their game mentally. My focus and
endurance were tried, tested and strengthened on a whole new level.
Where do you do Muay Thai? How many times a week or month do you train?
Kabir: I started with group sessions at Cheeks Thai Boxing Club in Ekamai Soi 10
Rebecca Faye Albuquerque, twice a week. After completing my group course, I started private classes at Thai
24 years old. Project Taniguchi Sports Life in Thonglor Soi 18 twice a week as well. They both only o er
Administrator – Regional Project Muay Thai as an option.
Management O ce
(Web Development) Rebecca: I initially started training at The Fight Club, near Assumption University
at aCommerce Suvarnabhumi Campus. I would attempt to train at least two to three times a
week. When I moved back to my parents’ place in Sukhumvit after graduating, I
wasn’t too familiar with the Muay Thai gyms over here. This is when I signed up
for GuavaPass, to get an idea of the options available. From the handful of gyms
trained at, I’ve got to say my favourite is also Cheeks.
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