Page 64 - e-magazine-masala-vol9-issue-1-august-september-2017

Having been born and
brought up in Thailand,
I wanted to embrace the
national sport and immerse
myself with the culture.
Kabir Sachdev
Kabir Sachdev, 25 years old.
Director/Founder of Ennoble
Resources Intertrade Co., Ltd.
64 | Masalathai.com
What, in your opinion, is the heart of Muay Thai? Compared to other martial arts,
what are its strengths and disadvantages?
Kabir: Muay Thai is a striking art that utilises attacks with the sts, elbows, knees
and feet. Strikes can be thrown from long, mid or close range. There is also an element
of grappling in Muay Thai referred to as the clinch. Clinch manoeuvres are used to
set up knee and elbow strikes, and to throw your opponent to the ground, which is a
very di erent grappling technique used in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Comparing one martial
art to another is like comparing apples to oranges. However, if I had to mention a
disadvantage, it would have to be that it lacks takedowns and ground techniques as
compared to other martial arts.
Rebecca: As a woman, I believe we should all be adept in some kind of self-defence
technique, and to me Muay Thai excels at being just that. As it involves a striking style
using only body parts as weapons, its self-defence technique is easy to grasp and apt
for any age group. Not only does it make one feel safe, it also boosts your con dence,
instils discipline and most importantly keeps you t. The only downside is its lack of
takedowns and ground training.
Do you nd the sport to be a form of stress relief?
Do you nd the sport to be a form of stress relief?
Kabir: I personally believe stress relief is one of the most important bene ts. To be
Kabir: I personally believe stress relief is one of the most important bene ts. To be
able to have an outlet for your stress is fantastic. It detaches you from the daily grind,
able to have an outlet for your stress is fantastic. It detaches you from the daily grind,
and personally, has made me a happier and more carefree individual.
and personally, has made me a happier and more carefree individual.
Rebecca: Personally, more than one can imagine. No matter how long or hard a
Rebecca: Personally, more than one can imagine. No matter how long or hard a
day I’ve had, after going to Muay Thai, I’ve always felt a state of accomplishment,
day I’ve had, after going to Muay Thai, I’ve always felt a state of accomplishment,
happiness and rejuvenation.
happiness and rejuvenation.
Any dos and don’ts to keep in mind?
Any dos and don’ts to keep in mind?
Kabir: The most important thing is to nd a good trainer who is t for you and
Kabir: The most important thing is to nd a good trainer who is t for you and
understands your physical abilities, so that they can aid you in maximizing your
understands your physical abilities, so that they can aid you in maximizing your
training. Once you’ve found the correct trainer, follow their guidance and everything
training. Once you’ve found the correct trainer, follow their guidance and everything
will fall into place. Pay great attention to detail, focus and never give up.
will fall into place. Pay great attention to detail, focus and never give up.
Rebecca: Do: Always, always, always stretch – you don’t want to pull a muscle. Also,
Rebecca: Do: Always, always, always stretch – you don’t want to pull a muscle. Also,
take your time to warm up. Don’t: Don’t give up too easily. Everything takes time,
take your time to warm up. Don’t: Don’t give up too easily. Everything takes time,
patience, practice and perseverance. Your body will keep adapting to and processing
patience, practice and perseverance. Your body will keep adapting to and processing
these changes.
these changes.
How do you make time for Muay Thai along with your day job?
How do you make time for Muay Thai along with your day job?
Kabir: At my previous job, my work hours were xed, so it was easier to commit to training
at a certain time. Now that I have started my own company, my schedule is less exible.
However, I always try to get in a good boxing workout at least twice a week. I also have a