The search for useful moves and techniques in MMA mixed martial arts and Muay Thai kickboxing does not end when I leave the gym. I’m an avid youtuber, and I’ve spent countless hours pouring over recent and old fight videos looking for either inspiration or a technical aspect that I am missing. And while I still have a long way to go I would like to share with you some of the traditional Muay Thai fighters and legends that have influenced my style of fighting so much.
On our first Thailand trip the instructors and I had the absolute pleasure of watching Saenchai fight at Lumpinee stadium after I had watched his highlights for so long back home. His sweeps and tricky skipping kicks are something I’ve long tried to emulate. So many Muay Thai fighters are unbelievable. Buakaw is amazing with his leg dexterity and knees and elbows. Yodsenklai Fairtex has a left kick that is painful to watch. Pornsanae Sitmonchai is intense and doesn’t mind trading shots but what I really love are his leg kicks and aggressive boxing. I’ve also watched Danny Bill obsessively and his ability to check kicks and land knees leaves me puzzled. And lastly rest in peace to Ramon Dekkers; I’ve always wished I had the heart and tenacity that man possessed. He was a brutally savage fighter. The list is endless with terrific champions and Muay Thai fighters but if you need a starting point those are the names I first learned to love.
Please spend some time and check out some of these amazing warriors. I guarantee you will learn a thing or two. And maybe you’ll discover some of your own favorites and be able to share them with me. There’s also the Dutch style of Muay Thai that has just as many legendary champions so maybe I will touch on those next. Thanks for your time
~Travis Williams
Elite Training Center
1628 South Pacific Coast Highway,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 543-1600
www.elitetrainingcenter.net
