by Ethel Canor-Constantino
It was a rainy, Sunday afternoon when I got my first, live view of the newest sports craze in Davao – the muay thai. At first, I was shocked to see the fights that involved not just punching but kicking and kneeing, too. I could not imagine the fighters’ taking all those savage attacks. The audience cheered for their favorite fighters, coaxing them on. But after the fights were over, the muay thai practitioners or Nak Muay smiled at each other, hugged and left the arena not showing any wear and tear despite the hard blows.
Muay thai is a popular martial art from Thailand. It is called the “Art of Eight Limbs” because it makes use of punches (two hands), kicks (two feet), two elbows and two knees, thus utilizing eight “points of contact”.
Recently, a muay thai event called “Smoker Fight 5” was held at the boxing arena of the Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym). No, it was not a fight between smokers. But the concept was a throwback to the early days when men spectators, smoking cigarettes, watched the fights in smoke-filled basements or social clubs.
But, according to Dr. Vicent Rey Vincente, the event organizer/ring doctor and muay thai practitioner/trainer, smoker fights are between amateur fighters competing between different schools, gyms or solely for individual enthusiasts. This one started in March 2010 and is on its 5th episode. Vicente said, smoker fights are a good way for fighters to get some ring time before going amateur at least.
Smoke fighter competes with another fighter, usually from another gym or dojo, as these types of events offer them a way to actually experience an actual match having an almost same set of rounds, minutes, with officials, ref, judges and rules. This event is not the no holds barred no rules free style, but rather it follows certain rules and regulations that is similar to amateur or pro fights. SF is an avenue where to put the learned skills into action.
Within a year of existence, SF (smoker fight) has generated almost fifty fighters from six different dojos or gyms in the region. It started with three matches and has grown into 15 matches.
But despite of this, Vicente said Muay Thai is still so young here in Davao. It needs more exposure. Fighters need real instructors of the discipline where basic muay languages, counting kicks and even proper greeting are taught.
“They may look like they do muay thai but even their moves have a blend of their previous background of martial arts. They don’t have a signature “Wai Kru”, a typical fighters dance which represents their school and instructors”, Vicente observed.
“ However, for the enthusiasts, those with warrior’s heart who is looking for a venue where to learn the sports, I want them to know that we exist and we are willing to help them harness their talent and skills by having this kind of events”, he added.
Vicente was speaking based on his experience as a muay thai practitioner in Chicago, Illinois, USA where he also practiced medicine. He decided to stop fighting and started training individuals when he got back to the Philippines about three years ago.
“Sparring should be conducted under very controlled conditions. If both you and your opponent have considerable ring experience they’ll give you some latitude, let you throw and kick harder. If you’re a newbie they’ll watch and monitor things in the ring pretty closely. They never let things get out of hand,” he said.
But, just like any other sports, muay thai practitioners need good infrastructure and equipment to further hone their skills. During smoker fights, the audience is asked to pass the hat for contributions. The money collected is used to improve the gym. Recently the team was able to purchase the lamps/lights for the area and repaint the whole surrounding wall.
Vicente wishes that one day Davao would have a comfortable area where to hold training and competition for martial arts, not only muay thai, but also boxing and karate.
“Kids who learn boxing, muay thai, judo or any discipline stay off the streets and these trainings give them the opportunity to get scholarships in schools”, he said.
