~ Muay Thai the traditional kickboxing martial art of Thailand ~
On Monday, December 7, SXM BJJ held an official grading for their Kids Muay Thai kickboxing program. Muay Thai kickboxing classes began one year ago in Cole Bay with instructor Akeem Lewis under the guidance of Akeem’s long-time coach Marco London, who continues to teach competitive fighters in St. Peters.
Muay Thai is the traditional kickboxing martial art of Thailand. Historically, there is no ranking system; progress is determined by success in the ring. However, as Muay Thai training has grown outside of Thailand, many schools have developed an arm-band ranking system, including SXM BJJ. In Thailand, the use of an armband, also known as Druang Rang or the Prajioud was traditionally made from a torn piece of a mother’s sarong (dress or skirt cloth) and tied on the arm before Muay Thai fights for good luck and protection. This tradition originated during times of war where mothers would see their sons go off to war and offer them good luck and protection.
On Monday, December 7, students ages six to 15 demonstrated their skills followed by sparring at the 15 Wellington Road dojo in Cole Bay. Students who earned the honour of wearing a yellow arm band include Yannick Arnoult, Lucas Bardfield, Harmony Biddle-Chadwick, Yandis Gourdet, Damaine Jackson, Niel Pariani and Jayden Jacobs.
Muay Thai students are required to have integrity, honesty, courtesy and humility. Students learn fighting skills only to be used in self-defence or in the ring – fighting outside of the dojo is strictly forbidden. Instructor Marco London and Akeem Lewis hold their students by this guideline. Thai boxers fight against each other fiercely when in the ring but never outside of the ring. To be a good fighter and a good champion, one must be humble and respectful.
Muay Thai kids classes at SXM BJJ are closed next week for Christmas holidays and resume on Monday, January 3, 2016, with classes for seven- to 16-year olds. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.facebook.com/sxmbjj for more information or to register.
