Phuket a popular destination for fight enthusiasts and fighters from all over the world training and preparing for fight camps. Surrounding by nature and beautiful beaches in the land of Muay Thai and the growing amount of high-level MMA gyms in Phuket Thailand.
My first visit was Bangtao Muay Thai, MMA one of the fast-growing MMA gym that attracts numerous UFC fighters Zhang Weili, Alex Volkanovski and Jiri Prochazka coming here to prepare for their fight camps. I finally had the chance to train and experience their classes that Bangtao Muay Thai, MMA has to offer. After doing my research on my traveling plans, I’ve decided to sign up for unlimited 1-week martial arts classes. As I always wanted to train under wrestling/mma head coach George & Frank Hickman to add on my martial arts arsenal.
The highlights of my experience in Bangtao Muay Thai, MMA.
8am Muay Thai All Level Class, a huge crowd from all over the world. We started off with a traditional warm up where we run, skip, shadow boxing, partner drills and gruesome pad work with the Thai Krus. The Krus taught us some leg catching techniques and ended the class with physical exercises. It was harsh training in a tropical weather, so remember to pack up some electrolytes for better hydration.
4pm MMA Sparring All Level Class. We get ourselves warmed up and geared up for rigors round of sparring. First, we went for countless rounds of striking sparring within our groups of 3 sparring partner for 3 mins each. Next, we had a short break, and we changed into our mma gloves and continued our rigors mma sparring. From stand up striking to wrestling, ground grappling and we went back on our feet. Not recommended if you are a complete beginner. And make sure you have a good conditioning to withstand the sparring session.
9.30am MMA Fundamentals. A new class introduction for those who are interested to learn mma. We started out with shadow striking to get ourselves warm up, and coach went through some basic wrestling takedown techniques, ground grappling and controls. Clear explanations and detail instructions. Ideal for newbies or anyone looking to sharpening up their basic mma skills
4pm MMA Wrestling All Level Class. You will get to train with several season fighters, fighting from various organization events a good way to level up your skills. We started with wrestling warm up. Wrestling/mma head coach George & Frank Hickman went through a series of wrestling techniques. A rough wrestling session with all my training partners. This class is well situatable for intermediate/advance level wrestlers.
7.15pm No Gi Fundamental Class. I had the chance to refine my triangle and guillotine chokes in various positions while practicing with my friendly grappling partners. We had a good randori session through the night. I guess it was a chill night class and it wasn’t crowded for some reason. Ideal for beginner or anyone looking to refine their no gi skills.
It was a great experience and I will be back again for a longer stay. If you’re a fight enthusiast and want to take a week break “train-cation” holiday Bangtao Muay Thai, MMA could be one of your bucket lists.
If you are planning for a trip to Bangtao Muay Thai, MMA and looking for accommodations that are nearby (not affiliate with them).
Check it out:
- Arinara Beach Resort Phuket (opposite the gym)
- Bangtao Village Resort (5 mins walk)
- Bangtao Hello House (9 mins walk)
- Chill Land House (Budget friendly)