Hi gents,
I am recently single, and can be location independent through online teaching. I have been getting progressively more serious about my Muay Thai training in Mexico. I intend to do some amateur fights soon, and in my estimation from sparring I even have something for the "pro" fighters at my weight at my gym. But I know sparring and a real fight are very different things. I have a dream- a bit of a long shot but something I think a worthy pursuit- to become an accomplished kickboxer in the land where it originated and is prestigious.
To my limited research, it seems Muay Thai originated in Cambodia as Kun Khmer (though even that may be traced back to India). You can get personal coaching from stadium champions and legends in both countries. If I could just teach online a few hours a day, morning or afternoon, and really dedicate myself to training with the best, I would like to see how far I could go. Approaching 30, I'm reasonably content but feel like I am running out of time to ever chase a dream. Just becoming rich is not that motivating- I grew up somewhat upper class- and the big houses and fancy cars seemed kinda shallow. It's just not that much of a dream to me. To be a champion fighter in a sport I am coming to love- in a place where that is prestigious and well-respected- is more enthralling to me.
There are a few reasons I'm leaning toward Cambodia. First off it sounds like it's easier to get fights as a foreigner than in Thailand. The Cambodians love to have fights that are (Cambodian fighter) vs Thai, or (Cambodian fighter) vs. French guy, etc... SEA Kickboxing is the national sport of both Thailand and Cambodia, but Cambodia is more of B-league and perhaps I have a more realistic chance of accomplishing something there. And if I do reach the level I hope, I could then go to Thailand.
Also a consideration, for me: Cambodia is much more 42O friendly- legally and culturally. Before people say that is very contradictory to being a high-level athlete, Joe Rogan estimates that at least half of UFC fighters partake. It is also good for body/muscle soreness, and even head trauma.
I will first try to get to Cambodia via being hired to a top-tier international school in which case I could live there, make good money, and still train nearly every day. If I can't get that job, I would go as an English teacher (already with sufficient online work to support me).
I think I would like Cambodian women, but hope that there are enough girls in the city who are open to sex before marriage but aren't whores.
Anyways, I don't really have a question but invite the thoughts of others here, particularly martial artists and/or people who have lived in SEA- but I ask you try not to crush my dreams. I know that boxing against people fighting to simply feed themselves and their families is no small task; they are ruthless and hard as nails.
I am recently single, and can be location independent through online teaching. I have been getting progressively more serious about my Muay Thai training in Mexico. I intend to do some amateur fights soon, and in my estimation from sparring I even have something for the "pro" fighters at my weight at my gym. But I know sparring and a real fight are very different things. I have a dream- a bit of a long shot but something I think a worthy pursuit- to become an accomplished kickboxer in the land where it originated and is prestigious.
To my limited research, it seems Muay Thai originated in Cambodia as Kun Khmer (though even that may be traced back to India). You can get personal coaching from stadium champions and legends in both countries. If I could just teach online a few hours a day, morning or afternoon, and really dedicate myself to training with the best, I would like to see how far I could go. Approaching 30, I'm reasonably content but feel like I am running out of time to ever chase a dream. Just becoming rich is not that motivating- I grew up somewhat upper class- and the big houses and fancy cars seemed kinda shallow. It's just not that much of a dream to me. To be a champion fighter in a sport I am coming to love- in a place where that is prestigious and well-respected- is more enthralling to me.
There are a few reasons I'm leaning toward Cambodia. First off it sounds like it's easier to get fights as a foreigner than in Thailand. The Cambodians love to have fights that are (Cambodian fighter) vs Thai, or (Cambodian fighter) vs. French guy, etc... SEA Kickboxing is the national sport of both Thailand and Cambodia, but Cambodia is more of B-league and perhaps I have a more realistic chance of accomplishing something there. And if I do reach the level I hope, I could then go to Thailand.
Also a consideration, for me: Cambodia is much more 42O friendly- legally and culturally. Before people say that is very contradictory to being a high-level athlete, Joe Rogan estimates that at least half of UFC fighters partake. It is also good for body/muscle soreness, and even head trauma.
I will first try to get to Cambodia via being hired to a top-tier international school in which case I could live there, make good money, and still train nearly every day. If I can't get that job, I would go as an English teacher (already with sufficient online work to support me).
I think I would like Cambodian women, but hope that there are enough girls in the city who are open to sex before marriage but aren't whores.
Anyways, I don't really have a question but invite the thoughts of others here, particularly martial artists and/or people who have lived in SEA- but I ask you try not to crush my dreams. I know that boxing against people fighting to simply feed themselves and their families is no small task; they are ruthless and hard as nails.