from the land down under ....

July 2008 

Muay Thai : An Evolution to Fitness

Above:  Brandon in his element, sharing his expert knowledge at Fight House in NCY Photo: Evolution Muay Thai

This month we speak with Aussie Kru (Thai for trainer), Brandon Levi, and get the insider tips on how to stay fit while in the States.  He also lets us in on a great way to tone up and learn some new skills through martial art , Muay Thai.  Who knew drinking beer would be a good way to start? 

How did you come to work in the US Fitness business?

It was all a bit of a coincidence really. I was checking out a gym just to do a bit of training in and I got talking to one of the managers there and he said they’d just lost their kickboxing instructor.   I mentioned that I taught Muay Thai and that was that. He hired me right there on the spot!  At the time I was bartending at the Sunburnt Cow in the East Village and figured I’d do it for shits and giggles. The next thing I know I’m running one of the most successful schools in  New York and busier than a one-armed paper hanger with the crabs!

What are some of the ways Australian’s can keep active when travelling?

There are so many options it’s hard to name just one.  Of course, I have to recommend martial arts. Of course!  Here in New York the possibilities are endless. If you can’t find a style that suits you, you’re not looking hard enough.

It’s coming onto summer what are some ways we can get ready to show those bods?

For stripping off weight fast, nothing beats running. For toning up, bodyweight exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, squats, chin-ups etc. And Muay Thai!

We all know American portion sizes and food in general can help you put on the pounds what are some smart choices Aussie’s can make when eating healthy in the USA?

You know, here in New York the portions aren’t generally quite as big as in the rest of the US, so it’s not that big a deal. I think the secret is in how much you exercise.If you really want to stay trim and still eat what you want, you have to be willing to work out for at least an hour every day.  If that’s not an option, try not eating carbs after dark, eat smaller meals, but more often, like every 3 hours.

I start the day with fruit, have a nice big meal with all the trimmings for lunch, a smaller meal in the afternoon and another at night.  When I was competing, I ate at least 7 times per day and I looked like I was anorexic!   If you work out like a mad man you can basically eat as much as you want.

Expat’s and traveller’s often live quite busy lives balancing work and family do you have any tips to help keep exercise a part of that busy life?

I like this one!

I think the secret is to do something that’s fun.  Wasting an hour a day on an elliptical is my idea of hell. Take up a sport or activity that interests you. Preferably one with an instructor who isn’t as boring as watching paint dry.

I’ve done some classes that I thought would be fun, but when I got there the instructor had the personality of a wet sock. Big turn off!

Look around, make phone calls, see if you can get a feel from the way they talk as to whether you will enjoy spending time in their presence, then do a trial class.

If you have a couple of laughs, learn something you didn’t know before and feel like you’ve had the crap kicked out of you for the next 2 days, then you’re probably onto a winner.

Did I mention that all these things can be found at… yes folks, you guessed it:

MUAY THAI!

Are there any Australian sports our readers could get involved with in the States? Or any other US sports we should try out?

I have heard stories of cricket, rugby and Aussie rules teams here in New York , but I’ve never actually seen them. There’s always tennis or swimming.

Haven’t seen a lot of lawn bowls.

I like baseball. It’s no where near as good as cricket, but it’ll do in a pinch. And you can spit and scratch your balls and no body bats an eye. That’s my kind of sport. Dunno about the whole chewing tobacco caper. I tried that a few years ago and nearly threw up!

Then there’s my favourite sport, which is yank bating. That’s always good for a giggle.

By the way, drinking beer also works out the biceps and forearms.

You’ve gotta start somewhere, right?

What sets Evolution Muay Thai out from the rest?

Train with an Aussie (and a few yanks) and not only get super fit, but also learn the most effective stand-up fighting style in the world today.

If you’ve ever thought you might like to be able to defend yourself in a street fight, without trying to use spinning back kicks and chop suey techniques that only work in the movies, then Muay Thai kickboxing is something you should check out.

I promise to teach you how to punch, kick, knee and elbow REALLY hard.

And you never know, you might just enjoy yourself!

A huge thank you to Brandon Levi for taking the time to speak with The Goss!

Always remember when starting a new fitness regime to consult with your GP or facilities trainer first!

Above: Brandon showing his exceptional strength while competing in a Muay Thai Tournament in Thailand Photo: Evolution Muay Thai

What is Muay Thai?

Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing as it is commonly referred to, is the national sport of Thailand. Similar to western boxing, Muay Thai is fought in a four sided, roped ring. Competitors can use any part of their arms or legs to strike their opponent. The scoring system is similar to boxing, with and emphasis on kicks and knees.

Nicknamed the dance of eight limbs, Muay Thai has a rich tradition in Thailand with over 1000 years of history.  Developed originally as a way of training the Thai army for unarmed combat, Muay Thai gradually evolved into a popular and exciting sport.

Today Muay Thai has spread to the four corners of the globe and continues to grow in popularity. Its influence can be seen in MMA tournaments, such as the UFC, Pride Fighting Championships and numerous other no holds barred competitions around the globe. Recently, the reality TV series, "The Contender" launched a spin-off series titled: "Contender Asia", showcasing the talents of some of the most prevalent competitors in the world Muay Thai scene, including Australia's own John Wayne Parr, Bruce MacFie and Soren Mongkonton.

Surprisingly (or perhaps not), the Aussie boys did outstandingly well, with Parr, a legend in Aussie Muay Thai circles, fighting Thai legend Yodsenklai Fairtex in an absolute war on the finale.

Whether you are looking to compete, learn practical self-defence or simply tone up a bit and lose a couple pounds, Muay Thai may be what you're looking for.

Training is hard. Hundreds of push-ups, sit-ups and squats, combined with hitting punching bags and working combinations on pads and focus mitts will get you sweating like you have never sweated before.

And loving it!