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Khun Kao · 01-28-2005, 08:51 PM

I'm really surprised that your instructor would take such a stand regarding you being/training/fighting as a Southpaw. Personally, I have always found Southpaws to be the most challenging fighters. I have a couple of southpaws in my gym, and even the inexperienced ones are able to give me a run for my money because of how awkward it is to fight one.

Perhaps you should find a polite way to ask your instructor specifically what he means (including examples) of why fighting as a Southpaw is a disadvantage.

When I teach Southpaws, I really try to take the time to teach and demonstrate technique from their perspective. I have very limited ability in switching stances, so it is a hard task to do. But the point is that they are my students and look to me for guidance. I try my best to go the extra mile to give them adequate training.

I also will "research" Southpaw-specific combinations and/or strategies to teach them, so that they will udnerstand how better to take advantage of being a southpaw to begin with.

For instance, I have been teaching a series of combinations to my students of late that I have picked up by watching one of my favorite fighters. Basically, I watched this fighter over and over and over again to pick apart this technique in order to emulate him. I have found that his combinations and strategy are not only very sound, but that they fit into my training almost PERFECTLY! Considering what I have learned from my Muay Thai coaches, this fighters style is honestly the perfect blend of the varying strategic perspectives that I have been taught.

So, as I have been saying, I have been teaching my guys the basics of his combo's, and how he sets them up. The problem is that this fighter whose strategy/approach I am emulating is an orthodox fighter. I have only seen how he fights against other orthodox fighters. What he does in the ring against them does NOT work to anywhere near the success against a Southpaw.

So what did I do about that?

I studied tape of Orthodox vs. Southpaw fighters, and found combinations that employ a very similar strategy as the fighter I am emulating, but work from the Southpaws perspective.

I have always been a firm believer that Muay Thai is a very dynamic fighting sport. I cannot rigidly impose my own views upon those I train, as that will in the end stifle their growth as a fighter. You teach your fighters the techniques and the basics on how to formulate a strategy and to put together combinations, stressing what is sound vs. unsound technique and/or strategy.... but then you let them find their own way.

From what you describe, it sounds like your coach is trying to fit the round peg into the square hole.

01-28-2005, 08:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
Khun Kao Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 842 Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm really surprised that your instructor would take such a stand regarding you being/training/fighting as a Southpaw. Personally, I have always found Southpaws to be the most challenging fighters. I have a couple of southpaws in my gym, and even the inexperienced ones are able to give me a run for my money because of how awkward it is to fight one. Perhaps you should find a polite way to ask your instructor specifically what he means (including examples) of why fighting as a Southpaw is a disadvantage. When I teach Southpaws, I really try to take the time to teach and demonstrate technique from their perspective. I have very limited ability in switching stances, so it is a hard task to do. But the point is that they are my students and look to me for guidance. I try my best to go the extra mile to give them adequate training. I also will "research" Southpaw-specific combinations and/or strategies to teach them, so that they will udnerstand how better to take advantage of being a southpaw to begin with. For instance, I have been teaching a series of combinations to my students of late that I have picked up by watching one of my favorite fighters. Basically, I watched this fighter over and over and over again to pick apart this technique in order to emulate him. I have found that his combinations and strategy are not only very sound, but that they fit into my training almost PERFECTLY! Considering what I have learned from my Muay Thai coaches, this fighters style is honestly the perfect blend of the varying strategic perspectives that I have been taught. So, as I have been saying, I have been teaching my guys the basics of his combo's, and how he sets them up. The problem is that this fighter whose strategy/approach I am emulating is an orthodox fighter. I have only seen how he fights against other orthodox fighters. What he does in the ring against them does NOT work to anywhere near the success against a Southpaw. So what did I do about that? I studied tape of Orthodox vs. Southpaw fighters, and found combinations that employ a very similar strategy as the fighter I am emulating, but work from the Southpaws perspective. I have always been a firm believer that Muay Thai is a very dynamic fighting sport. I cannot rigidly impose my own views upon those I train, as that will in the end stifle their growth as a fighter. You teach your fighters the techniques and the basics on how to formulate a strategy and to put together combinations, stressing what is sound vs. unsound technique and/or strategy.... but then you let them find their own way. From what you describe, it sounds like your coach is trying to fit the round peg into the square hole. __________________ Kru Brooks C. Miller GCA MuayThai Board of Advisors USMTA Director of DC, MD, and VA http://khunkao.com/