Traditional Muay Thai in Chiang Mai?

[Derekwl]

Hi there,

I am planning to go to Chiang Mai next summer, so this is a bit early to be asking, but I was wondering whether anyone knows of a boxing camp/gym that will teach a more traditional form of Muay Thai, as well as Krabi Krabong possibly. The reason I ask, is because I want to learn more then what modern Muay Thai teaches, like the intricate elbow and knee techniques. Unfortunately I probably dont have enough experience to be taught this in Thailand, and I'm also a farang. Any insight would be greately appreciated!!

D-rokk

[chalambok]

Ancient Thai Arts Academy

Ajarn Pedro Villalobos runs the Ancient Thai Arts Academy in Chiang Mai. He is very well respected and it is a fine school. Also, before you leave you should look up Maelstrom Martial Arts in Vancouver. They can get you started on the basics.

[aseepish]

Warning!

Be careful! Going to Thailand to train can be very addicting!

Chiang Mai is a great town! I never had the opportunity to train at Ajarn Villalobos' school (He was in China when I was in Thailand), but I've heard very good things from people who have.

I ended up training at Lanna which was amazing, but no KK. I saw some pretty intricate elbow work there btw.

http://ancientmuaythai.com

http://www.maelstromcore.com/ I also know Guro Loki by sight and by (excellent) reputation, but I also never had the opportunity to train with him. I notice that Guro Louie Lindo sometimes teaches classes - I trained Eskrima and Silat with him back in 1997-98. He is a wonderful instructor and I'm very glad that he's teaching in Vancouver again.

[Gunza Kicka]

Hey,

my old mans got a house up in chaing mai, and i`m heading up there this christmas, prolly train for a bit. dads adopted a 14 year old boy who was put in fights against 20 year olds for dosh.. needless to say his dad got bit angry when he lost matches and abused him... i`ll post up here when i get back if i find any traditional muay thai trainers..

chaing mai is an awsome city, real nice people there aswell.

[Derekwl]

Wow Thanks for the replies everyone, they have been loads helpful!!

I am actually reading a book by Villalobos "Fight strategies of Muay Thai: The Secret of Thailand's Boxing Camps", and its amazing (except for the poor English grammar, which really doesnt matter). That would be awesome to train with someone with such a wealth of information. Do any of you guys know if he accepts somewhat inexperienced athletes? I have only done about 6 months of Muay Thai, and I havent fought.

Do you guys also know if Maelstrom's Krabii Krabong program includes empty handed techniques?

Thanks
D-rokk

[aseepish]

Ajarn Pedro will accept complete beginners, so you'll have no problem. His contact information is on his website, send him an email a couple of months before you travel to reserve a space in his class.

[Derekwl]

Thanks mate, much much much appreciated. I really didnt want to learn the UFC Muay Thai (even though I know majority of places in Thailand dont train that crap).

Thanks a lot for the pointers!
D-rokk

[Shaolin Bushido]

What's UFC Muay Thai?

[seany85]

Hope when you get there you have a good time.

[Elfunko]

I was wondering these exact same questions, but I won't be over there for many years to come. Anyway, thanks for the info everyone.

[Shaolin Bushido]

Ajarn Pedro Villalobos runs the Ancient Thai Arts Academy in Chiang Mai. He is very well respected and it is a fine school. Also, before you leave you should look up Maelstrom Martial Arts in Vancouver. They can get you started on the basics.

Does he also have a school in the USA?