TBA T-shirt

[GorillaPalmz]

Sort of a superficial question, but I've always liked the TBA logo but I can't find the t-shirts with them anywhere. Are they available for mail order purchase anywhere?

Thanks!

[terry]

Yes, um, let me put on my TBA-spokesman hat for this occasion.

You can't just go out and buy a TBA shirt. It doesn't work that way. Certified instructors within the Thai Boxing Association of the U.S.A. have permission to use, reproduce and incorporate the TBA logo onto uniforms, letterhead, gym bags, clothing and other school items. Some TBA functions, such as the Pacific Northwest Muay Thai Camp, TBA web page, TBA newsletter and this forum may also use this logo. Unauthorized use of this logo is prohibited.

In addition, there are guidelines on descriptive text placed underneath the TBA logo that identify school, branch, region and, on occasion, rank. Note: Using the TBA logo without any descriptive text is reserved for officers or people who represent the entire Thai Boxing Association of the USA, such as Chai Sirisute (president), Dan Inosanto (Vice President), Paula Inosanto (Secretary) or members of the board of Directors.

Well, that's more or less the official line. But let me take a minute to explain why it is that way.

First, and most important, we (meaning the board of directors) wanted to attach a fee for some of the privileges that TBA instructors are granted very generously by Ajarn Chai. These fees are extremely small compared to those charged by other martial arts organizations. Speaking off the record: Ajarn Chai is not by any means a wealthy man, and on many occasions has continued to work after breaking bones and under conditions of physical exhaustion. You see if he stops teaching his family's income drops to zero. No unemployment, no disability insurance. Nothing. Those fees are intended to provide Ajarn Chai's family, who struggle with money, with the basic financial security and dignity that most of us take for granted. We believe this is a privelege he has earned.(1)

Second, we wanted the TBA logo to represent more than a martial arts association. We want it to be a badge of honor that signifies that the person wearing this item has been trained to have discipline and respect. That's not something you can do on a mail order basis.

Respectfully,

Terry Tippie
Thai Boxing Association of the U.S.A.

(1) We're not talking about a lot of money here. But it is really really important to a few of Ajarn Chai's older students that he not be financially destitute, like Adriano Emperado was, at the end of his life.

[OctaviousBP]

Nice post...

[GorillaPalmz]

Ok, Terry, thanks for the information!

G.Palmz

[JIMI]

or you can just order one from guro dan inosanto down in L.A. LOL, i understand all that you said but even if you arent a thai boxer and love the sport, you can still show your support of master chai, and buy a t shirt.

[GorillaPalmz]

thanks, jimi.

i mean, i have a lot of respect for arjarn chai. my instructor is nick sacoulas here in new york, and he is certified under master chai. whenever he's in town, i make sure to get to the seminars, so the support is there. probably the most respect, however, is that most of my kickboxing game is derived off his training methods. i'm no pro or anything, but i can hold my own and a most of the ideas i've got is from the stuff he does.

truthfully, though, with everything aside, i just liked the t-shirt, the logo is well designed. if i can get one, i'll get one, if not, no biggie...

[terry]

Tic & Tac, two of Ajarn Chai's sisters used to help Ajarn out on the equipment side a bit. I bet Brian Popejoy could comment more ont that. And Guro Nick can print them up himself. And, if you're up for a drive to New Jersey, I know that Rick Tucci has both TBA pants and shirts on sale in his pro shop. But no XXL. Doh!

I like the logo, too. It was put together by a guy named Billy, one of Ajarn Chai's students from the 70s in Pomona, California. I haven't seen him in 20 years and lost track of him. I think he was also the guy that got Ajarn Chai the suped-up Baracuda that Ajarn Chai used to race around in.

Terry

[GorillaPalmz]

thanks for all the info, terry! i'll look into the resources you spoke about when i have the time!