krabi-krabong part 1: the knife

[Shaolin Bushido]

Although you can find someone to instruct you in Muay Thai these days, it is extremely rare to find someone who is knowledgeable or reveals that they also know Krabi Krabong ... is Kru Pedro Villalobos still located in Atlanta? He is one of the few on the east coast that I'm aware of that teaches both Muay Thai and Krabi Krabong.

I'd heard somewhere that he had moved his entire operation to Thailand. Is that true?

[chalambok]

Ajarn Villalobos currently operates the Ancient Muay Thai Academy in Chiang Mai. I haven't chatted with him for a while, but I have heard from others the school is doing well.

[chalambok]

I have told this before in another forum or thread, I forget which. But, in 1994 I was teaching the staff to a guy from New York and he just couldn't seem to get the proper form for defending against an overhead strike from the back. Noticing a younger, but more experienced student, Boo, watching from the sidelines, I asked him to demonstrate how it should be done. The result was this photo, and it was so cute even Ajarn Samai came over and took photos. But look closely, his weight is over his feet, his hands are above his head. He will accept all the force with his legs, in direct opposition to the poor form shown by the attacker: leaning forward instead of using his thighs, holding too close to the striking end of the stick and thus subject to quick counter-attack. This is a classic illustration of the martial principle that says the more experienced fighter has a distinct advantage. Sure, I know you think the big guy, with his size and weight advantages, could easily defeat Boo. But I know from training with Pa Herman Suwanda that the smaller opponent can get between your legs and take your balance quite easily. Sometimes the difference between survival and death is merely making yourself not worth the effort or risk involved in the fight.

[chalambok]

Google

I just noticed that Google has added a Video section to their Images search. So, I went there and entered krabi-krabong. At present there are 5 videos, and while I do not particularly like the footwork, the one video I watched (Pahuyuth Grabong) was interesting. If nothing else it should provide a different perspective for anyone interested.

[chalambok]

Just thought I would post some pictures from the seminar I recently did at Dobler's Muay Thai Kickboxing in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. First I would like to thank everyne who came to work hard for the whole week, most of whom are present in Picture 1. I taught evening classes on muay Boran and self-defence throughout the week, then on Saturday & Sunday mostly krabi-krabong. The second picture is from the staff versus mai sok demonstration Khru Bryan Dobler and myself did at the Thai Fights at Hollywood Park Casino on September 30. The fights were great, the crowd quite knowledgeable, and the support and appreciation we were given by the Los Angeles muay Thai community was heartwarming to me. The last picture shows one of my helpers working with some stuntmen; you might recognize Latif on the left from The Protector.

[Double Dose]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Ajarn Steve (Chalambok). What a great seminar! I just want everyone to know how hard Ajarn Steve worked during this time he was at my school. He really gave of himself and pushed us all to be our best! So much knowledge about the Thai National Martial Arts! I have been a student of Ajarn Chai for a long time. I have known him since I was a child. So, I am no stranger to Muay Thai. But I felt like I was a beginner all over again. Just when you think you kindof know something about the Thai National Martial Arts another whole side is exposed and the adventure begins again. I must say that Ajarn Steves understanding of the Thai National Martial Arts has brought new life to my study and a great deal of new excitement to my school! The seminar was incredible and we just plain old had a great time! I would highly recommend anyone who is really interested in learning the Thai National Martial Arts to contact Ajarn Steve and find a way to train with him or bring him in for a seminar! Your knowledge and understanding of Muay Thai and Krabi Krabong as well as Muay Boran will be greatly enhanced! Not only that, he is truly a great guy! We miss him and can't wait to bring him back again! Thank you Ajarn Steve! See you soon!
Kru Bryan Dobler

[William]

Great post Bryan!!!

It really makes me happy to see Ajarn Steve getting more recognition these days for his knowledge, skills, and ability to transfer both to his students. You summed it up perfectly.

He's a great friend and teacher.

William

[William]

Just wanted to share.

Myself, Ajarn Wilson, and John C. Having a fun sweaty time at my place. I really miss training with him since I moved to the East Coast.

All the best Ajarn!
William

[Spleen12]

Ajarn Steve Wilson (Krabi-Krabong)

I would just like to say thank you to Ajarn Steve, for coming to our school (Dobler’s Muay Thai) and teaching us Krabi-Krabong. (He would remember me as the the frustrated lefty.) Ajarn Steve’s wealth of knowledge is truly second to none! I can honestly say that I had a great time learning Krabi-Krabong. Anyone serious about Muay Thai needs to study Krabi-Krabong if they are looking to take their training to the next level. I just can’t say enough about Ajarn Steve, he has helped me in so many ways. The one thing that continues to stick with me NO matter what I do is that “Not all tests are announced!” Ajarn Steve said this to me over and over. Maybe he saw something in me? One thing is for sure, Ajarn Steve is the MAN! Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH!. Finally, I would like to thank Khun Kru Bryan for bring Ajarn Steve Wilson to our school! Thanks

-Jared

[thai4crazy]

Hi everyone Im writting to say that I also attened the seminar at dobblers muay thai. It was fantastic, I mean think about it how often do you get to work with anyone so dedicated and knowlageable at thier craft. Arjan Steve taught me so much stuff it was great. Krabi Kabong has helped my muay thai so much. I feel that if anyone has an oppertunity to work with arjan Steve to do so. I hope we will have him at our school again soon. Thanx for everything arjan Steve. Jessie Magusen

[Mr. Bungle]

saying "Krabi Krabong" is fun

Krabi Krabong

Krabi Krabong

Krabi Krabong

Try it...you'll see what I mean!

[vissc]

Dear Mr.Chalambok
Are you Thai?I see you know more about Thai Martial art,Sorry that I asked you the silly question

[vissc]

I ever studied Krabi when I studied secondary school that is a compulsory course for Thai student,we had to learn a dance with Krabi first,after that learnt a fighting with Krabi,we enjoyed learning it

[vissc]

[george stando]

vissc
is that you in the photo with the krabi?

I went with my friend and teacher to see some of the krabi krabong being taught in the different grade schools. They even have competitions.