Announcement

**JIMI** · 12-27-2002, 10:24 AM

hey are you sure that sakasem is the TBA fight coordinator for USA? i didnt know he had any affiliation with the TBA. He use to be with FAIRTEX but now he is the head trainer at the Muay Thai Institute of Kunponli here in Utah.

**Brian** · 12-31-2002, 05:29 PM

A couple of things

For those of you who are interested in the Utah contact... Will Bernales, (801)-792-2912 would probably be a better number to try

David Rodgers,

Where did you get this list? And how would one go about updating some of the information on it?

Jimi,

I know that Sakasem was at one time or another involved with the TBA. I didn't know that he was still affiliated. I'll have to check on that. I heard something about Ajarn Chai helping him get a visa for the US or something like that. But I don't want to perpetuate any rumors.

I do know that Sakasem dropped by and paid his respects to Ajarn last labor day when Ajarn was here teaching a seminar. That was somewhat of an awesome sight. Sakasem, Dee Muhammad Thopearak (2 time Lumpini Stadium Champ), and Ajarn Surachai Sirisute all in the same room at the same time.

By the way... I'm planning on bringing Khru Thopearak in sometime in late January or early February to teach a workshop or two.

laters,
b.

**JIMI** · 12-31-2002, 09:22 PM

WOW, thats cool to know. I think it would be a heck of a team if Master Chai , Sakasem , and Dee got together. I heard rumors of Sakasem leaving the MTIK. I personally hope he does cause im sure you know what i think of MTIK.
see you soon, jimi

**Normal** · 12-31-2002, 09:38 PM

Hello Brian,
I compiled this list the night before Ajarn left for Thailand. I called him and we talked for over an hour as we went through the US States one by one and these are the results. (Ajarn Chai's seminar listing was put together at his Indiana seminar back in Oct.)

I had to interpret it at times as we talked and I had hoped I got most of it right but the language barrier had me a couple of times. Some of the phone #'s are his and some were mine, sorry for the mistake but I think that one was his #.

It has always been a goal of mine as the Editor for the TBA Newsletter to finally put this together and get it out to the members. I used to run the Newsletter website but found it too time consuming so I want to thank Khun Khru Tim Mousel as moderator for allowing me the space here to do it.

Presently there are 23 vacancies, with the exception of Mr. Dick Harrell covering both North and South Carolina. If you don’t see your state listed with a representative, I would encourage anyone interested in becoming one to contact Ajarn Chai, and/or they can send their request in writing to the TBA Office and may be considered for an appointment by Ajarn Chai as he sees fit. Secondary Directors titles were considered because I asked Ajarn if he could designate someone in areas of large populations to have a TBA director on hand to benefit the organization.

As for Sakasem, I too was unsure, but Ajarn informed me that they are friends and that the gym that Sakasem teaches at is affiliated with the TBA. I trained at Fairtex out in Chandler in 95 & 96 when Sakasem was there (actually Gong Yao was my Instructor) and I have also refereed his fighters here in Illinois on several occasions. He is in my opinion a first class act, a real gentleman and deserves the title of Champion.

I also want to inform everybody that the 1st Thai Boxing Association Title Fights will be held in Peoria, IL, June 7th 2003. Anyone interested in fighting in this event to contact Khun Khru Ryan Blackorby at 309-657-6787. This is something that Ajarn has been considering for some time and has given us to 'go-ahead' at this time.

I hope that answers all of your questions.

Everybody have a Happy new Year

David Rogers
kalimuay@fgi.net
Spry Publishing www.sprypublishing.com

**mike** · 01-01-2003, 02:37 AM

David Rogers,

Thanks for taking the time to compile and post all of that information.

Mike

**Brian** · 01-01-2003, 05:02 AM

David,

Thanks for the info. No appologies necessary. I think that, that number was valid at one point in time but within the last year or so, Khun Khru Bernales picked up a new number.

I think you do a great job on the newsletter and must admit I am anxiously awaiting the next issue.

I am interested to hear more about the Thai Boxing Association Title fights if you don't mind and have the time to post it.

Are the fights pro fights or amature? What are the rules (elbows, no elbows, knees to the head, round times and total rounds). How would one go about entering as a fighter? Is it an intra-school tournament or is anybody welcome?

On a completely different note, I too have met Khru Sakasem and agree with you about him being a class act. He took a moment or two to shout encouragement on the couple times that I was at his training facility and then he also took some time to help a little with my corner when I fought last. I hear he has a real good sense of humor as well.

Thanks again sir and happy new year to you!

b.

Announcement

TBA USA, List of Regional & State Directors

TBA USA, List of Regional & State Directors

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment