Chai's Instructors and their fight records

[Ice]

Ahh, I see...

...you're saying that a person shouldn't teach Muay Thai unless they've had the crap beat out of them (by a similar individual) first.

While it is true that individuals who have seen "action" and survived tend to out-perform those who have not, that battle proven quality cannot be vicariously experienced by their students. You have to experience [and survive] the battle for yourself and it is up to each individual to decide if that is the correct course of action or not.

Learning anything is more dependent on the students predisposition and ability anyway...it is a personal responsibility.

Just my thoughts,

~W2

[doubleouch]

Being a thai boxer is more than just training for thai boxing. It actually should include fighting. Thai boxing is a ring sport. If you don't get in the ring then you are not a thai boxer! You may be a person who practices the techniques of thai boxing but that is not the same thing. If you want to teach thai boxing and have never been in the ring then go ahead. You should tell your students up front that this is the case however as most would assume as I would that a thai boxing certified person would actually have experience in thai boxing.
Ice you are 100% correct. Everyone should experience the battle for themselves. If you don't want to get in the ring and mix it up then you probably should go and study point karate and stop fooling yourself that you are a thai boxer.

[eXcessiveForce]

I just wanted to make a point.

Instructors who teach have a financial interest in their ability to continue to teach. If you compete you are taking risks with your continued health and ultimately you may sustain an injury that keeps you from teaching. Some instructors may simply make the business decision not to compete and teach.

I personally believe that everyone should compete at least once as long as their health permits it. I have done this with all my students after that it's up to them whether they want to compete. And until I was injured I competed to show them that I could walk the walk.

I do not believe that everyone must be a professional fighter to teach. Some have the desire to teach and can pass on knowledge they learned from others much better than some can pass on their own experience.

The teaching comes from experience but not necessarily the personal experience of the person teaching.

[doubleouch]

Force,
You get me wrong. I don't think you have to compete in sanctioned events, although the experience has to be invaluable. I think you can do all the competing you need inside the gym. Certainly if you are older or in a position where you can't afford to be injured etc. you should adjust your training accordingly. It's only martial arts! It is not like it is something really important, right? But, if you claim to be thai certified you should have has some experience actually thai boxing, not just training for thai boxing. Simple as that.