As a kid, I trained loosely in the martial arts of Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do. It wasn’t until 2018 that I began practicing Muay Thai, realigning myself with these types of aspirations.
Back when I worked downtown in Philadelphia, it would take me 15 minutes to get to the gym, walking through Chinatown. Fight Firm (as it’s known) was a converted warehouse with a boxing ring, an MMA cage, and mats in the back for Muay Thai/Kickboxing classes.
The sounds emitting from inside the gym were like an orchestral clash between each of the different disciplines. At any given moment, someone would be working on a speed bag; each strike reverberating distinctive notes throughout the space. Simultaneously, explosive round kicks would be laid onto a heavy bag, offering some sort of call and response.
As far as real music is concerned, the speakers would keep ‘Dream Chasers Vol. 1’ and ‘Faneto’ in heavy rotation; each playing at their highest volumes, offering an experience only places like Philly ever could.
There were lots of intense conditioning drills taking place during humid summer days, while a single, solitary fan did its best to cool off the entire gym. 🥊
Anything we tried was no match for the heat.
I trained for 2-3 months in the summer sun, so my coach called me “Sunshine.” It was a good time up until my job downtown ended for the season.
I wouldn't pick up Muay Thai again until February 2020 at North Star MMA in the Germantown/Mt.Airy area. Unfortunately for me, the day after I went in to sign up for my trial class, the pandemic shut the entire world down. 🙃
Random Open Mat Day
Before moving to DC in August of 2020, I made sure to be in close proximity (walking distance) of a gym. I found a place called Beta Academy, where I learned the benefits of consistent training over an extended period of time.
In Philly, I was only able to train maybe 2 times a week with the schedule.
In DC, being so close to the gym with everything else shut down gave me good reason to show up every day.
I am extremely grateful for this outlet, as it provided me with community during such an isolating time. Moving to a new city while being quarantined weighed heavily on my mental health, but I met good people there, and I miss them all very much.
In the Summer of 2023 I sprained my AC joint lifting weights, keeping me from training for the rest of August, into November.
While living in Arlington, VA, I began training at a place called Pentagon MMA. Also within walking distance; I found it easier to go on those days when I didn't feel very motivated.
In the book ‘Atomic Habits,’ there is a third law that says to ‘Make it Easy.’
Compare walking 10 minutes, versus driving 40 minutes in rush hour traffic.
When there is less resistance for taking action, activities we choose to opt out of because of things like the weather, or mood become more manageable.
I'm enjoying my time here at this new gym. We’re learning intricate techniques like creating angles, and how to apply the long guard effectively. It seems here that there are low kicks given out to everyone.
Although I only have less than 3 months left in this area, I am thankful for wherever I may find myself in the world where a Muay Thai gym is not too far away.
I can always pick up right where I left off. 😉
