Nothing in your way except you

Henriette Lamprecht – Going through a rough patch and not feeling like herself, the weight of the world was resting heavily on Helena Ndoro’s shoulders.

“ It was a time when everything seemed to be falling apart and I was struggling to keep a positive mindset. I was stuck in an emotional rut and it seemed like there was no way out,” says Helena.

Her best friend and colleague at the time saw the silent battles Helena was so desperately fighting and suggested she channel that fight and whatever negative energy she was harbouring, into a physical fight with punches, kicks, elbows, knees, the works.

Enter Helena’s introduction to Muay Thai and the start of her mental and physical transformation.

“For the first month I opted to partner up with the punching bag so I could go all out and release my frustrations. And it worked!” says a proud Helena.

After her first training session she already felt “lighter”.

“The burden I was bearing disintegrated very quickly because day after day I felt a new sense of purpose and a new sense of belonging. One month was all I needed, and I was out of that rut, mentally stronger than ever.”

Taking a step out of her comfort zone and doing something she would ordinarily never have expected herself to do, particularly at such a crossroads, was the best thing she could have done, says Helena.

“It brought back my sanity.”

Not only did Muay Thai benefit Helena mentally and emotionally, but physically as well. It validated the widely cited notion that "a healthy body means a healthy mind".

“Muay Thai is physically challenging and at the same time truly therapeutic. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.”

During a visit to the Combat Club where Helena’s tranformation began, it is clear from the start that Muay Thai not only demands physical strength, but also respect. Not only for your own journey, but also for everyone sharing the journey.

Owner and trainer Pedro Costa explains Muay Thai is a combat sport originating from Thailand.

It involves striking while standing along with various clinching techniques. This discipline is known as "The Art of Eight Limbs" because it is characterised by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees and shins.

“Muay Thai has been part of Thai history and heritage for hundreds of years, as with most traditions from ancient times,” says Pedro.

Many different versions of the history of Muay Thai exist, but all sources agree it was the primary and most effective method of self defence used by Thai warriors on battlefields and during wars that occurred countless times throughout the history of the Thai nation.

“During this time, a warfare manual called Chupasart was drafted. This manual emphasised the martial uses of each body part. The underlying philosophy of this manual implied fighting involved more than the use of weapons, but most importantly, should engage total commitment of mind, body and soul.”

The first known practice of Muay Thai as a sport, away from the heat and chaos of the battlefield, occurred during the reign of King Prachao Sua (1697-1709 A.D.).

“With a great love of the combat art he often fought incognito in local village contests, often beating the local champions. When the nation was at peace, to keep the army busy, he often ordered them to train in Muay Thai. It was from this that loosely organised competitions started appearing around the country.”

In 1774, the legendary Nai Khanom Dtom made Muay Thai famous for his battle against a group of Burmese while he was a prisoner of war in Burma. He was captured when the Burmese ransacked and burnt Thailand’s ancient capital Ayuddhaya. He legendarily defeated ten of Burma’s best boxers when, without pause, he took them on one by one through a battering and bruising contest.

“He illustrated one of the most favourable elements in Muay Thai - an indomitable will to win for honour and willingness to face any odds. This can be summarised as: “Nothing can stand against you except yourself.”

Soldiers have trained and used Muay Thai techniques for as long as there has been an army in Thailand, explains Pedro. For the military, it has always had use for the close combat fighting skills, the martial art of the battlefield.

“When a Thai soldier fights hand to hand he uses Muay Thai. But then, so does every Thai person, male or female.” Watching, learning and copying this art form is part of Thai childhood. Muay Thai soon became a favourite sporting pastime for people from all walks of life, with training camps being established all over the country.

In the early 1930s, Muay Thai was officially codified, with rules and regulations created and introduced in the sporting world, to make Muay Thai an international sport of the early 20th century and a safe ring sport. Round contests were introduced along with eight divisions based on international boxing. Queensbury rules boxing gloves replaced the rope bindings on the fighters’ hands.

“With a centuries old history, Muay Thai has progressed and is now recognised in many countries worldwide, creating a new era of proud world history.”

In recent years Muay Thai, both amateur and professional, has swept across the world like wildfire and developed into a premier ring sport – a fighting art with no equal in terms of unarmed combat and spectator appeal, as well as being a form of self-defence and a fitness programme.

“Whether you’ve been taking a martial arts class for years, or you’re looking for a new and exciting way to get a powerful full-body workout, taking a Muay Thai boxing class may be your gateway to achieving the level of fitness you’ve always wanted. It provides a much more intense and comprehensive workout than some of the other martial arts.”

One of the greatest benefits of taking a Muay Thai boxing class is that it increases cardiovascular strength. As both an aerobic and anaerobic workout, Muay Thai increases physical endurance the longer you do it.

“Since the body rotates a lot during a workout, Muay Thai also strengthens your core, which is comprised of all the muscles in the torso.”

Of the many benefits of Muay Thai, participants are frequently shocked by the strength they build in their leg muscles and the increased hip mobility that comes along with practicing Muay Thai over an extended period of time.

Another plus is that Muay Thai boxing classes are a great stress reliever.

([email protected]; Facebook: Combat Club – Windhoek)