Photography: Frits Meyst
Text: Jillian Macdonald

Unlike 'tae kwon do', 'kung fu' and other Asian martial arts, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is full contact and usually quite brutal. In Bangkok, where many of the world's international champions have been groomed, new trainees must be prepared to conform to all the rules from gruelling daily schedules, specific diet regimes, to the basic of accommodations. No pampering allowed! Intrigued and competitive, I give it a try. A trial session of three hours at the renowned Sor Vorapin Gym in Bangkok almost did me in; however, once in the ring it is amazing how the adrenalin rush keeps you kicking!

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