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IN-FOCUS
MUAY THAI: THE MALAYSIAN DILEMMA
EVENTS REPORT
KEJOHANAN TOMOI ANTARABANGSA PIALA GYM SPOTLIGHT
TENGKU MAHKOTA KELANTAN 2008 BOXX WARRIORS MUAY THAI GYM AMPANG
Tips: Memilih Gim | Activity: Dari Kelantan Ke Yunan | Khru: Somwang Sinuan
Gym Quest: Flying Cobra Boxing Cub | Muay Thai Column: The Muay Thai Scene In Kelantan
content 08 events report
Kejohanan Tomoi Antarabangsa Piala Tengku Mahkota Kelantan 2008
The first event organized by Boxx Event in Kelantan
Published by:
22 profile: international fighter
Namsaknoi, The Emperor
An Interview with The Emperor - The Legend
26 special: khru
Ajarn (grandmaster) Somwang Sinuan
KawanBoxx This fartherly figure that fought more than 250 fights and fought Kung-fu stars in the 70s
No: 9, Jalan KE 4/10, Kota Emerald, Emerald East, 48000,
Rawang, Selangor.
tel : 603-60345750
email : boxxtomoi@gmail.com
web : http://boxxtomoi.blogspot com
08
Trainers of Rawai Muaythai Gym Phuket, Thailand Handover of the souvenir to Rawai Muaythai Gym owner - Khun Tuk
Internet Manager of Rawai Muaythai Gym– Khun Danny Avison and me Giant signboard of Suwit Muaythai Gym
Handover of the souvenir to Sinbi Muaythai Gym owner - Khun Sing The head coach of Sinbi Muaythai Gym - Khun Met and me
Handover of the souvenir to fighters’ manager of Tiger Muaythai Gym - Khun Phet Group photo with the friendly crews of Tiger Muaythai Gym
Chaimanee
2009 ISSUE 1 - BOXXTOMOI |7
events report
text: zahari ahmad razali
photo: azizan cm
Kelantan Superfight results & photos
Keputusan penuh Kejohanan Tomoi Antarabangsa Kelantan –
Piala Tengku Mahkota
2. Aburn (Azmin Motor, Tanah Merah) kalahkan Wan Ali (Seri 2. Kamaruddin (M-150, Kota Bharu) seri dengan David William
Embun, Pasir Mas) – KO pusingan 3 (Australia)
3. Karim (Afghanistan) kalahkan Ismadi (Boxx Warrior) – KO 3. Barbod (Iran) kalahkan Abdul Alif (M-150) - KO pusingan 2
pusingan 2
4. Bedu (Boxx Warriors) kalahkan Kenneth Carter (USA) - TKO
4. Saraphon Salsaloon (Thailand) kalahkan Antuan pusingan 2
Siangboxing (Perancis) – KO pusingan 2
5. Oleg Fillipov (Russia) kalahkan Max 11 (M-150) – kiraan
5. Chaowalit (Boxx Warriors) kalahkan Salatan Salsaloon mata
Tengku Mahkota Kelantan 2008 7. Ali Yaakob (Boxx Warriors) kalahkan Maros Pacan (Slovakia)
– kiraan mata
7. Berneung Sakhomsin (Tiger Gym, Thailand) kalahkan Karim
Geliga Merah (Kelab Muay Kayu Kelat, Terengganu) - KO
pusingan 2
The Kelantan International Muay Thai Championship – The Regency Boxx sincerely hope that the presence of the royal guest could change
Cup, the first event organized by Boxx Event in Kelantan, was held the perception on Muay Thai by the general public. Benny Ritter vs Wadi Seri Payung
on the 17th and 18th November 2008. The event was jointly organized
by Boxx, Kedah State Muay Thai Association and Kelantan Boxing There is without a doubt that Kelantan has a big pool of good nak
Association. The support from the Kelantan State Government muays. They showed their true capability by defeating and giving a
and World Muay Thai Council generated a success beyond our hard time to their foreign opponents. With good exposure, Kelantan
expectation. nak muays will be surely able to go very far.
We would like to extend our gratitude our main sponsor, Telekom In fact, Boxx Warriors, after receiving an invitation to send boxers to a
Malaysia Berhad for sponsoring this prestigious event. Also, a special tournament in China, decided to send 2 boxers from Kelantan. Saiful
thanks to the State Government of Kelantan, Kota Bharu Municipal M 150 and Wayi did well and received positive remarks from the event
Council and of course, HRH The Regency of Kelantan for the officials. Fauzan Boxx Warriors
cooperation and support given. Without them, this event could have
never been better. Due to the overwhelming respond for the event held, Boxx decided to
organise another event in Kota Bharu, Kelantan by early March 2009.
With the ideal seating capacity of 1,200, the Silver Jubilee Hall was jam- As this article is written, the ground work for the next event in Kelantan
packed with more than 3,000 Muay Thai fans. More than 2,000 could has started.
only hang around outside the hall because the tickets were all sold out.
Boxx tried its very best to provide the best ever show. However, nothing This time around, it would be a 3-night show, at a bigger venue and at
much could be done to ensure the comfort of the spectators. a lower ticket price!
28 boxers took part in the event with 7 fights per night took place. With Kelantan, see u again soon!
the participation of 15 foreign boxers and 13 local favourites, the crowd
cheered all the way until the end of the last fight. The highlights were
the clash for two titles, TM WMC Title for 57.5 kg and WMC Asian Title Karim Afghan vs Ismadi
for 67.5 kg respectively.
As for TM WMC Title, Mohd Ali Yaakob who was then with Boxx
Warriors, defeated Maros Pacan from Slovakia. The fight lasted for 5
rounds and Ali took the belt home after winning the match by points.
However, local hero, Kudin Raja Jerung failed to secure the WMC Asian
Title after he was defeated by Abbas Ahmadi from Boxx Warriors, also
by points.
The prize giving ceremony was carried out by HRH The Regency of
Kelantan. We were informed that this was the first time a Muay Thai
event in Kelantan, where a royalty graced the event. It was indeed an
honour. Maros Pacan vs Ali Yaakob Kudin Raja Jerung vs Abbas Ahmadi Oleg Fillipov vs Max 11
scene in kelantan Seni tarung Muay Thai telah berkembang dengan pesat di seluruh dunia sejak beberapa
text & photo: pak zawi
dekad lalu. Kini, makin banyak pusat kecergasan dan seni mempertahankan diri
menyediakan kelas Muay Thai. Jadi, apakah tip yang boleh dijadikan panduan bagi
mencari gim yang betul-betul mengajar Muay Thai?
1. Pastikan mereka mengajar Muay Thai. Kebanyakan gim mengajar strategi gelanggang? Selepas anda meningkatkan kemahiran anda
kickboxing tapi memanggilnya Muay Thai. Jika mereka tidak dalam serangan dan belaan, anda perlu tahu juga taktik ketika
mengajar lutut dan siku, itu bukan Muay Thai. berlawan di atas gelanggang.
2. Adakah mereka hanya mengajar menggunakan kaki untuk sepakan 7. Adakah mereka mengajar Wai Khru (hormat guru) dan Ram Muay
rendah dan beberapa teknik tumbukan? Jika ya, itu bukanlah gim (langkah sembah)? Anda perlu mengetahui tradisi pertarungan
Muay Thai yang sebenar. Dalam Muay Thai, sepak layang rendah walaupun anda tidak bercadang bertanding di gelanggang. Anda
dan tinggi, sepak libas ekor buaya dan tendang lurus ialah teknik tidak boleh menyertai pertandingan di Thailand sekiranya tidak
sepakan yang utama. melakukan Wai Khru terlebih dahulu.
3. Adakah mereka berlatih menggunakan pao satu lawan satu 8. Adakah mereka mempunyai kemahiran dan pengetahuan yang
antara pelatih dan jurulatih? Beg berat memang diakui berkesan tinggi dalam seni ini dan sanggup berkongsi ilmu dengan anda? Jika
untuk melatih ketepatan anda, tetapi ia tidak boleh mengajar anda anda hanya belajar beberapa teknik tumbukan dan sepakan dalam
cara untuk berlawan dengan betul. Pao dapat mengasah ketepatan, masa tiga bulan, anda perlu fikirkan semula untuk meneruskan kelas
kekuatan dan rentak tempur pelatih. itu.
Zariman The Trainer Pak Usop Ajan the Kelantan nak muay
4. Adakah gim mereka mengamalkan latihan gaya Thai? Latihan 9. Adakah gim mereka turut mempunyai pasukan sendiri yang
menghenjut di atas tayar, skipping menggunakan tali skipping Thai mengambil bahagian dalam pertandingan? Adakah mereka bersedia
The death of Wan Dik in a Muay Thai (Tomoi) Championship fight in Malik Bundle (Pasir Mas), Wan Mat Raja Masai and Rashid Ali Anak ialah antara latihan tradisional yang masih menjadi amalan semua melatih anda sekiranya anda berminat untuk mengambil bahagian?
Kota Bharu in 2007 did not seem to deter the younger generation of Beruang came into the limelight. gim di Thailand.
fighters in Kelantan from joining the sport. The lack of facilities too 10. Adakah kakitangan gim dan jurulatih mereka mesra? Adakah
doesn’t seem to be a hindrance. You will be surprised to find out According to En. Ramli Awang (better known as Pak Usop) who 5. Adakah mereka mengajar teknik buangan dan sapuan? Adakah mereka sentiasa bertanya khabar dan mengambil berat tentang
that there is not a single gym that can be called a Muay Thai Gym in is the President of Persatuan Boksing Kelantan (Kelantan Boxing sparring bersama jurulatih atau rakan sepelatih turut dilakukan? peningkatan kemahiran anda sepanjang belajar di sana. Apabila
Kelantan and yet Kelantan produces many fine fighters that are able Association), his association is working hard for inclusion of Tomoi in anda mula masuk ke gim dan merasa seperti di rumah sendiri, itu
to match even the Thais themselves in their respective categories. the Kelantan School extra curriculum in order to inculcate a healthy 6. Adakah gim mereka menyediakan gelanggang untuk pelatih bermakna gim itu pilihan terbaik.
Currently names such as Wadi Sri Payong, Kudin Raja Jerung, Iddy and disciplined society among the students. The association also belajar seni gelanggang (ring craft)? Adakah mereka mengajar
Selendang Kuning, and Akhbar Hanafi ‘Sepak Maut’ of Kemahang assists the clubs to get equipments for training from the state
are names that often play on the lips of Muay Thai lovers. Akhbar government. Under the association there are about 30 active clubs
Hanafi is currently training with BoxxWarriors in Kulim Kedah and will with about 300 fighters in all the nine districts of Kelantan. The better Ampang Boxxwariors Gym - read more about it next page
be fighting under their banners. known clubs are M150 (Kota Bharu), B13 (Rantau Panjang), M16
Tanah Merah.
To these aspiring fighters the desire to be a champion is good
enough to spur them to train in the most basic of condition. A pair of With international championship fights being regularly brought to
boxing gloves and a willing ‘guru’ who will teach them the finer points Kelantan by established event organizers such as BoxxEvents and
of Muay Thai is all they need and the rest will be on their own will with sponsored by giant corporation TM Malaysia, the tomoi scene in
the consent of their parents. In the absence of a proper punching bag, Kelantan can only get better. Our hope is for Kelantan fighters to
a gunny sack filled with sand will do. Such are the conditions in many become world champions one day.
parts of Kelantan that they have to endure to become a fighter.
Former great Muay Thai fighters such as Ibrahim Baling from Pasir
Mas and Wan Jaafar of Tumpat are names to be feared by the
opponents. Baling is the Kelantan word for spinning of which Ibrahim
was known to be able to execute when fighting. Later fighters like Adik Adi Aman
photo: azizan cm
gym spotlight
I am really interested in Muay Thai. I used to train with Ali Yaakob. I love Muay Thai and I they offer Ampang Gym is a blessing
This is a great place to learn Muay I know that Boxx has a good genuine training here. Muhammad with Thai coaches that imparts
Thai. Fairus Musa, 29, Financial reputation and I want to associate Ridzuan Zainal Abidin, 26, Health traditional Muay Thai as opposed to
Consultant from Rawang with Boxx. Qamarul, 19, student Inspector from Sepang. other ‘hybrid’ Muay Thai gyms. Goh
from Shah Alam Kean Choon, 41, Businessman
from Damansara Perdana
Ampang
Training in Muay Thai just makes We heard there is a true Muay
me feel absolutely confident. The Thai Gym conducted by renowned
coaches here trains you personally, MT masters. Without hesitation,
that’s why I love it here. Payam we enroll all our four kids who are
Mirshah, 20, student from Iran actively involved in karate. Yati,
I love to exercise the Muay Thai It was a great start for me and I
way. This is a good place to do so. urge anyone who wanted to start
This inaugural issue takes us to the newly This is the only real full-Muay Thai gym in KL with Jaslee, 29, Advertising Agency Muay Thai, whatever the reason is,
Owner from Ampang please have a visit at Boxx warriors
established Muay Thai gym in Ampang, Selangor a friendly atmosphere. BoxxTomoi interviews Gym Ampang. Fauzi, 36, Creative
– Boxx Warriors Ampang Gym. After passing my the owner of the gym, who is perhaps the only Designer, KL
fitness test by climbing up the four-story-high woman Muay Thai gym owner in Malaysia
staircase, BoxxTomoi finally made it to the right now, Kirsty Dzulkarnain.
gym. Phew!
Boxx: Why did you establish a Muay Thai techniques. Finally, we always invite fighters and
gym? champions to train with our students to expose
Kirsty: I’ve always loved Muay Thai. I learned them to even more techniques.
kickboxing six years ago and was
seriously looking for a local Muay Boxx: Where will this gym be in five years?
Thai gym that welcomes female Kirsty: In five years, I hope this gym
enthusiasts, but couldn’t find will have grown and that Muay Thai will
any. In the end, I went to Thailand be an even more popular sport among
during school holidays for four Malaysians. I’d also like to promote and
years to learn the art. Now, organise matches alongside Zahari and
four years later, I’ve decided to other promoters. Boxx will have more
establish a Muay Thai gym of my talented fighters who will do Malaysia proud.
own, exactly Thai style, with the Last but not least, we would like to help former
help and encouragement of Boxx Warriors’ founder, Zahari fighters establish themselves by all means possible as a
Ahmad Razali. All Muay Thai enthusiasts can come and token of our appreciation to their dedication to Muay Thai.
learn this ancient martial art without having to go all the way
to Thailand like I did. Boxx: Thai coach – why?
Kirsty: First, I established this gym for my Thai husband, Saksit
Boxx: What is the objective of your gym? Chosipasert, who is also a Thai champion. He loves teaching
Kirsty: I established this gym to cater to all who are interested and imparting his knowledge to those who are interested in
in Muay Thai irrespective of their level, from elementary- learning the art. I’ve recruited other Thai teachers because
school children to professional fighters who are in need they grew up with Muay Thai and have learned the art since
of conditioning and more sparring techniques. Many have they were barely children. They’re also champions and love
asked whether we welcome women trainees and yes, we imparting Muay Thai to those who are willing to receive it. I
do. In fact, we have more than fifteen women trainees at met them when I was training in Thailand. They’re excellent
the moment. In my opinion, Muay Thai is a particularly teachers and I invited them to come and teach here – so
practical form of martial art. The techniques can be applied that’s why.
in any emergency situation, and our gym teaches plenty of
We watch Pak Din and Amir in training, I don’t know if Pak Din trying
to show his student muay skill or his improvises gym equipment. I
mean the equipments and training facility (if we can call that) are all
self-made! Buckets filled with cements for barbell, old tyre wrapped
on pole for punching target, and other weird contraptions lying
around that make one feel “wow this guys must be training real hard”
- hard as in under-equipped.
Anyway, the ace fighter, Amir, is quite good. We were not there
long enough to see Pak Din’s complete training regime but I must
honestly say Pak Din and his nak muays would benefits better in
a real gym. We say this because we felt the high spirit within these
‘bangsal’ fighters. We really hope to be able to see Amir fight under
the Flying Cobra name soon. - CHOKDEE!
featured personality
PROFILE
Name : Abbas Ahmadi
Gym : BoxxWarriors Muay Thai Gym
Country : Iran
Belt : WPMO Championship (2006-2008)
P-K1 (2006)
Macau World (2007)
TM-WMC (2008)
S1 World Championship (2008)
WMC Asian (2008)
in his ears, ‘Fight as if this is your last fight. Fight with all your might. the beginning of his nak muay career.
“It’s not about the money. It’s about Again, why? Fight with all that you have.’ That, said Abbas, kept him sane and
focused during the fight. His most difficult fight was during the WPMO Championship in 2006
the drive to be a somebody... Simple...Muay Thai kept him on his toes, kept him focused and an
absolute challenge to him. Literally. He fought well-known nak muays. He did not have a name then,
in which Abbas won the title. His opponent, a European who used a
lot of kick-boxing techniques was defeated with a knock-out.
a champion...” Judging from his physique, I’m not surprised. As other nak muays,
nobody knew him. He lost by points even though the spectators
believed that he should have won. He was knocked out, but these Abbas may look mean in the ring, but in truth, he is a down-to-earth
Abbas is athletically built and fit. fights were the stepping stones for him. Abbas Ahmadi had finally guy. He values his family and he wishes for his family to watch him
That was his exact words. Knowing that Muay Thai fighters are paid made his name. in the ring, to watch his skills and techniques, to support him. When
by the thousands for matches, his words held my attention and made To keep fit, Abbas follows a rather punishing physical routine; a asked whether any of his family members have ever watched his
me wanted to know more about Abbas Ahmadi, a Muay Thai fighter mixture of cardio and strength-building exercise; 6 days a week, In 2006, the Chaweng Stadium was the witness of the first professional matches, he was somewhat crestfallen.
from Boxx Warriors Gym. on top of the regular training sessions. Food and nutrition are also title he won. Believe it or not, it was a knock-out! He was disoriented
important. Abbas has a specific nutritional regime that he followed with from the sheer exhilaration of winning that he could not even find “I know that my mother, brothers and sisters may not be able to watch
So what is Muay Thai actually? prior to matches. He eats less carbohydrates and more protein one the way to get out of the ring! How brilliant was that? my matches, but I sometimes wish that they could. Knowing that my
month before matches to build up his strength. One week before nephews are also interested in Muay Thai makes me feel very happy
According to Wikipedia, Muay Thai is a form of hard martial art. the fight, he will consume more carbohydrates and less protein for Since then, Abbas Ahmadi is unstoppable. He climbed the Muay Thai and proud to be a good role-model for them.”
Muay Thai is also referred to as ‘The Art of the Eight Limbs’, as instant energy surge. This will ensure that Abbas will be deadly, ladder steadily, until he became a renowned professional fighter, as
the hands, shins, elbows, and knees are all used extensively in this possess devastating power and speed as well as exceptional cardio- he is now. Following his first win, Abbas won 7 other championships, Professionally, Abbas wants to upgrade himself to fight and win in the
art. A practitioner of Muay Thai (nak muay) thus has the ability to vascular endurance during the matches! among others the WPMO Championship for 3 years in a row (2006 70-72 kg class. Achievable, he said, but it takes quite a bit of work.
execute strikes using eight ‘points of contact’, as opposed to ‘two until 2008); P-K1 (2006), Macau World (2007), TM-WMC (2008), S1 When asked, Abbas said that he may not fight forever, but when the
points’ (fists) in Western boxing and ‘four points’ (fists, feet) used in At 26, Abbas Ahmadi, an Iran-born fighter, has 7 years experience in World Championship (2008) as well as WMC Asian (2008). time comes he would love to coach other nak muays and share his
the primarily sport-oriented forms of martial arts. the ring, the Muay Thai ring. skills and techniques.
Mind boggling really for someone who knows nothing about To maintain his focus in a match, Abbas has his own regime. He will
Muay Thai, like yours truly. However, after seeing Abbas in action, Starting at the age of 19, Abbas won his first match as an amateur spend some time in solitude, to clear his mind and to focus on his Some may see Muay Thai as a brutal form of sport, but to me, after
it all makes sense. Abbas executed the definition of Muay Thai to fighter in Iran. That was only after 2 months of being a nak muay. He ultimate goal; winning the competition. Even though his family and watching Abbas in action, Muay Thai is an art; an art of coordination,
perfection. He was totally amazing! won 2 more matches later, followed by the bronze medal in the World friends are really important to him, winning a match is even more balance and focus, flawlessly representing Boxx Tomoi’ s motto,
Amateur Muay Thai Competition. He was also a member of the Iran’s important. That being said, he would not even talk to them if he feels ‘Pain is temporary, pride is forever’.
But, why Muay Thai? International Amateur Team. they will distract him.
“Definitely,” said Abbas with a smile and determination in his eyes.
That was among the first question I asked him. I would say that his However, being an amateur was not his dream. Abbas had big While reminiscing his previous fights, Abbas mentioned the most
answer was unique because I could see the passion in his eyes when dreams. He wished to be a professional nak muay. memorable and the most difficult fights he had ever gone through. # Abbas Ahmadi is currently a team member of Boxx Warriors,
he answered the question. the first professional Muay Thai team in Malaysia.
It was a difficult journey. He was broke; he did not have enough to Saenchai Sor Kingstar of Thailand was a well known nak muay. Even
According to Abbas, prior to Muay Thai, he had experimented with eat. These conditions affected his performance. But, Abbas, the though he lost from a third-round knock-out, Abbas learned a lot of
wushu, kick-boxing and other forms of martial arts. But the only kind fighter that he is, persevered. He got his big chance in Thailand. At new techniques from his opponent to perfect his own. That was the Dilla M.Shukri
of martial arts that really kept his blood pumping was Muay Thai. first, nervousness overcame him but his friends’ words kept ringing most memorable fight ever, Abbas said, and that fight occurred at dilla_272@yahoo.com
Sponsors think Muay Thai fans have no buying power because this
the events. He was surprised when I told him that that for Kedah
International Muay Thai Championship, the sponsorship funds that I
create good citizens, good people and towards Muay Thai (because I really don’t think the students, the boys
mostly, will simply attend an anti-smoking or anti-drug classes).
‘sport’ is only watched by the villagers. Sponsors think Muay Thai managed to get after ‘begging’ was not more than RM 30,000. This good community...”
fans are only found in Thailand. Sponsors think Muay Thai only is in contrast of the 4,000 paid crowd where the spectators paid RM No matter what, no matter how big the obstacle is, we at BOXX
attracts “low class” people … but one thing for sure, whoever thinks 13 per ticket and there were 1,000 free passes available. I really don’t EVENT will never surrender. We, with the support from all of you, will
that way had obviously never been to a Muay Thai tournament. think that you need to calculate how much we made, because believe eye of Malaysians, BOXX is going to operate a Muay Thai centre continue our struggle to place Muay Thai where it should be …
They only judge Muay Thai only from one angle and that is from a it or not, it’s not a lot. soon. We are targeting school children to participate and we plan
NEGATIVE point of view. to charge them between RM 2 – 5 a month (to cover the operational Last but not least, I would like to thank everybody who has been
Just imagine the cost to organise an international event. FREE cost … don’t laugh ok...). supporting Muay Thai activities in Malaysia and please continue
This year, I had the opportunity to go to three Muay Thai events. The entrance is a crowd puller…but if I were to do that, who is going visiting this blog because it is also a proof that Muay Thai has big
first one was a national level martial art competition held in Kulim, to bear the organisation cost? Sponsors will surely get maximum I am expecting the majority of the school children who turn up will fans all around the world.
Kedah. The organiser rented a BIG hall for the venue. And guess mileage if they sponsor Muay Thai event. That is something I can be the “aggressive students”. The non-aggressive students might
what, the number of spectators were around 200 people. The one guarantee. Sponsor will not only profit in terms of branding mileage, choose musical class instead (maybe these “aggressive students” Regards,
thing I need to tell you that the admission is free. It was rather obvious they can even generate cash sales by sponsoring Muay Thai event. will go to musical class too…or will they?). When these aggressive ZAHARI AHMAD RAZALI
since the contestants are amateur. Therefore, the organiser did not That is also something I can guarantee 100 % (but sorry guys, can’t students turn up for training at... let say 5 pm... They will not straight
have to pay any cash prize. To top that up, THEY also HAVE BIG tell you the method…well, I can tell you how but then I am afraid I away start to punch and kick. We are going to organise a 15 minutes *this open letter was posted on BoxxTomoi blogspot in August 2007
SPONSORSHIP! have to kill you...smile). The problem is, most of the decision maker, informal class on anti-smoking, anti-drug, anti-crime and all those
The second event I attended was the final match of another martial
art competition. Despite the big budget allocated and the presence
of a minister, the number of contestant outnumbered the audience.
The third event was held only last weekend. It was a promotion held
in Kulim by a GIANT Telco company. When I arrived at the venue,
they had about 5 small canopies and 1 BIG canopy with an estimated
number of 50 staffs. The best thing was, only 4 people or I would
rather say 4 potential customers at the venue and one of them
was me. I asked one of the staffs, “How much do u spend for this
promotion event?” and he replied around RM 5 – 6 thousand. And I
said to him that I can guarantee a minimum of 1,000 people will come
and visit their promotion with that amount of budget. He smiled and
asked me how I am going to do that. Well, I said to him it’s simple….
To my surprise, he commented that they might not get the right crowd
for their products and services. I asked him again, have you ever
watched a Muay Thai fight in Malaysia? He just kept quiet….and again
I felt a bit disappointed with the way Malaysians judge Muay Thai.
The majority of Malaysians do not realise that Muay Thai fights in
Malaysia can attract people from all walks of life; school children,
university students, teachers, engineers, doctors, lawyers,
expatriates, CEOs….just name it and they are there. But of course, in
order to attract such a huge crowd, proper marketing and promotion
plan must be implemented.
And why do Muay Thai fights attract people? Simply because the
fighters are real people and the fights are full of spectacular actions
World Muaythai Association (WMA) Gala, Mengzi Honghe Yunnan wai kru lebih kurang Bedu, cuma 3 kali panah tak kena, lepas tu
guna lembing pula baru kena. Tapi sayang saya tak sempat tengok
16th – 17th Januari 2009 Muay Krabi sebab kami datang bertiga je, so kena tolong depa balut
bandage, urut minyak, corner man dan buka mongkon. Ni lah first
time kena buat semua ni, bangga gak rasanya. Saiful fight game
kami dibawa dengan 2 buah bas dengan diiringi kereta polis ke kedua. Dia baru buka langkah untuk waikru, music dah berhenti,
Wengzi. Rasa macam diplomatlah pulak. Yunan memang kawasan nampak juga muka frust sebab tak sempat nak tunjuk wai kru gaya
sejuk. Nasib baik tak bersalji. Apalagi lagi mata pun layu la mengantuk. Kelantan. Baru saya dok siap nak ambik gambar, budak Mongolia
Terjaga, masih atas bas lagi, tengok jam, “Hah! 5.30 pagi!! Jauhnya jatuh dah kena siku. Rasanya Saiful marah sebab tak bagi dia buat
hotel” rupanya 6 jam perjalanan dari Kunming ke daerah Wengzi. waikru agaknya. Dia kata “bojeng pun tak dan ku car”. Bergema sat
(sama jauh naik bas dari Kulim ke Pasir Mas-kampung aku). stadium dengan sorakan, 1 minit je dah KO. Ketua pengadil pun puji.
“Well done Malaysia”. Game ke-4, Wayi lawan Philippines, masa kat
16 Januari 2009 changing room pun Wayi dah mengadu tak larat, hilang tenaga, tak
Jam 6.00 am – Sampai hotel, makan pagi, sekali lagi kami telan air makan nasi. Start round pertama, dia dah hilang konsentrasi, apalagi
liur je, nak makan yang ada ayam, daging dan pork. Apa boleh buat, 2nd round, penumbuk hinggap ke muka macam Bedu kena dengan
ambik nasi, taruk sayur kobis, makan je, janji kenyang. Irsyad Sayed, gelap dunia sat katanya.
Jam 1.00 pm – Check weight – Saiful 61 kg, (fight 57 kg), Wayi 63 kg, Jam 12.30 pm – Game tamat, biasa lah champion riuh bergambar
(fight 61 kg), terlebih berat la pulak, apa lagi, tak makan lah tengah dengan peminat, tak terkecuali Saiful, anak dara cina berpusu-pusu
hari tu. Inilah masalah yang berlaku pada mana-mana boxer, bila nak bergambar dengan dia, autograph tak yah kira, jenuh sign,
melibatkan perjalanan yang jauh, nak jogging, cuaca sejuk, peluh biasalah, yang menang bergembira, yang kalah kita perbetulkan diri
pun tak keluar. Jadi makan Mamee la nampaknya.Tengahari tu dan cuba lagi.
15 Januari 2009 depa buat Press Conference, jenuh kena pakai translator, rupanya
Jam 01.40 pm - Kami bertiga menaiki pesawat Air Asia menuju ke masyarakat disini tak tau langsung bahasa Inggeris. Sekali cakap 18 Januari 2009
Bangkok dari LCCT KLIA. guna 2 translator, Thai dan China, barulah press boleh tulis. Lepas tu Jam 10.00 am – Selepas breakfast, kami berkumpul untuk ke
tengok stadium, besarnya lebih kurang Stadium Badminton Cheras. Kunming Airport. Macam sebelumnya, kereta polis akan escort bas
Jam 03.40 pm - Selepas menempuh 2 jam perjalanan, kami singgah boxer. Sekali lagi kami menempuh perjalanan yang panjang, dalam
di Bangkok untuk menunggu pesawat ke Kunming pada jam 8.25 kesejukan pula tu. Ada road block, tetap kena tahan walaupun ada
pm. Pertama kali menjejak kaki ke sini membuatkan kami rasa teruja. escort, rupanya bas kotor, tak boleh masuk Bandar Kunming, kena
Perut lapar perlu diisi, apalagi bekalan Mamee yang dibawalah jadi basuh dulu. Itu syarat depa, polis pun tak kebal rupanya. Baru tau
mangsanya. Wilayah Yunan ni sangat cantik, bersih,tapi tandasnya ya Allah…
hancing!! Kat airport pun sama. Hilang semangat nak kencing.
Jam 5.00 pm - Berkumpul untuk check-in. Barulah berjumpa
dengan semua boxer yang akan ke sana, boxer pertama yang boleh Jam 6.00 pm – Sampai airport, kena lepak lagi tunggu flight jam
bersembang ialah Olivier Belgium (cukup dikenali di Kedah). Saiful 11.30 pm, cari money changer pun tak ade jugak. Tanya punya
kata kawan baik dia. Lepas tu barulah kenal Yaser Jordan, Shane tanya, depa kata hanya Bank of China sahaja yang boleh tukar duit,
Canada dan Faizal New Zealand.Jumpa Jerson Philipines, Wayi kata tu pun dollar sahaje, yang lain susah sikit.
ok, boleh makan kalau besar ni. Tengah rancak bersembang, tiba-
tiba ada orang tegur, “Boxx Warrior Gym, Mr Zahari?” Rupa-rupanya
Vice President WMA, dia cukup tau pasal Boxxwarrior, dia tanya bila
19 Januari 2009
Sampai Suvarnabhumi Airport jam 1.30 am. Disinilah kita tau betapa
ada international fight kat Malaysia lagi.
popularnya seorang nak muay. Hampir keseluruhan pegawai
Jam 6.00 pm – Lepas dinner, relax je kat lobby, Saiful dengan Wayi imigresen dan Kun Thai yang jumpa respek habis bila tengok nak
dok skipping dalam bilik. Nak kena turun berat, esok waktu lunch nak muay bawa piala. Depa tengok piala pun depa tau dah itu piala muay
check lagi sekali. Try jalan-jalan sekeliling hotel, tak ada langsung thai.
bangsa asing, hanya orang tempatan je, cari money changer, sorang
pun tak tau, yang depa tau sebut “bank”. Crew organizer lagi sempoi, Jam 10.30 am – Kami sampai ke LCCT KLIA, alhamdulillah kami
2 orang je boleh cakap Inggeris, yang lain kita tanya Inggeris depa selamat pergi dan balik. Betapa rindunya nasi Malaysia sama seperti
jawab cina. Apa lagi, itik dengan ayam la. Malam kat stadium ada rindunya family dirumah. Semasa menuggu bas untuk ke KL Sentral,
show kungfu dan shaolin, kira macam upacara pembukaan la, tiba-tiba datang seorang lelaki nak bergambar dengan piala yang
Gabenor Wilayah depa mari rasmi. Penonton penuh, polis yang jaga dipegang Saiful, rupanya dia dari Vietnam dan dia tau itu adalah piala
pintu stadium, yang herannya kereta bomba pun standby 2 biji kat muay thai. Wah bangganya kami tapi sayang bukan orang Malaysia
luar stadium. Mungkin takut terbakar kot. yang mengucapkanya. Kami berpisah di pudu raya dengan Wayi
terus balik ke Kelantan manakala Saiful pergi ke Ampang berjumpa
keluarganya.
17 Januari 2009
Jam 8.00 am – Nak pi breakfast pun liat, maklumlah sejuk, pakai Inilah sedikit sebanyak catitan yang dapat saya ceritakan sepanjang
baju 3 helai pun sejuk lagi, tapi Saiful selamba je, pakai selipar je perjalanan ke World Muay Thai Profesionals di Yunan yang dianjurkan
Jam 8.25 pm – Flight ke Kunming berlepas. Kali pertama tengok pi China. Lupa bawa kasut. Makan pagi sempoi dok sini, makan oleh World Muay Thai Association (WMA). Sedikit sebanyak
makanan dalam flight, perut lapar, sejuk tapi tak leh makan. Saiful epal, minum Coke dan balik bilik makan Mamee! Cukup senang, perjalanan ini akan menjadi titik permulaan kepada boxer Malaysia
dengan Wayi tanya, “bang, boleh makan ke? Kalau rasa tak boleh, lunch dan diner pun sama: MAMEE. Boxer Malaysia (muslim) inilah untuk bergerak jauh keseluruh dunia demi untuk mengharumkan
jangan makan”. masalahnya untuk fight di negara luar. Hanya semangat dan iman nama Negara.
yang kental saja yang boleh mengatasinya.
Jam 11.25 pm – Pesawat mendarat. Keluar je pintu airport Kunming,
tengok orang ramai, siap polis lagi berbaris, rupa-rupanya penganjur Jam 8.00 pm – Acara dimulakan dengan pertunjukan Muay Boran Mohd Sanusi Othman
buat sambutan untuk meraikan kedatangan semua boxer. Kumpulan dan Muay Krabi oleh team dari Thailand. Sempoi juga, depa punya Boxx Warrior Gym
international fighter
Birth place : Surat Thani, Thailand
Sport : Muay Thai
Height : 1.77 m
Weight : 61.5kg (135Ibs)
titles
Lumpinee Champion 115 lbs
Lumpinee Champion 122 lbs
Lumpinee Champion 135 lbs (2000-2006)
WMC World Champion 115 lbs
PABA Boxing Champion 135 lbs
Ford Ranger Tournament winner
Champion of South of Thailand 95 l
Champion of South of Thailand et 126 lbs
Voted Best Fighter of the year 1996 by the Sportswriters
Association of Thailand
Voted Best Fighters of the year 1999 by the Sports Authority of
Thailand
Best Wai Kru/Ram Muay of the year 2001
Best Wai Kru/Ram Muay of the year 2006
records
300 Fights, 280 Wins, 15 Loses , 5 Draws
(Winning record up till 2004)
Ever since I discovered him on Youtube two years ago, he became my long list of impressive wins and award titles, he was a humble person.
Muaythai idol. The opportunity to watch his fight in Kulim and meet Formally known as Namsaknoi The Emperor, his succession of wins
him in March 2008 was the benchmark of our friendship. Despite his proved what a great nak muay (boxer) he is.
Fauzan executing perfect sweep Tarmiza Inai Sri Baging vs Hazri Yusof Jose ‘Pitu’ Sans performing Wai Khru
Ajarn (grandmaster) Somwang Sinuan, 53 dilahirkan di Pada umur 31 tahun, beliau bersara daripada arena pertarungan dan
Kronghei, Amper, Hatyai. Beliau mula mempelajari Muay Thai ketika mula menjadi jurulatih dan pengadil bagi kejohanan di Thailand dan
umurnya 12 tahun dengan Haji Hashim di gim Sorkhoson, Hatyai. Malaysia. Beliau merupakan jurulatih pertama kelab Boxx Warriors
Nama gelarannya ketika itu ialah Somwang Sorkhoson. yang berpusat di Kulim, Kedah. Setelah mengajar di sana selama 9
bulan, beliau bersara dan kini menjadi penasihat bagi gim Ponitiwat,
Ketika era kegemilangannya, beliau pernah memenangi kejuaraan Hatyai..
di Stadium Lumpini dan Stadium Rajadamnern dalam kategori
lightweight. Selepas beberapa tahun di gim Sorkhoson, beliau Perlawanan yang melonjakkan namanya sebagai legenda adalah
ditawarkan berlatih di gim Starlight, juga di Hatyai. Rekodnya makin apabila berlawan dengan ahli Kung Fu terkenal yang juga pelakon,
cemerlang ketika ini apabila memenangi 60 perlawanan anjuran Wang Yu di Hong Kong pada tahun 1970-an. Perlawanan tanpa
TV11 (kini dikenali sebagai NBT) dan pernah menjadi juara 5 wilayah sarung tangan ini masih menjadi perlawanan klasik Muay Thai-Kung
selatan Thailand. Beliau bukan sahaja terlibat dalam perlawanan Fu yang menaikkan sukan Muay Thai sebagai salah satu ilmu tarung
Muay Thai, tetapi juga moisakorn (tinju Barat), sukan yang jarang yang digeruni di dunia. Dengan rekod perlawanan sebanyak 275
disertai Nak Muay (peninju Muay Thai). kali (224 menang, 48 kalah, 3 seri), beliau merupakan salah seorang
legenda Muay Thai yang masih aktif.
Selepas berlatih di gim Starlight, beliau beralih arah ke gim
Pandencho. Nama gelarannya di gim ini ialah Danchai Pandencho.