TMTG 079: The Importance of Over Training

Overtraining is a weird topic to discuss because there are a variety of intricate philosophies on it... including ours.

When I first started Muay Thai my philosophy on overtraining was quite different than it is now. Before I thought it was important to avoid overtraining so you can continue on with your training without worrying about burnout - but now I feel like overtraining (at least once in your career) is a crucial for your success because it will develop mental toughness while giving you a better understanding of how hard you can push your body.

In this most recent podcast, Paul and I discuss our evolution of theory when it comes to overtraining.

Click Here To Listen To TMTG 079: The Importance of Over Training

We also cover topics such as:

Signs of Overtraining:

1. Usually in combination of one another:
2. Fevers/Chills/Easily Getting Sick
3. Full Body Aches
4. Multiplying Injuries
5. Depression and Fatigue Despite Regular Sleeping Patterns

Helpful Tactics in Avoiding or Reducing the Severity

1. Self Assessment of Whether You Are a Bitch or Not
2. Consistent Team of Coaches Around You That See Changes in Performance and Behavior
3. Progression [Sink or Swim Works for Some]
4. Studying Your Body & Mind and its Patterns
5. Recovery Work and Nutrition

http://traffic.libsyn.com/muaythaiguy/TMTG_079__The_Importance_Of_Overtraining.mp3

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TMTG 078: Paul’s Top 10 Rules of Travel in Thailand (and Asia)

Traveling to a foreign country - especially Thailand - can be a bit stressful if you're not sure exactly what to expect. Fortunately, Paul and I have traveled to Thailand a combined 12 times and have spent over 3+ years combined in "The Land of Smiles", so we decided to share some lesser known travel rules to consider when making to journey to the mecca of Muay Thai:

1. Going Panty-Less Commando - Yes, that's right. At first it might seem counterintuitive, but after spending enough time in the blistering heat of Thailand you soon begin to realize how not wearing any underwear can make things a bit more comfortable for you.

2. Butt Guns on Arrival - What is a "butt gun" you might ask? Well, instead of the traditional toilet paper you would use in the western world, you have butt guns to hose yourself down after taking a crap. Very eccentric.

3. Unlock and Sim Card Up - Instead of getting charged ridiculous international costs by your home phone provider, unlock your phone so you can grab a cheap SIM card to keep connected at all times and have a Thai phone number to connect with other locals.

4. Uber and Grab Taxi / Lyft Apps - Getting a taxi can be a struggle in Bangkok, especially since it's likely that your cab driver doesn't speak English. Avoid the confusion and just download one of these apps to make traveling in Thailand a bit easier.

5. WhatsApp and LINE - The premier messaging apps in Thailand are a must if you want to stay in contact with everyone local and abroad. Instead of using minutes, you can use date (which is really cheap if you get a SIM card).

6. Basic Pricing on Sunglasses, Hotels, Clothing, Food - Don't get ripped off at the local markets or hotels and make sure you know what the costs are for the basic stuff.

7. Finding the Best Food and Cafes - You're in Thailand, somewhere you've never been before, so how do you find the best foods and cafes? You can explore yourself or ask the locals because their isn't going to be any Yelp reviews to help you out.

8. Learn the Names of Your Favorite Dishes in Their Native Language - If you're able to speak even "nit noi" (a little) Thai, the Thai people will love you for trying. Plus it will make it easier for you to order foods without getting something you didn't expect... which is bound to happen either way!

9. The Daily Adventure - Most of us go to Thailand to train Muay Thai, but don't forget about the other aspects of Thailand that make it so unique and beautiful.

10. Visa Recap - Knowing what types of visas you can get will make your trip that much more enjoyable and less stressful

Click Here To Listen

http://traffic.libsyn.com/muaythaiguy/TMTG_078__Paul_s_Top_10_Rules_of_Travel_in_Thailand_and_Asia.mp3

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TMTG 077: If I Fight In Thailand... Am I A Pro Fighter Now?

A hot topic nowadays is whether or not you automatically become a pro fighter if you take a fight in Thailand.

Recently, MTG writer Angela Chang wrote about her thoughts on the topic in this post, but now it's time for Paul and I to discuss our thoughts and breakdown what we think fighting in Thailand really means. We discuss things such as:

• The different levels of fighting in Thailand
• Why every fight in Thailand is technically "professional", although it's not professional level
• What type of promotions and shows are professional level in Thailand (and which ones are not)
• Whether or not fighting in Thailand makes you a pro when you come back to your home country
• The different levels and categories of Muay Thai (amateur, semi-pro, pro etc.)
• Our experiences fighting in Thailand and how we differentiate our amateur fights vs. our pro fights.
• And much, much more!

Click Here To Listen To TMTG 077: If I Fight In Thailand, Am I A Pro Now?

http://traffic.libsyn.com/muaythaiguy/TMTG_077__If_I_Fight_In_Thailand_Am_I_A_Pro_.mp3

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TMTG 076: An Inside Look At The Lion Fight 37 Championship Title Fight

The Muay Thai Guys Podcast - Episode 76

This past Friday night was yet another great night of fights put on at Foxwoods by Lion Fight promotion. With two high level title fights on the line there was an incredible show of technique, heart, respect and skill.

Co-host of The Muay Thai Guys podcast, Paul "The Reaper" Banasiak was in the co-main event where he faced off against another undefeated pro fighter, Chip Moraza-Pollard. After a tough, technical, fast paced 5 round war Chip's hand got raised as the new cruiserweight title holder for Lion Fight.

In this podcast, Paul discusses his thoughts on the fight including:

• What his game plan as going into the fight and how it played out.
• How he feels ok about the performance he put on because he left it all out there.
• Why he felt like he was down going into the end of the 5th.
• What type of plans he has in the near future.
• A look inside the mind of what he was thinking throughout the context of the fight.
• And much, much more!

Click Here To Listen To TMTG 076: An Inside Look At The Lion Fight 37 Championship Title Fight

http://traffic.libsyn.com/muaythaiguy/TMTG_076__An_Inside_Look_At_The_Lion_Fight_37_Championship_Title_Fight.mp3

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TMTG 075: The Muay Thai & Life Balance: Prioritizing, Sacrificing and Evolving To Reach Excellence

When we first being our Muay Thai journeys we tend to schedule our training around our work and life routine. As we become more and more addicted to Muay Thai there comes a time where our priorities shift, and instead of scheduling training around life, schedule our life around our training.

In this weeks podcast, Paul and I discuss the gradual evolution of our work, life and training balance as we've continued to dive deeper into our Muay Thai careers. We discuss a number of topics including:

• How champion fighters like Ognjen Topic and "Bazooka" Joe Valtellini have been able to balance their full-time jobs with their fight training and careers.
• The importance of deciding early on how seriously you're going to take your Muay Thai career and dedicating yourself (and your life) to it.
• Why eliminating distractions, bad influences and time-killing activities is key to getting the most out of your day to day.
• Sacrificing sleep, social life and other areas of your life to pursue greatness.
• The idea of "planning spontaneity" and learning how to roll with the punches that life throws at you.
• How reading books like "Outliers" and "The Obstacle Is The Way" can inspire and teach you the ways of excellence.
• The importance of planning - your training, your nutrition, your rest days, everything!
• And much, much more

Click Here To Listen To TMTG 075: The Muay Thai & Life Balance: Prioritizing, Sacrificing and Evolving To Reach Excellence

http://traffic.libsyn.com/muaythaiguy/TMTG_075__Balancing_Life__Training_And_Nutrition_Tips.mp3

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TMTG 074: The Beginners Mindset & Training At Different Gyms

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced fighter, it's always important to have the "beginners" mindset whenever you hit the training floor if you truly want to reach the highest levels.

In this weeks podcast, Paul and I catch up and discuss our thoughts on the beginners mindset and how critical it's been for our success both inside the Muay Thai world and outside of it. We also cover other topics such as...

• How being the top dog at your gym isn't always the best thing.
• The importance of occasionally training at different gyms with different training partners and coaches.
• Why we see so many top level fighters focus on the basics.
• How Paul and I are still getting used to being recognized as "The Muay Thai Guy" whenever we are traveling.
• Paul's training at CSA and how it's been improving him physically and mentally.
• Sean's analysis of his training with Namsaknoi and the importance of angles, footwork and balance.
• How watching fights on TV are completely different than watching fights in person.
• Why you shouldn't judge someones power, speed or technique just by watching one of their fights - and how different it is when you're standing right across from them.
• And much, much more!

http://traffic.libsyn.com/muaythaiguy/TMTG_074__The_Beginners_Mindset__Training_At_Different_Gyms.mp3

Click Here To Listen To TMTG 074: The Beginners Mindset & Training At Different Gyms

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TMTG 073: Muay Thai Gym Etiquette: Do's and Dont's

There are some unwritten rules when it comes to stepping foot into a new gym. However, most people are unaware of these unwritten rules because, well - they're unwritten.

Fortunately, MTG writer Angela Chang put together a great post a few weeks back on the 13 Rules For Proper Gym Etiquette, which gave Paul and I the idea to cover the same topic in podcast form... so that's exactly what we did!

We cover the 13 aspects that Angela talk about but go into further detail about each area including:

• Don't be late! Show up on time and show that you're ready to put in the work.
• No shoes on the mat. Should be quite obvious, but people tend to neglect it.
• Get your own gear. Sometimes gyms have lender equipment, but you're always better off using your own (for cleanliness purposes)
• Clean your gear. Sanitize, air out and keep good care of your gear if you don't want to get any infections.
• Keep basic hygiene. Don't be that smelly bastard who clinches with everyone without showering for days and no deodorant.
• Wear underwear. This shouldn't have to be said... but it does.
• Do what you're told. The trainers and coaches know what they're talking about (most of the time) so don't be disrespectful by acting like you're above them and doing your own thing.
• Don't spar at 100%. Don't be that asshole trying to hurt everyone!
• Clinch hard, knee soft. Clinching can be a little more intense, but make sure you're not spearing knees into your partners ribs and causing injury. 
• Wash your hands/yourself before clinching. If you have an extra shirt to throw on before going into clinch class, your training partners will thank you.
• Respect everyone. Respect is the centerpoint of Muay Thai, show make sure to show respect to all skill levels and ages.
• Be realistic. Know that it will take time to get good!

Click Here To Listen To TMTG 073: Muay Thai Gym Etiquette: Do's and Dont's

http://traffic.libsyn.com/muaythaiguy/TMTG_073__Muay_Thai_Gym_Etiquette_-_Dos_and_Donts.mp3

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