TMTG 083: "Shortcuts" To Becoming a Muay Thai Champion

Lets get right to the point: There are no real "shortcuts" to becoming a champion.

That being said, the "shortcuts" we're discussing here are ways to efficiently and proactively pursue greatness by following the lead of past and present champions. By studying the habits, characteristics and attributes of elite level fighters, we can better understand the amount of work, sacrifice and discipline it takes to get a nice shiny belt strapped around your waist.

In Paul's recent article "The 3 Shortcuts To Becoming A Champion", he dissects the work ethic and practices of champion fighters. We take the lead from that article but dive even deeper into the subject in this week's podcast:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/muaythaiguy/TMTG_083___Shortcuts__To_Becoming_a_Muay_Thai_Champion.mp3

Click Here To Listen To TMTG 083: "Shortcuts" To Becoming a Muay Thai Champion

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TMTG 082: Overcoming Training (and Life) Obstacles

Life has a way of testing us every now and again by throwing various challenges our way. It's up to us to decide how we react to these challenges. We can either play victim or use it to our advantage.
In this week's podcast, Paul and I break down the benefits of obstacles and tips for overcoming them, including:

• How a resilient mindset is key to success in any endeavor you choose to pursue.
• Why failure isn't an option unless you allow it to be.
• How we got hit with a tropical storm during a Muay Thai Retreat in Costa and used that to our advantage.
• Why challenges and obstacles are so important for developing character.
• Paul's story of his "Fast and Furious: Thailand Edition" that came from an unforeseen challenge.
• How you can still find some good when dealing with challenges outside of training, even when it's the death of a loved one.
• Why developing the fighters heart is critical for growth as a human being.
• And much, much more

Click Here To Listen To TMTG 082: Overcoming Training (and Life) Obstacles

http://traffic.libsyn.com/muaythaiguy/TMTG_082__Overcoming_Training_and_Life_Obstacles.mp3

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TMTG 081: Training Muay Thai, But Not Fighting?

Wherever people are engaging in serious sporting competition, you can guarantee there are also countless others practicing the same sport for recreation only.

Paul and I break down some of the benefits of training Muay Thai without any real intention of taking an opponent.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/muaythaiguy/TMTG_081__Training_Muay_Thai_But_Not_Fighting.mp3

Click here to listen

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TMTG 080: Thailand Stories With The Muay Thai Guys

We are back with a new, entertaining podcast after 3 weeks off!

With our number of experiences traveling to Thailand, and Paul's recent "Limitless Project" retreat on Koh Phangan, we thought it was a good idea to chat about various Thailand stories and share some useful tips and insight that will help you make the most out of your Thailand trips.

These are just a few of the things we chat about:

• Chiang Mai - Monks, friends and followers, secret nightclubs
• Bangkok - Nak Muay Nation Camp - Sak Yant, Nightlife, Fights, Rooftops, Training with Petchtanong Banchamek, Celebrity Laser Tag
• The Limitless Project Camp - from Khaosan Rd. and into the clinch with Namsaknoi, Lamnammoon Sor Sumalee, Living in a villa with eight people
• Koh Tao Diving and Nightlife - Ladyboy club, diving off the boat into sharky waters, paddle boarding in lava
• Laos - Drinking the spirit of the cobra and scorpion, Climbing summits, sailing the Mekong river, cave temples, immigration fun, waterfalls, elephants

Click Here To Listen To TMTG 080: Thailand Stories with The Muay Thai Guys

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http://traffic.libsyn.com/muaythaiguy/TMTG_080__Thailand_Stories_With_The_Muay_Thai_Guys.mp3

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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