Ciaran: My Muay Thai Fight Camp Experience in Koh Phangan
There’s no better place than to do it in Koh Phangan and I think it should be on everyone’s bucket list, regardless of your experience.
Ciaran shares his thoughts about coming to Koh Phangan to train and fight. The highs, the challenges and what the experience taught him about himself, and Muay Thai.
MOTIVATION TO COME
I wanted to find a balance between intense training and leisure, and I figured Koh Phangan provided both of these things. I was able to train hard for my fight camp and also relax at beautiful beaches and spas in my free time.
RELATIONSHIP WITH MUAY THAI
Muay Thai to me is like meditation. It brings peace and balance into my life. I don’t see it as a brutal combat sport but more as a form of art that has taught me dedication and consistency.
TRAINING
The best part about training in Koh Phangan had to be the people. I met some of the most genuine people during my time there, and the friendships I made are ones I know I’ll have for life. Coming from different countries and backgrounds, everyone shared the same passion for training, which created a unique sense of community. We pushed each other through the tough sessions, and spent time together outside of training as well, like going out for food, recovering in the sauna or going to watch the fight nights. Those connections made the experience so much more than just a fight camp, but a place where I felt welcomed and motivated.
FIGHT CAMP
The best part about the fight camp experience was the sense of teamwork and support. I was never training alone, whether it was the early morning runs or the hard training sessions, my teammates and coaches were always there to push and encourage me. This made a huge difference when I learned that my opponent was going to be an experienced Thai fighter. Although I was nervous, having my team behind me gave me the confidence to step into the ring and perform.
HARDEST PART
The hardest part about the training was getting my body to adapt to the intensity and workload of the training. I had never trained like a professional athlete before and my body really felt the consequences of training 5 to 6 hours a day, especially in the first week. The hot and humid climate didnt make it any easier but I kept pushing forward as I was told by my coaches and teammates that that was the only way to overcome the pain. No matter how sore my legs were or how tired I was, I got up every morning to run and train and sure enough by the second week I was already feeling fitter and less sore.
WHAT I LEARNED
This experience taught me that many of the limits we place on ourselves are only mental barriers. I realised that I was capable of pushing far beyond what I had previously thought possible. During my time in Koh Phangan, I learned a great deal about myself, both physically and mentally. Looking back, I left the island feeling proud of myself for accepting the challenge, putting in the hard work, and competing. I can’t forget to mention the amazing friendships I made with my coaches and teammates and the unforgettable memories that we now share.
WHY KOH PHANGAN
I would definitely recommend coming out to train in Koh Phangan to my friends and teammates. The sense of community and the atmosphere makes it so easy to settle in and feel welcomed. The experience and the knowledge shared by the coaches and training partners create an environment that lets you develop your Muay Thai skills much faster than you might elsewhere. There’s no better place than to do it in Koh Phangan and I think it should be on everyone’s bucket list regardless of your experience in Muay Thai
