Muay Thai: my first time

Joyce Fahy writes about her experience of competing for the first time in a Muay Thai fight.

José Ramirez, Éanna McNamara and myself participated in a novice Muay Thai fight at Hanuman Martial Arts Club in Liosbán Estate, Galway on Sunday February 8th. Although I had attended a novice event a few months earlier, this was my first time competing. As I entered the familiar club surroundings I at once became aware of the testosterone fuelled attempts to appear macho by the various contestants.

My usual reaction to a stressful situation is to completely block it out and this generally results in me being quite relaxed but also a little absent-minded. Initially this worked as I set upon convincing myself that I was in fact not fighting. But when my brain tired of that I egotistically informed myself that my opponent didn’t stand a chance; in fact I almost started pitying her!

The tense, sweaty atmosphere juxtaposed with the calming traditional Thai music which was played throughout each fighter’s fight. As I attempted to calm the nerves by watching fights (maybe not the best calming method) I was informed to start warming up as I was set to fight in a few minutes. Admittedly I pondered on walking out the front door like a coward but I knew I’d never live it down by friends and family if I was to do such a thing. I saw no way of getting out of this entanglement!

As I entered the ring I have to admit my hands were quite shaky as I put on my shin guards. I knew the next six minutes were going to be memorable for many reasons. I just hoped they wouldn’t involve too much blood or severed limbs.

Round 1: Last words of advice I got before I entered the ring were “aggressive from the start”.. And that I was! Her being a south paw (left handed) I was informed to lead with the opposite hand I was used to which was a little weird but I punched on nonetheless! My proudest moment of the fight was probably knocking her down after about a minute into the fight.. I’m not sadistic at all..

Round 2: Already tiring after putting so much into the first round I began to slow down a little. More apparent flaws became evident. But I felt I was still holding on alright and all seemed to be going splendid.

Final Round: In the third and final round my energy levels were seriously deteriorating. My opponent took advantage of this and in the final 50 seconds she landed some kicks and a few knees that evidentially scored well.

As the judges deciphered the winner and the referee held both our gloves, I wasn’t sure who had won. When a fight is close in Muay Thai it tends to be a draw so I considered that a possibility. As I saw him hold up her arm to signal she’d won, my heart sank a little.

When I got over the initial frustration of defeat I was buzzing with adrenaline while simultaneously drained of all energy. All I could think about was my next fight. In Tyler Durden’s words “What can you know about yourself if you’ve never been in a fight?”

By Joyce Fahy