Last Sunday, I did something different and went to watch Muay Thai (Thai Kickboxing). A friend from the office invited me to come watch the “Clash of the Champions 2012” at a nearby stadium. What I saw was very entertaining, and fairly brutal.

The highlight for me was in the Men’s heavyweight title, where a very large Malaysian police office, nicknamed “Big Boi” managed to destroy an equally heavy but leaner opponent. How did he win? With a jaw dropping high kick to the face, which essentially floored the rival. I was shocked and in awe at the power, but then felt seriously worried for the other guy, as he required two men to help him stand up to claim second prize.

The Women’s title was a completely different story, with two overly masculine females fighting, I genuinely couldn’t tell the difference between them and the men who had fought previously.

One thing that did entertain me was the insane amount of ritual and tradition that goes into each fight prep. Before the fight, both parties circle the ring and silently pray to each corner, then they go to the centre and perform what can only be described as a ritual dance. All of this, before the first punch is laid.

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