I have been quite bold in what I would eat in Thailand. Since this was my first visit to Thailand, I had received many warnings from different people about a condition they call “Thai Tummy”.

I love spicy food so I wasn’t too concerned about it, and I strongly believe that experiencing a different culture, experiencing their food is a huge part of that.

I would try things on menus in Thailand that I would never have tried at home. I think the mistake I made was with some of the street vendors. I could clearly see that his prep areas weren’t exactly clean, but I never expected what he had in store for me.

‘Thai Tummy’ sounds like a cute affliction … It isn’t. I felt like my guts were going to drop. I passed a couple in fear of straying too far from the bathroom, but became super bold on day 3. I was going through retreats. I missed training and had to go back there.

Since I had taken a few days off, Sawat had found another private lesson to fill the time, so I was left without a coach. I went back to group sessions. The problem was, I hadn’t been able to get away from the bathroom for more than 10 minutes in the last two days, let alone 2.5 hours.

I strategically positioned myself near the exit and apologized when needed. After the fourth or fifth time, I could see that this was pissing off the head coach. When it came time for the pad rounds, I saw him whisper something into a coach’s ear. That coach looked for me and told me that I would go with him.

The next 11 minutes consisted of this coach kicking my bejeezus. It was the hardest 3 rounds he had ever done. Between rounds, I was forcing myself to do push-ups while the others rested. Round three ended with me on my knees … completely out of gas. I looked up, expecting to be hit by him, but instead found his hand extended, helping me up off the floor. He said, ‘Good job.’ And he left.

Who was this maniac? I saw his name stamped on his shorts. Her name was Kay. One look at the Tiger Muay Thai website told me everything I needed to know:

Kru Kay (Head of fight)

Nickname: Kay

Fight Name: Pichai Wor Wolapon

Fight log: more than 250 fights

Titles: Ranked # 3 at Lumpinee Stadium

Kay began training at the age of 10 in her hometown of Surin, northeast Thailand. He began fighting soon after and quickly built a reputation on the local circuit as a strong fighter, winning many fights by knockout. He moved to Bangkok at 17 to train at the famous Kiatsingnoi camp, where he trained alongside TMT coach Nai for the rest of his career. Kay made his Bangkok debut at Rajadamnern Stadium in the 100-pound division, then rose through the weight divisions before finally becoming a superstar for Onesongchai, Thailand’s biggest promoter who fights regularly at Lumpinee Stadium on television. national.

During Kay’s prime, he battled the biggest names in Muay Thai of the time, such as Orono, Attachai, Thongchai, Chatchai, and Yokthai Sitor. Competing during the “Golden Age” of Muay Thai, Kay defeated many of the champions of that era and rose through the ranks, but unfortunately never had a shot at the title.

Kay retired from fighting at the age of 27, with more than 250 fights and 17 years of competition. After retiring, he quickly began training wrestlers in Bangkok and Surin, where he raised champions such as Iquezang Kor.Rungthanakeat.

Shortly after the opening of Tiger Muay Thai, Kay was recruited to join the training team and has been here ever since. Having trained many of Tiger’s best fighters over the years, Kay now holds the position of fight director. Organize fights for TMT fighters in local stadiums, Bangkok stadiums and abroad.

Kay is known for his relentless training style, which focuses on developing the power and stamina of his students.

I had returned to rom to lick the wounds from the beating I had just received. I went online and read the above information. I put my shoes on and walked back to Tiger Muay Thai, and signed up for private lessons with Kay.

I came to really admire this man. His rough exterior is what makes him a great trainer. But he also has compassion, as evidenced by his willingness to help me get off the ground after our initial meeting.

From then on, I would train with him every day during my stay at Tiger Muay Thai. I would do group sessions in the morning, one private with Kay, then group sessions again. I got in amazing shape, and I owe it all to that maniac who kicked my ass.

I never told Kay why I kept going out of class that day, and I don’t think he would have cared. They ordered him to kick my butt, so he did … and I loved it. Now I know what the term to get beat up means … It hurts everywhere, but my Thai belly was gone.