Keeping fit with Muay Thai

MUAY Thai has become the latest martial art to take Brunei by storm.

Though there is only one dojo that teaches the high-octane martial art in the Sultanate, its story is promising.

Starting with only five people per session in April 2009 the Busiido Sports Martial Arts & Fitness dojo in Berakas has seen its intake triple to around 15.

"I decided to start the studio in April 2009 after I came back from a trip to Thailand and the number of students has slowly increased," said owner/instructor Alwee See during a recent interview with The Brunei Times.

"Most of the students usually hear about us from word of mouth and our facebook page (which has more than 500 members)," added Alwee.

A certified instructor, Alwee is also active in karate and the dojo offers classes for the Japanese martial art as well.

He started karate in 1976 and has represented Brunei in the sport from 1987 to 2000, winning more than 30 medals in local and international events during the period.

He is also the current chief shitoryu (a style of karate) instructor in Brunei and teaches armed combat to various agencies on a part-time basis.

His main aim in introducing Thailand's national sport to Brunei is to improve his students' fitness.

"We want to promote the martial art to Bruneian youth keep them fit and healthy," explained the sprightly 48-year-old who doesn't look a day over 38.

"Muay Thai uses all parts of the body so it promotes fitness. We train for fitness and stamina ... At this day and age obesity is a problem.

"We're looking at it as a sport, not as a competition because we don't want to get people injured. We're not teaching them how to be aggressive, we're teaching them how to release their aggressiveness in a healthy manner.

"No previous martial arts background is needed to join our class. I usually ask first-timers for their background in martial arts and if they know the basics like stance and position from there we can gauge their standard."

Beginners learn the proper way to punch and kick and then move on to skipping, shadow boxing and working on their stamina.

They also learn how to build core muscles and improve their fitness. Sparring is only for advanced students.

Core muscles consist of many different muscles that stabilise the spine and pelvis and run the entire length of the torso, providing a solid foundation for movement. A strong core distributes the stresses of weight-bearing and protects the back.

Alwee is not only encouraged by the number but also by the amount of women and girls at the class.

The seniors are also always ready to help, guiding the juniors through the ropes and teaching them the basics.

"There are a lot of ladies in our class, about 10-20 per cent," said Alwee, adding that schools also had students enrolled with the dojo. It is understood that the Chung Ching Middle School in Seria has started its own classes.

"Usually Tuesday til Thursday are the busiest days," explained Alwee of the dojo. "Those that attended the class before can come again even if they have had a break. They can start again. There are no competitions but hopefully we can start something up in the future."

Despite the increasing turnout Alwee isn't content with the numbers yet.

"I am aiming for 50 plus students," said the instructor. "By the looks of it, yeah, it's (muay thai) going up," he grinned.

Brunei was inducted into the Muay Thai Institute of Thailand in September, marking a milestone for the sport in Brunei.

Alwee can be contacted at 8758687 while another instructor, Victor, can be reached at 8739003.

For more information visit the 'Muay Thai Brunei' facebook page.The Brunei Times