Hilltop MuayThai

CLASH OF THE GLADIATORS CHAPTER 3

2011-07-27T09:05:00.001-07:00

Chapter 3 is here! Happening at SCAPE, beside Orchard Cineleisure on 29 July, Friday from 2pm-8pm! Tickets available at the door at $15, $30 and $50. Miss it and you will regret! Fight Card as reflected below!

Novice Male

Lightwelterweight - >60kg to <63.5kg

1) Ryan Lim (BXG) vs Jack (Dunpheree Bia MT)

2) TingYan (Hilltop) vs Irwnsyah (Vitka MuayThai)

Welterweight - >63.5kg to <67kg

3) Tommy Yong (Juggernaut Fight Club) vs Aloysius Toh (Impact MMA)

Lightmiddleweight - >67kg to <71kg

4) Eugene Ow (Suphanahong) vs Edwin Siew (ASF)

Middleweight - >71kg to <75kg

5) Dominic Bryant (BXG) vs Gilbert (Dunpheree Bia MT)

LightHeavyweight - >75kg to <81kg

6) Evan Wrights (FWA) vs Sam (Hockey Village MT)

Amateur Fight - Male

Flyweight - >48kg to <51kg

7) Bryan Lum (BXG) vs Edward (Hilltop)

Lightweight - >57kg to <60kg

8) Dilip (Hilltop) vs Hariansyah (Vitka MuayThai)
9) Brandon Ng (FWA) vs Daus (Vitka MuayThai)
10) Fadyian (Dunpheree Bia MT) vs Danang (Vitka MuayThai)
11) Gerard Koh (BXG) vs Christof Yew (Dunpheree Bia MT)
12) Hadi (Suphanahong) vs Dodi (Vitka MuayThai)

Welterweight - >63.5kg to <67kg

13) Tim Lam (BXG)vs Syed Hasyim (FWA)

Amateur Fight - Female

Flyweight - >48kg to <51kg

14) Cherryl Gwa (BXG) vs Amanda Loo (FWA)

Featherweight - >54kg to <57kg

15) Ivy Wong (Hilltop) vs Dini (Vitka MuayThai)

Pro Fight - Male

Lightweight - >57kg to <60kg

16) Kai Chai (BXG) vs Adi (Vitka MuayThai)
17) Azhari (FWA) vs Dido (Vitka MuayThai)

Welterweight - >63.5kg to <67kg

18) Asfar (Suphanahong) vs Agung Al Batalu (Vitka MuayThai)

Pro Fight MAIN EVENT

Bantamweight - >51kg to <54kg

19) Lena Tan (Singapore) vs Citra (Indonesia)

CLASH OF THE GLADIATORS - CHAPTER 2 (RESULTS)

2011-05-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

It was a blistering afternoon outdoors as the Clash of the Gladiators - Chapter 2, kicked off at *SCAPE Warehouse on Friday 20 May! The auditorium was filled with anticipating crowd as the Ring Side seats were sold out!

The event started off with the Novice bouts, featuring new athletes of various ages and weight. Everyone there were stunned with the level of the Novice bouts!

Gyms from all over the island, came in the mood to shout and make their support for their athletes known. Flurry of kicks and punches started to the ring of the bell and it was no stopping these new athletes! The Novice bouts also saw 2 female bouts, and the crowd just went CRAZY!

In the Amateur bouts, the level picked up and Ronnie of Hanuman MuayThai could not answer to the kicks and punches of Hasyim of FWA. The bout concluded with Ronnie being disqualified with using illegal techniques and this showed the level of professionalism in the Referees and Judges from AMAS (Amateur MuayThai Association of Singapore).

After a short break at 5pm, the Professional bouts kicked off and first up was Ee Hock Seng (BXG) vs Aloysius (Suphanahong) with the decision going to Ee Hock Seng. This as all who were there would remember, was perhaps the BEST fight of that evening, with the battle fiercer then never before between these 2! End of bout, as in the culture of Muay Thai, these 2 great athletes were back to being friends and you would not have known that they had just finished a fierce battle with each other.

The next Professional bout also managed to put the crowd on their toes as Asfar of Suphanahong faced INDONESIA. The bout ended in the 3rd round as the Referee ruled it as RSC (Referee Stop Competition) due to the indonesian taking too much punishment.

At around 630pm, the 2 main bouts fighting for the belts, started with Brenda Shee of Hilltop THE GYM meeting yet another Thai fighter who had over 100 fights!

Brenda as always, faced a strong challenge against the Thai whose kick resounded in the whole auditorium as it landed on Brenda's arms. Brenda put up a tough fight and managed to walk away with the Belt, winning by points over Thailand.

The last but not the least bout of that evening was rising star Amir Khan of ASF as he faced perhaps one of his toughest fight ever! At 16, he was facing Hamdan of the Malaysian TNT Kickboxing and National player for Muay Thai. The first 2 rounds saw Amir getting caught with several hard overhands by Hamdan, who was surprised that Amir was still standing. In the 3rd and 4th round, Amir' corner changed the gameplan and that resulted in Amir winning by K.O. over his Malaysian opponent!

It was a GREAT event overall and it was clear that Singapore's Muay Thai is set to on on great heights!

This event was proudly sponsored by *SCAPE Singapore, LONSDALE, MAXIMUSCLE and POWER BALANCE!

Stay tuned for the NEXT event "Clash of the Gladiators - Chapter 3" and see the likes of Lena from BXG take on the title Belt!

Results as below : Red is WIN

RED vs BLUE
Novice Male

Flyweight - >48kg to <51kg
1. Edward (Hilltop) vs Bryan Lum (BXG)

Bantamweight - >51kg to <54kg
2. Tang Yong Siang (Impact) vs Ozy Cheah (ASF)

Lightwelterweight - >60kg to <63.5kg
3. John Park (Hilltop) vs Koh Jun Qi Lan (BXG)
4. Gerrick Seah (Impact) vs Brandon Ong (FWA)

LightMiddleweight - >67kg to <71kg
5. Lam Tim (BXG) vs Fuad (Hanuman)
6. Andrew Yip (Impact) vs Richard Wong (BXG)

RED vs BLUE
Novice Female

Flyweight - >48kg to <51kg
7. Cassandra Mai (BXG) vs Amanda Loo TJ (FWA)
8. Wasabi Ng Sze Min (BXG) vs Kat Wong (ASF)

RED vs BLUE
Amateur Fight - Male

Lightwelterweight - >60kg to <63.5kg
9. Chen Yu (Hilltop) vs Leroy GuangYi (MTW) - DRAW

Welterweight - >63.5kg to <67kg
10. Ronnie Wong (Hanuman) vs Hasyim Jamar (FWA) - DISQ 3rd round

RED vs BLUE
Pro Fight - Male

Bantamweight - >51kg to <54kg
11. Ee Hock Seng (BXG) vs Aloysius (Suphanahong)

Lightweight - >57kg to <60kg
12. Asfar (Suphanahong) vs James Liu (ASF) - TKO 3rd round

RED vs BLUE
Pro Fight MAIN EVENT

Flyweight - >48kg to <51kg Female
13. Brenda Shee (Hilltop) vs Thailand

Welterweight - >63.5kg to <67kg
14. Amir Khan (ASF) vs Hamdan (Malaysia)

Clash of the Gladiators - Chapter 3! "RAW". 29 July 2011

2011-05-05T23:58:00.001-07:00

Get your tickets at SCAPE Warehouse on 20 May or get it at all recognised Muay Thai Gyms. Call 6557 0105 or email to events@hilltopthegym.com for more information!

Fight Card for Clash of the Gladiators - Chapter 2, 20 May 2011 at SCAPE Warehouse.

2011-05-05T23:51:00.000-07:00

Here's the Fight Card for the 20 May event.
Clash of the Gladiators - Chapter 2
First bout kicks off at 3pm! Venue open from 12pm!

Call 6557 0105 or email to events@hilltopthegym.com for more details!

RED vs BLUE
Novice Male

Flyweight - >48kg to <51kg
1. Edward (Hilltop) vs Bryan Lum (BXG)

Bantamweight - >51kg to <54kg
2. Tang Yong Siang (Impact) vs Ozy Cheah (ASF)

Lightwelterweight - >60kg to <63.5kg
3. John Park (Hilltop) vs Koh Jun Qi Lan (BXG)
4. Gerrick Seah (Impact) vs Brandon Ong (FWA)

LightMiddleweight - >67kg to <71kg
5. Lam Tim (BXG) vs Fuad (Hanuman)
6. Andrew Yip (Impact) vs Richard Wong (BXG)

RED vs BLUE
Novice Female

Flyweight - >48kg to <51kg
7. Cassandra Mai (BXG) vs Amanda Loo TJ (FWA)
8. Wasabi Ng Sze Min (BXG) vs Kat Wong (ASF)

Welterweight - >63.5kg to <67kg
9. Yeun Yan (Hanuman) vs Donna Lee (ASF)

RED vs BLUE
Amateur Fight - Male

Lightwelterweight - >60kg to <63.5kg
10. Chen Yu (Hilltop) vs Leroy GuangYi (MTW)

Welterweight - >63.5kg to <67kg
11. Ronnie Wong (Hanuman) vs Hasyim Jamar (FWA)

RED vs BLUE
Pro Fight - Male

Bantamweight - >51kg to <54kg
12. Ee Hock Seng (BXG) vs Aloysius (Suphanahong)

Lightweight - >57kg to <60kg
13. Asfar (Suphanahong) vs James Liu (ASF)

RED vs BLUE
Pro Fight MAIN EVENT

Flyweight - >48kg to <51kg Female
14. Brenda Shee (Hilltop) vs Thailand

Welterweight - >63.5kg to <67kg
15. Amir Khan (ASF) vs Hamdan (Malaysia)

Clash Of the Gladiators Chapter 2! Muay Thai, Thai Boxing

2011-04-07T04:20:00.000-07:00

Clash of The Gladiators! Chapter 2! Return of the Gladiators!

20 May 2011. 12pm - 8pm. Main bouts from 6pm - 8pm!

See local favourites do their thing in the Ring! Featuring Brenda "Hilltop" Shee, Amir "ASF" Khan and Chris "Suphanahong" against their challengers for the Singapore Title!

Get your tickets now! Purchase tickets for both 20 May and 29 Jul (Clash of the Gladiators Chapter 3!) and get 15% off total!

$15 - Gallery Standing
$30 - Ringside
$50 - VIP

Tickets available at ALL recognised gyms now! Call 6557 0105 for enquiries or email to events@hilltopthegym for more info!

This event is proudly brought to you by Hilltop The Gym, Hilltop EVENTS and venue sponsored by SCAPE Singapore!
Proud sponsorS also include MAXIMUSCLE SINGAPORE, LONSDALE & POWER BALANCE SINGAPORE!

National Open Invitational Championships Vol 2 - Results

2011-03-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

Another great event and turnout! There were not many bouts this time round but nevertheless it was a great event!

The Novices and Amateurs showed that the level of competition is rising and the main bout, Women's 54kg Singapore title was AWESOME! With elbows flying towards the end, Lena got a big bump on her head and Nadia unfortunately got a cut under eye and the bout was stopped as TKO. Kudos to both of them and all the other competitors for showing true grit!

RESULTS

Novice Male

Lightwelterweight - >60kg to <63.5kg

1) Brandon Ng (FWA) vs Liew Bun Mew (ASF)(WP)

Novice Female

Pinweight - >45kg
2) Joscelyn (Hilltop The Gym) vs Madelene (SMU)(WP)

Lightflyweight - >45kg to <48kg

3) Vivian Tan (FWA)(WP) vs Rachel Miley (Hilltop)

Lightweight - >57kg to <60kg

4) Ivy Wong (Hilltop The Gym) vs Lina (SMU)(WP)

Amateur Fight - Male

Lightwelterweight - >60kg to <63.5kg

5) Mohd Raffii (FWA) vs Leroy GuangYi (MTW)(WP)

Welterweight - >63.5kg to <67kg

6) Paul Leong (Hilltop The Gym)(WP) vs Ng Jin Siong (SMU)

Amateur Fight - FeMale

Bantamweight - >51kg to <54kg

7) Serene Tan (FWA)(W-Walkover) vs Candice Kuok (Evolve)

MAIN EVENT - Pro Fight

Bantamweight - >51kg to <54kg>

8) Nadia Griva (Hilltop) vs Lena Tan (BXG)(WTKO-Round 4)

Hilltop The Gym and Hilltop EVENTS, wishes to thank all its sponsors, namely; Singapore Management University as venue sponsor, MAXIMUSCLE, POWER BALANCE SINGAPORE & LONSDALE for product and support!

Also thanking all the participants and gyms for bringing the level of the sport of Muaythai in Singapore up another level.

See all of you again on 20 May for "CLASH OF THE GLADIATORS - THE SERIES (CHAPTER 2)!

National Open Invitational Championships Vol 2. 13 March 2011.

2011-03-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

Sunday 13 March! National Open Invitational Championships Vol 2! At SMU Concourse. Be there!
Event starts at 12pm!

Fight Card - 7 BOUTS

Novice Male

Lightwelterweight - >60kg to <63.5kg
1) Brandon Ng (FWA) vs Liew Bun Mew (ASF)

Novice Female

Pinweight - >45kg
2) Joscelyn (Hilltop The Gym) vs Madelene (SMU)

Lightflyweight - >45kg to <48kg
3) Vivian Tan (FWA) vs Rachel Miley (Hilltop)

Lightweight - >57kg to <60kg
4) Ivy Wong (Hilltop The Gym) vs Lina (SMU)

Amateur Fight - Male

Lightwelterweight - >60kg to <63.5kg
5) Mohd Raffii (FWA) vs Leroy GuangYi (MTW)

Welterweight - >63.5kg to <67kg
6) Paul Leong (Hilltop The Gym) vs Ng Jin Siong (SMU)

Amateur Fight - FeMale

Bantamweight - >51kg to <54kg
7) Serene Tan (FWA) vs Candice Kuok (Evolve)

MAIN EVENT - Pro Fight

Bantamweight - >51kg to <54kg
8) Nadia Griva (Hilltop) vs Lena Tan (BXG)

March 13 2011. National Open Invitational Championships Vol 2! Women's 54kg Singapore Title!

2011-02-28T23:46:00.000-08:00

Who will be wearing this belt home? Come down on 13 March at 12pm at SMU Concourse to see for yourself! The hardest, fiercest Women's Singapore Title fight Singapore has ever seen! Stay tuned!

National Open Invitational Championships Vol 2!

2011-02-27T22:54:00.000-08:00

Coming up! March 13, get ready to be rumbled! The National Open Invitational Championships Vol 2 will be happening on March 13 at SMU! Main highlight will be the Women's 54kg Singapore title belt! Lena Tan of BXG will face off with Nadia Griva of Hilltop is a fierce rematch that happened 3 years ago! This time vying for the Singapore Title belt! Be sure not to miss!

Have ring, will fight: National Open Invitational Championships Vol 1

2011-01-31T19:12:00.000-08:00

We had a blistering start to the year with our first muay thai competition, the National Open Invitational Championships Vol 1, jointly organised by Hilltop "The Gym" and SMU on January 9, 2011.

The ring is the very same one used for training at Hilltop "The Gym", and the fight took place in the underpass leading out of the Bras Basah MRT station into SMU.

The somewhat unconventional location didn't put off any spectators, however. The event drew hundreds of people, a testament to the increasing popularity of muay thai in Singapore.

There were 15 novice and amateur fights in all, where young fighters from various local tertiary institutions and muay thai gyms tested their mettle their mettle in the ring.

The event showcased promising local talent in the sport. Some fighters even paid homage to tradition, performing the "wai kru" before the start of the fight.

Congrats to all 30 who fought! You're a winner just by stepping into the ring. Continue to train hard!

Fight card (W=won)

Novice Male

Lightweight
Kenneth Tham (NUS) vs Yeo Chern Yu (Fight G)(W)

Featherweight
Ng Jin Siong (SMU)(W) vs Derrick Ng (NUS)

Lim, Sean Duan Chern (SMU) vs Muhd Firdaus (Ngee Ann)(W)

Light-Welterweight
Hasyim (Fightworks Asia)(W) vs Benedict Lim (ASF)

Welterweight
Jerome Tong Jin Jie (NUS)(W) vs Dillon (MTW)

Light-Middle
Yanren (MTW) vs Sammy Phua (FWA)(W)

Zhakelov (NUS)(W) vs Boris Tan (FWA)

Middleweight
Rakhimov Kamildin (NUS) vs Hadi Bin Omar (Evolve)(W)

Novice Female

Wong, Ivy Ai Hui (SMU)(W) vs Sandra Leo (Asoka MT)

Amateur Male

Lightweight
Weijun (MTW) vs Radeem Mohd (Evolve) (W)

Light-Welterweight
GuangYi (MTW)(W) vs James Liu (ASF)

Welterweight
Leong, Paul (SMU)(W) vs Daniel Lim (NUS)

Stephens, Christopher Dilipkumar (SMU) vs Samuel Seah (NUS) (W)

Muhd Nurhalistar (SKD) vs Gene Leong (NUS) (W)

National Open Invitational Championships Vol 1

2011-01-05T07:52:00.001-08:00

Hilltop "The Gym", Hilltop EVENTS and SMU, proudly presents the first event of 2011! The National Open Invitational Championships Vol 1! Come join in the excitement on 09 Jan (Sun) at 12pm at the SMU T-Junction (Basement of SMU outside OCBC bank). Event is proudly sponsored by LONSDALE, MAXI MUSCLE and POWER BALANCE!

This event is organised to promote the Art of MuayThai and more importantly to give the young and new practitioners the opportunity to showcase their training. Hilltop EVENTS is aimed at promoting local gyms and athletes and setting up more platforms for the upcoming batch of athletes in Singapore.

Come down on that day to witness MuayThai LIVE in Singapore and show your support to the new athletes emerging in the city of Singapore. No ticket is required as this event is organised to help promote the new athletes to climb up the ranks. See you all there on Sunday 09 Jan at 12pm!

Sport Accord Combat Games 2010 - Beijing

2010-10-12T02:23:00.000-07:00

The Sport Accord Combat Games 2010 was the first of it's kind in MuayThai history! Set in an Olympic venue like Beijing was a far cry from where MuayThai was 10 years ago. Brenda "Hilltop" Shee had the opportunity to represent Singapore in this event and although Brenda lost to Thai Team Prakaido Pramari, Brenda finished all 4 rounds with poise! Mr Stephan Fox, General Secretary of IFMA commented that "This girl will go a long way!".

Now back in Singapore, Brenda's next step is to get ready for the World Championships 2010 in Bangkok from 27 Nov to 05 Dec 2010 which will be held at The Mall Bangkapi! Alongside Brenda will be Lena Tan from BXG, Amir Khan from ASF and Sayfiq of FWA. Let's wish them all GOOD LUCK and TRAIN HARD!

Brenda Shee represents Singapore in the Sport Accord Combat Games 2010

2010-08-23T00:34:00.000-07:00

Brenda Shee has just qualified for a space in the upcoming Sport Accord Combat Games 2010 in Beijing from 28 August to 03 Sep 2010! She will be competing with 8 others in her weight category, including Prakaido Pramari of the Thailand National Team! Good luck and best wishes to them all!

Queen's Cup 2010 - Brenda "Hilltop" Shee

2010-08-18T23:21:00.000-07:00

Brenda "Hilltop" Shee emerges victorious

in the Queen's Cup, held at SanamLuang Bangkok

on 12 Aug 2010!

Dominated all rounds with graceful poise and textbook techniques! Congratulations Brenda!

First Singaporean girl in Queen's Cup

2010-08-05T04:40:00.003-07:00

Brenda "Hilltop" Shee, will yet again be the first Singaporean girl to be part of a prestiguos event. The annual Queen's Cup will be held at Sanamlaung on 12 Aug this year! Be there for an exciting night of fights!

MUAYTHAI in SINGAPORE (Taken from World MuayThai Magazine)

2010-07-11T02:40:00.000-07:00

Accenture having MuayThai fun at Hilltop The Gym! 26th June 2010

2010-07-11T02:22:00.000-07:00

Hilltop The Gym wishes to thank "Accenture" and all their staff for letting us show you that MuayThai can also be fun, apart from being great for your fitness. We look forward to seeing you again and wish ALL a healthy and fulfilling life! Thank you again.

Hilltop The Gym "MuayThai Bootcamp 25-27 June 2010"

2010-07-08T23:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks all for attending the MuayThai Bootcamp conducted by Hilltop The Gym! Photos can be found at http://www.facebook.com/people/Hilltop-TheGym/1774618377#!/album.php?aid=16382&id=1774618377

ULAS "AMOK" ASLAN

2010-06-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hey Terence you merciless trainer ;)

I hope you are doing really good.
Finally I got all the pics etc from the fight and created my facebook account so wanted to post it on the hilltop pinnboard.
But it seems to be protected. Therefore I send you what I have via mail...

Thank you very much again for the chance to train with you guys and making me regrett everytime I was in the ring with you guys ;) It was a pleasure and a honor.

I hope to see you again sometime.
The latest, when you have your plans to visit Germany!

MUAY BORAN Demo & Seminar

2010-05-11T23:52:00.000-07:00

Venue: Fightworks Asia, East Coast.
Date : 14th May 2010.
Time : 6.30pm- 9.30pm.

Dear all,
This is a ONE-TIME show only. It is limited to 100pax. So, hurry get your tickets. It will be $100 for pre-sales, $120 at door. * Purchase tickets and stand the chance to get 20% off Muay Thai Series 3: Cross Border Rumble. (:

Regards,
HillTop "THE GYM"

Feinting in the Ring

2010-05-05T02:08:00.000-07:00

Boxing With A Poker Face
By Ross Enamait - Published in 2006

The card game of poker involves deception and concealed emotions. A player will bet that the value of his cards is greater than that of the hands held by others, in which each subsequent player must either equal or raise the bet, or drop out. Card players are said to wear a poker face, meaning that they conceal their true thoughts and feelings to mislead or persuade the other members of the game. For example, you may present an image that you have an excellent hand, when in fact you do not.

While I am not suggesting that you become an avid gambler, a fighter can certainly learn from concept of the poker face.

A boxer must also conceal emotions throughout the competition. If he is hurt or fatigued, he must mask these feelings from his opponent. The idea behind the poker face is to present a specific image to your opponent. For example, entering the final round of a bout, there is a good chance that both you and your opponent are battling with fatigue. Your arms may feel heavy, the legs unsteady. It is during these times that you will look to identify a weakness within your opponent. Is he also tired? Is he breathing heavy? What can you read from his body language?

The last thing that a tired fighter wants to see is a look of vigor and energy from his opponent. A tired fighter is hoping that his opponent is equally tired, or perhaps even more exhausted. You have likely seen or experienced bouts where both men essentially draw a mutual ceasefire. The two athletes will hold on the inside, neither man punching. Each man is completely exhausted, and trying to buy a few moments of rest, hoping that his opponent is in the same situation. Don’t buy into this storyline. Don’t let anyone know that you are tired. If your opponent is offering a momentary ceasefire, rip an uppercut on the inside. There will be no ceasefires until the final bell rings.

Seeing your opponent gasping for air and looking to hold will often add fuel to your fire. You will quickly gain a second wind, sensing that your opponent has run out of gas. During such times, you will put your fatigue aside, as you capitalize on your opponent’s weakness

Masking Fatigue

Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi once said, “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” No man is immune to fatigue. The best fighters in the world will eventually battle with exhaustion. Great fighters learn to box effectively through fatigue.

The ability to mask fatigue must be developed, just like any skill. This is not something that you can expect to do without preparation. A fighter needs to train with the look of strength and vitality. No matter how hard you train at the gym, you should maintain composure.

For example, suppose you are hitting the mitts with your trainer. Now is the perfect time to work on this unique skill. Don’t let your trainer know how tired you are. At the end of the round, take deep breathes and relax. Do not slouch over as if you are about to pass out. No matter how tired you are, now is the time to mask the fatigue. Apply this mentality to all aspects of training (ex. bag work, sparring, conditioning drills).

You may be running intervals or sprinting hills early in the morning. No one is there to see you panting on the side of the road. This is no excuse to let your guard down. In between intervals, stay calm, maintain composure, and keep the fatigue to yourself. You do not need to put on a show, by falling to the ground in agony. Walk around, shadow box lightly, and focus on being a fighter.

Masking fatigue is just one of many forms of deception, similar to feinting. Feinting is defined as “A mock blow or attack on or toward one part in order to distract attention from the point one really intends to attack.” For example, a boxer may fake the jab, and then step in with a short left hook. Feints are used to keep your opponent guessing and off balance. You are essentially deceiving him, in preparation for your next attack. Feinting can also help you buy time when fatigue sets in. You may be in need of a quick break in the action, so you can temporarily freeze your opponent with effective feints.

Masking fatigue could even be considered a form of feinting. You are deceiving your opponent, by giving him the impression that you feel fresh and ready for action.

Hiding your fatigue can also be useful with the judges. Judges are human beings, capable of being persuaded and manipulated. Don’t show the judges that you are completely exhausted. Show them that you are in shape, and ready for more action.

Furthermore, you should hide fatigue both during and in between rounds. Many trainers will glance over at the other corner in between rounds. If they see you slumped over the stool, gasping for air, it will often provide that much needed spark for their fighter. You’ll often hear a trainer say words such as, “Look at him, he’s out of gas! He’s all done. Jump on him!”

Don’t give the other corner this ammunition. Sit up in your stool and maintain your poker face. Let everyone know that you feel strong and are ready to fight.

Maintain your poker face inside the ring.

The Heart of Boxing

2010-05-05T02:03:00.000-07:00

The Heart of Boxing
By Tom Shook - Published in 2005

"A reminder to ALL fighters"

The fighting sports are amongst the most difficult athletic pursuits known. Most sports require a high level of physical conditioning and mental preparation, but only the brutal one on one competition of a fight can so absolutely invoke the primal survival instincts that each of us posses. There is something raw, wild and unyielding that occurs when a fighter steps into the squared circle. Preparing for this activity requires more than physical preparation, it also requires spiritual strength. What motivates a fighter to go on despite immeasurable fatigue, pain and injury? Standing alone, almost naked and facing an opponent bent on knocking you out is a very unnerving experience. Doing that more than once could be considered insane! Champions not only do this many times, they thrive in this environment.

Miles of roadwork and heavy bag punching will not prepare you for the moment when your opponent lands a crisp punch and destroys your equilibrium. The human nervous system is a marvel of evolution. It allows us to think, move, create and express ourselves in many different ways. Unfortunately, it is also subject to the forces of physics. Disrupted nerve impulses lead to all sorts of alterations in cognitive, emotional and motor ability. A fighter that receives a hard blow on the chin could find himself suddenly dizzy, disoriented and unable to move the way he wants to. Does a champion admit defeat and quit the fight? Hell no! He summons up his spiritual strength and fights on. The old timers call the ability to do this heart. It is what separates champions from every one else. The most physically gifted athletes in the world will never achieve success if they fold when the going gets tough.

How does one go about training his “heart” or spiritual strength? This is something that a lot of us are born with to some degree. We all know people with an absolute can-do, never give up attitude. Despite this truth, spiritual strength must also be cultivated. A fighter needs to forge himself in a crucible of focus, discipline and hard work. Each day pushing himself to do more and be more than he was the day before. It starts in the gym, doing one more round of sparring, attacking the bag with ferocity and determination, getting out and training in the cold, wet, uncomfortable conditions that all of us must face if we are committed to winning. Staying disciplined with preparation and making oneself impervious to pain and resistant to fatigue through training, training and more training develops it even further. But training alone is not enough. You can develop a great deal of physical skill and toughness through training, but spiritual strength must be taken a step further.

You have to ask yourself how bad you want to win and be prepared to do what it takes to achieve victory. The time to ask yourself how bad you want it is not when you are reeling from a hard combination. When the day comes, and it will come, that you must fight through the pain and punishment being inflicted upon you by your opponent you need to already have an answer to that question. You must know deep down in your soul that you will be victorious at all costs.

Don’t hide from the truth. Live in the world of the absolute. Boxing is a brutal business, and you will be hurt in the ring at some point during your career. The hidden key to boxing is knowing that truth, accepting it and being prepared to fight through that hurt when the time comes. You must go about all of your preparation for boxing with this fact in mind. This type of spiritual strength is not developed over night. It takes time and work. Don’t wait until you get your bell rung in the ring, get to work today preparing yourself to deal with and overcome adversity.

Muay Thai event in Australia!

2010-04-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

For more information, contact Kru Phil Renata of Team Ngapuhi @ www.teamngapuhi.com.au & www.fightstuff.com.au

2010-04-17T03:49:00.000-07:00

Ultimate De-stressor

2010-04-17T02:26:00.000-07:00

Heavy Bag Hitting
The Ultimate De-Stressor
By Mike Bresnahan - Published in 2003

Pop! Pop! Pow! Wham! Whoomp! As you walk into the gym, you hear the familiar sound of boxers hammering the heavy bag. Pop! Pop! Pow! Wham! Whoomp! Sounds like a double jab, straight right, hook, uppercut combination.

The sounds are easy to recognize. The “pop” is the snapping crack of the jab. The “pow” is the exploding smash of the straight right. The “wham” is the crashing blast of the hook. The “whoomp” is the thumping report of the uppercut. The heavy bag absorbs it all. It takes all the hits and responds with thuds, creaks and groans, but never a whimper.

You love the sounds. There is something primal about them. There is a deep down visceral feeling of satisfaction. You look forward to the feeling of release you will get when you finish your own heavy bag session.

Ah, the heavy bag! Is it the ultimate guilt free stress reliever?

Stress relief is undoubtedly a major benefit of working the heavy bag.

Heavy bag training is an all out anaerobic activity. It works like an antidote to stress. Fast paced punching combinations require extreme focus. They get your mind off negative thoughts. They pump you up and help eliminate the metabolic byproducts of stress. (1)

Heavy bag drills also make you push through your lactate threshold. They temporarily wipe you out. You feel spent.

As you recover your oxygen debt, you feel the tension in your muscles ease. You feel rejuvenated. The intense pace can also cause positive changes in your brain by releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of relaxation and satisfaction. (2)

In addition to stress relief, working the heavy bag activates all the major muscle groups in your body. The arms, shoulders, back, gluteals, hips and legs all work together as you punch the bag. It is a fantastic total body workout that builds functional speed, power, balance, timing and coordination. (3)

OK, it’s a great stress reliever and a fantastic total body workout. What does a good heavy bag routine look like?

To get the most out of your heavy bag workout, you need a plan. (4) For example, you may want to start out with one minute rounds (work intervals), interspersed with 30 to 60 second rest/recovery periods.

You may also want to start with basic punching combinations. As your anaerobic stamina increases and your skill improves, you can gradually increase the length of your rounds to 3 minutes and incorporate more complex punching combinations.

During the round, or work interval, you should strive to punch continuously. Controlled continuous punching is the key to optimizing the benefits of your workout. Beginners are amazed at how quickly their heart rate accelerates and their arms, shoulders, obliques and legs run out of gas.

If you have an interval timer, you can break the round down into a series of 30 second intervals, punctuated by a “bing, bing” signal. With each 30 second interval transition, you can adjust your intensity level and vary your punching combinations.

The variety of possible combinations in a heavy bag workout is virtually unlimited.

The Boxer’s Guide to Performance Enhancement (see references) has some great examples:

Speed Drill - Throw your punches as fast as possible. A minimum of 4 punches per combination. Develops speed and anaerobic endurance.

Outside Drill - Throw your jab and straight power punch combination. Circle and jab. Throw your combination and move. Circle in both directions. Develops footwork and staying power.

Inside Drill - Get in close with hooks and uppercuts. Slip, bob and weave. Develops inside power and stamina.

Change Directions - If you usually circle left, circle right. Throw jabs while mixing in combinations as you move. Develops coordination, endurance and change-up ability.

Jab - Do an entire round with only the jab. Snap out single, double and triple jabs. Mix in feints. Move in both directions. Develops quickness, stamina and coordination.

The are an infinite number of possibilities in terms of round time, interval time, recovery time, work intensity and punching combinations. Check out the “The Boxer’s Guide to Performance Enhancement” for additional combinations.

Sounds great! How do I get started?

Your number one priority has to be SAFETY. Find a good coach or certified trainer with the appropriate experience. Make sure the coach or trainer you choose emphasizes the importance of proper technique and appropriate body mechanics.

Learn how to wrap your hands. Get a good pair of well-padded bag gloves.

Study proper body mechanics with your coach or trainer. Repetition is the key to success in learning proper technique. Be patient with yourself. Build up slowly.

Do not try to kill the bag. Odds are that the bag will always win anyway.

Like other forms of intense exercise, heavy bag work stresses your joints, bones and muscles. It is especially tests the resilience of your connective tissues, your tendons and ligaments. So, avoid over-training. Allow plenty of time for recovery between bag sessions. (6)

Again, concentrate on skill and proper mechanics. Power comes from speed and speed comes from smooth technique. So, work on your form and build up your intensity gradually.

Your motto should be “no pain, no pain.” You will make greater gain, if you avoid injury and pain.

Good luck! Have a plan. Build up slowly.

And, have fun! Hitting the heavy bag is definitely a blast.

Works Cited

Wilcox, B. J., M.D., Wilcox, D. C., M.D. & Suzuki, M., M.D. (2001) The Okinawa Program. New York: Three Rivers Press.
“Active Options for Stopping the Stress Spin Cycle” (1997) [Online] Available: http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1997/07jul/stress.htm The Physician and Sports Medicine, Health Track July/August 1997 The McGraw-Hill Companies.
LaHaie, R. (2002) “Heavy Bag Training for Fun, Fitness and Fighting” [Online] Available: http//www.protectivestrategies.com [2002, December 10].
Enamait, R. (2002) The Boxer’s Guide to Performance Enhancement www.rossboxing.com.
Enamait, R. (2002) The Boxer’s Guide to Performance Enhancement. www.rossboxing.com
LaHaie, R. (2002) “A Cure for Bag Pain” [Online] Available: http//www.protectivestrategies.com [2002, December 10].

2010-04-17T01:21:00.000-07:00

For members who got our dish of Power Boxing this week, here's an article on it! Enjoy and see you all great people soon! Happy MuayThai-ing!

Intensifying The Heavy Bag
By Ross Enamait - Published in 2004

The article below includes two conditioning drills intended to teach the athlete to fight through fatigue. Skill should never be intentionally abandoned, but during periods of extreme fatigue, the athlete must be prepared to continue fighting despite skill deprivation (which can occur when all three energy systems are drained). By training to fight through extreme levels of fatigue, you will be more prepared (physically and mentally) to deal with such feelings during live situations. This article is NOT skill based however (strictly conditioning based).

The heavy bag is one of the oldest, most recognizable pieces of training equipment. Unfortunately, due to its commonality, the bag is often overlooked when searching for speed, power, and endurance. Fitness manufacturers continually develop and market new products catered towards today’s combat athlete. As new products are developed, old training tools such as the heavy bag are often forgotten.

This is unfortunate, as the heavy bag is perhaps the most sport-specific and effective training tool available.

Consider a typist who wishes to type more words per minute. To increase her typing speed, she types away at the keyboard. To type fast, one must type.

This logic also applies to the act of punching. To punch with speed and power, one must punch. What better way to enforce this simple analogy than hitting the heavy bag?

To increase speed and power, one must hit the bag hard. Regular practice is required to develop efficiency of movement when punching. Unfortunately, it is common for fighters to coast through a heavy bag session. These individuals stick with a few basic combinations, flicking out an occasional jab while grunting and groaning to impress onlookers.

A common heavy bag workout consists of three or four rounds on the bag. Amateur boxers compete with 2-minute rounds while professionals compete with 3-minute rounds. These work-to-rest ratios are often followed when hitting the bag. Certain trainers intensify bag sessions by reducing rest between rounds to 30-seconds. Another common means of progression involves increasing the length of the round. For example, certain professionals hit the bag for 4-minute rounds. The reason for the increased round length is to “over-condition” the fighter for a traditional round. If a fighter can hit the bag for 4-minutes, a 3-minute round should be easy.

Unfortunately, this theory rarely works in the real world. As round length increases, many fighters learn to pace themselves throughout the longer round. Rather than maintaining an intense pace, these fighters conserve energy for the longer round. This style of training is detrimental to a competitive fighter. During competition, these fighters will be unprepared for an opponent who maintains an aggressive, furious pace.

Rather than increasing round length, I recommend increasing intensity through short, yet highly intense punch-out drills. A punch-out drill simply consists of a string of all out punches thrown in rapid succession without rest. Common punch-out intervals range from 15 to 60 seconds. During these drills, the fighter will throw non-stop punches. I recommend straight punches during this drill to reduce bag movement. For example, you will throw a non-stop 1-2-1-2 (1 = jab, 2 = cross).

These drills are extremely intense. You will essentially be performing high intensity interval training on the heavy bag. This style of training will prepare you to throw explosive combinations with maximum speed and power.

Punch-out drills are commonly referred to as the Olympic Drill. These drills have been used at several Olympic boxing camps. You will not find many drills that can match the intensity and effectiveness of these brief punch intervals.

Not A Replacement, An Addition

These drills should not replace traditional heavy bag work. The heavy bag is ideal for drilling and reinforcing new combinations. Skill training and conditioning are not the same. You can however supplement a traditional heavy bag routine with a brief punch-out sequence.

Sample Workout

4 x 3-minute rounds – Skill emphasis
4 x 30-second punch-out drills
Finish with 1 x 3-minute round

This routine will begin with four traditional rounds of bag work. Your focus should be on skill development. Throw combinations, moving left to right, and right to left. Integrate head movement, feints, and combination punching. Rest one-minute between rounds.

After four rounds are complete, proceed with four punch-out drills. Each drill will consist of one non-stop combination, thrown with maximum speed and power. Allow one-minute of rest between drills.

Finish with one round of traditional bag work. At this point, you will be forced to fight through fatigue, as if you were in an actual competition.

Variety

I recommend variety when performing punch-out drills. In the preceding example, the routine called for 30-second intervals. You can also perform a punch-out sequence with shorter, more intense intervals. For example, perform 10 x 15-second punch out drills. Allow 45 seconds of rest between drills. This brief 10-minute sequence is much more challenging than it appears. By reducing the length of the drill, you are able to maintain a true max effort from start to finish. These drills are excellent when training to improve speed, power, and anaerobic capacity.

Power Boxing

Another option to traditional heavy bag work involves brief full-speed, power boxing rounds. Each round will last 60 to 90 seconds. You will throw combinations with an emphasis on maximum power. This is no time to be practicing your jab. You will work solely on power punching. Each round should involve a max effort. Each punch will be thrown with bad intentions.

Integrate a variety of punches (ex. hook, uppercut, cross). As you can see in the sample video clip below, I throw multiple punch combinations, all with maximum power.

Sample Workout

3 x 3-minute rounds – Skill emphasis
4 x 1-minute power boxing
5 x 30-second punch out drills

This routine will begin with three traditional rounds of bag work. Your focus should be on skill development. Throw multiple combinations, moving left to right, and right to left. Integrate head movement, feints, and combination punching. Rest one-minute between rounds.

After three rounds are complete, proceed with four power-boxing rounds. Each round will be “fought” at full throttle with an emphasis on maximum power punches. Allow one-minute of rest between drills.

Finish with five punch-out drills. Each drill will consist of one non-stop combination, thrown with maximum speed and power.

This brief bag workout integrates skill work, power boxing, and punch-out drills. You will start with a skill emphasis while the body is fresh. You will proceed to power boxing, and finish with a brief conditioning sequence via punch-out drills.

Another Sample

10 x 1-minute power boxing
Once again, you can incorporate variety into a power boxing routine. This workout will equate to 10-minutes of max-effort punching. These workouts provide obvious benefits when training to increase power and anaerobic endurance. You will train the body to throw power punches round after round. Increased punching power plus increased punch output is a dangerous combination.

Summary

These sample routines will greatly intensify a heavy bag workout. Do not limit yourself to “traditional” heavy bag training. You can achieve numerous benefits with short, intense drills on the bag.

Balance intensity throughout the week. One session can be geared more towards skill development (ex. combination punching) while another can emphasize power and anaerobic endurance. Do not be so quick to overlook the heavy bag. The heavy bag is perhaps the most effective, sport-specific conditioner of all.

Hit the heavy bag hard and often.

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About the Author - Ross Enamait is an innovative athlete and trainer, whose training style is among the most intense that you will find. Ross is committed to excellence and advancements in high performance conditioning and functional strength development. He has a sincere interest in helping today's athlete in their quest for greatness.

Ross has authored several comprehensive training manuals, designed for athletes participating in combat sports such as boxing, wrestling, and MMA.

Hilltop Courses

2010-04-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

At Hilltop “THE GYM”, our programs are developed to help you achieve functional muscles that are tight and sinewy. Such combat ready muscles will not look bulky, instead you will have an athletic build. Ladies, you will not look like She-Hulk and for the guys, no one will ever say you look freakish! Instead you will move with grace and finesse. Hilltop “THE GYM”, has developed fitness programs based on Muay Thai, for different levels and ages.

There are Four Muay Thai based programs:

1.Fitness Class – “Pack a Punch”
2.Kid’s Class – “Aspiring Tots”
3.Teen’s Class – “Strength and Honour”
4.Fight School – “Humble and Strong”

Breaking News!

2010-04-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

The Muay Thai Alliance of Texas is proud to announce its newest and FIRST international affiliate gym! Hilltop "The Gym" dedicates itself to teaching Muay Thai in Singapore. Recognized by the IFMA and WMC, it is also the oldest operating camp in Singapore. By agreement, the Hilltop Gym and the Alliance's Team Texas "Rebels" will cross promote its fighters through future MTAT activity in Texas and activity inSingapore. Welcome to the Alliance and the Texas Revolution Hilltop Gym!

About the Muay Thai Alliance of Texas

After two years of uniting gyms and fighters under the same banner for the purpose of providing activity to Texas athletes, the Alliance was formed in 2009 and is the FIRST and ONLY organization in the state dedicated SOLELY to preserving the art and sport of Muay Thai in the state of Texas.

The formation of the Alliance was not just one person's dream or accomplishment. It took the entire Lone Star State to finally stand up together and believe that Muay Thai could thrive and flourish. As such, the name "Alliance" is one that best describes the organization as it has been a cooperative effort on every member's part since its inception to bring the art and sport of Muay Thai to the forefront and preserve its culture and tradition for future generations to enjoy. The Alliance continues to grow through the cooperation and agreement of other organizations at the state, national, and international levels.

The MTAT is a non-profit organization, and is licensed as an Amateur Combative Sports Association (ACSA) by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The MTAT offers competition in the form of state, national, and international amateur contests, and will be the entity responsible for ensuring cultural and traditional integrity of competitive events in the art and sport of Muay Thai held in the state of Texas as prescribed by the national, international, and world governing bodies.

Membership in this organization is open to all enthusiasts, practitioners, fighters, gyms, referees, and judges wishing to learn, compete, and contribute to the preservation of the art and sport of Muay Thai.

The Muay Thai Alliance of Texas enjoys a cooperative affiliation with Rangsit Boxing Stadium in Thailand as part of its athlete development program, and is a proud supporter of the Pan American Muaythai Union (PAMU), the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA), the World Muaythai Council (WMC), and the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), as well as those national federations whose aim it is to see Muay Thai prosper. Through the tireless effort of these organizations, we hope to see Muay Thai in the Olympic Games in the near future!

Check out their official website: http://www.mtalliancetx.com/index.html