To the Slaughter

Since I'm back at the Muay Thai gym, I thought I'd entertain you all with a story from an actual fight I went to see. Kawilla Stadium, it considers itself to be "the only one main standard stadium in North Thailand...REAL MUAY THAI NOT SHOW FIGHT!" Apparently, there's a touristy venue that puts on demo fights but not these guys, as clearly indicated on their flyers. Though these are real fights, the flyers can be a bit misleading. It appears that they only have a small collection of tough-looking Thai fighter photos that constantly get recirculated on each new flyer. Kind of like stock photography. The pics are never actually of the people that are fighting. The names are correct but not the photos. A bit troublesome when you place a bet based on a photo. Good thing the odds on the fight and return on your bet change throughout the actual match. Not that that would ever fly in Vegas.

Anyway, this story is about one Thai fighter in particular who is affectionately called, The Pig. Now The Pig, again, with affection, is an exceptional study in both courage and stupidity. See, The Pig is way obese, even by American standards, which makes him a bit of a novelty here in Thailand. A freak of Thai nature worth the price of admission alone. "Come one and all to see the amazing Overweight Thai Man, he'll astound you with his girth." He is also called The Pig because he is often pitted against rookie western guys looking for their first "Thai fight." A sacrificial swine thrown into the ring to build up the egos and resume of aggressive Americans and Europeans.

The study in courage comes from the understanding that any westerner who would travel thousands of miles to train and compete in one of the most violent fighting techniques in its country of origin is probably hellbent on kicking someone's ass. To be fairly overweight and marginally talented takes real courage to get into the ring. I doubt I'd do it. But The Pig always shows.

Now, the study in stupidity stems from, well, the same damn reasoning. I mean really, why? Why get in the ring knowing it isn't going to go well for you? Why take 5 knees to the head? It's stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Okay, let me back up. That's not to say this dude isn't tough or that he can't do some harm himself but, yeah, why?

Nevertheless, I like The Pig...for his courage. I'm sure he has his own reasons for getting into the ring each time he gets the call to fight a westerner. I'd really like to know what's going on in that brain of his. But for now, I'll settle for his bravado.

Interesting sidenote, some girl with an eyepatch just walked by the internet cafe. Hey Bart, who knew there were hot pirate chicks in Thailand. Arrrrrrggghhh.

Oh, it's also time to hand out the award for Most Blog Comments by One Person...and the winner is: Patty Stodola. Congratulations, Patty! You get a special gift from a Palaung village in Northern Thailand. No, not water buffalo feces. But good guess. It's a handmade craft from an old lady with black teeth.