After deciding to learn how to fight, my life changed.

Actually, my life didn’t change that much apart from going to training.

But I changed. Most of those changes happened gradually in a sort of fighting metamorphasis, and that changed my life.

About last week…

Last week I spoke about the physical changes after starting martial arts, and they weren’t necessarily only the ones you’d expect.

This week we’re continuing that discussion and exploring the mental changes which I noticed.

(and NO, I’m not talking about a lower IQ from being hit in the head, before some smarty pants decides to reply to this with a “LOL”).

Free Your Mind

As always, let’s get the obvious bit out of the way. Fight IQ.

Being able to analyse fighters and understand the technical brilliance behind the brutality is one of the coolest parts to being a martial artist, for me.

Understanding that there’s a whole science behind two people smashing each other with their limbs was like unlocking a whole new world.

Not only that, it can be a precise science of millimeters and split seconds…. and some of it, I understood instinctively.

Going from a noob to an egoist to a brawler to a trained fighter is cool as hell.

It might sound weird but I even started to watch fight scenes in films differently. I could imagine myself throwing or receiving the strikes.

I’d think about what I would do and try and decipher the martial arts behind the choreography. Does anyone else do this?

A trained fighter’s mindset is one I will perpetually be trying to sharpen: trying to work how and why someone throws strikes the way they do, where the weaknesses are and how to adapt. All under the pressure of being hit, and by a moving target.

Speaking of pressure, learning to fight hones your ability to think under pressure. To control and channel your fear, instead of letting it overcome you.

It separates you from your emotions. That’s such a valuable skill in life:

Being able to step back when you feel fear (or anger or pride; they’re just as dangerous) welling up inside you, know that you are greater than that emotion, calmly analyse the situation, and act accordingly.

It’s not just your emotions, it’s your body too. There are plenty of times my body has screamed “I’m tired” but my mind was not. And I control my body, not the other way around.

This control gave me a burning desire to push myself. Nak muays are a special breed. The end of most people’s limits is where we begin. That’s our rest time.

For the average person, running a 3K or a 5K is a goal to work up to - but that’s not even a side dish in Muay Thai, it’s just washing your hands before the meal even starts.

Anyway, martial arts gifted me the ingredients of analysis, composure under pressure, self-reflection and a burning desire to push myself. And the result?

Training across the world with the best of a GENERATION in Muay Thai. Working and thriving in two countries. Three degrees in one of the hardest fields there is and job in one of the most competitive industries in one of the most sought after cities in the world.

Now I’m not saying all of that to brag, honestly.

I’m saying that because: 1). That’s the result of martial arts training which we can all do, and 2). None of those achievements matter in the face of my favourite mental gift of martial arts…

 White belt mentality.

Yes, dear friend. The ability to look stupid and goofy and be a complete beginner at something, but try and try and try. THAT is a SUPERPOWER.

As most people get older, they settle into a comfort zone.

Between 1-18 years old most of us are learning. For some people between 18-30 they’re still learning. But, at some point we settle.

Either we relent to life’s struggles, or we build up expertise/power in a little bubble, which we stay in. Victory defeats us.

Martial arts keeps the journey of learning alive. That’s why I can quit my job and not be worried about ‘losing it all’.

I am not afraid of being a white belt at ANYTHING because I know how to learn, and how to succeed.

You show up, put the reps in and kick the bag day after day. You break down combinations into their individual strikes, build them up, and practice, practice, practice.

It’s not about vanity. It’s about genuinely wanting to learn and be a better version of yourself.

There’s also the other stuff: separating your ego, the benefits of visualisation, the power of mindset and self-belief, and telekinesis. Just kidding on the last one, but really, I can’t cover it all.

Not a bad set of mental benefits for a sport that’s about kicking each other in the head, right?

OUCH! 5 Common Muay Thai Injuries

Picture this: you're in the gym, sweat-drenched and ready for training. Beautiful, isn’t it?

But there's a side of Muay Thai which often stays in the shadows, one filled with frustration, hopelessness and missed sessions.

I've been on an amazing journey through the world of martial arts since I was 15. Along the way, I've had my fair share of experiences, and today, I want to talk to you about something that all fighters, no matter how experienced, are familiar with – injuries.

It’s no secret that Muay Thai is a tough sport: it really can beat you up. Here are some common injuries to watch out for, and what to do in case you get one:

1. Bruises: Some people bruise very easily. I don’t, but have still had my fair share of bruises after sparring or holding pads for a hard hitter. I find applying heat to a bruise as soon as possible after training, and then periodically icing a bruise, works well. You can also try arnica gel or even an egg.

2. Shin Splints: Ah, shin splints, the classic foe. These fiery pains along your shins are quite common, especially when you're starting out and building up muscles and mobility in your legs. Stretch before and after training. If they flare up, ice them as much as possible, massage with tiger balm and don’t push through really bad pain. Rest, Ice, Compression and NSAID Painkillers.

3. Bruised Shins: Let’s combine the two above to give this one it’s own special shout out. Your shins can hurt after kicking the bag a lot - it’s normal and will usually clear up in a day or two with proper recovery. Over time they will become conditioned and become hardened to pain.

4. Strained Muscles: Proper warm-up and cool-down routines are essential. Always listen to your body - it’s your best coach.

5. Knee Injuries: These can be pretty serious depending on the injury. If it hurts to move the joint or walk, definitely get it checked out. Otherwise, the classic - a combination of Rest, Ice, Compression and NSAIDs is your best friend.

That’s 5 of the many injuries that you can encounter. But prevention really is the best cure. Stay hydrated, wear protection, know your limits, and always train with form you know is correct.

Also, generally, my secret weapons are magnesium, a cleanish diet and a good night’s sleep. Using magnesium supplements really reduces body pain and helps you bounce back much faster.

Community Update

Between me and you, this is the best place to know exactly what is going on and where I am.

Well, as of next week, I will be writing to you from busy Bangkok!

AND I’M STOKED! We’ll be checking out the coolest Muay Thai spots, and catching up with the best fighters, so keep an eye out.

What else would you like us to discuss? Respond to this email or shoot me a DM on Instagram.

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Let’s meet here next week for more Muay Thai goodness. I hope the start of your week is blessed.

TNT BABY 🧨