Influencer?

Wait, are you talking to me?

I’m not an Influencer

So I had one or two people call me an influencer and it was slightly surprising, if I’m honest.

It might be surprising to hear that I don’t do what I do, to be an ‘influencer’.

Not just because I don’t have millions of followers but because that is not my goal with TNT.

In fact, I don’t even want to be one. I want to be (and to be seen as) someone who provides value.

I want to be seen a businessman or a business, man.

I’ve kind of put my head down and concentrated more on what I am experiencing:

the Muay Thai and the gyms, and the amazing experiences and travel along the way.

I think I already have a lowkey phone addiction so agonising over followers and views would be a nightmare.

Why do this?

So quick breakdown:

1. Our Mission: to travel to 100 Muay Thai gyms around the world 🌍

2. Our Goal: to spread the love and culture of Muay Thai around the world to inspire people and help them empower themselves 💪 

3. • Muay Thai Gyms

   • Brands

   • People: People who do MT and people don’t but are interested in it.

Looking at those 3 factors above, there are so many different reasons why I do what I do.

I think Muay Thai as a sport and an industry is growing.

Let’s hope it grows to the level of the UFC whilst retaining what makes it beautiful.

Each gym is different.

Different cultures, people, styles, environment… there’s a gym style for everyone.

Let’s smash the preconceptions that MT gyms are only for hardcore nutcases who enjoy smacking each other in the head.

(I know that might be you, but it’s not ALL of MT).

And, Muay Thai is GLOBAL.

I’ve seen so many gyms in places I wouldn’t think to find them. People need to see this!

So that is the industry and the gyms. Then the technical side:

The blend between art and science in martial arts is addictive and limitless.

Showcasing how each fighter and coach puts together their style or their techniques is like recording the Van Goughs, Monets, Dalis etc. of our generation.

Also, these are real people.

They aren’t superheros.

I think that makes what they do even more impressive.

These fighters, coaches and champions are like me and you.

They are just fulled by a passion and driven by a discipline which is monumental. I want to highlight this.

Then, the average person.

Whether you are a fighter or not, Muay Thai will make you a better person.

It will inspire you to strive to be a better version of yourself, constantly.

There are so many facets to Muay Thai - mental, physical, emotional, spiritual - and it really does save lives.

Sometimes seeing something on a screen can make it a lot more familiar and inspire people to step into a gym.

If you know what to expect, you are a lot less likely to fear the unknown and give up, once you decide to try Muay Thai.

And then, there’s me. Obviously.

I get to travel around the world and do what I love.

Train Muay Thai with the best in the world, no, in our GENERATION…

AND meet likeminded people - isn’t that a win?

Zooming out, I see TNT as a sort of digital legacy.

For gyms and coaches who aren’t concerned about the business or the marketing, once they are gone, their art is gone.

This channel will digitise some of that.

It also shows people that their goals are achievable, no matter what they are.

Hell, if some random guy with 0 fights can wake up, decide to quit his job and spar (get beaten up) with the best in the world, then anyone can do it.

You are part of it too. Without you TNT wouldn’t be possible. You are TNT, so thank you 🙏 

5 Tips for Preparing to Train in Thailand

Okay so last week’s email on training in Thailand got some love.

The first time I trained in Thailand was in 2019.

I had been working pretty hard to get a grad job and I was out of shape.

I decided to jump into the deep end and book a ticket before I lost my soul to the corporate grind.

And while it was amazing, there were a few things I would (and did) do differently.

So, in reverse order, I’ve decided to write about how to prepare for training in Thailand:

1. Build up your cardio - I think this one is really important.

The rate which people train at in Thailand is usually much higher than in your home country.

Maybe it’s because you are in Thailand specifically to train, or maybe they train harder out here.

But, working on your cardio BEFORE you arrive will allow you to learn much more.

That’s because you’ll have the energy to learn, instead of focussing on not gassing out.

Personally, I need to run more, but I would practice this in advance.

2. Strengthen your calves - I see so many people who come into training and do everything really well.

Then a few days in, “yo, my calves are KILLING me”.

You are using your calf muscles constantly - running, skipping, being on your toes in the stance.

There are so many… not injuries… aggravations? Which can happen from such intense use of these muscles.

I don’t know the medical term but you have a sort of inflammation which triggers nerve pain in the calf and it can be really sore.

Plus, there’s shin splints, plantar fasciitis, knee pain etc etc.

Try to build up your strength and conditioning before you arrive.

3. Pack electrolytes - Again, Thailand makes you SWEAT.

You need electrolytes, and quality ones which you trust.

Personally, I think you should pack some which work well.

This way you won’t be rushing around before or after training and you’ll know what’s in yours.

Some of them have added sugar etc. which can make you crash a little.

Of course, buy some out here, but don’t come empty handed.

(Also remember we get 15% off Muay Thai gear - link here).

4. Strengthen your joints - when I first trained, I came back with a load of Muay Thai knowledge, a lot less fat, and…sore wrists.

Your joints really get punished when you train. Hips, wrists, knees, shoulders etc.

Mobility work and joint care is very important and it can help prevent injury.

5. Prepare your gut - this one is optional but I think it’s really beneficial.

There will be lots of bacteria your body is not used to. Plus, different/spicy food.

Start drinking a probiotic a few weeks in advance, like Yakult.

I have not had a single stomach issue (fingers crossed) in over a month, and I think it is because I prepared, and continue to maintain, my gut microbiome.

What else would you suggest? Have I missed anything? Shoot me a DM or respond to this email!

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So far I’ve been training at Lamai Muay Thai and Punch it, in Koh Samui, but i’m going to try out Superpro next.

Let’s meet here next week for more Muay Thai goodness!

I hope the start of your week is blessed.

TNT BABY 🧨