Ever wondered how your favourite characters like Bruce Irvin from Tekken or Sagat from Street Fighter deliver those bone-crunching strikes? The secret lies in the martial art of Muay Thai. Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai is not just the national sport of Thailand; it’s a combat discipline celebrated worldwide for its power, precision, and fluidity. With its rich history and cultural significance, Muay Thai has also inspired characters like Joe Higashi from the Fatal Fury and King of Fighters franchises, who embody the fierce and dynamic nature of this martial art.
We ventured to The Ring Gym in Braybrook, VIC, a place where the air is thick with the sounds of focus pads and heavy bags being pummeled, to meet with Datbaka. A renowned cosplayer and Muay Thai trainer, Datbakacos is well-known for his incredible cosplays, including Zoro, Hwoarang, and more recently, Astarion. His ability to strike dynamic poses and perform fighting moves in his cosplay content is no surprise, considering his commitment to the craft, which has led him to explore martial arts like Kendo and Karate, and eventually, to a career in Muay Thai.
I'll be honest: I was incredibly nervous about this edition of Colin Tries. With my two left feet, lack of coordination, and minimal athletic ability, the odds of success felt low. However, after chatting with Dat and running through the basics (albeit at a very accelerated pace), I quickly found myself becoming more comfortable with the movements and less self-conscious about how I looked while attempting them.
Our first lesson was learning how to stand, a fundamental aspect of Muay Thai that’s crucial to mastering the art. While I might be used to striking a “fighting stance” for cosplay photos, I wasn’t prepared for the technique required for proper Muay Thai form. Initially, it felt awkward, but with Captain Patch-it joining me for this Colin Tries challenge and Dat’s expert instruction, it soon started to feel more natural and I could see how the proper technique may help me with my posing later on.
Next on our fast-track learning list was how to move our hands, heads, and bodies. An essential aspect of Muay Thai is the fluidity of movement, which draws inspiration from traditional English boxing but places greater emphasis on movement flow. We then learned how to punch, kick, and block, and even took to the pads to practice a few combos.
It’s important to note that we moved through these techniques quickly for the purpose of the Colin Tries challenge. In a regular training environment, you would spend several sessions mastering each step.
A crucial tip for anyone considering Muay Thai: invest in your own gloves and pads. While many gyms offer communal gear, trust me, you don’t want to use them, even if they’ve been thoroughly cleaned. That communal glove ick is real! Quality gear not only enhances your performance but also ensures better hygiene and comfort during training. If you’re unsure where to start, look for gloves that provide good wrist support and padding, your hands will thank you.
Once Patch-it and I had grasped the basics, it was time for some sparring. Sparring was, surprisingly, less about physical power and more about mutual respect and trust between partners. You trust that your partner won’t aim for your head or hit you too hard, just as they trust you to do the same. It turned out to be a fantastic bonding experience and a way to truly understand the mental discipline behind Muay Thai.
Muay Thai is more than just a martial art; it’s a dynamic and engaging way to build confidence, improve fitness, and take your cosplay to the next level. The techniques I learned have given me new insights into how to bring martial artist characters to life. The stances, the fluidity of movement, and the precision required are all elements that can add authenticity to your cosplay poses. Whether you’re portraying a seasoned fighter like Sagat or a street brawler like Joe Higashi, Muay Thai can help you capture the essence of these characters.
We had an amazing time, and despite being incredibly sore the next day, I would 100% do it again. If you’re considering giving Muay Thai a try, Dat recommends researching gyms in your area. Look for a gym that promotes inclusivity and safety. He also suggests asking for a free trial session to get a feel for the gym and its culture.
"Come sit in a beginner class and see what is actually involved. Some people are nervous about getting hit and cut up. But a lot of the time you won’t get hit at all." He said.
Overall, Muay Thai offers a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience. Whether you're a cosplayer looking to enhance your craft or someone seeking a new way to stay active, Muay Thai might just be the perfect fit.
Learn more about Dat here and The Ring Gym here.
Originally written by Remi Lih for Colin Magazine Edition 9.
Craving more Colin Tries? Check out Colin Tries Medieval Combat.
