The Challenger Muaythai blog - Ilya Grad

by Ilya Grad

Israel's citizens are not allowed to enter Malaysia; I knew it as a fact! So when I was called for The Challenger, naturally I got a bit doubtful, but I was assured that some influential people in Malaysia had my back and would do everything in their powers to get me in. Although some friends and loved ones were concerned and even urged me not to go, the thought I might just be the first to ever raise the Israeli flag in Malaysia was an idea I couldn't resist. Not to mention the fact I would meet the best Muaythai fighters in the world to share my experience with.

Tickets were booked and I left Thailand praying for a smooth pass through Malaysian border, but once upon arrival I was stopped and told I had to spend the night at the terminal. After a long wait of 25 hours the Malaysian Muaythai Federation, with the support of the Malaysian sports minister finally made it happen and got the necessary papers to let me in the country. Just like that I crossed the border with a special pass, a very special pass indeed for my Israeli passport wasn't even stamped!

Kevin Ross - Thailand Blog Part 1

2010 North American Fighter of the Year winner Kevin Ross is currently in Thailand training at Sitmonchai. He will be writing a blog for fans to keep up with him here on MuayThaiAuthority.com. Enjoy.

Just finished my first week at Sitmonchai. Chaz and I landed in Bangkok around midnight Saturday. The camp is about an hour and a half taxi ride outside the city. Arrived at the camp around 1:30am and crashed out. Got woken up at 9 for breakfast, the food here is amazing, as most is in Thailand. Ended up sleeping most of the day. 

Monday morning got up at 6am and did about a 5 mile run then some pad and bag work. The trainers here are really great. I love their style, boxing and low kicks, one of the big reasons I wanted to come here. The camp has a very close knit kind of feel to it. It feels like a family as opposed to a gym/business. We get done training around 9amish and have breakfast then relax until 4pm when we go for another 3-4 mile run. After that another pad work session then more bag work and clinching or sparring.