by John Wolcott
As legend has it, sometime around the late 1700’s on March 17, a Thai boxer by the name of Nai Khanom Tom, who was held captive by the King of Burma, fought and defeated ten Burmese boxers sequentially earning himself his freedom. As the story goes, Tom’s first opponent was so thrown off by the performance of Tom’s Wai Kru that he attributed his loss to the ceremonial dance. Because of this the referee declared Tom’s victory invalid. Tom was then ordered to fight nine more opponents, consecutively defeating them all. The Burmese King, who was so impressed by Nai Khanom Tom’s capabilities, granted Tom his liberation and bestowed upon him two wives. Nai Khanom Tom returned to Thailand a legend.
Although centuries have passed and times have changed the legacy of Nai Khanom Tom remains. So much so that every year, on March 17, the Muaythai community celebrates in his honor. On this day participants across the world take time to reflect on the sport they love and show gratitude to the ones who teach it, and rightfully so. The job of a Muaythai trainer is often thankless. Generally, the men and women behind the scenes rarely get the recognition they deserve. How many times does a trainer get the pat on the back after their fighter has had a stellar performance? The job of a trainer is the ultimate sacrifice - giving up ones own time, body and energy for the betterment of another. What greater abandonment of the self exists? The idea seems fitting for a sport that melds almost seamlessly with Buddhist tradition. However, it doesn’t stop there.
Although centuries have passed and times have changed the legacy of Nai Khanom Tom remains. So much so that every year, on March 17, the Muaythai community celebrates in his honor. On this day participants across the world take time to reflect on the sport they love and show gratitude to the ones who teach it, and rightfully so. The job of a Muaythai trainer is often thankless. Generally, the men and women behind the scenes rarely get the recognition they deserve. How many times does a trainer get the pat on the back after their fighter has had a stellar performance? The job of a trainer is the ultimate sacrifice - giving up ones own time, body and energy for the betterment of another. What greater abandonment of the self exists? The idea seems fitting for a sport that melds almost seamlessly with Buddhist tradition. However, it doesn’t stop there.