Violence

(By Dermot, but not Violence by Dermot)

Paula assures me that Muay Thai kickboxing is more eastern philosophy than mindless violence. She has practiced the martial art for 8 years, and is now both proficient and passionate.  She also assures me that her bouts with both women and men have resulted in people being hurt. Apparently some of her male opponents have been reluctant to land a blow - but she managed to convince them.  I can sense Susan's reluctance to go watch grown men (and boys) pummel each other. But  ......  off we go!

It's Muay Thai, not kickboxing (And note the surgical gloves on the umpire)

Walking into the stadium creates an instant rush of adrenalin as a pumped crowd cheer every kick. It is obvious from the start that part of the eastern philosophy is to bet heavily on goodness knows what. Amazingly, we are absolutely ringside. It is exciting and not as 'brutal' as I expected... I notice Susan seems quite relaxed (if slightly on edge) and Rory and I cheer every kick. Most of the blows involve a knee to the ribs and tight clenches. Paula explains some of the 'finer' points of the controlled violence - particularly the bit where each combatant is absolutely intent on "getting in that ring to beat the crap out of the other guy".

So close we could nearly smell it....

The combatants honour one another at the end of the bout, the crowd, however, lose interest in the participants once the bell has rung and their betting outcomes are settled.

 

'Amulet man' - we thought they were padlocks, but each was an amulet - a fascinating chap.

Concentration, fascination, anticipation, and bizarre wagering by hand signals

We all 'enjoyed' it. The energy in the room was infectious and we cheered every blow that landed.

After the main card the 'kiddies' got a run. I was surprised that helmets were not de rigueur. The red shorts landed a fine punch to the head which sent blue pants to the canvass, he regained his footing, albeit wobbling. The crowd cheered both efforts. I felt squeamish, having seen my own boy knocked out cold three or four times playing footy. I felt for his parents, but perhaps I was just projecting my feelings and fears. At the end the two boys embraced, bowed to their corners and the crowd dispersed.

 

That one landed.

We all felt pumped. I'm pretty sure Paula had an urge to hit something, I just didn't want it to be me so I kept my comments about Canadians to myself!  (Remembering personal rule no 17: Never pick a fight with a woman who has more tattoos than you).