Today marks a month since Brett Hlavacek, WBC champion and Lion Fight regular, hosted a training camp at Khongsittha Muay Thai.
In keeping with tradition, on Brett’s previous trips to Khongsittha, he made it his priority to ensure everyone’s expectations for Bangkok were exceeded and that everyone could complete intensive training.
There’s a reason we’ve been working with Brett to build these camps: he is a veteran of Thailand, an expert in Muay Thai, and a genuinely good person.
Brett immediately hopped onto a plane after his win on Lion Fight 38. Brett has fought on this promotion many times and is looking forward to the opportunity for a title shot, depending on what happens in the next Lion Fight. You can watch a recap of the fights here.
What Exactly Is a Muay Thai Training Camp at Khongsittha
Another question we’re often asked is: “What’s the difference between your fight camps and your standard Muay Thai Packages?”
Part of the reason we host camps in addition to our packages is the opportunity for Muay Thai enthusiasts who are interested in meeting others, the opportunity to have a designated host; someone with just as much knowledge of Muay Thai as they do of Bangkok.
This makes it easier to explore the city and meet other enthusiasts simultaneously.
The training camps also typically include customized gear upon arrival, ringside tickets to either Lumpinee or Rajadamnern Stadium, private training with the host, and additional activities, depending on the month.
The added value of these camps, especially if it’s your first time coming to Thailand or your first time training in Bangkok, is huge.
There are also very few camps (if any) in Bangkok that go out of their way to ensure customers are taken care of outside the gym as much as they are inside.
Another key difference between training camps and standard package training is that reserving your spot early allows us to offer unique activities that would otherwise cost significantly more when done individually or without gym support.
We’re in a unique position to have a network of people who love to show travelers a different side of the city.
We often say “off the beaten path.” We play football with Saenchai after training, go to large music concerts, and take trips to Chiang Mai to watch fights with famous Nak Muay Thai fighters like Buakaw and Kaew Fairtex
Two Weeks With Brett
This is Brett’s second camp with Khongsittha Muay Thai and his third time coming to the gym to train.
His current professional Muay Thai record is 20-4, and he will be getting the opportunity to fight whoever wins the next Lion Fight cruiserweight match for a title shot.
Brett has a highly technical approach to Muay Thai, with most of his fights ending when his expertise overwhelms his opponents.
He doesn’t get in the way of the main reason that people come to train in Thailand: to learn from Thai trainers.
What he does is amplify what the Thai trainers are already teaching.
If the language problems are too complex at the time, Brett and the Khongsittha trainers work together to explain specific techniques.
In addition to excellent training, Brett’s a good leader.
Being part of a more minor camp allows deeper connections with fellow gym-goers, and it was evident this October.
All participants had a connection to Brett, whether they trained at the same gym as him, at his previous gym, or were currently taking private lessons with him. Brett ensured that trips to various stores to get gear were made, his favorite bars in town were visited, and no one was having a bad time.
His personality fits with the ethos of Khongsittha as a gym; we cater to spirited individuals who love Muay Thai, want to experience another culture, and generally want to have a good time. This is what we consider a healthy lifestyle, and balance is crucial to maintaining it.
The Future with Brett
Since we met Brett Hlavacek during our collaboration with Nak Muay Nation in July 2016, we’ve been working to grow the US Muay Thai community and provide insight into training in Bangkok.
We expect to continue hosting camps with Brett, which will include a range of activities and events, and potentially seminars.
Brett Hlavacek helps run a clothing company called Nak Muay Legends. They feature legends such as Dieselnoi, Samart, and Kaensak Sor. Ploenchit on their clothing, and you should check them out if you love any of these Golden-era fighters.
