Ouch

Sore all over ever since I started muay thai training. I have several bruises too on my knees and shins. But for some reason, my mom is supportive of me! Interesting, considering she didn't like it when I was in the track team in college. Said I was getting too dark from the sun, plus I developed muscles in my legs, too, a no-no for girls.
Maybe it's because I don't get much sun in muay thai training, that's why she doesn't mind. She also likes the idea that I'm learning self defense.

As for me, I'm hoping to become good at this. I'm growing to really like this sport. I want to see if I can become good enough to compete one day. :)

Group Buying is the Sh**

I gotta admit, I was really hesitant about these group buying sites cropping up over the last few years. There's Ensogo, Groupon, Metrodeals and a host of startups that are getting into the field as well. The reasons why I was suspicious include the fact that they ask for your email add, and well, will include you in their e-blasts which tend to flood my inbox. I end up deleting the deals before even opening the emails or just unsubscribing. Another reason to be careful is that they ask for your credit card details.

But these days, I guess you could say I'm a convert. I bought a deal once for this resto called Spicy Tongue, and I got my coupon, and yes it was honored at the resto, which served superb Bicol Express, Laing, Dinuguan and Kinalas. With this good experience, I'm now excited to receive the e-blasts. There have been several interesting deals ranging from restaurant discounts, laser treatments, spa treatments, and waddya know?! A deal on learning mixed martial arts at the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines. It was kind of weird but hey, 60% off for 16 sessions? I just had to buy it. The gym is in Makati, and though it's far from where I live, it IS near where I work. So I plan to have a weekend session and one for weekdays, I'll just leave the office earlier. Can't wait to start classes since I only have 4 sessions left at my current gym.

Muay Thai-ing

I took up Muay Thai as my PE for a semester while I was in college. Back then I found it intriguing. I really wanted to learn more, but I didn't know where and how. Back then, I had just quit the track team due to financial constraints and didn't want to try out another sport until I was more stable. I mean, what was the use of starting something I couldn't pursue? Luckily, now that I have a relatively stable job and my own income, I now have to opportunity to enroll and learn Muay Thai.

I did some research and found out that it's an ancient martial art, the "Art of Eight Limbs". It was meant to train soldiers to use their feet, knees, elbows and fists (and head) as weapons in the event that they were caught unarmed during a battle or encounter. I'm really excited.

It's just been 4 sessions at this place called Balboa Gym, but I'm thinking this is something I can and should pursue. Being a runner, I guess I've built up a good base of stamina and leg strength. I still remember the basics I learned back then during PE class and have been able to apply them so far. What's giving me trouble are the combinations though hehe. But I do believe this will do wonders for my, erm, semi-existent hand-eye coordination. I'm still surprised at how I was able to play badminton for so many years given that I get confused easily with movements involving rhythm. Will see how it goes, got myself a pair of boxing gloves today as I didn't want to borrow those random gym gloves anymore (they kinda smelled funny). :D