March 8 – 17, 2019: Bangkok, Thailand
One of the great things about being a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach is being able to travel the world to experience sporting culture and associated strength training and conditioning. A great commonality for all nations is the practice and love of various forms of combat sports, and Thailand is certainly one of the kings of combat sports with the sport of Muay Thai (Thai Kickboxing) gaining a worldwide following with thousands, if not millions, of practitioners around the globe.
2019 marks the fourth year of the International Thai Martial Arts Games and Festival held at the National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Fighters and gyms from around the world traveled to the birthplace of Muay Thai to demonstrate martial arts and compete in Muay Thai and Thai sword fighting matches. With the full support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Culture and Foreign Affairs, the International Thai Martial Arts Games and Festival seeks to promote peace and friendship through sport while also preserving Thailand’s National Heritage.
The Festival was held primarily in area outside of the National Stadium, right next to the the BTS Skytrain station and the MBK Mall. The location made it easy for visitors staying throughout Bangkok to travel quickly and safely to the Festival while also being able to take advantage of the nearby shopping and amenities at the MBK Mall, Siam Paragon, and Siam Center.
For any practitioner or fan of Thai martial arts, this Festival is an outstanding opportunity to experience high-level competition and camaraderie in the visitor-friendly capital of Thailand. Not only can you visit the Festival while in Bangkok, but you can also check out professional Muay Thai fights nearly any night of the week at Rajadamern Stadium or Lumpini Stadium. Many local Muay Thai gyms also offer visitors the opportunity to pay a gym fee and stop in for a training session. Whether you’re a veteran or new to the sport, give Muay Thai a try in a traditional training environment.
VIDEO: 4th International Thai Martial Arts Games & Festival
VIDEO: fight day at Rajadamern Stadium
VIDEO: Lumpini documentary clips