Al’s Gym Thai Trips

Training In Thailand

Al’s Gym regularly organises training trips to Sasiprapa Muay Thai Camp in Bangkapi, Bangkok. Sasiprapa is a non-commercial Muay Thai Camp, and they are very welcoming and accommodating. Over the years Al’s Gym has built up a good, trusting relationship with the camp. Many people worry about their first time training in Thailand. Rest assured, Al’s Gym has visited Sasiprapa many times, and feel it is the most authentic and friendly Muay Thai Gym in Thailand. The Sasiprapa Camp was started by Grand Master Chanai Phongsupa, and is now in the hands of his son – Thakoon Phongsupa. For more information, please visit http://www.mightyoak.co.uk/sasiprapa
Sasiprapa caters for all levels of fitness, and they will tailor your training regime to fit with your current level of ability. Their experienced trainers will work with you one on one, rather than dumping you on a punch bag to leave you to your own devices, and will push you to the max, teaching you the traditional art on the pads until you are ready to enter the ring for some controlled techniques with their fighters. There is of course the opportunity for free sparring if you are of a higher standard, and they can even arrange you fights during your stay should you desire.
Training is from 8:30am, and generally lasts for about an hour and a half – usually building up to longer sessions throughout the trip. You will start off doing a short, slow pack run (everyone runs at the same pace), and then do a little stretching. The first few rounds are shadowing, and then you get gloves on (supplied by the camp) and the trainers will take you on the pads giving you a hard, one on one workout. Whilst pushing you to the max, the trainers work at great length to correct the basics of thai boxing, and will take you to an advanced level.

Other Things To Do

Whilst we are in Thailand, we often travel to one of the islands for a few days of rest and relaxation. This could be Koh Samui, Koh Pha-gnan, Pattaya or Phuket. Accommodation whilst on the islands may be a bamboo hut or a bungaloo, depending on where we go, but these are always cheap and cheerful. We usually try to fly to the islands, as although taking the coach is cheaper – it can take 2 days to finally get there! (And then you’ve got to get back)! There may also be the option of doing more training whilst on the islands.
Al’s Gym also arranges day trips out, for example to see the Temples, the Old City, Monkey Mountain or the Sunday Markets. After training in the morning we have most of the day left, and so a quick shower and then a sunbath by the hotel swimming pool is the most attractive option. You can partake in the afternoon training session at no extra cost if you wish to (you pay for the day), but some people choose to train just once a day. Other than this Bangkapi has a huge shopping mall that is about 10 minutes away in the taxi, where you can get lost for hours in the massive variety of shops and restaurants.
The eating places in Bangkok are endless. Most streets have small foodstalls that will cook excellent chicken fried rice or noodles, and there is of course the option of eating in the hotel restaurant. The shopping mall has many western style restaurants, for example KFC or Pizza Hut, in case you get tired of Thai cuisine. Vegetarian food is also widely available.
There are constantly things to do in Bangkok in the evenings. As training is so early we don’t generally go out drinking, although if the next day is a rest day then the party’s started. We can introduce you to the infamous Bangkok party nightlife and bars, as well as thai massages, all accessible by tuk tuk. Khao San Road and Patpong boast some of the best market stalls in Thailand, including anything from clothing to CD’s, bags, watches and ornaments. We will also make trips to Rajadamnern and Lumphini Thai Boxing Stadiums, often watching fighters from Sasiprapa (who you may have been training with while you’re at the camp)! A trip to the stadiums also means shopping for your Thai Boxing equipment in the Twins & Windy shops.

Getting To Thailand

Al’s Gym will arrange a direct flight from London to Bangkok, and will obviously arrange your return flight. The reason we fly direct is to eliminate the possibility of luggage going missing, missing connecting flights, etc. So basically, you get on at London and off at Bangkok. On arrival at Bangkok’s airport, you will be collected by staff from Sasiprapa, and driven straight to your hotel. Before you are due to start training at Sasiprapa, we will take you to visit the camp to watch their fighters training, which is always impressive but don’t let it scare you off! By the time you leave Thailand you’ll be as good as them.

Preparing For Your Trip To Thailand With Al’s Gym

Before you travel to Thailand we will advise you on what jabs you may need, and we can also arrange your travel insurance for you too. You can do this yourself, but you must make sure you are covered for Martial Arts. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to worry about Malaria, as you are only vulnerable if you travel to the borders of Thailand. We will also advise you on any pre-trip preparatory training, and how to prepare for the thai diet.

When Trips Are Held

Al’s Gym organise trips to Thailand two or three times a year, the main two usually being in March and October. As with anywhere in the world, the weather in Thailand cannot be predicted but we try to arrange trips around the best times to go. There are three seasons in Thailand, the hot season (February – April), the rainy season (May – August), and the warm season (September – January), so as you can probably imagine, coats and jumpers are not needed (although a light waterproof may be useful). The holiday duration usually averages 2 weeks; any less time is impractical due to the long-haul flight. We can arrange staggered return flights no problem due to people’s different requirements and commitments. We generally leave Bangkok for a few days, travelling to an exotic island to experience more of Thailand’s natural beauty.

What To Take

This section will be covered in more depth once you have paid your deposit. As a guide, the best sort of luggage to take is a backpack. Suitcases are not easy to cart around, and if we travel to an island as well you will struggle. We usually retain one room in the hotel to leave all our luggage and equipment that is not needed on the island. For your training, you will need a pair of shorts (nylon is generally better as they are lighter), cotton underwear, and that’s about it! The camp will supply gloves for you. The hotel rooms have balcony’s that are useful for drying out kit after training, and you can wash your kit while you’re showering!
You really don’t need to take a lot of clothes. The weather is always warm, whether it’s raining or sunny, and so tee shirts, vests and shorts are the main contenders. Easy to remove sandals are a good idea, as sometimes if you visit the temples and footwear has to be removed, messing around with buckles or laces is annoying. You should also take a pair of trousers and a long sleeved top, as you may not be allowed to enter some temples unless the skin is covered up. All toiletries are readily available in Thailand, they have a Boots in the mall, but one thing that can be hard to find is suncream, so make sure you take plenty. Something else that you shouldn’t leave England without is a pack of immodium tablets, whether it’s the food or the water – something in Thailand will give you diarrhoea at some point. The finer details can be covered once you have made your decision to go and paid a deposit.

Accommodation In Bangkok