18 Dec 2011, Posted by admin in Headlines,Thoughts, 0 Comments

Welcome To The World’s Best Hangover Cure

Punches by Chris

Who knew that having a man shouting at you while you chase him around a ring for 40 minutes would be what you wanted after a heavy night of partying. The morning after a big night on the town, taking up a combat class at GYMBOX was probably not my wisest of decisions, but my instructor insists he’ll go easy on me. Phillip Tieu is my trainer for the session and a veteran Muay Thai fighter, who has been kicking and punching his way to the top since the tender age of five.

As Tieu discusses the sport, he wraps up my hands in grip tape, which he ensures me is for my own protection; but I can’t help but feel that I’ve been thrown to the lions. He also kindly reminds me that the majority of the clients he teaches are newbies and city workers.

Stepping into the ring I feel memories of playing Ready 2 Rumble on the Dreamcast flood back to me.  But there is little time for reminiscing; we jump straight into a series of warm-up techniques, jumps and squats. Philip has me shadow him, and quickly learn the basics of Muay Thai. Kicking, blocking and landing one-two combination punches soon has the alcohol from last night seeping out of me.

Landing big kicks and hearing the thud on the pad is hugely satisfying. I soon start to switch off and react only to Phillip’s commands. Before I know it, it is time for a water break, and boy do I need it. Back in the ring, he continually watches my stance and pushes me to improve. Minor adjustments in my technique result in heavier connections and quicker movements. Again, I start to switch off, desensitizing myself to the world around me. As the final bell rings I snap back into reality and as I gaze down at the sweat on my hands I know I’ll be dreaming of trimming of bonsai trees tonight.