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In This Issue - Fitness Star In This Ocean Bloom Returns to TMT - Tiger Moves to the Future - Big Buddha: What to Expect? - The Beauty of the Wai Khru - Two Television Shows Film at Tiger - Fight Girls Star Ariana Rameriz Stops By - Thai Trainer Mac in the Spotlight
First Edition
JJ “Superman” Ambrose might have sat on his dad’s lap until he was 12 (true story), but he can still kick your ass. Having just snatched up the Philippines National Championship in submission grappling, the Ultimate Fighter vet and TMT pro is on the cusp of breaking into the big show. Many believe the offer will arrive when his four-fight deal with Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC) runs its course next year and, when Dana White comes knocking this time, Ambrose will be ready. “I was off my rocker during the Ultimate Fighter,” explains the 24 year-old Californian. “I wasn’t thinking properly. I didn’t even end up making it into the house which was kind of embarrassing.” Refocused and unwilling to blow his second chance, the happily married father of one has been training and coaching at TMT full-time since April, moving his record to 17-3. “There is something classic about Muay Thai,” he explains. “There’s a magic to it. Tiger has opened me to a whole new martial art. Before it was all hands and feet. Now it’s more knees and elbows. The Thais have a different mindset. They have a natural swagger.” It's that swagger that's helped him nail a fight
contract with Bellator Fighting Championships as a lightweight contestant in their March tournament. When asked about his motivation - his desire to fight - Ambrose answers as he always does honestly and to-the-point. “It’s really not about money,” begins the fighter. “I’d love to say I fight for my family but that would be BS. It’s not about hurting people either. I’ve just always wanted to fight. I can’t help it. I just came out swinging.” His father Joe agrees, saying that Ambrose came out of the womb fighting for the underdogs of the world. “He was always such a good kid,” remembers Joe. “He wouldn’t let anyone get picked on. The world changed the day he was born. He’s pretty much my reason for existing and I hope with everything I have that he gets his dream.” Ambrose feels the weight of the expectations around him, but says he uses that encouragement to bolster his dedication. “It’s a burden and a blessing at the same time. There is no choice for me. I don’t know what else I would do with my life. It’s not that I’m not capable of anything else. It’s just that nothing else would seem right.”
Superman Strikes Again!
Tiger Alumnus Ebersole Grinds Out Decision Win A last-minute opponent switch didn't seem to faze Brian Ebersole all that much. He managed to put an end to Claude Patrick's winning streak at UFC 140 on Dec. 10th. The
split decision win pushes his pro record to 49-14-1. Having trained at Tiger twice before, Ebersole came out a third time for three weeks this past October to prep for the fight. "I had some really good training partners," Ebersole told TMT productions shortly before he left. "It's been a pretty fun little whirlwind of excitement." Having just signed a deal with Tapout, life can't get much better according to Ebersole. "I've been blessed with a lot of opportunity." Ebersole had a friendly battle with MMA pro Benny Alloway (far left) while training at Tiger. He also gave an eagerly-awaited seminar.
TIGER MUAY THAI & MMA TRAINING CAMP
7/6 Moo 5 Soi Tad-ied , Ao Chalong, Muang Phuket, Thailand, 8310 TMT Office: +66 (0)76 367 071, Night Office: +66 (0)86 596 9090 info@tigermuaythai.com
Guest Testimonial of the Week
Marcel Klein Goes from Ordinary to Outstanding The three months I spent at Tiger Muay Thai & MMA were absolutely awesome!!! Not only did I take part in world class training, but I was also able to see the best of everything that Phuket has to offer with the help of my knowledgeable and friendly guide Mr. Chris Moir who runs Kickin' It Tiger. My reasons for coming to Tiger weren't necessarily to become a fighter. I was, however, able to participate in excellent Muay Thai training as well as their Body Fit class which was, at that time, run by pro fighter Dorian Price. He was nothing short of excellent in helping me to achieve my goals while here. Along with Body Fit, I spent many, many consecutive days in the weight room with industry professional, and overall nice guy, Peter “The Thai Hulk,” who is TMT's strength and conditioning coach. He also happens to be a full-time professional bodybuilder competing regularly on the Asia super circuit. In the past three months my daily weight training was focused on volume – less weight, more reps (ten sets of ten) for every exercise. My training/dieting here at the camp was also made well easier with the on-site location of the Tiger Grill serving a wide variety of healthy and delicious meal options that were utterly approximately 7 per cent body fat. essential in helping me properly execute my low-carb diet plan. Thanks Tiger and Kickin' It for helping me to have the absolute Since then, I've managed to put on 5 kg's of lean mass and drop best trip possible here in beautiful Phuket!!!
Fight Girl Star and Muay Thai World Champion Heats up Tiger Tongues were wagging last week at TMT as female Muay Thai world champion and star of Oxygen’s “Fight Girls,” Ariana Ramirez, stepped into the ring. The beauty couldn’t pass up some private training with WMC and Rajadamnern Stadium Champion, Lamsongkram Chuwattana while in Thailand. Alongside her husband, four-time world Muay Thai champion Kru Alberto Ramirez, the two snuck in some sparring at Tiger while on their second honeymoon. Both retired from fighting, the couple own and operate Chaisai Muay Thai in Seattle, which has the most champions in the Washington area. When it comes to knowing what it takes to win, Kru Alberto’s advice is clear. “You have to sacrifice,” he says matter-of-factly. “Success doesn’t come without a price. Your best fights will come after some of your hardest losses. If you haven’t lost, you haven’t fought the right people.” The couple, who were married in 2002, plan on returning to Tiger Muay Thai next year, saying TMT has added a personalized approach to Muay Thai training with its all-around targeting of fitness and nutrition.
SPECIAL PROMOTION Buy 2,000 Baht worth of product from the Tiger Gear Shop and get 10% off for the holidays! Pick up your TMT clothing, hand wraps, shinguards, gloves and everything in between today!
Important Dates to Keep in Mind Dec 17th - Camp closed from 7 pm onwards for the staff Christmas Party. No Muay Thai classes due to the camp’s annual blessing ceremony. TMT Phi Phi cruise trip from 8-5 pm. Regularly 2,500 Baht/Special price 1,900 Baht. Snorkeling and buffet lunch included. Dec. 18- TMT Holiday: Office & Camp Closed Dec. 19 - Poth Pard-Noi Wor Rawut , the man credited for bringing Muay Thai to Europe 30 years ago, is holding a seminar at 3 pm. He was Thailand's top Muay Thai fighter in 1972. Cost: 300 Baht Tiger Guests/500 Baht for non-guests. Dec. 24 - BBQ Beatdown 43: Christmas Edition Dec. 25 - Grill Closed. Camp open 11-5 pm Dec. 31 & Jan. 1st- TMT Office and Camp Closed.
Copyright J.W. Atherton
Top fitness competitor and model returns to TMT
An Ocean Apart From Ordinary She walks into the room, unassuming and undone - her hair Fitness Champion who was raised as an only child by a single in a ponytail and her heart on her sleeve. There are no costumes mom. "I didn’t have a family environment. As a competitor I and no heavy make-up. There is nothing to suggest grandeur and trained by myself and I didn’t have that group energy or yet, in an instant, it’s easy to tell why Ocean Bloom has managed camaraderie. I found what I was missing in Thailand. I found my to become one of North America’s family when I came to Tiger.” leading fitness personalities. Back in Phuket after a brief stint in "Thailand and One would understand if she copped Canada, Bloom is now teaching yoga and Tiger have been an attitude. After all, she’s competed in Body Fit classes at Tiger Muay Thai. She over thirty fitness competitions - winning is also available for private training such amazing about 80 per cent of them, and been featured sessions. blessings." in over fifty magazines - many of them Bloom’s primary focus is on strength, covers. flexibility, and endurance. Understanding She’s worked with celebrities like Jeanthat people of all fitness levels come to her Claude Van Damme and Arnold sessions, she aims to make everyone work to Schwarzenegger, been involved with movies the best of their ability. such as X Men 2 and I Robot, and made dozens “I believe in empowerment, not of television appearances. punishment. In my classes I like to create In short, she’s a major star without the major positive experiences that motivate and energize," ego - something she attributes to an awakening says Bloom, who has taken over 500 hours of several years ago. yoga teacher training. “I competed for 14 years,” starts the blue-eyed "One of the reasons I came back to Tiger is Canadian beauty. because my perception is that many people, for “It was an outlet for creative and physical whatever reason, don’t feel loved, supported expression. That was the initial draw, but it or encouraged in their daily lives. became about being judged. It became so At TMT you are surrounded by a ton of extreme that my life felt empty and lacking in people who want you to reach your goal. You other ways. People thought I was beautiful on won’t be judged. We just appreciate you the outside, but I wasn’t experiencing joy and coming into our family.” Copyright Rodney Jang fulfillment. I felt disconnected from my real purpose Yoga runs Monday through Friday at 6:30 am in life.” with Body Fit following at 8 am. A second Body Fit class (not It was that search for purpose that drew her to Thailand and, included in monthly training fees) runs at 3 pm. thanks to friend and MMA star Roger Huerta, Tiger Muay Thai. Private sessions with Ocean can be bought at the front office “I’ve lived a very solitary life,” explains the 2005 World for a cost of 1,500 Baht.
BBQ Beatdown #43: Christmas Edition n't o D ge t December 24th F or Tickets 400 Baht in Advance or 500 Baht at the Door
In This Issue
(Above)"Embarrassing Bodies" show host, Dr. Dawn Harper, gets a lift from a few hard-bodied fighters. Easy boys! She's married!
UK's Hit Show "Embarrassing Bodies" Shoots at TMT
James Mason gets his moment
The doctor was in the house last week as Channel 4’s award-winning television show, Embarrassing Bodies, filmed at Tiger Muay Thai. Twelve TMT guest fighters starred in the special, which will highlight safe sex and a healthy lifestyle. “The segment we filmed was a bit of fun with a serious message underneath,” explains show host, Dr. Dawn Harper. “The guys were wild! I’m really impressed with this camp and the discipline of the fighters here. We couldn’t have picked a better spot for filming.”
The UK show, which highlights embarrassing medical conditions, has won two BAFTA awards since its inception in 2007. The crew originally came on-site to do a special about current TMT guest, James Mason who has lost 63 kg to date and battled a rare bacterial infection. "James has an incredible story," says the mother of three. "He's one of those people who will reach their goals." After seeing the camp, the show decided to shoot an additional segment on-site. Both shows air in February 2012.
Don't Forget! K-1 Kickboxer, Rickard Nordstrand, Back at Tiger * Training prices for Peter, the Thai Hulk, have increased to 1,000 Baht per session * Yoga starts at 6:30 am instead of 7 am Tiger Muay Thai would like to extend our deepest sympathies to TMT Trainer Komrit and his family on the loss of his father who died in a motorcycle accident Dec. 12th.
You wouldn't know it by talking to him, but Rickard Nordstrand is a pretty big deal. Not only is the Swedish K-1 kickboxer a WMC World Light Heavyweight Champion, but he's also a movie star. "We've filmed two movies and the first is coming out Jan.13th," says the fighter with a slightly embarrassed grin. "It's a James Bond type of thing." Having been to Tiger four times, Nordstrand originally started fighting as a way to stay fit for hockey. "When I started fighting there was just something special about it. There is this mixed sense of hate, happiness and fear." When asked if his fighting days are done now that the lights and cameras are on, Nordstrand hesitates. "I've said before that I won't fight anymore, but then I do it again. I'll never say that I'm done for sure. You just never know what's going to happen."
Explore Phuket
The Toughest Climb in Town They say getting there is half the fun. "They" obviously haven't been to Big Buddha. Sitting approximately 25 meters wide by 45 meters high, it isn't just the world's largest Buddha that impresses. The road leading there is equally as jaw-dropping with its winding, uphill path and steep inclines. The rewards, however, are worth the pain. Friendly elephants, cheeky monkeys, blessings from monks and stunning sea views await anyone willing to tackle the five kilometer hike. A few tips: - Take a right out of TMT followed by a left at the main road. Follow the signs and watch for the turnoff on your right. -Remember to bring money (plenty of pit-stops available on your way up), water and sunscreen. -Keep in mind that this is a sacred space, so sleeveless arms and exposed legs will be covered with sarongs upon your arrival. (Above) The Big Buddha looms at sunset. (Below left) TMT - It is possible to be blessed by a monk once inside. Remember to remove your shoes and wait your turn. Once signaled kneel in front of the guest, Cara Bianchetto, gets a smooch from her new friend Popeye,while (below right) TMT guest Alan "The Kid" monk to receive your bracelet and blessing. Gutierrez checks out the view on the way to the top.
Advice from the Pros (aka TMT Guests) "Don't let them charge you to take photos at the viewpoint." Karl Grouwstra (UK) "Just take a bike! Don't walk or run." Steve Wadley (USA) "It's a bad Idea to rock up there at night. You better watch out for the stray elephants!" Fredrik Bjornander (Sweden) "You'll want to quit within the first five minutes - don't!" Cara Bianchetto
Thai Trainer Spotlight
Ajarn Mac: The Highest Ranked Trainer at Tiger
Head trainer Phet Chaimanee (left) translated the interview with Samurn Suttiwiset (aka Mac) pictured on the right.
Raised in a poor family, Samurn Suttiwiset (aka Ajarn Mac) didn't have fancy toys or expensive family holidays. Tiger's master instructor does, however, vividly remember the day he discovered something much more valuable. "There was a temple festival once a year," explains the veteran of 196 fights - 146 of them wins. "I'll never forget seeing my first Muay Thai fight. It seemed like a gentleman's sport. It looked honorable and fair." By the age of 10, Mac had started fighting to help support his family, training under his uncle, former Ratchadamnern champion, Yodthong Sahaisurk. He soon became known for his strong elbowing technique with few opponents able to block it. "Fighting is man to man," says the married father of two. "But it is always about you. You fight yourself. It's about what's inside."
During the prime of his fighting career Mac competed on Thai television beating notable fighters Ruan Pair Sitwatnang and Wichannai Pornthaw. He also claimed the E-San Championship belt. Retiring at the age of 33, Mac is now Head Trainer Phet Chaimanee's assistant at TMT. He's been with Tiger Muay Thai for five years and says there's no way he'll ever leave. "Everything here is perfect," says Suttiwiset, who has trained many Muay Thai champions. "Tiger has a system that works and it is organized. Everyone has their own responsibility and that makes for better training." When asked about the legacy he leaves for his family and if he wants his son to study Muay Thai, the trainer simply shakes his head. "I want my son to do something different and know more about the world. There are already enough fighters in the family."
Former Miss Switzerland Brings Travel Show to TMT The bevy of beauties continued at There’s no way you’ll get something Tiger Muay Thai last week with like this anywhere else.” former Miss Switzerland, Tajna The show, which features the Gutmann, and Nina-Vanessa ladies trying a variety of different Heinemann on-site to study the art of adventure activities, has already Muay Thai. filmed in the Canary "This was the The hosts of the Islands, the Dominican new Swiss travel show, perfect experience Republic and Egypt. The Holiday Checker, “Traveling has been because it was learned the ropes during an incredible experience,” real." the beginner’s Muay exclaims Gutmann. “It has Show Host Nina- allowed us to see so many Thai class before going Vanessa Heinemann wonderful things and meet one-on-one with Rachadamnuen such amazing people...just champions, Kru Lamsongkram and like the people here at Tiger.” his brother, Kru Laimangkon. When asked to compare her “This was the perfect experience pageant days to her day of training, because it was real,” explained the former title holder could only Heinemann right after the session. shake her head and laugh. “It isn’t just for tourists. I can’t The Holiday Checker airs believe what you get for the price. February 2012.
Tiger Muay Thai on the Move: An Interview with the Man on Top Will McNamara, the owner of Tiger Muay Thai, is a bit like Charlie from Charlie's Angels. You don't actually see him much in the flesh, but he's always there. Guiding Tiger on a daily basis, MacNamara helps oversee every aspect of the camp from afar and has big plans for the future.
How has TMT evolved over the past few years? We have worked hard to develop new training programs like Body Fit and TRX, but always keeping our eye on giving our guests the best experience we can offer. We have also worked hard on the development of the BBQ Beatdowns and giving guests a chance to have amateur fights in Muay Thai, Boxing, MMA, and BJJ. We are now expanding TMT to other locations like Chiang Mai and offering investors in other areas of the world a chance to become a part of the TMT family and the experience.
What makes Tiger different? TMT is committed to our continuing responsibility to the Kingdom of Thailand and to our employees to represent and promote the national sport of Thailand the best we can. TMT believes in the ancient traditions that Muay Thai is built What's in store? on for over 700 years. We honor those traditions by showing More of the same! TMT is built on the foundation of offering respect for the sport and those involved in cherishing the heritage our guests a unique and quality experience while training in of Muay Thai. TMT will continue to help our trainers and their Thailand at TMT. Our guests come first in all things we do at families whenever and however we can. TMT. Will Elliott it set to become the new President of Operations for Thailand. I have Why Do Muay Thai Fighters a great belief in Elliott's ability to attain the goals I set forth for TMT and always Dance Before a Fight? remember that serving and helping our guests is our The Wai Khru Ram Muay is a ritual first priority. performed before every fight to show respect Elliott will be leading the way as we to the fighter's teachers. complete our newest training camp in Wai is the action of putting the hands Chiang Mai and the next outside Bangkok. together like a prayer. Khru means teacher. We will also be expanding into foreign Ram refers to the old traditional style and markets across the world with the TMT Muay means boxing. brand. The Wai Khru involves circling the ring three times before kneeling and bowing three What is the vision for TMT? times. The fighter traditionally bows to Tiger Always be setting new goals that serve Buddha to ask for protection for himself and Trainer our guests best interests and that of TMT as his opponent. Noppadet, a business. Always be innovative in The Ram Muay demonstrates the fighter's the "King of identifying trends in our industry and lead control and style. It is done towards the Knees," the way setting an example for others to audience and can be quite personalized. Often demonstrates follow. TMT will lead the way in bringing it gives hints to the fighter's background and the Wai Khru authentic Muay Thai training to the rest of training. the world.