I started with Kung Fu at 11, did some Judo until an injury made me stop at 15. Recovering, I saw JCVD's Kickboxer, and decided I wanted to be like Tong Po, which go me started in Muay Thai which I trained and competed in for 9 years. Then university got in the way, so I stopped, but still kept up with any Martial Arts group I could find for free (hey, all my money was going to rent and school). Moved to the States for a bit, and since there was no Muay Thai, I did American Kempo for 5 years. Back in Canada, tried getting back to Thai Boxing, but decided it was a younger man's game.
Gave up on all of it for 9 years until I signed up for a 5Km race, which got me back into fighting, plus weights. Now I teach and train Muay Thai, and train with the Dog Brothers in Krabi Krabong and Kali/Arnis/Escrima. Kinda wondering why I had ever stopped. I train for reality, but also for joy of movement, and the internal aspects as well. There really is no other activity that gives you such a complete package. As for sparring, give it a try. Yes, there's a risk of head injury, but that's mostly at pro level. Your body is more resilient than that, you won't be getting any trauma from a 14 or 16 Oz glove. Just ease into it, you will find more likely to get a bruised cheek than a concussion, even if you go harder.
Gave up on all of it for 9 years until I signed up for a 5Km race, which got me back into fighting, plus weights. Now I teach and train Muay Thai, and train with the Dog Brothers in Krabi Krabong and Kali/Arnis/Escrima. Kinda wondering why I had ever stopped. I train for reality, but also for joy of movement, and the internal aspects as well. There really is no other activity that gives you such a complete package. As for sparring, give it a try. Yes, there's a risk of head injury, but that's mostly at pro level. Your body is more resilient than that, you won't be getting any trauma from a 14 or 16 Oz glove. Just ease into it, you will find more likely to get a bruised cheek than a concussion, even if you go harder.
