BUSINESS WITH A KICK

       Virapol Gym builds a global reputation for Muay Thai training, writes Somporn Thapanachai
       Muay Thai or Thai boxing is a well-known martial art worldwide and many gyms offer training in cities across the globe. But Thailand is still by far the best place to learn the demanding art, and the best-recognised training centre in the heart of Bangkok is Virapol Gym.
       Located inside the compound of the former Pre-Cadet School on Rama IV Road next to the Suan Lum Night Bazaar,Virapol Gym offers Muay Thai training every day for 600 baht for two rounds, from 7-10 am and 3-7 pm, said owner Nikom Pheisiri.
       The gym has trained thousands of foreigners in its five years of establishment. They come from countries as far away as Chile and as close as China and Japan.
       Many trainees choose to stay at the gym, which can accommodate up to 50 people at one time in separate male and female dormitories,and pay 300 baht a night.
       Mr Nikom,40, said the gym expected to train all comers to be capable in Muay Thai so they can actually use the martial art.
       "We have no intention of withholding the knowledge and tricks of Muay Thai.We teach everything to trainees so it's up to their body conditioning to sustain the training as Muay Thai uses all parts of the body. It's tough for students who seriously want to take up this martial art," said the former Thai boxer who has spent many years teaching Muay Thai in other countries.
       The majority of students at the Virapol Gym want to take up boxing seriously or become trainers in their own countries,so there are few tourists in the sessions.About half of the students are female.Trainees normally take at least a week to a few months of training. The gym has six trainers.
       Mr Nikom said practising Muay Thai can require a long period of training.Foreigners generally start at a much older age than Thai fighters, who usually start training when they are six or seven years old and retire at around 25.
       In each round of training, the procedure starts with a Thai oil massage,warm-up and 5-10 kilometres of running to relax the muscles. Jumping rope fo-
       lows, and after that shadow-boxing, heavybag boxing, Thai pad training, which involves practice punches, kicks,knee and elbow strikes with a trainer, along with a variety of other moves.The number of trainees each day depends on the situation.
       "Trainees do the same things every day. If we find they are good enough, we will send them to test their ability at Lumpini Boxing Stadium," said Mr Nikom,whose trainees will get into the ring this coming Saturday.
       He also sends trainees to fight at Thai boxing events in other countries and recently signed a five-year agreement to send fighters to Beijing. His trainees have also fought in several European countries, but he has not yet sent any to the United States despite receiving some requests.
       Trainees who join for only a half-day will be charged half the daily rate. A monthly rate of 15,000 baht is also available.
       A convenient location allows trainees to spend their free time enjoying Bangkok, but the lease could soon be terminated as the area has been leased to develop a new commercial complex by Central Pattana Plc. Mr Nikom says he has already found a new location to continue his business if this occurs.