TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY MUAY THAI CLUB: Fighters put up their dukes prior to their training
MANY fighting styles have come along in the world of combat sport, including boxing, karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. However, few can compare with the brutal tenacity and intensity of the fighting style – Muay Thai.
The sport of Muay Thai originated from Thailand and actually used to be called Muay Boran before it was modernized in the 1930’s and renamed Muay Thai.
However, it’s reputation and credibility has turned it into a worldwide phenomenon, being utilized all around the world and being one of the most used fighting styles in mixed martials arts and the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).
And in Teesside University, there’s a group of students putting on a pair of gloves and training in the fighting form.
Last year, the Muay Thai Teesside University club was formed but the turn-out to the classes were low.
However, this year the club hope to turn things around by attracting more and more students who either want to learn to protect themselves, compete in the sport or just want to get fit.
GLEN HAWMAN: Kru Glen Hawman with 25 years of fighting experience teaching students at the club
The club is headed by Kru Glen Hawman, who has trained in martial arts with his ajarn (teacher’s teacher) Paul Pearson of “silapa (the art of) muay thai” for 27 years and has taught at universities for over 15 years.
Glen says one of the biggest benefits he gets from teaching the style is inspiring the students he teaches.
Glen said: “I guess I love to see the beauty of muay thai come shining through.
“It’s a hard path, but I’ve seen it change peoples lives for the better and it keeps me motivated to continue to learn
“I feel by the end of it, if I can inspire a love of muay thai in them then I have planted a seed for them to grow themselves if they choose to.”
TRAINING: Glen works on stances with the students
Glen has mastered multiple forms of combat throughout his life.
He’s had experiences in wrestling, the thailand weapon art of Krabbi Krabong, Escrima and has been a yoga teacher for nearly ten years.
He’s had success in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, winning a bronze medal at the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu championships of Europe in 2001,
Alongside that, he’s earned a 10 year black belt in the Indonesian Lumpat Harimau Minangkabau system of Pencak Silat.
However, Glen credits Muay Thai for its conditioning that gives it an advantage over other fighting forms.
Glen said: ” I believe that muay thai has the rhythm of a fight like boxing, only it has more weapons.
“It has a rich history and has proved itself many times.
“The club’s a good way to get people involved and uni students are young. It is their time to do it.”
STUDENTS: The students prepare themselves
Despite the low attendance in the university muay thai club, Glen believes the sport is gathering a lot more attention worldwide.
“Muay thai is getting a lot more well known these days with the exposure on the internet and pay per view fights.
“Obviously, all the attention MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) has received recently has shown that muay thai is the go to striking system.
“Some of the older thai fighting systems are less well known but are finding support from a dedicated few.”
All is welcome as the group normally meets up from 7:30 on Thursday at the costa coffee near the university gym and the runs for 2 hours in the sports hall.
These 2 hour sessions are just £4.
You can contact the group through their Facebook group at this link and can follow them on Twitter @TeesUniMuayThai.
This group is an ideal way to get in fighting for Teesside University students. And remember…
“Muay Thai fever! There is no cure! Come get infected!”
KICKS OF FURY: A student delivers a hard-hitting kick during training
Courtside Teesside 