MUAY THAI

Mishaal Al Rashid

Ever since I graduated from high school, I have always wanted to do boxing. However, after I’ve moved to Rome, Italy to start my undergraduate program, I’ve met one of my closest friends (four times champion of Lebanon) who introduced me to Muay Thai or Thai Boxing.

During my first year in Rome I joined an Italian muay team “Cesarini Acadamy.” With my team, I started learning the core basic techniques of Thai Boxing form masters and professional fighters.

After a while, my close friend, with my help, wanted to start his own muay thai team. He decided to open the Martial Arts Club in our university.

We’ve held training sessions in the university’s gym. The practice has been always intense and tough, even for advanced students.

The reason for the tough practice is to get us prepared – mentally and physically- for tournament fights.

HOW DOES MUAY THAI CONTRIBUTE TO MY PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?

Muay Thai has taught me respect, discipline, and confidence…

Muay thai is not only about defeating your opponent, and winning fights. I believe practicing muay thi is also about meditation.

Muay thai has helped me control my self. I am more calm person and able to control my anger in hard times. Moreover, it makes more energetic and optimistic

Muay thai has improved some of my management skills. It’s made me better listener and a better comprehensive thinker. Listening to my teammates’ struggles and fears help us to be understand each other, and strengthen our bond.

In addition, even though Muay thai is a one man sport, which relies mostly on your abilities, especially in the ring, it has taught me team work.

At the beginning and during every semester we set goals and work together towards these goals.

During the training sessions we rely on each other to achieve our goals, and that is by working hard, and encouraging each other at a time when we need it the most.

To conclude, Muay thai has help strategic and decision making skills. I see things from different angles before reaching a conclusion. It has imporved my concentration ability, and have faith in myself. In our club giving up is not an option. This way of thinking has helped me to gain more confidence, and resistance.

Going in one more round when you don't think you can - that's what makes all the difference in your life.” - Rocky Balboa

THANK YOU!