I have been traveling to Thailand to train in Muay Thai since 1990. In 1998 at the Fairtex Muay Thai Camp just outside Bangkok I had the honor and the privilege to train with the legendary Arjarn Apidej in Muay Thai. I have been going back ever since. For a man with such vast experience and legendary status in Muay Thai what amazes me every time I go and train with him is how humble and down to earth he is. He is always smiling and gives you encouraging words whenever possible.

During a training session with Arjarn Apidej he always explains the importance of been an intelligent fighter, I really like that. I always walk away from every training session feeling excited for the next day.

Arjarn Apidej first started training in Muay Thai at the age of 12, motivated by his friends who where training in Muay Thai as well. He had his first fight at the age of 12 and won with a knockout. At this point he was self-taught and never received any formal Muay Thai training. After this experience he began to practice Muay Thai with his uncle and with his school teacher.

Throughout his career he was noted as the best Muay Thai kicker. Everyone knew him for his powerful kicks, when asked what made his kicks different he answered, "Powerful kicks were the result of hard practice. I kicked like a footballer. The most important thing was to kick at the right time when the opponent is most vulnerable. Don’t kick at the same target all the time. Try to make the opponent confused in your kick. Try to deceive your opponent". I really like the idea of kicking your round kick like a footballer that is how I explain and coach it to my students.

Arjarn Apidej retired at the age of 39, with an amazing record few can match with 290 wins, 1 draw and 9 losses. His fighting career spanned almost three decades and he now continues to give his knowledge to those who are humble enough to learn. On any day at the Fairtex camp he can be found helping out beginners and advanced fighters alike in improving their game. It is a wonderful experience.

During a recent trip to Thailand (2002) I had the privilege to interview Arjarn Apidej. I asked him questions that I felt where important to me; he was gracious enough to set some time aside to answer them (Thanks to the staff at Fairtex for the translation).

Rodney: Arjarn Apidej I was wondering if you feel Muay Thai has changed at all
Since you first began training, if so how has it changed, is it for good or bad……

Apidej: Bad change. Modern day fighters rarely respect their trainer. They do not care. This will affect their life and what they learn in Muay Thai. You won’t believe It.!! In the past, Muay Thai fighters really worshiped the persons who trained them. The gratitude is important in Thai culture, especially in Muay Thai. When I Train someone, I feel comfortable to train the person who has to start everything From scratch cause it’s easy for me to teach them the right thing and easy for them Also to accept.

Rodney: In your experience which would you say is the best Muay Thai techniques and the most effective?

Apidej: There is no one best techniques for all situations. Every technique is harmful, when used effectively. Again, use the right techniques at the right time to get the effective result.

Rodney: What is your view on Muay Thai as self-defense and what would be the
Difference between Muay Thai for the ring and street?

Apidej: As self-defense, Muay Thai could be very effective and dangerous because you can use every part of your body to attack the opponent to protect yourself. You
Can even kill him if you want. There is no rule. This is Muay Thai for
The street. However, the person who can do that is the person who is trained for it only.

Rodney: Many people say that Muay Thai’s weakest aspect in stand-up is it’s boxing,
In comparison to western boxing, what is your view on this comment?

Apidej: Western boxing punches fast but Muay Thai does not. We punch when it’s a suitable time to punch because Muay Thai can use other parts of it’s body to attack. Muay Thai focus on hard punching, explosive punching. It is the one punch that would produce the deadliest result. Every punch mainly aims to knock the opponent out.

Rodney: What would the benefits be for a person learning Muay Thai other than just learning how to fight?

Apidej: Learning Muay Thai make you to be a real fighter both in the ring and your life. Muay Thai will improve you mentality. Muay Thai will teach you to fight with the best technique and trick to win the opponent but don’t use all this technique to annoy other. That’s not the purpose of Muay Thai. If you break the rule, what you learn will harm yourself one day.

Rodney: Do you think it would be good for Muay Thai fighters in Thailand to learn Mixed Martial Arts (NHB)?

Apidej: That’s good. It can help when you fight. You can apply what you learn when you fight. Muay Thai can be incorporated with other martial arts for the most effective use of its eight weapons (fist, knee, elbow and leg/feet). Muay Thai is an evolving sport...in its own way.

Rodney: Thanks for taking the time out to answer these questions and I will see you in a few months Arjarn Apidej.

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