“The gym in the jungle, behind the coconut plantation; beside the river”

Recently, Pamorn Martdee, Lee Blackman & a group of Phon's Gym fighters went on a road trip in search of the man known notoriously around the world as “Amazing Two Legs”, Japan's reigning K-1 Max World Champion of 2 seasons, Buakaw Por.Pramuk.

The trip was long and tiring, but by the time the group was delving deeper into a maze of coconut plantations, they were suddenly awake, eyes open in hope of catching the first glimpse of the place known as “Por. Pramuk Gym”. Finally they arrived at the picturesque sights of Por.Pramuk Gym, beside a beautiful, wide, sparkling, fast flowing river. Upon opening the doors of their van, a strong smell hit the noses of everyone “What the hell is that smell?” they asked each other, in shock because of the stench, only to learn that up river was a pig farm, luckily soon enough they got used to it.

Seeing the quiet gym was unbelievable as it appeared just as everyone had seen it on videos of K-1 Max promos, interviews and Youtube clips. The ring was literally built over the water; the housing of fighters was built with only wood and the walls of the eating quarters were adorned with amazing historic pictures documenting Buakaw's and other fighters' achievements. The most recognizable items were of course Buakaw's two giant K-1 Max cheques he had been rewarded with after winning the K-1 World Max in 2004 and runner up in 2005. Everyone sat quietly and was served with fresh young coconut juice, eager to see and finally meet Buakaw. His trainer called him to wake up and come greet his visitors. Appearing to have just woken up, the sleepy eyed Buakaw emerged from his room, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Sawatdee Krup, how are we today?” he politely asked everyone with a smile in Thai. Pamorn then introduced the group to him. Everyone was amazed at his size and his lean physique.

It was then time for Buakaw's training regime that started with an hour long run in the blistering heat that Thailand is so famous for. Soon enough the man returned and immediately began his usual arduous tasks alongside stable mates Saichon and Nonthanun Por.Pramuk and various other foreign fighters. Sitting and watching him kick pads it seemed that everyone was fatigued from just watching. Each kick was thunderous and as quick as lightning. Training was long and hard and from seeing his dedication and determination it is clear why he is the best at present in the Japanese K-1 Middleweight Artistic eXtreme Tournament.

After training, the group got autographs and presented Buakaw with some rations and vitamin supplements to support him for his next fight and also other fighters' use in his gym. Buakaw was very grateful and expressed his happiness knowing that he had fans supporting him so far away from home. Sadly, it was time to leave the jungle gym beside the river. The group was lucky enough to have Buakaw walk them right up to the van door to say farewell and goodbye. Everyone was so glad that they had met Buakaw and had the opportunity to watch his way of training. Above all it was unbelievable to see his amount of dedication and sacrifice he lived by; living so far away from any distraction of the outside world.