Channel your inner Bruce Lee (or Zhang Ziyi) and never walk in fear again

Photos by Gregoire Glachant and Siripannee Supratya, Illustrations by Manasya Sachorfah

We girls have a reputation for staging bitch fights and slap fests, but let’s face it, these are just recreational. In a dingy alley, surrounded by thieving, sexually starved thugs, the windmill technique will look hilarious on their mobile phone videos, but it won’t get you home safe.

So instead of just flailing away, it’s a good idea to learn some techniques from the experts. Here is a roundup of various styles of fighting and places where you can get some instruction. And remember: even if you never have to use your skills to defend yourself, you’ll still get a kickass workout from the training.

Hand-to-hand Combat

Whatcha lookin’ at? No kicking, no flipping people over, no elbows to the nose or knees to the groin—all you’re using here are your palms and fingers.

Wanna fight, punk? Located across from Don Muang, International Detective (169/56 Changarkad-Uthid Rd., Sikan, Don Muang, 02-983-9753. www.interdetectivethai.com) is well-known as a detective agency and school. Besides private investigation, they also teach self-defense skills. “What we teach you here is basic survival strategies,” says detective Dr. Surachai Vivadhnajat, founder of the school. Their course is particularly well suited for women, as it doesn’t require a lot of strength to be used effectively.

Here’s how it’s going down: “Woman can’t win a fight using sheer strength,” says Piyawat Inmeesak, an officer of the King’s Guard, who also teaches self-defense at International Detective. “Our method helps you stall your opponent, giving you time to escape.”The idea is to hit your attacker’s weak points. “Speed is the key,” says Piyawat. “They won’t know what’s coming.”

The final blow: “Don’t assume that because you know selfdefense you can beat your aggressor,” warns Piyawat. “Onceyou get them on the ground, don’t keep kicking, just run as fast as you can.”

Who’s your daddy? This type of self-defense is great for girls whose only objective is to run. For vindictive mamas, you may need another martial arts style to finish the bad guys off.

The price you’ll pay: There are four comprehensive courses to choose from: hand combat, use of surrounding objects, use of weapons and defense from weapons and objects. Each course is B2,500 per person (B2,000 each if there’s two of you or B1,600 for four people) and takes six hours to complete.

International Boxing

Whatcha lookin’ at? Knockout punches and fancy footwork make boxing a survival art as well as a great cardio workout. No more flabby swinging arms when you wave bye-bye to the rapist as he hobbles away nursing his broken jaw.

Wanna fight, punk? At Bangkok Fight Club (2/F, 235/3-5 Asoke Rd., above 7-Eleven across from the Ratnin Eye Hospital. www.bangkokfightclub.com. MRT Petchaburi), even without Brad or Edward, there is still enough eye candy to make you wanna fight. Founder Alex Berezovik briefed us on the club’s achievements: “The staff from the US and Australian Embassies even train their guards and marines with us.” International boxingand savate (French kickboxing) instructor Dominique Fontanarosa, who was imported here to train Thai competitors in the ring, says his students are mostly girls. And three of his female Thai students have already gone off to win major competitions in France.

Here’s how it’s going down: “Boxing is great for women as it helps build self confidence as well as train you physically. Attackers are wimps—they won’t dare attack confident girls,” Dominique tells us. “What we teach here focuses more on the technical and tactical aspects of boxing, so you’re not risking a black eye or a fat lip.”

The final blow: “Training here isn’t as difficult as you think,” says Cyndy Davis, a student at Bangkok Fight Club. “Don’t worry about getting in shape for the training. It’s the training that gets you in shape.

Who’s your daddy? Defense is important here, but if you want to get your knuckles bloody, this is the place to go. Round one, fight!

The price you’ll pay: International boxing training sessions are held Tue and Thu at 6-8pm and Sat at 10-11:45am for B2,500/month.

Capoeira

Whatcha lookin’ at? Remember that scene from Ocean’s 12 when the French catburglar dances his way past security laser beams to get to the Faberge egg? That was actually a display of the Brazilian martial art of attack avoidance called capoeira

Wanna fight, punk? We found one course at GMAC (Global Martial Arts Center, 079/9-10 2/F, Sukhumvit Soi 101/1 [Piyarom Place], Phrakanong, 02-730-6485. www.gmacgym.com). This townhouse, though small, is jam-packed with trophies and martial arts uniforms. “Capoeira was originally from South Africa but was later developed and widely practiced in Brazil,” explains Palakorn Junpokapaiboon, a 22-year-old instructor at GMAC. “It does not only involve fighting, but also dance, music and philosophy.” Lots of teens here.

Here’s how it’s going down: “Capoeira is kind of like break dancing, but with kicking,” Palakorn sums up. Capoeira does not involve full-on attacks, or parries. Instead, it focuses on the flow of your movement and the careful observation of your opponent’s movements in order to predict their next move. It’s a very playful martial art, but if someone tries to take you down, good luck to them.

The final blow: For the total capoeira experience, head to Fort Phra Sumen on Phra Athit Rd. every Sun for live music and “battles.”

Who’s your daddy? Perhaps the only martial arts that will increase your dancefloor skills as well as your cardio, and, of course, your ability to mangle people. Oh, and then there are the cute guys practicing it.

The price you’ll pay: Training sessions at GMAC are every Sun from 10:30am-noon. The cost is B1,400 per month or you can go for three months for B3,780. There’s also an extra B500 entry fee.

Muay Thai Chaiya

Whatcha lookin’ at? The Pride of the Nation has fully gained acceptance from martial arts lovers around the world. Be Thai, be proud and break some bones!

Wanna fight, punk? Global Martial Arts Center (see previous) also gives lessons on Muay Thai Chaiya. The class is, surprisingly, full of girls. “Our courses are not as tough as what you see on TV. We actually adapted it for women,” says GMAC’s Tony Jaa carbon copy, Phuwasak Suksiri-aree. “We teach the weaknesses in a man’s body and how to tackle them effectively.”

Here’s how it’s going down: The principles of Muay Thai Chaiya are awareness, wits and guts. This sport enables the practitioner to be confident and conscious of her surroundings at all times. If you do get in a fight, you’ll be using your brain to study your opponent’s weak points. Finally, you’ll need some guts to go in there and kick some butt. “Women, by nature, have less strength than men, so you must know how to make attacks that don’t require body weight or strength,” Phuwasak explains. “But don’t worry, the easiest moves are the most effective. What you see in movies is just for show.”

The final blow: “Act like you don’t know how to use Muay Thai,” says Kanokkarn Kittayakuljaroen, a female practitioner of six months. “So you can catch them off guard and fight back. Also, if you can, just run.”

Who’s your daddy? Attention all daddy’s girls, stop watching the boxing shows on Channel 9 with pa and go out and learn the real thing.

The price you’ll pay: Muay Thai Chaiya is offered Sat-Sun from 9- 10:30am. The one-month course is B1,400 or B3,780 for three months. You’ll have to pay an additional B500 initiation fee.

Thai Pichaiyuth

Whatcha lookin’ at? If you’re not familiar with the concept, head to Tsutaya and grab a copy of Suriyothai or Naresuan. All the fighting —the kicking, punching and fencing—is part of this traditional art of war.

Wanna fight, punk? The modern version of Thai Pichaiyuth is taught by Ajarn Pramote Mesamana of Pramote Gym Buddhaisawan (5/F Charter House Bldg., Ladprao Soi 124, Ladprao Rd., 02-934-3046. www.thaipichaiyuth.com), whose center is the only martial arts school in Thailand that is certified by the Ministry of Education. “Thai Pichaiyuth is developed from the ancient war art called ‘Pichai Songkram,’ which was used to train the military to defend the country,” the master tells us.

Here’s how it’s going down: With other martial arts, you might know how to throw a guy down or bend someone’s arm backward, but if you don’t know how to defend yourself from a gun or a knife, then what’s the point? “We first teach you the basics of how to avoid weapons, then we move on to how you can fight back,” says Ajarn Pramote, whose students range from middle-schoolers to mothers. “Our class doesn’t focus on the use of strength or force; rather, it trains you on how to move quickly and be prepared at all times.” Aside from the basic self-defense strategies, you’ll also learn the ancient art of traditional Thai weaponry, krabi krabong. “We’re are here today because of this art. Without it, we would have lost our nation to other countries.”

The final blow: Ajarn Pramote was a trainer in HM the Queen’s Rassadorn Asa Raksa Muban, a training program for civilians to fight terrorists in the South. If it works on terrorists, it should work on the guy trying to get into your purse or your pants.

Who’s your daddy? Get a workout, learn how to fight and preserve your heritage—this is your one stop fighting shop.

The price you’ll pay: Classes are on Sat-Sun, with both morning (10:30am-noon) and afternoon sessions (1:30-3pm). The three-stage course is B1,300 per month and it takes four months to complete a stage.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Whatcha lookin’ at? Jiu jitsu is a grappling sport. Like wrestling, it involves a lot of body contact and the goal is to put your opponent into submission—make the aggressor cry for his mama and beg for mercy.

Wanna fight, punk? Head to EMAC (Executive Martial Arts Center, 410/3 3/F Executive Bldg., Surawong Rd., 02-631-4606. www.emacthailand.com) for some serious sweat-inducing action. The class is a mixture of nationalities(Thai, farang, Korean and Japanese) and levels. It’s a bit intimidating, but they make you feel at home right away. (Currently a couple of girls train there regularly). “Females are smaller and have less body strength,” explains managing director Niti Techottiasnee, who is also a jiu jitsu practitioner. “Jiu jitsu helps women overcome this disadvantage.”

Here’s how it’s going down: “Women, when they are attacked, always end up on the ground, making jiu jitsu perfect for female self-defense,” says the class instructor, Adam Kayoom, a former student of the legendary Gracie Academy in Brazil. His class starts off with a super-intense hour-long training session of crawls, jumps, and rolls. “If you can get through this training, you can do anything,” says Adam. It’s actually the toughest part of the class, designed to build your stamina and muscles. “Once you’re all drained out, we can start on the techniques without anyone getting hurt.

The final blow: “We foster a safe training environment. We don’t force you to do what you don’t want to do,” Adam explains. “Jiu jitsu helps you get to know your body and your limits—what you’re capable of. It’s the art for a smaller man to be a bigger man.

Who’s your daddy? If you’re a sweat-loving, adrenalin-starved kind of girl and don’t mind being groped and grabbed by a bunch of similar-minded girls and guys, jiu jitsu is for you. Don’t bring a jealous boyfriend—unless he’s a black belt, of course.

The price you’ll pay: Classes are Tue and Thu from 6:30-8pm and Sun at 4:30-6:30pm. Fees are B1,200 a month.

Wing Chun

Whatcha lookin’ at? Wing Chun is an ancient fighting art from China developed by a female nun that focuses on close-range combat by “grounding” your enemy’s attack.

Wanna fight, punk? Ajarn Anant Tinaphongs’s Wing Chun Club (081-353-7128, 081-930-4038. www.geocities.com/yuttha015) practices at Lumphini Park. “This type of martial art works on your central equilibrium,” he explains. “We use our balance to center ourselves and send the opponent’s energy to the ground. The more you push, the heavier we are.”

Here’s how it’s going down: “Wing Chun uses your whole body force. If you’re a 45kg woman, you can use your whole body weight to repel the attacker—45kg in one fist hurts!” Ajarn Anant assures us. “Wing Chun uses the principles of economy of motion—using the minimum force for maximum impact.” If you can control your center while disrupting your opponent’s, then you can bring anyone down to the ground.

The final blow: Aside from controlling your inner qi, and greating a great workout, practicing Wing Chun can also relieve stress. The master says, “We focus a lot on breathing as well, so it’s like doing meditation. It helps you to relax.”

Who’s your daddy? Not recommended for Saturday night party girls who might not have enough energy left to ground on Sunday morning.

The price you’ll pay: B1,000 for lifetime membership and B500 per month for the training. They practice every Sun at Suan Lum, 9am-noon, and every Tue at Prasarnmitr Plaza (3/F), Sukhumvit Soi 23.

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Safety Senses

Follow these tips from International Detective self defense instructor Piyawat Inmeesak and get home safe—even if you don’t know how to high-kick.

1. When you’re walking down the street alone, don’t listen to headphones or talk on your mobile.
2. Keep yourself alert and be aware of your surroundings at all time. If possible, always try to read the facial expressions of people around you—how they look at you, in particular.
3. The way you walk can also show how vulnerable you might be. Don’t look down. Walk firmly and fast,look straight ahead and around you.
4. Don’t hold your purse with the fold of your arm, or merely with your hand. Not only can muggers snatchit from you easily, but you could be dragged down. You should carry your bag over the shoulder while hugging it with your arm.
5. Don’t even think of carrying a knife, taser or, worse, a gun. They are more likely to harm you than your attacker. A simple pen is enough to poke someone’s eye out.
6. When you’re inside a parking lot, don’t rush to your car and immediately unlock the door. Someone could catch you off guard and push you into the car. Always look around first.
7. In bars, keep an eye on your drink and never leave it unattended. We’ve all heard the stories about people getting drugged.
8. If you find yourself in a sticky situation that is not a matter of life and death, don’t add fuel to the fire. Smile, be polite, use lots of ka’s and maybe you can talk yourself out of trouble.

 

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War of Words

It’s good to know what you’re doing in a fight—literally.

BELT	Colored belts are assigned to martial arts students to identify their level. The lowest is white, and then goes on to yellow, red, green, blue, brown and, fi nally, black, which has multiple levels of achievementscalled dan.
BULLSHIDO	A parody of martial arts. Used to call people who use cheap tricks in fighting.
QI/CHI	Developed by the Chinese, you draw your energy from this internal force when you’re fighting.
DOJO	What the Japanese call a martial arts institute.
FOOTWORK	The way you move your feet. (Duh.) In stand-up fights, footwork helps you keep your balance, avoid blowsand position yourself to deliver them.
GURU	A referee at a Sumo match.
GRAPPLING	The stuff of wrestling (and jiu-jitsu): a lot of grabbing, choking, holding, throwing bodies onto the fl oor andforcing “submissions.”
KRABI KRABONG	The dual weapons used in traditional Thai war arts. One is a sword (krabi) and one is a club (krabong). Sometimes a shield is used instead of one of the weapons.
MEN	A protective mask in Kendo.
MMA	Mixed Martial Arts is an international fighting competition (like UFC) that uses many techniques—somequite brutal.
SHAOLIN	A Chinese Buddhist monastery, made famous by its Kung Fu fighting monks.
STANCES	Term used to describe your position when preparing to fi ght. A proper stance helps both to attack anddefend.
SUBMISSION/TAPPING OUT	When you’re being pounded to the ground and you have no chance of winning, you can “tap out” or “submit” by tapping the floor or signaling verbally. You’ll live to fight another day.

 

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In The Know

Here are some NGOs and resources that provide assistance to women.

WARNING WOMEN

A website that raises awareness about crimes committed against women in Bangkok. You can fi nd legalassistance, emergency numbers and tips for women on how to protect ourselves. www.warningwomen.com

PAVENA FOUNDATION

The foundation provides shelter, gives aid and becomes the voice for women who are victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse in Thailand. 1134. www.pavena.thai.com

FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN

This organization promotes women’s rights and also provides shelter for women in need. Their website also offers news, useful information and advice. 02-433-5149. www.womenthai.org

FRIENDS OF WOMEN FOUNDATION

Women who are physically and sexually abused or victims of domestic violence can turn to this group.They also educate women about our rights in society and the workplace.02-513-2780. www.friendsofwomen.net

ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE STATUS OF WOMEN

Their emergency shelter is open 24/7. 02-929-2222. www.apsw-thailand.org

 

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Take It Easy, Girls

Not ready to get thrown around just yet? You might want to try “martial arts-lite” at these fi tness centers.

CALIFORNIA WOW XPERIENCE

Various locations. www.californiawowx.com.

California and its Group-X program offers a mixture of classes combining martial arts with aerobics. Power Punch teaches you how to throw basic muay Thai punches to tone your arm muscles, Kung Fu introduces you to Bruce Lee-type moves for a cardio workout. Or try Body Combat, which adapts karate, taekwondo and boxing into a combination fi tness routine.

FITNESS FIRST

Various locations. www.fitnessfirst.co.th.

Fitness First also offers the same Body Combat course or, if you want something different, try the Muay Thai class with a professionally trained Muay Thai boxer.

TRUE FITNESS

Various locations. www.truefitness.co.th.

Try their Tai Chi, which uses fl owing movements to help you both relax, increase your flexibility and become one with the energy around you.

THE CAPITOL CLUB

99/397, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-661-1210/-26. www.thecapitolclub.com.

This mega-fi tness center is home to many facilities including rock climbing, tennis and yoga, but for martial artsy types, you’ll want to check out their Tai Chi and Tae Bo classes.

PHILLIP WAIN

8/F Pacific Place 140 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-2544. www.phillip-wain.com.

This women-only fitness club offers many classes, including Tai Chi and Tae Bo.