Thailand is synonymous with stand-up fighting. As the mecca of Muay Thai, their national sport and generally the striking art of choice for Mixed Martial Arts fighters, it is the very embodiment of the popular image of hand-to-hand combat. Muay Thai itself is more than a sport; it is their way of life, it culturally transcends its western, American and Japanese contemporaries and spin-offs such as “K-1″/”kickboxing”, and the long-pants/above waist striking variety. Muay Thai is pure, and an entity on an entirely different plane.
But in Chalong, Phuket, a Mixed Martial Arts camp in its infancy has managed to put each of the major martial arts used in MMA to the forefront; with Olympic boxing coaches and “A Million Styles Boxing” gurus, state champion wrestlers, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 3rd and 4th degree black belts. And today, Phuket Top Team pulled off another coup, with a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu seminar populated by FOUR black belts; one a 4th degree, one a 3rd degree!
Professor Suyan Queiroz (4th dg.bb) joined brother comrade-in-arms Professor Olavo Abreu (3rd dg.bb), for a Brazilian Top Team O.G’s, Abu Dhabi O.G’s all-star BJJ seminar, joined by Abreu’s assistant BJJ coach at Phuket Top Team, black belt and undefeated MMA fighter Rodrigo Praxedes, black belt and pro-fighter Ray Elbe, and NY state wrestling champion and One FC fighter Andrew Leone.
The seminar boasted the following: FOUR black belts (one 4th degree, one 3rd degree), four professional Mixed Martial Artists, two purple belts, several blues, and a handful of lucky whites who got to roll and learn from some of BJJ’s top table, and see grappling of the highest order showcased from two gentleman and high level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu players and martial artists.
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