Education, Experience, and expertise.

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Education. The cornerstone of the United States Muaythai Federation is bringing knowledge to athletes, coaches, gym owners, and Muaythai enthusiasts. The USMF is cementing its foundation with the upcoming Muaythai Summit.

The virtual series features a host of professors of the game. The rules and regulations seminar includes presentations on both professional and amateur rule sets. Ajarn Radom and Ajarn Thanong both long term referees at the famed Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. Both are recipients of the Golden Mongkol from IFMA. The two leaders will be explaining the professional side of Muaythai.

“It’s important to have the same interpretation and understanding,”

 Gunther Plank, the head referee of IFMA Europe said. “Muaythai in Thailand and IFMA are not the same. For example, there is the issue of sweeping.”

In the main stadiums when a boxer is swept it is scored highly for the sweeper. The downed athlete can lose the round or even the fight from this off balance. In IFMA, however, sweeps are not scored as high. This allows boxers to attempt to score more and remain in the fight. Plank knows what he’s talking about. The Austrian has been with IFMA since 2005. He first came to Thailand in 1995 and has dedicated his life to the sport.

It is imperative for people to be educated about the rules and different sets. In America there are a litany of federations, many of them embarrassingly under educated, taking the fates of athletes careers in their hands. All the presenters have a vast amount of ring experience including actual bouts. Referee Abby Nelson, is a veteran of 30 bouts as a fighter and has presided countless contests.

“The ring experience helped with being an official. You feel a bit more comfortable,” the Australian said. “It’s a good stepping stone to train, compete, and then referee.”

Nelson has been with IFMA for over four years and in the sport for over a decade.

“The hope is to give out a lot of information,” Nelson continued. “We want to get a lot of good education out there. That’s key for people. Especially when it’s coming from the source like Ajarn Radom, Ajarn Thanong, and Stefan Fox. That information filters through.”

Spreading knowledge is crucial in building the base of the sport. The USMF has steadily created the groundwork to create new heights for Muaythai in America and around the world.

Words by Matt Lucas for the USMF