Sor Vorapin Gym .. Sucks!

Of course, that’s just my opinion. I ended up at the Sor Vorapin gym nearby Khao San road on a Sunday simply because Kaewsamrit gym (where I had originally planned to go) was closed. With its location in backpacker central, the trainers at Sor Vorapin gym have a lot of experience when it comes to teaching foreigners – which is usually a good thing as they can relate the techniques more effectively.

Well, in this case – it wasn’t a good thing at all. At Sor Vorapin gym, I felt like I was viewed as nothing more than an ATM machine. I was asked for 500 baht before I was asked my name. In fact, they didn’t ask what my name was at all! I was simply referred too as “you!”. And at 500 baht per training session, the Sor Vorapin gym is very overpriced. Especially when you consider that you can get a session at Sityodtong or Scorpion gym for half the cost. Fairtex was 800 baht per session but that price is justifiable when you consider how much money they invested into the place. Sor Vorapin gym on the other hand is nothing more than 1 ring and about 4 punching bags in a back alley.

Now, I’m not knocking back-alley type gyms or modest training facilities. All you really need is basic equipment and a good trainer. The trainer I was matched up with at Sor Vorapin gym didn’t know how to hold the pads at all. He would tell me to kick while standing about 2 feet away from me. So I’d kick (as to just be respectful and not correct his teaching methods) and my knee would hit the pads instead of my shin.

This annoying occurrence went on for about 10-12 kicks and I eventually just got frustrated and asked him to move back a bit. After all, I’m the one paying 500 baht for the session – I at least went to get off some decent kicks. Well, I guess he felt like he lost “face” or something because he told me to “go kick the bag”. That was fine with me. I’d rather kick the heavy bag with my shin then kick the pads with my thigh and knee like a goof.

Throughout my session at Sor Vorapin gym, the only bit of good advise I got didn’t come from a trainer, but rather ..one of the students. While I was hitting the heavy bag, he stepped in and started showing me some combinations that he thought would work well for me. I never caught his name but he told me that he had been coming to Thailand since he was 14 (he’s now 22) and that he has now fought in Lumpinee stadium 3 times with his fourth Lumpinee fight coming up in a couple weeks. Here’s some footage I got of him doing pad-work at the start of the session..

I also got some good footage of his clinch work with one of the Thai fighters. While I was watching the clinch-session, one of the other students pointed out the pictures along the wall and apparently the Thai-fighter is a former Lumpinee champion himself. However, it’s pretty bad when the highlight of your workout is watching other people train after getting only 2 rounds of sub-par pad-work in yourself.

I DO NOT recommend coming to Sor Vorapin gym at all. It’s experiences like this that make it worthwhile for me to keep the fact that I’m a Muay Thai journalist a secret so I get to see how anyone who walks in off the street for a workout gets treated.

Again, there’s so many gyms throughout Thailand. Don’t waste your time and money with Sor Vorapin!

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Fairtex Gloves Review: Muay Thai Style

Product Reviewed14oz Muay Thai style Fairtex Gloves

Cost of Fairtex Gloves

$89.99 – $99.99

Company Product Description

• These all-purpose fairtex gloves are perfect for bag and pad work. The wraparound hook and loop wristband is easy to use and designed to provide a better fit for greater comfort and control. Evenly distributed padding protects your entire hand and creates a tight and compact design.
• Handmade in Thailand
• Top grain leather shell
• Shock-absorbing, high-density foam core
• Thumb attached for added safety

Personal Experience

I was able to pick up these fairtex gloves at a bargain price here in Thailand. I got them at Scorpion gym for 1400 baht, which just under 45 bucks. I’ve tried all kinds of different brands -Windy, Twins, MTG and now Fairtex. I honestly like the fairtex gloves the best. They fit perfectly. The second you put them on you feel like shadowboxing.

I own a pair of 14oz twins gloves (which are also great) but for some reason, the 14oz fairtex gloves feel lighter. You’d think that 14 ounces is 14 ounces regardless, but apparently not. The leather on the fairtex gloves is also harder than on the twins. For sparring, I’d go with the twins (for the sake of your training partner).

For everything else, especially pad-work, I prefer the fairtex gloves. Also, in between rounds when you take one glove off to get some water, it can sometimes be a bit of a task to fasten the Velcro back up again. The fairtex gloves are really easy to fasten up. If you end up picking yourself up a pair of the fairtex gloves, do yourself a favour and grab the hand=wraps as well.

Recommendation – Yup

THIS IS THE BEST PLACE TO DO YOUR MMA SHOPPING!

Fairtex MMA Gloves

Company Background

Fairtex has been around for decades and specializes in Muay Thai training gear and fitness facilities. Over the years, Fairtex has become the top choice in Muay Thai training supplies on an international level (Twins is more prevalent in Thailand).

Product Reviewed

- Fairtex NHB (No Holds Barred) Thumbless

Product Cost

$64.99 – $69.99 GET BEST PRICE HERE!

Company Description

Fairtex Originals with supremely natural feel for maximizing functionality, comfort, and durability during intense MMA competition and training. Fingers are split at base for unimpeded dexterity and ventilation. Longer fingers add extra protection to knuckles. Patent-pending ergonomic “open palm” hand compartment for maximum hand sensitivity. Contoured knuckle padding supports safe punching from all angles.

Personal Experience

I’ve been using these gloves for about a year now and they’ve held up pretty well. From my experience, Fairtex makes pretty high quality products. The open palm, thumbless design allows for a natural feel that’s great for grappling. It’s not as hard to slip in rear naked chokes with these gloves than it is with some of the bulkier gloves.

Recommended – YES!