This sport is different from the sword fighting known in western countries. The players have two swords and the rules are a bit different. When my friend and I went to see the club the first time, we explained to the head of the club that we wanted to show this sport to the potential foreign students who would like to study in Thailand and know the different possible interesting activities in Ramkhamheng Campus. The answer of the head of that club was that they were not professionals. This club is much more for beginners and intermediate people.
Anybody who is interested in learning a new sport to get the basic skills in Thai sword fighting and at the same time having fun, is welcome in that club. I told him that it is exactly what a foreign student who has never heard about that sport would expect if he wants to join a club like that. Thai traditional sword fighting is unknown in the West; so obviously, westerners who would like to join a club would be beginners.
The real swords are used only for competition. It is possible to participate in some competition for beginners if you wish, but this will be your personal decision. The players use bamboo sticks for training. So people who get the basic skills in this sport would be able to defend themselves with a basic wooden stick in case of aggression.
The participants, especially the beginners, have to put some bandage around their hands, to avoid tendon stretching. When we went to see this club, a foreigner and a Thai girl were members of the club too, which means that the club welcomes everyone, women, men, foreigners, beginners and intermediate people.
The participants use tires and bamboo sticks to warm up and to learn the basic movements. The next step is practicing the movements they have learnt with other participants. The blue swords are for the fighters who prepare themselves for competition.
If you are interested in joining the club, go directly to the building and contact Mr. Tum.
The club is open from Monday to Friday at 5pm to 8 or 9pm.
Information and photos submitted by Nicolas Peron and Nonthawat Ketmechai.
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