Thai boxing myths vs. Shaolin fighter myths Both are just that, myths! In the modern age, almost no one trains like the old days to condition one's body. What is not mentioned in either Thai boxing shin training or Shaolin body training is the necessary herbs used in Asia to counteract the daily punishments. These herbs have been developed, over time, to mitigate the damaging aspects of the conditioning by dispelling the blood and allowing the muscles to recover quickly. When I trained in Hong Kong, I saw and participated in this type of training (also know as iron shirt training in Shaolin) for Thai boxers and saw some in Thailand. In all cases, the master applied herbs both before and after the training and the fighting to expedite the recovery period.
Over in the States, the effectiveness of these applications are generally minimized and most "masters" do not teach them to their students. Remember, to be a Thai master, Shaolin master, or master of any style, one must know how to heal as well as kill.
Thai boxers, with the proper medical remedies, like other styles, can fight a lifetime. |