Yesterday, Nic and I watched the filming of Contender Asia which is a reality show about Muay Thai Kickboxers. It was disgusting. I think one of the participant might have died from it. We saw him smashed up and sped to the hospital. To give you an idea of how this might have occurred, let me share a short video of a press conference earlier.
Contender Asia is a Mark Burnett production about 16 Muay Thai fighters who had to live together. At the end of each episode, two fighters take their anger out on each other in the ring. Loser will have to pack up and leave immediately. If I’m right, the guy who beats up the most room-mates wins USD$250,000.
I was taken aback by the spiritual aspect of Muay Thai Kick-Boxing. The boxers and their trainers uttered eerie prayers at all four corners of the boxing ring and begun each match with a dance ritual that pays homage to dead ancestors.
Before the actual match, we were “entertained” with pre-show performance. Two adorable and petite little girls entered the ring and punched each other out silly. Something like this except the girls really looked gentle and sweet before they started fighting.
After they’ve had their chance to brutalize each other and one was declared champion, they sat together and hung out as though they are best buddies. Watching their animated conversation, I’m guessing they were excitedly exchanging tips and scrutinizing each other’s style of fighting. What a bizarre friendship!
Will I ever watch Muay Thai ever again? You. Can. Not. Make. Me.
