When I was younger I used to watch a lot of martial arts movies. I always thought that kickboxing was Muay Thai. As I grew up I wanted to do kickboxing. As I would take classes I was very disappointed. It was either a cardio class or simply because the instructor was passing kickboxing off as Muay Thai. I had to ask at one point what Muay Thai was, because it felt wrong saying I was doing something I wasn’t.
As time went on I was able to attend a real Muay Thai show at Foxwoods Casino, Lion Fight hosted by President Scott Kent. Wow, was that a show. I knew right there that’s what I was looking for and needed in my life. What I was taught was not Muay Thai.
Shortly after I was able to attend a new and upcoming promotion No Boundary Fight. This would be the first promotion in Massachusetts that I attended that held Muay Thai. As time went by I met different professionals in the Muay Thai industries.
I met a gentlemen that is an MMA and Muay Thai judge since 2009 and then became Muay Thai ref since 2012 and MMA ref 2015. As well as being involved with our MA and NH state athletic commission
Not too long ago one of our local MMA and Muay Thai Judge and referee started NEYDL Muay Thai, because there is very limited representation of Youth Muay Thai in the US, especially in the New England area. He used his years of experience in Muay Thai officiating and rules and regulations, to provide an environment that is fun and safe for youth between 6 to 17 year old to compete in.
It is important to have good officials that would make the sport that much better, for fighters, coaches, and spectators. Fighters safety to prolong their careers by reduce unnecessary damage to the body
He has also been involved with Muay Thai rules and regulations. This great because now our youth will not be mislead as I was many years ago and will have a better chance in the future.
Not only does he have the experience but he also takes the time to provide the opportunity for others to become judges or referee in Muay Thai. Allow this beautiful sport to grow. For more information on becoming a judge or referee contact Alan Lau.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6