We met Aart who is from Holland at Kobra Gym, Aart only arrived to Koh Phangan just over a week ago but will be fighting for Kobra on August 12th!
It was Aart’s plan to come and train at Kobra so this is what brings him to Koh Phangan…
So are you already trained Aart?
Yes I trained in Holland in a small city since I was eighteen so it’s been eight years but I trained in kickboxing not specifically Muay Thai.
I first fought at eighteen years old as an ameteur.
Why did you choose to come and do Muay Thai?
If you really want to learn something then you have to go to the source. I think the Dutch came here and learnt Muay Thai then took it back so I wanted to come and learn from the best.
How are you preparing for your fight here?
I go running in the morning just for myself and then do weights, in the afternoon I train for three hours. It’s a little bit more than I’m used to but with more breaks, we slow down a little, sabai sabai but it’s a little bit harder!
What differences have you learnt from Muay Thai?
In kickboxing you can’t use elbows but here you can, in Muay Thai it’s more clenching and knee work which is different to kickboxing.
What is it like training at Kobra?
It’s really good, they take you in a flow. You must follow Kob but you want to follow, he goes into your mind.
And how do you like Koh Phangan?
I have already been to some beautiful beaches and I went to Half Moon party which was nice, I had a fun time. The food is really delicious here.
Why do you think training in martial arts can be good for people?
It gives you a lot of discipline, you learn about yourself good and bad. It makes you strong in the body and mind.
And your life philosophy?
Remember you’re dying…
We wish Aart all the best for his fight on Koh Phangan!
Keep updated with phanganist.com by following our Facebook page.
