Post by Helen on Feb 23, 2005 20:48:48 GMT
www.nationmultimedia.com
Kick like a pop star
Irish singer Ronan Keating works up a sweat in a kick-boxing session in Phuket to boost tourism. Its a balmy Saturday afternoon on Phukets Bang Thao Beach, a perfect day to catch some rays and sip a cool drink. But for Ronan Keating, it's time to get a few lessons in the art of Thai kick boxing.This beach is where fun, sport and education blend into an afternoon of healthy bodywork.
For the body-conscious, Bang Thao is one of the best places to learn a few of the high kicks and tricks of sparring and punching from the Dusit Laguna Resorts sports organiser and coordinator, Wannachai On Somkid. He's drawn throngs of Europeans hoping to pick up new skills while on holiday. Undoubtedly, Wannachais sessions appeal to male tourists.
Keating was in Phuket last weekend to participate in Thai Airways Internationals Loving Phuket campaign, which brings international stars together to help rebuild Phukets tsunami-battered tourism industry.
At the Dusit Laguna, Keating was shooting some scenes highlighting Phukets largely intact areas, as well as doing music videos for Thursdays MTV Asia Aid broadcast. Despite a long, tiring flight from Dublin, Keating managed to squeeze a 40-minute muay Thai session into his tight schedule. And the star, a big fan of golf, clearly appeared to enjoy every minute of his workout with Wannachai.
At 27, Keating looks up to Wannachai, 29, as his master. And Wannachai is qualified for such recognition, given that hes been formally trained in Thai boxing and other martial arts since graduating with a BA in physical education from Ratchabhat University in Nakhon Si Thammarat. He also used to be a professional muay Thai fighter before taking on his new job at the Dusit Laguna.
This was the first time Wannachai had the chance to train a celebrity like Keating, but it didn't appear to faze him.Hold your fists together before your face to guard yourself and then punch, shouts the shirtless trainer, dressed in red boxers.Hit me, just like that, yeah, yeah okay right! Wannachai yells.
Boxing on a beachfront lawn surrounded by sunbathers may seem a bit out of place, but the tranquillity turquoise waters, green palms and sea breeze and the dynamism of this training centre, combine to make a rewarding learning experience for budding boxers like Keating. Perspiring heavily, Keating, in grey T-shirt and blue boxers, sets his guard and delivers a few powerful punches at the well-built Wannachai.
Keating already has good kicking basics especially with his high kicks, Wannachai notes.He delivers a high kick with one leg firmly fixed on the ground.Untrained people can easily fall down trying to execute such a high kick, but not Ronan.
The trainer explains that to succeed in his boxing programme, one needs to undergo at least five hours of training. Most tourists like Thai boxing because it requires constant movement, which makes them fit and their muscles firm. Fat people dont like it, says Wannachai with a chuckle. If you want to make a success in training, I would say dont give up halfway through.So if youre willing and able, Wannachai is ready to teach you. Get down there.
Kick like a pop star
Irish singer Ronan Keating works up a sweat in a kick-boxing session in Phuket to boost tourism. Its a balmy Saturday afternoon on Phukets Bang Thao Beach, a perfect day to catch some rays and sip a cool drink. But for Ronan Keating, it's time to get a few lessons in the art of Thai kick boxing.This beach is where fun, sport and education blend into an afternoon of healthy bodywork.
For the body-conscious, Bang Thao is one of the best places to learn a few of the high kicks and tricks of sparring and punching from the Dusit Laguna Resorts sports organiser and coordinator, Wannachai On Somkid. He's drawn throngs of Europeans hoping to pick up new skills while on holiday. Undoubtedly, Wannachais sessions appeal to male tourists.
Keating was in Phuket last weekend to participate in Thai Airways Internationals Loving Phuket campaign, which brings international stars together to help rebuild Phukets tsunami-battered tourism industry.
At the Dusit Laguna, Keating was shooting some scenes highlighting Phukets largely intact areas, as well as doing music videos for Thursdays MTV Asia Aid broadcast. Despite a long, tiring flight from Dublin, Keating managed to squeeze a 40-minute muay Thai session into his tight schedule. And the star, a big fan of golf, clearly appeared to enjoy every minute of his workout with Wannachai.
At 27, Keating looks up to Wannachai, 29, as his master. And Wannachai is qualified for such recognition, given that hes been formally trained in Thai boxing and other martial arts since graduating with a BA in physical education from Ratchabhat University in Nakhon Si Thammarat. He also used to be a professional muay Thai fighter before taking on his new job at the Dusit Laguna.
This was the first time Wannachai had the chance to train a celebrity like Keating, but it didn't appear to faze him.Hold your fists together before your face to guard yourself and then punch, shouts the shirtless trainer, dressed in red boxers.Hit me, just like that, yeah, yeah okay right! Wannachai yells.
Boxing on a beachfront lawn surrounded by sunbathers may seem a bit out of place, but the tranquillity turquoise waters, green palms and sea breeze and the dynamism of this training centre, combine to make a rewarding learning experience for budding boxers like Keating. Perspiring heavily, Keating, in grey T-shirt and blue boxers, sets his guard and delivers a few powerful punches at the well-built Wannachai.
Keating already has good kicking basics especially with his high kicks, Wannachai notes.He delivers a high kick with one leg firmly fixed on the ground.Untrained people can easily fall down trying to execute such a high kick, but not Ronan.
The trainer explains that to succeed in his boxing programme, one needs to undergo at least five hours of training. Most tourists like Thai boxing because it requires constant movement, which makes them fit and their muscles firm. Fat people dont like it, says Wannachai with a chuckle. If you want to make a success in training, I would say dont give up halfway through.So if youre willing and able, Wannachai is ready to teach you. Get down there.
