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News from Japan:
K-1 announced before the 12-8 K-1 Grand Prix Finals that it was modifying its rules, outlawing the
the blumb. While grabbing and kneeing one's opponent for an instant is permissible, clinching
and working knees, and blumbing around in general is now "against the rules."
This is a major disappointment for those of us from Muay Thai backgrounds who view the
blumb as a major part of the art Thaiboxing.
Granted, in Japan, kickboxing in Japan is a spectator sport, watched for entertainment value
and in Thailand its main raison d'etre is as a sport to be gambled upon. Modifications to the
art and sport are expected as it is adapted and adopted to new countries, cultures, and contexts.
Nevertheless, one would hope (or at least I do) that one, the K-1 enterprise would do more to
promote the art and sport of Thaiboxing, which, it is needless to say, it developed from; and two,
that K-1 promoters and fans would recognize and appreciate a fighter who can blumb well, and not appreciate
only the KO punch or kick.
So, in short, you can no longer blumb in matches that the biggest, high profile kickboxing
organization promoting heavy-weight fights (and recently a 70 kilo division) world-wide puts on.
Again, a major disappointment for Muay
Thai adherents.
In a poetic-justice like turn of events, the front page of newspaper the day after the Grand Prix
had an article that announced that Mr. Ishii, the founder and president of the K-1 enterprise, is
under investigation for tax evasion.
On the reverse side of the coin, Kobayashi Satshi--student of Fujiwara Toshio (all those who have
been to the Thaicamp should know this name)--entered the "Muay Thai Marathon" -- a 8 person
tournament in Lumpini Stadium on 12-14--and fought to the finals only to
lose by decision, thus taking 2nd place. A major achievement. So, there are good things coming out of the kickiboxing
world in Japan.
More news as it develops.
Alex Bay
Yokohama, Japan
K-1 announced before the 12-8 K-1 Grand Prix Finals that it was modifying its rules, outlawing the
the blumb. While grabbing and kneeing one's opponent for an instant is permissible, clinching
and working knees, and blumbing around in general is now "against the rules."
This is a major disappointment for those of us from Muay Thai backgrounds who view the
blumb as a major part of the art Thaiboxing.
Granted, in Japan, kickboxing in Japan is a spectator sport, watched for entertainment value
and in Thailand its main raison d'etre is as a sport to be gambled upon. Modifications to the
art and sport are expected as it is adapted and adopted to new countries, cultures, and contexts.
Nevertheless, one would hope (or at least I do) that one, the K-1 enterprise would do more to
promote the art and sport of Thaiboxing, which, it is needless to say, it developed from; and two,
that K-1 promoters and fans would recognize and appreciate a fighter who can blumb well, and not appreciate
only the KO punch or kick.
So, in short, you can no longer blumb in matches that the biggest, high profile kickboxing
organization promoting heavy-weight fights (and recently a 70 kilo division) world-wide puts on.
Again, a major disappointment for Muay
Thai adherents.
In a poetic-justice like turn of events, the front page of newspaper the day after the Grand Prix
had an article that announced that Mr. Ishii, the founder and president of the K-1 enterprise, is
under investigation for tax evasion.
On the reverse side of the coin, Kobayashi Satshi--student of Fujiwara Toshio (all those who have
been to the Thaicamp should know this name)--entered the "Muay Thai Marathon" -- a 8 person
tournament in Lumpini Stadium on 12-14--and fought to the finals only to
lose by decision, thus taking 2nd place. A major achievement. So, there are good things coming out of the kickiboxing
world in Japan.
More news as it develops.
Alex Bay
Yokohama, Japan
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