Other than myself, do any other forummers go down?

If so, who do you train with and how often?

Haven't been Thai boxing in years - keep meaning to get back into it but never get round to it. Is Wicker Camp ok then?

Wicker Camp is one of the best Thai boxing gyms in the country. It's the largest, has generated the most British champions, and is owned and run by Mick Mullaney, President of the United Kingdom MuayThai Federation.

http://www.wickercamp.com

I know Dave.C (tall bloke, shaved head) who is down there at least twice a week.

I go to Wicker Camp!, easily the best martial arts facility in the region.
If your after a structured training path, whether its for personal fitness/selfconfidence or right up to competition level, this place can offer it all. It simply brings out the best in you!

Mick/Trix/Chris/Lee/Dan can't think of any othe rinstructors but they're all top class, fully qualified.

Cheers for that - might get me arse down there some time then.

Trained for a short while at Sunny Gyms many years ago but didn't learn much to be honest - not enough equipment etc. to make it much cop. It was good for fitness though.

I too am a regular at Wicker Camp, have been for many many years.
Gaz B - do you happen to be one of Cris' private lesson students by any chance?

I too am a regular at Wicker Camp, have been for many many years.
Gaz B - do you happen to be one of Cris' private lesson students by any chance?

Yeah, have we met?

Hey stussonicos/GazB what do you guys look like, I've prob seen you there?

Who do you think is the best instructor (who is worst?)?

Who is best current fighter?
Who is best ex fighter?

(in your opinion)

I was looking into starting there, then someone recommended AFK...

If this place is all its made out to be, maybe ill start here instead!

How much are the private sessions?

Hey stussonicos/GazB what do you guys look like, I've prob seen you there?

Who do you think is the best instructor (who is worst?)?

Who is best current fighter?
Who is best ex fighter?

(in your opinion)

I've got short dark hair, I wear a black vest and my Thai shorts are black with a picture of a boxing ring on the front. About the same height as Christian.

Only been taught by Chris and Mick, but both are excellent (Chris pushes you to the limit). Mick picked out my left knee as my best weapon, and Chris picked out my elbows as his favourite.. Both know what they'e talking about!

My favourite fighters are Imran and Chris, sparred quite a bit with Chris but not with Imran yet. Not sure which titles Imran holds, but Chris has about 7 heavyweight titles (2 of which are at world level).

I was looking into starting there, then someone recommended AFK...

If this place is all its made out to be, maybe ill start here instead!

How much are the private sessions?

Not trained at AFK so I can't compare, all I can tell you is the facts about the Wicker Camp. If you go to their website, it tells you all about the gym, the fighters and the instructors!

Private lessons are £20 an hour, which you can split between up to 4 people.

If you're just starting out, get yourself down to a couple of the beginner classes for a bit of an introduction before you start private lessons.

My main problem is I've got a bit of a dodgy foot after I broke it a couple of times. I just don't fancy making it 3 :)

My main problem is I've got a bit of a dodgy foot after I broke it a couple of times. I just don't fancy making it 3 :)

You don't generally kick with your foot in Thai boxing anyway, you use your shin. Unless you're a plantpot like me and try a jumping spinning shin kick to the head after you've just trained hard for an hour, therefore not having enough energy left to kick through the bag and ended up landing it really awquardly with my foot and landing on my arse :)

Foot killed for weeks!

Yeah I know you use the shin as I did a bit of training years ago in it. Basically since I broke it a couple of years ago it's had a few games of football and general walking, jumping etc. but I've not put it through anywhere near as much hammer as I used to. One way to find out I suppose :)

I'd like to get in to it for the fitness first and then see how it goes. Any idea how much beginners classes are? Even though I've done a bit before it wasn't very structured and was pretty much same week in week out.

Yeah I know you use the shin as I did a bit of training years ago in it. Basically since I broke it a couple of years ago it's had a few games of football and general walking, jumping etc. but I've not put it through anywhere near as much hammer as I used to. One way to find out I suppose :)

I'd like to get in to it for the fitness first and then see how it goes. Any idea how much beginners classes are? Even though I've done a bit before it wasn't very structured and was pretty much same week in week out.

Your first will be free, and from then on I think they're £3.50 - £4 a lesson. They last 90 minutes and you'll do a range of different things to get you started. You'll do some bagwork, padwork and general technique work. You won't get to spar until you've graded at least once.. Which I do recommend, sparring is the best bit!

Yeah first time I sparred was with a guy about 6'5" tall when I was 12/13 and probably going on for 2' smaller than him. That was a fun day :)

Mine was with a guy that had been training for 5 years, and he was about 6ft4 and about 13 stone. I took a bit of a pasting that first time (first punch I took was straight in the eye, ouch) but I sparred with him again and gave more than I got. It's all good fun, character building stuff but can be disheartening at times.

Aah, the Wicker, Wicker, Wicker. :D Holds a very special place in my heart..! It's all good fun, character building stuff but can be disheartening at times.Such is the rollercoaster ride of learning and improving.. :)

Go down and try your first class for free, I can guarantee you will enjoy it. :P

All info on training times/prices and much more is posted on website www.wickercamp.com.

Sparring: I've been to a few b2/b3 classes and the sparring is very controlled. In terms of structure,
b1 - sparring
b2/3 - sparring allowed to body and legs (no contact to head)
I1/2/3 - punches allowed to head but not kicks
A1/2/3 - full sparring
fighters - full thai rules

Gaz B - I don't know if I've trained with you before although I may well have, there's also a chance I taught a lesson you were in - I have a long black tattoo running down and around my right shin.

llll_fb_llll - Your more or less right with the sparring structure although the fighters very rarely spar full Thai rules, and on the occaisions that we do it's a very relaxed controlled kind of sparring.

First lesson is free, after that it's £4.00 for working adults (over 16), £3.50 for non-working adults, £2.50 for kids (5-16 depending on their size). There are also a couple fo membership options allow payment for the month/year in advance and tend to offer savings of one kind or another.

Beginners lessons are -

Adults
Mon 20:00 - 21:30
Wed 20:00 - 21:30
Fri 18:00 - 19:30

Juniors
Tues 17:30 - 18:30
Wed 17:30 - 18:30

Sorry, correction - the second Junior Beginner class is on Thursdays and not Wednesdays, same time though.

Gaz B - I don't know if I've trained with you before although I may well have, there's also a chance I taught a lesson you were in - I have a long black tattoo running down and around my right shin.


Think I know who you are, do you teach students on Saturdays?

I'm crap with names, but Wes seems to spring to mind?

I used to train privately with Christian on Saturdays before I changed to training midweek.

Gaz B

Yeah that's me, I teach Private Lessons on Saturdays and teach the lovely Juniors on a Thursday (must have commited some terrible sin in another life).

Wes is very skilled instructor/fighter - are you still fighting dude?or have you retired?

Go on then llll_fb_lll - tell me who you are (PM if you want).

Yeah I'm still fighting, we've got a big show in April at Hillsborough Leisure Centre which I'm hoping to fight full Thai Rules on. I haven't fought since May last year though as I had a real problem with my left knee so was just ticking over but I've had Physio and been to see a specialist and apparently it's all ok now - still hurts but you have to keep plodding don't you.

Go on then llll_fb_lll - tell me who you are (PM if you want).

Yeah I'm still fighting, we've got a big show in April at Hillsborough Leisure Centre which I'm hoping to fight full Thai Rules on. I haven't fought since May last year though as I had a real problem with my left knee so was just ticking over but I've had Physio and been to see a specialist and apparently it's all ok now - still hurts but you have to keep plodding don't you.

What date is that? Do you know if it's tickets or pay on the door cos' I wouldn't mind seeing that.

Wasenshi

I believe the date that is being bounded around is Sunday 23rd April, although as you can probably appreciate these things take a h3ll of a lot of organising so there is a possibility that it might change date.
Would think tickets would need to be purchased in advance to avoid paying more on the door - although tickets won't be available until mid March I reckon.

Not trained at AFK so I can't compare, all I can tell you is the facts about the Wicker Camp. If you go to their website, it tells you all about the gym, the fighters and the instructors!

Private lessons are £20 an hour, which you can split between up to 4 people.

If you're just starting out, get yourself down to a couple of the beginner classes for a bit of an introduction before you start private lessons.

I think 2 of us will be starting there then!
cheers fella

I'm only a b2 - John Evens

Who else is fighting on that show?

Looks like I'll be down sometime soon then :)

we've got a big show in April at Hillsborough Leisure CentreWhoa! Fantastic news. Is this a sole Thai show? I'll certainly try to be there, with the wee man of course! :D

I train at Wicker on Fridays with Chris.

We have a good hard session and the people are all sound.

I would like to train more often at Wicker but I train everynight of the week in other Martial Arts, so I cannot fit another night in.

Never trained at AFK but spoke to Farhad and he seems like a friendly guy.


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sometimes a teacher, always a student
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Obviously things can change given the show is still 2 and a half months away but early arrangements have Daniel Hudson, Imran Khan, Myself, Helene Garnet, Thomas MmCormick, Mehdi, Sam Bowden, Nicky Froggart (1st fight) maybe a few more that get arranged closer to the day and of course there will be a fair few junior bouts too - possibly several bouts between fighters from other gyms.

maybe a few more that get arranged closer
:sad: :cry: My gosh.. I wish.. Those were the days

..If wishes were horses, eh..! :rolleyes:

I am seriously considering giving this a go as I have been very impressed with the website and other forummers reports.
I want to get fit, learn something new about myself and the art and hopefully instill a bit of discipline and respect into myself.
Firstly being the slightly wrong side of 30 with a slightly chunky tum, is it realistically too late for me?
Secondly..what sort of kit would I need the first times I pop down?
Thirdly..am I going to be made to look like a bit of a tool??

Firstly being the slightly wrong side of 30 with a slightly chunky tum, is it realistically too late for me?

Not at all, some people are 40+.

Secondly..what sort of kit would I need the first times I pop down?

Just take a drink, a towel, and wear shorts and a T-Shirt/vest.

Thirdly..am I going to be made to look like a bit of a tool??

Not at all! Go to one of the beginner classes, plenty of people will be in the same boat.

I am also in my 30's as are quite a few people that go to Wicker.
In my opinion you can do this at any age as long as you enjoy it and listen to your body (dont go to extremes). Obviously, younger people may perform better in a competition situation but not everybody at the Wicker train to compete. People do it for fitness, self confidence, discipline etc etc. Older people have a different attitude towards thaiboxing to younger people and so benefit in a different way.

To train, all you need is a t-shirt and bottoms or shorts (preferrably thaishorts but not essential at the beginner stage), training is done bare feet on a padded floor.

No you will not be made to look like a tool :| Since in the Beginner class
everybody is just starting out and at similar levels of experience.

Both Gaz B and FB have said everything that can be said really.

Kit-
Make sure you are wearing something that allows you free range of movement and take a plastic bottle of water, maybe a towel too.

As for training all beginners are encouraged to take things at their own pace and take a breather whenever they need one.
I know there has been talk of fighters and sparring on this thread but there is no sparring for beginners so don't worry about putting your knowledge of the sport against someone elses, as for fighting - yes many people start with the intention of getting to that level, many develop it after training a while but there is no pressure on anyone to learn to fight, in fact it's quite the opposite, the gym owner decides if you are skilled enough to fight and would then ask you to represent the gym, although the choice will always be down to the individual.
As for age I really wouldn't worry about that, you'll be more than surprised by the type of people you meet in the beginner class, always a very freindly bunch.

llll_fb_lll - sorry, I'm sure I've taken a lesson that you've attended and you'll know I always say I can't remember names, didn't click at first who you were but if I'm correct you come with your girlfriend and friend?

Thanks for your replies.
I think I will pop down next week or the week after for the free beginner class and see if I enjoy it then take it from there

Struss - I normally train with James Wilson but haven't been down for a few sessions lately. hopefully will be down nextweek

Can I just ask.
Can you join a beginners class at anytime or is there a set structure for which you should only start at a certain time..i.e if I went next week would I be starting halfway through??

You can start anytime.

I trained privately last night, aching today!

Beat everyone on the stamina test though 8)

Wibbles

The beginner syllabus is divded into 8 basic techniques (the associated blocks/counters/parrys and how the intergrate with other techniques) and these are usually taught on a four week rotation, so no matter when you join will get the full benefit of that class, and you will have chance to learn all the beginner syllabus by regularly attending.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MUAYTHAI TECHNIQUE?

Mine has got to be knees, they are the ULTIMATE WEAPON:cool:

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MUAYTHAI TECHNIQUE?

Mine has got to be knees, they are the ULTIMATE WEAPON:cool:

Elbow (which is out of commision for a couple of weeks after busting a punchbag open and cutting my elbow in the inside of the surface). My elbows were focussed on more than anything else when I was starting out so they're really good now (top elbows and spinning elbows being my favourite).

I can't stand doing clinching, mainly because I've never sparred with anyone that wasn't at least 3 stone heavier than me and more powerful.

Yeah, I get that problem - how much do you weigh? I do like knees though I have to say. Elbows are also great!

Not completely muay thai but sidekicks seem to slip through thai boxers guards quite well for some reason.

I weight about 11.5 stone and most people I train with are around 15 stone.

I train hard on the bags before sparring though, probably why I'm too knackered to be in the clinch!

I've found that the more you practice clinch work, the more relaxed you will be, so become more effective in it

just went for my first ever thai boxing. was right fun. well recommended

I'm also 11.5 stones at the moment... I gained a stone in the last few months and I'm still getting used to that (shot up a few inches too, now at 6'4")... I'm used to being lighter than people I train with and a lot of my technique / style comes from that - forces me to use technique instead of brute force.

Being relaxed seems to work for everything, I do quite a lot of things requiring physical movement (grappling, striking, guitar, piano, just started breakdancing...) and they all work much better when you're relaxed.

6'4"? Crikey. I'm the same weight but I'm 5'8"!

I went grappling yesterday, was great!

Me and my mate are going down on Monday for our first lesson, I'm looking forward to it, really unsure as to what the environment is going to be like though, but Ive only heard good things... :D

Hey, does anyone know what the opening times over xmas? Are they closing for a week or anything or just the days you would expect?

Yeah, I get that problem - how much do you weigh? I do like knees though I have to say. Elbows are also great!

Not completely muay thai but sidekicks seem to slip through thai boxers guards quite well for some reason.
There is actually a Muay Thai side-kick, called Teep Khang
So now you know :lol:

There is actually a Muay Thai side-kick, called Teep Khang
So now you know :lol:

I am aware of the Teep khang. What makes me laugh is how a lot of thaiboxers will almost refuse to do side kicks in padwork almost like it is against their religion.
I remember years ago as a beginner i went to a thaiboxing gym and was told by one of the fighters there that if i were to use the side kick he would "hurt me badly" .
:o
He said "use the front kick but dont let me catch you using the side kick"
I then hit him with a front kick and he blasted my thigh hard. I asked him " hang on a minute, thats a front kick" he replied " but it looked like a side kick thats why i had to punish you".
Crazy eh?

Going for the first time as well tonight. Sounds like there will be a few of us noobs. See you guys at eight!

Hi twoshots

If you do make it down tonight it'll be me teaching your first class, I'll make sure it's a good one.

Reading the few last posts I can honestly say I've never known anyone refus to throw anything when I've taken them on the pads, when your tha pad man you shoudl be in charge - you tell them what to strike with and when to strike. Obviously if they are struggling with an injury or anything then allowances shoudl be made.

A good fighter/experienced practitioner should be alble to use all the skills they have learnt to good effect, that said each person is different and each will favour certain techniques over others.
I'm not one for using the side teep all that often I must say.

If you do make it down tonight it'll be me teaching your first class, I'll make sure it's a good one.Looking forward to it :D

The door is on Effingham Rd, not Foley St, isn't it. (Left side from the roundabout.)

Hiya

The door to the gym is actually in the works yard at the side. Go intot eh yard through the main 2 gates near the roundabout and you should be able to see the entrance on the left (there's a sign abouve the door). Come straight up the stairs and follow it round to the left and through the door.

West

Looks like Ill be seeing you lads tonight, Im looking forward to it! reckon I oughta get something to eat now so that I dont throw it up later :P

:gag: It's ages since I've done that. Ah, the memories :lol:

Well, I managed it! Didnt end up feeling too bad to be honest, the next day I was a bit stiff in places but thats what makes it fun I guess :P

Did you go too Twoshots?

Btw, does anybody know what times the gym will be open next week, that is if they are at all.

Yep, I got down on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. :loopy: (Paying for it this morning, Daniel did is best to keep us moving last night, it was quite 'energetic'!)

Lyeems, which sessions did you make?

As far as I know (posted somewhere else by someone else...):
Gym closes on Friday 21st and re-opens Wed 2nd Jan.

There will be a bagwork class at 7pm - 8pm Mon 24th, Wed 26th, Fri 28th, Mon 31st. Imran and Ali will be supervising those classes.

Yep, I got down on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. :loopy: (Paying for it this morning, Daniel did is best to keep us moving last night, it was quite 'energetic'!)

Lyeems, which sessions did you make?

As far as I know (posted somewhere else by someone else...):
Gym closes on Friday 21st and re-opens Wed 2nd Jan.

There will be a bagwork class at 7pm - 8pm Mon 24th, Wed 26th, Fri 28th, Mon 31st. Imran and Ali will be supervising those classes.

All 3 days? Nice one man! I only managed to get down on Monday, I went with my mate and we've decided to go every Monday and most Wednesdays, neither of us will be able to on Fridays.

Looks like Ill be back in January then! :D

There will be a bagwork class at 7pm - 8pm Mon 24th, Wed 26th, Fri 28th, Mon 31st. Imran and Ali will be supervising those classes.[/I]

I believe the bagwork classes are open for all.

Someone said (maybe stussonics can confirm) that this weeks bagwork classes are free of charge as a one-off, but there will be no heating.

No heating! It's been cold enough when the heating has been on.

I may make it down as we're not travelling to see family till tomorrow morning. The question is more whether I could survive a bagwork session......:hihi:

...The question is more whether I could survive a bagwork session......:hihi:

you and me both! but I suppose it solves the heating problem
2/3 rounds into it :hihi:

I used to Thai Box years ago, I used to go to the Unity Gym in town, was run by someone called Roy Mann. Loved it, great for fitness, confidence etc.

Evening!

I really want to start at the wicker, haven't been yet, but live in fulwood am about to lose my car and have nooone to go with (not essential I know) - i have done a bit but only because of living in thailand and playing with mates and every thai boy can fight i guess but - i'd be going into beginners classes - and just wanted to know if anyone headed down there from around my area?

thanks. cap um.

I believe there's a guy called John Evans who comes from around there.

It's probably best to pop in the gym and ask around
(1st calss is free)

I was looking real forward to going tonight as I haven't been for a couple of weeks now, unfortunately the good lord decided to give me the worst ****ing cold in the world, now Im absolutely bored!

Hopefully Ill be fit enough on wednesday for and I might see about booking a private lesson for saturday, has anybody had a private lesson before? What are they like? :gag:

They're quite intensive. Let the instructor now
exactly what you want out of the lessons and he/she'll
tailor it to your requirements.

I'd recommend a mixture of private and public classes
so you can practice what you learnt in the private lessons
with other people

They're quite intensive. Let the instructor now
exactly what you want out of the lessons and he/she'll
tailor it to your requirements.

I'd recommend a mixture of private and public classes
so you can practice what you learnt in the private lessons
with other people

Thanks mate,

Im just looking to seriously increase my fitness and learn Muay Thai really, as you'd expect, so obvious private lessons will be real beneficial.
But yeah, Id still attend public classes on a weekly basis too, that way Ill get plenty of practice and also build up my confidence.

Yes, i have pvt tuition at the wicker camp and have done for approx 6 months (i think). i train in other stuff when i can so i'm not a die hard thai boxer, but the pvt lessons are great and i am getting into muay thai more and more with each lesson. great tuition, both friendly and professional.

Hi,
does any know if Christian Di Paulo has opened his own gym in sheffield and if he has any details availble??

No sparing in B1??

From what I heard Christian is at somewhere different...Legends gym perhaps? Google will get you more info than I can.

No sparring in B1, they just focus on the basics but if you're keen it doesnt take long at all to get to B2.