NO IQ!

“No IQ” is what the Thai trainers tell the “farangs” when they make a mistake. The farangs are us, the foreigners. My intelligence is being judged by a weak punch or an off distance kick. “No IQ” means we are not thinking which leads us to make mistakes and mistakes in a fight can lead to a sorrowful end. Still, in the beginning I found it very demeaning but then I learned to ignore it. There are some things I just have to accept that I can’t change.

These days I learned more about the Thai trainers and the people working at the camp. I am also trying to learn some Thai and I walk around the camp in the evening with this book I got from the mall trying to find some kid willing to help me learn. So far I can barely count to 10 and say a few basic words. It is still a start.

Training is getting harder and the rounds are getting longer. They are 6 minutes each with 1 minute rest and that minute goes by very fast. The closer we get to the fights more rigorous the training program gets. When I think it can’t get any more intense it does. When I feel like I can’t push anymore I find more inside myself to give. I started to feel more comfortable at the camp. I guess human nature is able to adapt. I am still minority though and still have to wait around for a trainer to hold pads for me. Men are always the priority. In the few days left I am trying to stay focused and find more inner strength.