Magical Ray

One thing I’m always doing is checking out other peoples blogs. Especially when it’s concerning someone else who trains Muay Thai, MMA or BJJ. One blog i like to check out on a weekly basis is by a Mixed Martial Artist training out of Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand. Originally from America, Ray Elbe has not only been training at Tiger Muay Thai but has been the Head MMA Coach at the Phuket Muay Thai camp for the last 4 years now.

Wiktor, Ray Elbe and Ngoo Ditty

Ray started out at Tiger Muay Thai as an accomplished blue belt under Julian Prado, boasting an MMA record of over 30 fights and with a degree in Elementary Education. With little Muay Thai experience and having to travel half way around the globe I’m sure Ray Elbe was thinking “WTF am i doing?!” just before boarding his plane and taking a big step into the next chapter of his life.

Andreas Hesslbeck And Ray

I can tell you that leaving just to “train” in Thailand for the first time is a scary yet exciting experience, imagine what it would have been like to “teach, train and work” there on your first trip. I would have pooped my pants at the thought.

MMA Team After Training

Ray has had the chance to train with UFC and MMA superstars such as Mike Swick, Jon Fitch,Roger Heurta, Dave Menne, Alex Reid, Brodie Farber, Bobby Southworth, Phil Baroni, Brian Ebersole, Kyle Kingsworth and Muhsin Corbrey as they come to the camp to train for upcoming fights and give seminars.

Mike Swick Rolling With Ray Elbe

Ray has created a MMA fight team at Tiger Muay Thai, working with Muay Thai fighter’s such as Ngoo Ditty and Rajadamnern Champion Berneung to make the crossover from Muay Thai to MMA which in return has helped bring exposure to the art of Muay Thai itself. Ray Elbe has promoted and led the way for MMA and BJJ in Thailand bringing several fighters to compete at an international level on the fast growing Asian fight promotions suach as ESPN’s Martial Combat and China’s Art Of War. He recently received something that has been a big long term goal as he was promoted by Julian Prado to BJJ black belt. An immense accomplishment for anyone i have to say.

Elbe Gets His Black Belt

Anyone who is excited about their first trip to Thailand and wants to get to know about what it’s like to live and train there, you should go check out Ray’s Blog. It’s basically about his life and training in Thailand as well as competing overseas. He updates it on a regular basis, nearly every second day. He keeps most posts short and sweet but always includes pictures he’s taken that day or videos from the gym, beach and around Phuket. Reading his blog makes me miss all the fun times and delicious food I had on my trips to Thailand, especially when he posts up photos of the food……damn the cheap yummy (drooooling).

Yummm... Bugs, a Healthy Snack In Thailand

If you get the chance, stop by Tiger Muay Thai and drop in for a session of Muay Thai or MMA. I’ve trained there before and personally one day I’d love to be able to stay there to live and train all day everyday. The food, the people, the atmosphere, the training and Phuket in general is great. Seriously though, what more could you want?

You can find his Blog at www.magicalray.com

Born in Australia, training in martial arts since the age of 9. My first trip to Thailand was back in 2007. Since then i have made numerous visits back to the "land of smiles" to feed my addiction of Muay Thai. During the month of November in 2010 i had to decide between working a 9 to 5 job back home for the rest of my life, or sell all my worldly possessions and move to Thailand to live and train for the next few years. Thankfully i chose the latter. I now spend my time training Muay Thai, meeting new and interesting circles of people, sipping coconuts under palm trees on the beach and measuring the cost of everything on how much Pad Thai i could buy with that money.

Mike (Admin)

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