Ray Elbe On Training In Thailand

Just a few days ago i caught up with Tiger Muay Thai’s MMA coach Ray Elbe to see what his thought’s were on training in Thailand, teaching at a Muay Thai camp and his upcoming fight at Martial Combat 6 in Singapore where he will be headlining the fight show against India’s leading MMA fighter Alan Fernandes.

Ray was more than happy to have a friendly chat and answer a few questions. If you haven’t checked out his blog yet or don’t know who he is, i have a post about him under Magical Ray

Mike- Hi Ray, so tell us all how you got started in MMA?

Ray- I first got started in MMA while attending University. A friend of mine was into Submission Grappling and introduced me to the sport. I began competing in MMA as a result of that training.

Mike-And how did you end up all the way on the other side of the world teaching MMA in Thailand?

Ray- In 2006 I fought for the Total Combat 170lbs Championship Belt against a-then-undefeated prospected named Erik Apple. I lost the bout via TKO halfway through the third and final round of the bout. I had secured a very tight armbar submiission early in the first, but ultimately his Muay Thai technique and my-lack of- is what made the difference in the fight. Wanting to improve as a fighter, I headed to the home of authentic Muay Thai and fell in love with the Thai culture in the process.

Mike- How long have you been teaching at Tiger Muay Thai and how do you like it?

Ray- I have been at TMT since March of 2007. When I first arrived it was a struggle, the gym was not owned by a fighter and many things in the facility needed to be improved. Since my arrival the facilities have constantly improved, and my presence has given the gym that “fighter point of view” when it comes to providing input on decisions. Overall TMT has become my home, and the trainers, office staff, fighters, are all reliant on one another as a family.
What are your thoughts on training and living in Thailand?

Mike- Is Thailand a good place to come and train MMA?

Ray- Thailand is an affordable place to live. Often moving to Thailand gives people their first “REAL” opportunity to train for an extended period of time, 2-3 times a day, as a professional. Thailand itself is the “home of Muay Thai”, but MMA is expanding.

At TMT besides myself-we have several other quality grapplers year-round, and we have tons of high level MMA fighters making Phuket their fight training camp. I do a good job of getting my guys International fights in Singapore, Indonesia, China, Russia, Australia, Korea, and other countries, in addition to our smaller local MMA bouts and smoker fights. So, to answer your question, Thailand is a good place to come and train like a professional, gain experience, and start building your resume. It is also a good place for fighters that are already established to improve on their Muay Thai and continue training grappling/wrestling with advanced training partners as they continue to prepare for their MMA fights.

Mike- What do you love the most about Training in Thailand?

Ray- The thing that makes Thailand special, is the culture. Ultimately the USA has more advanced facilities, higher level grapplers, and many good striking instructors. In Thailand however, your getting a chance to discover the world. Phuket is in the rain forest, which is a unique opportunity to see the Jungle first hand. I had never lived abroad before arriving at TMT, and can honestly say that after my time here, I will always be a world traveler. You learn so much about yourself, and your human character as a whole when you experience life from a new perspective.

Mike- Whats the most craziest thing you’ve seen in Thailand?

Ray- Mmmm….Phuket is full of so many crazy experiences. The Vegetarian Festival every year is a shocker. That is when the locals use body piercings to show sacrifice. If you need a better description Youtube “phuket vegetarian festival”…LOL you wont be disappointing!

Mike- I see you just received your black belt from Julian Prado, I can only dream of the day I reach such a level, tell us what that was like?

Ray- Getting my Black Belt from Juliano Prado was a good feeling. In life we all need to set long, and short term goals. Earning a BJJ Black Belt was a long term goal that took me a little over 9 years to achieve. I trained consistently that entire time, often 2-3 times a day, 6 days a week. I feel honored that Juliano has given me the rank of “Professor”. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that changed my life, and improved my quality of living. I love being able to pass that same gift onto people.

Mike- What are your thoughts and predictions for your upcoming fight at Martial Combat Singapore against COTC Combat Champion Alan Fernandes?

Ray- Alan Fenandes is a tough opponent. ESPN sent me his record as 12 wins against only 3 losses. I have had a difficult time finding any current fight footage on him, with most of the stuff I’ve seen being 6-7 years old. A lot can change in 7 years. I saw a Muay Thai fight he had against the UK’s Mark “The Beast” Epstein, and he doesn’t look scared to trade.

I anticipate Alan coming out hard and fighting for the KO. I’m confident in my abilities, and have trained as hard for this fight as I can. Ultimately whether the fight stays standing, or goes to the ground, I see myself getting my hand raised at the end of the 5 round 5 minute war.

Mike- Have you done anything different preparing for this fight? Anything you have worked on more?

Ray- I have really worked on my striking. I know that he is going to be outclassed on the ground. Watching the Videos of him it appears he just swings for the fences with no regard to being hit. With the 4oz gloves of MMA, that makes for a dangerous opponent. TMT has helped me clean up my boxing, and improve my Muay Thai clench work in preparation for this fight. I’ve also worked extensively with WEC vet Muhsin Corbrrey and Strikeforce Vet Joe Ray leading up to the fight. Hard Sparring, Good Coaching, and Tough conditioning.

Mike- Are the Muay Thai trainers at the gym a big part of helping you prepare for fights?

Ray- Yes- I love having Lumpinee and Rajadamner stadium Champions sharing with me techniques and fixing mistakes they see me making in my striking. Between morning and afternoon training sessions I have been doing about 10, 5 minute rounds on the pads, with individual sparring rounds being closely watched by the Thai trainers. I honestly think having their expert striking as instruction is going to be the difference in this fight. Alan’s manager went on record as to saying “I was getting KO’d on the 15th”. After hearing that, I spent nearly 90% of my training camp working striking. I have no fear of him on the floor.

Mike- What advice would you give someone who is coming to who has decided to train in Thailand?

Ray- Come with an open mind. Realize it is not “your country” and things that you expect are not always customary here. Be patient and understand that you are a guest. Learn the culture and spend time discovering the world. The training is only one of the few life changing experiences Thailand has to offer. Also–bringing a few pairs of “Levi jeans” in small sizes, is an easy way to make a new friend with your thai trainer…lol!

Mike- So What does the future hold for Ray Elbe?

Ray- I’m such a busy guy now-a-days. Besides running the MMA program at TMT, and fighting professionally, I’m also helping secure fights for many of the guys, and just started color commentating for Martial Combat’s MMA events. In regards to what “The future holds”–I don’t think anyone ever really knows that answer. Ultimately I’d suspect it holds more of the same, and hopefully some more success

I’d like to take a minute to thank my sponsors who have made training for this Championship Belt a full time job. Full Tilt Poker-the best poker website online. Ken from Waterhouse Management, and Daniel of Lojak Religion-Australia’s leading clothing and apparel company.

I’d like to thank Ray for finding the time to make this interview happen. I know you’ll do great in your fight and look forward to giving Tiger Muay Thai a visit later this year.

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.

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