http://www.thaing.net/
Some interesting info. Not sure what to think of their grappling. What are your thoughts guys?
Jake

One of my teachers is from Burma and he had some pretty wild stories about the old days. Lots of spooky traditions, gore and people dying in the fights.

I think this guy's grandfather should have written a book.

It would be interesting to see film of an actual Naban match.

My clearest recollection is that the fights were supposed to end when one of them was bleeding. So, these guys would go to someone who was versed in "black magic"( or, more likely, chemistry) and get stuff that they would put in their nose during the fight if they got hit in the face, that would prevent the bleeding.

Before the West really was a presence in these countries it was pretty wild, according to him.

Hey Guys,

My name's the same as the one you see near my posts. I trained with Phil Dunlap for about a year. He's top notch, hands down one of the best instructors I've ever had and I've been training in martial arts most of my life.

He runs a school that teaches burmese martial arts but also a succesful MMA program. One of his lightweight fighters just won a pro-fight and title match and is defending that title this month. A few of the guys there fight and while he doesn't push competition he does encourage people who are interested. I learned a lot through the whole process and he's really the first through and through positive experience I've had in martial arts.

Its really solid stuff and Phil's an excellent teacher and invests a lot of time and effort into his guys. He coached me through two amateur MMA fights and one amateur kickboxing match. I always felt totally safe with him in my corner and I had never fought prior to training with him. But because I'm definetely one of the class gimps, I'm gonna refer this board to Phil and see if he wants to answer any questions.

Justin thanks for the kind words. Justin doesn't give himself enough credit he has the one thing a coach can't give him heart.

I am always a little uncomfortable on other peoples forums. Those grappling clips were from a seminar back in the mid-90's with a very varied level of skill among the attendees.

I would be happy to answer any question here or via email phild@thaing.net

Stephen in Burmese Boxing traditionally 3 knockouts would win the fight

I will have to go back and ask him the context of those stories. What about bleeding? Would the fight be stopped if there was bleeding? Perhaps these fights were more streetfights than official boxing ring style fights.