Kombat Group Thailand

I came to Pattaya to get fit and learn some martial arts. The relaxing gardens made me feel like it was home away from home, plus the food was fresh and delicious - 10 out of 10. The cottages are cute and cosy, with real walls so you can’t hear your neighbors. As for the coaches, they’re well qualified and are actually interested in your progress. They are always helpful and ready to put in the time and effort for you. The people here are so friendly and respectful of each other's goals, it really makes it a great environment to train!

I have just completed a week of Muay Thai and Krav Maga training at the Pattaya Kombat Camp in Thailand. First of all, what an amazing ten days! I've been raving about it from the first training session to the last. The camp is well run and organised by Christian and Barbara, with training sessions morning and evening to avoid the worst of the mid day heat.

Kombat Camp has recently changed location and been refurbished hence, the rooms and equipment are all relatively new. Lots of punch bags, skipping ropes, a few weights, and bikes three full size rings an MMA cage, as well as large work out area. Everything you need is available including new gloves, shin guards, wraps, etc. and can be purchased at reasonable prices. There are also spares to borrow so no need to buy them.They even have a little first aid which I made use of on day three.

The new location feels a little isolated, however, is away from the distractions of the town. This is a double-edged sword, it means you can really focus on your training, however, it would have been nice to go for a walk in the evenings without having to take a taxi. Also, buying snacks and food involves a 10 -15 minute walk to the local shop. But again no big deal, there are bicycles you can use for free or even hire a moped. For the latter, the camp will organise this for you.

If you want a cab, they have a man on site who provides a cheap service and you can usually share the cost with another camp member who wants to go out for a change of scenery. The rooms are spartan but clean and tidy. I had a single with a lovely firm mattress which, was a Godsend! You have a shower with hot and cold water, a small cupboard, and bedside table, everything you need.

Food is pretty basic but nutritious, three meals a day are included in the price, and although basic and limited choice, it's good value. You can always pay a little more and get some extra or take a trip into town. You may struggle for choice if your a vegan. On Sundays, there is no training. More importantly, no meals provided, so you have to fend for yourself. A little inconvenient given the remote location but a good excuse to get out of camp to explore after an intense six days training.

Good tip buy some water and snacks for the week when you go! Training was tough in the heat but the coaches are sensitive to this and you go at your own pace. There are guests at every level of fitness and I found everyone really supportive, guests and coaches, we all helped each other get through. The most surprising aspect was the camaraderie.

Everyone bonded pretty quickly partly because of a common goal and partly the isolation. This made for a great training experience. Like me most people travelled on their own but it made no difference as everyone, male or female, was helpful, supportive and easy to get along with. The head trainers were all excellent, I snuck in a western Boxing training day as the class was so good.

The Muay Thai team really encouraged you to develop, I loved it. The head Muay Thai coach was the right mix of light hearted, but real attention to technique, encouraging everyone to get through the work out. In summary, I enjoyed this break so much I was posting on Facebook everyday, something I hardly ever do! I would come back in a heartbeat even with the very minor quibbles noted above.

To get the best out of training, I would recommend a minimum of three to four weeks. Any less and you are still getting over the jet lag and your body getting use to the training. Go to Pattaya Kombat Camp, you'll find yourself and reach your goals whatever they may be.

I wanted to try something different and I got the feeling that Kombat Group really cares about what they do instead of just running a business. I wasn't wrong. I loved my experience. First of all, I loved the trainers and I loved our little group of boxing people. And all the other people from all over the world too! Obviously, the training was really hard when I first started, but once I got adjusted to the heat and the training itself, I truly loved every second of it.

There were days when I felt like I was far too tired or too much in pain to go and train but those were often the best training sessions. It is an amazing feeling to overcome tiredness and just keep on going. And I love a good sweat too! I also enjoyed staying at the camp. I really liked Barbara and Christian. It's nice that they are foreigners running the camp. Being Italians, they love their espressos and olive oil, which is obviously a bonus. They were also very straightforward and honest, which I appreciate.

Basically, this is a place where you come and train and give it your everything for however long you decide to stay. The staff will do their best to make sure that's really all you have to do. The food, laundry, cleaning - everything else is being taken care of. What I think made my experience successful was that I committed myself to the training program. I missed a few sessions because I was ill but other than that I was always there and I always gave it my all.

But even if it sounds like hard work - which it is - the training was actually a lot of fun. It was my purpose for being there. I also decided that I wasn't going to focus on results - like losing weight or being better than someone else - but to just do my best every day and trust that it will naturally result in good things, which it did. I got stronger, faster, fitter, and dropped a dress size.

For me, the month of training wasn't just a physical but definitely a mental experience. I learned about commitment, pushing myself, and about not giving up. I also really enjoyed the simple life that Thailand has to offer: beautiful nature, happy and friendly people, gorgeous food, the sun and the sea. It was amazing to watch Christian train, prepare for his fights and then actually fight and win. It really made me respect professional boxers for all they go through for the love of their sport.

I felt like one month was a perfect length for my stay. It wasn't too long to keep it very intense but it was long enough to make great progress. I know it can be a big decision to travel across the world and do something like this but all I would say is: Just do it. You know you want to.

It was 12 o'clock p.m. when I arrived in the camp. Barbara was the first person I have seen in the camp, she received me in a very friendly way. It took a load of my mind because it was my first time that I travel alone in a such a big country far away from my home! She gave me my key for my room and she also helped me to bring my package upstairs. She explained me the daily routine and say good night! Next day early in the morning, I stood up and did my training.

After the training, I thought I must die. It was hard to train in a very different way to Austria and additionally at these temperatures.The trainers were all very friendly and they helped me to bind my bandages on my hands. But the best in this camp was, that you not only train hard, but you also have a lot of fun. The trainers always made jokes and because of that, the training was always fun.

After a few weeks, you recognize that the training bearing their first fruit. You noticed that you get more and more power and stamina. It was a very positive experience for me. After a few weeks, I learned in the camp more than in one year in Austria. It was amazing. After a time, I wanted to fight and Christian organized it for me. He was also with me at the fight and supported me that I can win. I won!

Christian and his family are wonderful. You got the feeling that they want, that you feel fine in the camp, and that was a very important experience for me. One day, I got problems with my back, and Christian and his wife drove me to the hospital. Thanks a lot for this!

Christian is a very impressive man, and he always has the right words for different situations. Before I fought, I was down and I thought I couldn't manage this emotionally and hard time, but he said to me, "you going through hell, for a few minutes of heaven!" I will never forget this words and I know I always think about it when I think I can't be done something! I learned something for my life. Thank you!

The way of life besides the training was a very familiar time! Ana and Sergej are also very friendly and nice people, who always helps you if you need something! You got to know people, who came all over the world. You could enjoy your free time, with a lot of different people. I improved my English speaking and I got to know people, who became friends. It was a very great time!

Before I came to the camp, my life was a little bit chaotic and difficult, I smoke a lot of cigarettes and drink a lot of alcohol, but the camp and the people in the camp showed me, that there are more important things in life than party. I learned how to handle my life in a different and healthy way. I want to thank you for the best and most important time in my life. You are all great and wonderful people.