Chuwattana Revisited

It was a brilliant day to run around, the air was cool with a slight breeze, sort of a rarity in Bangkok.  I’m off to Chuwattana, to take some pics and catch up with Lamsongkram.  I ran into him at the Rajadomnern b-day fights and was eager to see what he’s up to.

On a day to day basis I get dozens of email from folks, mostly about where to train in Thailand, one of the more popular ones… is how do you get to Chuwattana? Do they have a website?  How do I get in touch with them?   LDF has already done a post on the Chuwattana with a price list.

I’ve got a rough idea of where it is… I met LDF there once…  So as far as I know they don’t have a website, they used to not sure where it’s gone.  I’ve sent an email to the owner’s son; hopefully he can help shed some light on the situation.

They’ve just refurbed the place.  I’m going off of what I remember seeing in pics.  The place seems a lot brighter and cleaner.  The camp is situated next the Bangkok Central Hospital (don’t worry I’m including all the pics)

1.) Tell the cab driver you want to go to the Bangkok Central Hospital ( Rong Phayaban Klang)

2.) The gate to the gym is on this street. This street runs along the side of the hospital complex

3.) look for this gate (no.256) look for the chinese lanterns, then again this is chinatown… better look for the number

4.) Once inside the gates head along this alley look for the chinese lamps along the left side of the alley… you can just make them out in this picture.

5.) You’ve made it, give yourself a pat on the back.

Once you get there you have to look for a pretty non-descript gate reminiscent of the walled villages of Hong Kong.  Go through the gate past the grannies and the boiled rice stand and you’ll find yet another non descript door leading into the court yard gym of Chuwattana.  The gym is in Bangkok’s Chinatown district… Bangkok Chinatown actually predates Bangkok.  The whole set up reminds me a little of the souk’s and back alley ways of Marrakech.  These seemingly innocuous doors passage ways leading into other worlds.

view from the front door

They’ve got a boatload of fighters and trainers, 20+ with the bosses wife and son keeping a tight eye on things.

I had a chance to speak to Jomthong about the Bruce Lee anniversary fights about how much it pisses me off to seem them have to where elbow pads.    I asked him what he thought about fighing Sanda rules… he was pretty nonchalant about things, said  (tum nah tee kong phom) I’m just fulfilling my responsibilities. Doesn’t matter who or where… what a pimp.  He said he would be fighting 6^th at Raja I wish him the best.

Jomthong & Lamsongkram

Lamsongkram, it’s been over a year since I’ve caught up with him.  The rumours are basically true… he’s been living between Bangkok and Shanghai.  He’s trying to kick start a film career in China.  It’s a completely different life for him.  He’s been going to acting and modelling classes.  Even more challenging considering he doesn’t speak Cantonese.  He seems to be at a cross roads and I feel for him.   His life has always been about one thing and now it’s time to start thinking about his next chapter.  He seems quite keen about opening a camp in Shanghai…   I wish him all the best and will continue to root for him in whatever chooses to do.

If you have any questions about training at Chuwattana I would send an email to  Khun Chatchai Raweearamwong  (k_one_j@hotmail.com)