Thank You and Farewell Kru Yodthong

My apologies for getting this up so late. I wanted to put something up sooner, but I realised that no amount of time and writing was going to be an adequate tribute to someone who did so much for our beloved art and sport.  I thought it would be best if someone close to him wrote something.  Thank you to Chatri for contributing this to MMT.  We wish you and all the Sityodthong family our condolences.

Remembering Kru Yodtong by Chatri Sityodtong.

I saw my teacher, Kru Yodtong Senanan, for the last time as we pushed his casket into the crematorium for cremation. Around 25 years ago, he took me under his wing to teach me the art of Muay Thai. It was very difficult to know that I will never see him again. Thousands of people from all over Thailand (and even around the world) flocked to his funeral to pay respect to one of the greatest legends in history. Without a doubt, he gave this world far more than he ever received from it. He developed the most beautiful, technical style of Muay Thai. He produced the most number of Muay Thai World Champions in history. He helped thousands of orphans and underprivileged children lead a better life. He changed the world.

Image from Samart Payakaroon

He died as he had lived most of his life – penniless. He was not penniless because he lived a materialistic life. He was not penniless because he couldn’t make any money. He was not penniless because he had bad luck. He was penniless simply because he always chose to give everything he had to those less fortunate than himself. His generosity was the definition of the human spirit born free.

I will share a true story about Kru Yodtong Senanan that is well-known all over Thailand.  This story best captures who my teacher, Kru Yodtong, was as a human being. Several years ago, Kru Yodtong won US$2 million in the lottery in Thailand. People from all over the region flocked to Sityodtong Camp and he proceeded to give away all of his winnings – one by one – based on each stranger’s individual story of need and poverty. He listened to each story and he gave out what he thought was an appropriate amount to each person. For a few days straight, Sityodtong Camp was a sea of people – literally. It was a crazy mad zoo. At the end of those few days, Kru Yodtong gave away everything he had even though he was poor himself.His whole life was about giving to the world. He gave thousands of impoverished children and orphans an opportunity to change their lives through the art of Muay Thai.