Golden Age Muay Bouk (มวยบุ๊ค) vs Entertainment Muay Thai: Interview with Takrowlek Dejrat (Patreon)

This informal interview is at Takrowlek's gym in Bangkok, after we filmed a session with him for the Muay Thai Library. Takrowlek is a Golden Age fighter, who grew up in Muay Thai (following his brother down to Bangkok from their hometown) and has raised his daughter and his nephews in Muay Thai as well. He represents Muay Thai as a "way of life" in a way that bridges generations. Additionally, he and his brother, Chatchainoi , were students under Arjan Surat, one of the most respected and feared trainers for decades, spanning from the Golden Age to present day, at the Dejrat Muay Thai Academy in Bangkok.

Both Takrowlek and his brother fought in an active style called Muay Bouk (or Muay Beuk มวยบุ๊ค, มวยบู๊). It's a forward fighting, hands-heavy style which at its surface may feel akin to the aggressive styles that are demanded for 3 round Entertainment Muay Thai that is gaining popularity now; but if you look at them both they are quite different. So I asked Takrowlek what he sees to be the main differences between then and now, why those might be taking form now, and what he would prescribe to help preserve Muay Thai technique and tradition in the present day of declining popularity.

It's great to be able to give voice to the men of Muay Thai and to hear from them what they feel is most important in the preservation of the sport, and what made it what it was. We hope to be doing more of these interviews in the coming months. 

- Takrowlek's session will be up in the MTL in the coming week. In the meantime, you can check out the two sessions with Arjan Surat, and the session with his older brother Chatchainoi. He speaks about Samson in this interview, who is also in the Library with 4 sessions.

Takrowlek, Arjan Surat, and Chatchainoi (at graduation).