Doing Epic Stuff Podcast ep. 9 feat. Two Young Nak Muay in training, living their EPIC

Welcome to the Doing Epic Stuff podcast with your host Mike Drohan. Together we’ll explore the stories and journeys of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.Jake Waters and Ebony Campese are your typical modern day teenagers albeit with one significant difference; they both train in the ancient art of 8 limbs or 'Muay Thai' - a full-contact martial art born on the battlefields of South East Asia.Muay Thai is as well known for its beautiful pre-fight warm up routines or ‘Wai Kru’, as its strange and exotic soundtrack of traditional horn music, which builds and slows in concert with the action in the ring.Wicked spinning elbows, spear knees and savage clinch techniques are the order of the day which, more often than not, can result in loss of consciousness to the losing combatant or ‘Nak Muay’.In an era where direct human interaction is in decline, and the value of traditional educational institutions under question, the practice of an ancient martial art is providing the answers for these two young guns, actively pursuing their EPIC journeys in the brave new world.I'm fascinated by both Eb and Jake’s poise under scary conditions. Having only discovered Muay Thai later in life (myself) and subsequently; the roller coaster of fear, elation and injuries that its pursuit demands, I had to find out what went on in their minds when they donned the Thai leather, bit down on their mouth pieces and (effectively) prepared themselves to go to war each day after school.Disclaimer: there’s mention of being ‘kicked in the head’ during this podcast which sounds (and is) disturbing but please note: that this sport is practiced under in a tightly controlled and regulated environment at Dominance MMA, Melbourne. Practitioners wear pads and are specifically trained to prevent serious injuries to each other.In the ring? Well, that’s a whole other story… Show Notes:Watch The Emperor in action#DoingEpicStuff #LvlUp #SomeWayfindingRequired #LicenseToThrill #SwitchGrooves #LiveYourEpic This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com