Cailloux - I've been meaning to post this for a while. I went to AKA Thailand for almost a month in January, so if anyone has any questions about it I'd be happy to answer them as best I can.
I did mostly the muay Thai classes but also did some of the MMA classes. I'm at a lower intermediate level I would say, in no way amazing. I'm 44 and was only in fair shape so I was pushed really hard every day which I like up to a certain point. I also have asthma. So if any of you doubt if you can pull it off I bet you can and you will be really happy with yourself and see this as a big accomplishment.
It is a pretty great facility, clean and modern. The MMA and BJJ are is indoors and air conditioned (or at least cool) which is nice, especially for those doing go BJJ. The muay thai area is outdoors but covered so protected from the rain.
Instructors were all great. They were nice and taught me a lot. They recognized my limitations (age, conditioning, etc) but would still push me, just not over the edge.
Because the restaurant was beside the muay Thai area, I would hit it up after the afternoon session and this is where I would meet people and mingle. It was pretty easy to meet people if you are sort of outgoing. Many people there are by themselves so most people wouldn't mind making new friends and seeing the sights around Phuket together. Restaurant is really good btw, but maybe it is because you just finished burning a million calories!
The MT sessions were 2 hours! That was crazy, at least for me. But I felt so good that I had made it all the way through afterwards, definitely a good feeling. I had my hardest training session ever while at AKA. It was super hot, my body probably worn down, I kept thinking I had to stop but I kept powering through. I thought we were almost done and the end was in sight, then they sent me for another round of sparring. I didn't think I could do it let alone survive. Somehow in did and then was ready for it all to be done. But then they got us doing clinch fighting with a partner for another 15 minutes or so which is incredibly taxing. I made it through that horrible session and that was my proudest accomplishment.
Mike Swick was around a lot which was cool.
I rented a scooter while I was there. Terrifying for first day or so, then you get a hang of how the insane traffic works there. I had never driven one before but got used to it fairly quickly. They do take your passport and there is no insurance so beware of that. I did go back after a week or two and asked to see my passport and it was all cool, no issues getting it back after either. I once was going through a crazy traffic circle with a truck beside me with a monkey in the back looking at me. Love it.
I stayed in a couple different hotels, all far enough away that I needed the scooter to get to AKA. There is a hotel right beside it up a steep hill but it was full. May be pricey for a long stay for some.
Massages: it was amazing to get a full on workout, eat good quality food and then get an hour long massage to help soothe the aching body. Specify that you want a "sports" massage or a harder massage, otherwise you may get a pansy ass tourist massage that does nothing. They are dirt cheap and are everywhere.
I only went out boozing one night, so I'm probably not the best person to ask about the nightlife.
If I remember more I'll post more.
Questions?
Thanks for the review and I am happpy to hear you had a good experience. We are only 3 years old but growing fast, and it’s feedback like this that really helps! ;)
