The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

AFTER a successful debut in his Muay Thai career, DC Pratt said he hopes to aid the growth of the sport in the Bahamas over this holiday season.

Pratt is all set to host a Muay Thai seminar next Saturday, December 22, at Nassau Nastics, Oakes Field, from 2-5pm.

Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is known as the art of eight limbs for its use of punches, elbows, knees and kicks.

Muay Thai is recognised as one of the most effective and devastating disciplines, hence its increasing use in mixed martial arts.

In this seminar, Pratt plans to lay down the basic foundation work of Muay: clinching techniques, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and the infamous Thai kicks will be overviewed throughout the seminar.

He said the seminar is intended for the martial artist looking to improve his game or the mother looking to defend herself.

All ages and fitness levels are welcome.

“The seminar is open to any and everyone. If you want to learn to fight or defend yourself or learn the art or become a more efficient fighter, this seminar is for you. But the real purpose of the seminar is to expose Bahamians to the art of Muay Thai. I want Bahamian martial artists and fighters to expand their horizons and expose themselves to other forms of disciplines. I’m passionate about Muay Thai and I want it to grow in the country,” he said.

“Being the first Muay Thai seminar and kind of last minute, I don’t expect huge numbers. My goal is to conduct a series of seminars over time and eventually bring in my coaches once the basics are established. But I hope to see budding fighters or those interested in fighting competitively. This would be especially beneficial for them and if it’s anyone I expect to be there it’s those guys. There are a lot of people interested in the art and what I do, so I want as much of a following as I can get.”

Pratt was victorious in his Muay Thai debut in late September with a split decision over Clint Blintzard in the 160-pound weight class, fighting on the undercard of Bangkok Fight Night Atlanta Grand Prix in Atlanta, Georgia.

One of the major MMA (mixed martial arts) promotions in the state, Bangkok Fight Night features both professional and amateur MMA and Muay Thai bouts on its 11-fight card.

Bahamian mixed martial arts standout Yves Edwards, who improved his UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) record to 43-18-1 last week with a knockout win over Jeremy Stephens, credits Muay Thai with giving him an early introduction to this type of sport.

“Yves is a friend of mine and I got the chance to work with him briefly. He’s an exceptional fighter and in my opinion has some of the best Muay Thai skills in the UFC,” said Pratt.

“He’s a testament to what Bahamian fighters can accomplish with the right guidance and tools. Guys are quick to jump on the MMA bandwagon too quickly without establishing themselves. Initially I began Muay Thai because of my interest in MMA, but after learning more about the art I fell in love with it as opposed to just MMA. So I hope this can open these guys’ eyes to the possibilities as far as competing, because the talent is there,” he said.

“I think that there are so many possibilities for Muay Thai in the Bahamas. I really want to promote it in the country, I just need a little assistance. But if I have to do it on my own, I’m up to the task. I would like to see competitions held locally and Bahamian fighters competing abroad. This is very likely, but fighters need to be developed in order to sharpen each other and in order to encourage friendly competition locally. Recreationally, I think it’s a good means to get in shape and learn self-defence. I also think it’s a means for young guys to learn discipline and burn off some excess tension and energy. And I would like to use it as a way to help guide the guys here.”