Since around 2006 I planned on putting on a Muay Thai show. I had to start from scratch, from training the fighters, buying a ring, planning the show, and finally having it with a co sponsor.

From the beginning I found a lack of honor and integrity among the coaches and fighters. I had my fighters do a smoker first. One of the opposing fighters coked up before the fight.

I started working with a promoter in 2008, who failed to provide names of fighters for my fighters. My fighters decided to pull out and I supported their decision. The promoter banned them from his shows and began threatening me.

While in an MMA gym, one of the young athletes said, "We don't have to bow to anyone, we're MMA fighters."

Recently, I held my first Thai show on Aug. 19, great show, but the co promoter took the money and ran.

I watched an interview of Maywether tonight. He's so full of himself, I don't know how he can eat dinner.

I'm really beginning to think most of these guys are a bunch of nuts.

IMO, when you have fighters going at it, trying to knock each other out, a certain type of individual gravitates toward these type of sports. I don't want to say every pugilistic athlete is like this, but I think the majority are. Many of the coaches are former fighters. 

I believe two major things are contributing to this. Most of these fighters are not taught their sport with any kind of humility. This has to start at the top and trickle down.

The other problem I see is the immersion in to a culture of violence, greed, and win at all costs.

I've heard of this problem in pro football, too.

I'm beginning to think I want to wash my hands of all this. It's ashame because it hurts the honorable coaches and athletes by denying them an opportunity to showcase their talent. Also, it helps provide a safe outlet for some of these aggressive types.

I'm grateful for the instructors that shared philosophy and positive application to daily living, along with their art.

What positive or negative experiences have you to share?

Guro Dave