Does the thought of lounging on the beach or by the pool with a good book for
hours at a time
fill you with
dread ?
Fear not ! Cyprus is an ideal place for the sporty ones amongst us.
So whilst the sun worshippers of the family make the most of the Cyprus climes, you can be off participating in a wide variety of sports.
Muay Thai Boxing - The women's
Championship in Cyprus.
Cyprus boasts the 3rd best female Muay Thai boxing
mistress of the world.
Nikki Brandon, who trains in Larnaca, recently won the Cyprus
Championship in Paphos on the 2nd December 2006
The Cyprus v Greece Muay Thai Match was held in Athens
in 29th of November 2006. Nikki won in 3 rounds.
There are 3 to 4, 2 minute rounds in Muay Thai boxing, it is an ancient
tradition, going back some 2000 years. Both men and women
participate in the sport which is growing in popularity.
Nikki Brandon
Click to Enlarge
Elbows, knees, Clinching, and so called master tricks
may be used, you may kick and block with your shins. The aim is to to
either knock out your opponent or win by points or the referee stops the
fight, called a technically knockout (TKO).
The Cyprus team brought home 8 gold Medals in 2006 and also the trophy for
the best team and the Wai Kru medal. Wai Kru is the ritual dance of
respect performed before each match, there are many variations and in
the world championships, if you cannot perform the dance, you are not
allowed to fight.
Regional Mauy Thai Competition.
The Lumpinee Gym Larnaca team went to Paphos on the 3rd
of December and brought home all 10 medals. The Annual Cyprus
Competitions, held in Paphos Stadium were organised by the Paphos Muay
Thai Association.
The next competition will be held in Nicosia at the
Pavilion in the 10th of February 2007. We will be going, so will report
back here.