I have been quite bold in what I would eat in Thailand. Being that this was my first visit to Thailand, I had received many warnings from different people about a condition they call ‘thai belly’.

I love spicy food, so I wasn’t too worried about it, and I’m a firm believer that experiencing a different culture, experiencing their food is a big part of that.

I would try things on menus in Thailand that I would never have tried at home. I think the mistake I made was with some of the street vendors. I could clearly see that his prep areas weren’t exactly clean, but I never expected what he had in store for me.

‘Tummy Tummy’ sounds like such a cute affliction… It’s not. My insides felt like they were going to come out. I spent a couple of times afraid to go too far from the bathroom, but I got very bold on day 3. I was going through withdrawal. I missed training and had to go back there.

Since I had taken a few days off, Sawat had found another private lesson to fill the time, so I had no coach. I went back to group sessions. The problem was that I hadn’t been able to get away from a bathroom for more than 10 minutes in the last two days, let alone 2.5 hours.

I strategically positioned myself near the exit and excused myself when I needed to. After the fourth or fifth time, I could see that this was bothering the head trainer. When it was time for pad rounds, I saw him whisper something into a coach’s ear. That coach looked for me and told me that I was going with him.

The next 11 minutes consisted of this trainer kicking me. It was the hardest 3 rounds he had ever done. Between rounds, he had me do push-ups while the others rested. The third round ended with me on my knees…completely out of energy. I looked up, expecting to be hit by him, but instead found his outstretched hand, helping me up from the ground. He said, ‘Good job.’ And he walked away.

Who was this maniac? I saw his name stamped on his shorts. Her name was Kay. One look at the Tiger Muay Thai website told me everything I needed to know:

Kru Kay (fight director)

Nickname: Kay

Fight Name: Pichai Wor Wolapon

Fight record: more than 250 fights

Titles: Ranked #3 at Lumpinee Stadium

Kay first started training at the age of 10 in her hometown of Surin, northeast Thailand. He began fighting soon after and quickly gained a reputation on the local circuit as a tough fighter, winning many fights by knockout. He moved to Bangkok at the age of 17 to train at the famous Kiatsingnoi camp, where he trained alongside TMT trainer Nai for the rest of his career. Kay made his Bangkok debut at Rajadamnern Stadium in the 100-pound division, and then worked his way up the weight divisions before eventually becoming a superstar for Onesongchai, Thailand’s biggest promoter who fights regularly at Lumpinee Stadium in the national television.

During Kay’s prime, he fought against the biggest names in Muay Thai at the time, such as Orono, Attachai, Thongchai, Chatchai and Yokthai Sitor. Competing during the “Golden Era” of Muay Thai, Kay defeated many of the champions of that era and rose through the ranks, but unfortunately never got a title shot.

Kay retired from fighting at the age of 27, with over 250 fights and 17 years of competition. After retiring, he quickly began training fighters in Bangkok and Surin, where he formed champions like Iquezang Kor.Rungthanakeat.

Shortly after Tiger Muay Thai opened, Kay was recruited to join the training team and has been here ever since. Having trained many of Tiger’s top fighters over the years, Kay now holds the position of fight manager. She organizes fights for TMT fighters at local stadiums, Bangkok stadiums and abroad.

Kay is known for his relentless training style, focusing on building power and endurance in his students.

I had returned to rom to lick my wounds from the beating I had just received. I went on the internet and read the above information. I put on my shoes and walked back to Tiger Muay Thai, signing up for private lessons with Kay.

I came to really admire this man. His tough exterior is what makes him a great trainer. But he also has compassion, as evidenced by his willingness to help me get off the ground after our initial meeting.

I would train with him every day from then on during my time at Tiger Muay Thai. I would do group sessions in the morning, a private one with Kay, then group sessions again. I got in amazing shape, and I owe it all to that maniac who kicked my ass.

I never told Kay why I kept walking out of class that day, and I don’t think he would have cared. He was instructed to kick my ass, so he did…and he loved it. Now I know what the term beat the crap out of you means… I was in pain all over, but my Thai belly was gone.