by Dave Delgado

Guam - Island residents can get in shape while learning the sport of Muay Thai over at the Guam Muay Thai Gym in Mangilao. The gym is located on University Drive on the second floor of the La Isla Arcade Plaza across the street from the old bowling alley. The gym is open to all ages and focuses on the traditions of Muay Thai.

Kevin Jalique told KUAM Sports, "A few things that make Muay Thai different from just kickboxing are the use of elbows, knees and the Thai clinch. The Thai clinch is a form of stand up wrestling, also another thing that makes us unique is that we stick to the traditions of the sport of Muay Thai. Muay Thai is Thailand's national sport and you can't separate the culture from the sport. Even until now we use a lot of the traditional gear. What you wear on your head is called Mongkhon and fighters still wear that before they go into the ring. And they put on Pra Pra Jead and it protects a fighter from danger. The monks bless everything or by a church or whatever your religion is that you hold sacred. Here at Guam Muay Thai we try and stick to the traditions of Muay Thai to keep the sport what it is and be true to the sport."

For more information on the gym check out their Facebook page at Guam Muay Thai or email them at GUAMMUAYTHAI@GMAIL.COM.

"Everybody is welcomed here at Guam Muay Thai," continued Jalique. "If you are a fighter or just want to workout and want an alternative workout. If you're looking to lose weight, come here, we help everybody and you don't have to have any experience to come here. It's a cool atmosphere with a wide range age group of different people. So come by and check us out. We are open Monday through Thursday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm."