Sitsiam Camp News/Blog
Por Kru Day:
Por Kru Day:
Por Kru Day is the day when the Buddhai Swan Institutes around the world reflect on the sacrifices made by our teacher (Arjarn) "Por Kru" Samai Masamarn (1914- 1998) to keep alive the Thai Martial Arts in its entirety.
Being a part of this auspicious occasion, especially for those students who are lucky enough to be at the Buddhai Swan Institute in Thailand on this day, is something that lives long in the memory.
This year at the Sitsiam Camp/Buddhai Swan was particularly special with so many students past and present coming to pay their respects to our Father Teacher “Por Kru” Samai.
On this day all the students are reminded of the uniqueness of being a part of our school.
The students are given the opportunity to train in the methods of combat which have been taught at the Buddhai Swan Institute for centuries. The techniques and strategies of fighting in the Buddhai Swan way, which Thai Kings, like King Naresuan, King Ekathotsarot and King Taksin used to gain victory in their most famous battles and thus save the Kingdom of Thailand.
The way of Buddhai Swan's fighting style was preserved by Por Kru and is now passed down to the teachers of Buddhai Swan whereby, in turn, the fighting style will be passed on to the students of future generations.
Thank you to all the teachers, students and guests for making this such a special occasion.
Buddhai Swan Chai Yo!
Video Montage .Who was Por Kru Samai Masamarn?
A brief history:
Por Kru (Father Teacher) was born on 5th May 2457 (1914) in the Maharat District of Ayuddhaya.
His father was the headmaster of the Amnoisen school and was an expert in traditional Thai weapons.
Por Kru led an interesting and unique life; he was a spy during the Second World War passing on information about the Japanese invasion force to the Thai Resistance movement which would in turn be passed on to the British. A photographer for Pim-Thai Newspaper he became famous for an image he captured exposing corrupt politicians in Thailand. He established the Ta-Prajam Thai Boxing Stadium.
It is resurrection of the Buddhai Swan Institute that Por Kru Samai is most famous for, The Buddhai Swan (Wat Phutthai sawan) can trace its history back over 680 years.
In 2489 (1945) Por Kru began his quest to teach the people about the art of Krabi Krabong and in 2500 (1956) the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama the 9th awarded the Buddhai Swan Standard to Por Kru Samai, to carry forth for the education of Krabi Krabong (Thai Weapons).
Por Kru Samai was honoured with several accolades during his lifetime, two of these awards were special to Por Kru, the first award which was presented on behalf of the King of Thailand (Rama 9) for preserving the martial arts of Thailand for the self defence of the Nation.The second was The Culture Authority Award for support of sports and entertainment.
It was the entertainment part of this award that was especially important to Por Kru Samai, it was given for the Buddhai Swan's spectacular demonstrations and historical re-enactments at many of the large festivals, including her Majesty the Queen of Thailand's birthday in which our teacher Arjarn Tony was honoured to be part.
Today it is the Masamarn family who continue the work of Por Kru, teaching the Royal Thai Army and on occasions teaching Thai movie stars for their fighting roles.
Just recently the Buddhai Swan Institute opened the Buddhai Swan Khorat (Nakhon Ratchasima) Institute which is run by the Royal Thai Army.
The Sitsiam Camp/Buddhai Swan are honoured to be part of the Buddhai Swan family and will continue to carry on the good work of Por Kru Samai, to preserve and promote the heritage of the Thai Martial Arts for future generations.
"Buddhai Swan Chai Yo"
click to watch the VideoSongKran Festival:
SongKran (Thai New Year)
A wonderful time was had by everyone at the SongKran Festival held at Wat Sriratanaram Thai Temple in Bolton.
It was so good to see so many of our Sitsiam students who came not just to see our Thai martial arts show, but to enjoy all the other festivities on offer.
As always the show was well received by the audience.
There were demonstrations of Krabi Krabong, Thai sword fighting with real swords! Two of our juniors gave displays of the the Thai Ritual Dances, "Nong" Bam, performed Wai Kru/Ram Muay and "Nong" Fab performed the Ram Plong (Dance with Staff).
Next up was Muay Thai, showing pad-work and free sparring by our juniors and seniors.
The show finished with a spectacular jumping roundhouse kick, kicking an Apple of the end of a real sword, this was performed by another one of our juniors "Nong" Harry.
Congratulations to the Sitsiam/Buddhai Swan team for an extraordinary display of the Thai Martial Arts.
A Special Thank You to the Head Monk Arjarn Maha Paganon and to all the organisers for making this such a special day for everyone.
Click for Photo montage video .SITSIAM CAMP FACE BOOKArtwork by AKSE
AKSE p19, the Manchester graffiti artist completes a stunning piece of art at the Sitsiam Camp. The portrait is of Kru Steven Moore, instructor at the Sitsiam Camp.
Click below to watch the Thai Martial Arts short film.
Thai Martial Arts, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing), Muay Boran (Traditional Thai Boxing) and Krabi Krabong (Thai Weapons Art).
This short film is testament to the past and present Teachers who dedicated their lives to preserving the Thai Martial Arts.
It is important that todays generation of teachers preserve the "Thainess" of the art with all the rituals and culture associated with Thailand, the birthplace of the Thai Martial Arts.
Training in Thailand
Tracking the Warrior Tour .
The trip will be organised for The end of October/November, 2025.
Please pick up your booking form from our reception or click the link. Booking Form.
Nowadays, there are many training in Thailand trips available for Thai Boxing enthusiasts wishing to undergo the rigours of training in an authentic Thai Boxing Camp.
The Tracking the Warrior Tour is so much more!
Students will have the opportunity to train in their chosen disciplines of the Thai Martial Arts, not just Muay Thai but also Muay Boran and Krabi krabong.
Aside training, students will be able to visit many of the historical places which are synonymous with the Thai Martial Arts, they will learn about the history of the warrior Kings of Siam and other Thai heroes which have been an essential part in the development of the Thai Martial Arts.
Finally, Students will be taught about the history and culture of this fascinating country, as I believe to fully understand and appreciate the Thai Martial Arts students should understand the history and culture behind them.
With over 35 years experience in travelling to Thailand.
Click the link above the book your trip of lifetime
