One month on Koh Phangan.

What an amazing place! I came to Horizon honestly to clear my head from a break up with a girlfriend, but got so much more. I had trained in Taekwondo for three years about three years prior to arriving at the camp. I came by myself, and none of my friends in Australia could believe i was doing it. I told my work i was going for a month and that was that.

Arriving at Haad Tien in a long boat was something out of the movie 'The Beach'. It was more beautiful than you could imagine! I was nervous about what was to lie ahead, but what i was greeted by calmed my nerves beautifully. A bunch of people relaxing in the Horizon mess area, overlooking the ocean. It was the start of a great month.

Straight away I met people who had been there for a little while, from all over the world and may I say they were all exremely welcoming. I was escorted to my bungalow that looked over Haad Tien Beach and i knew i was in the right place.

I was a little scared at what I would expierience at the first training session as I had been out of training for so long, but I entered a gym that was free of big ego's and presumtions.

The training was great! It provided for those who were just starting out and those who were seasoned fighters, and I will tell you now, there was no one who couldnt be taught considerably. As i was there for both training and a holiday, it provided for me perfectly. When i wanted to train hard, i could. When i wanted to just chill and punch the bags or do weights i could; no pressure.

The trainers were fantastic. Phu and Reung (trainers)were awsome, they became like brothers!

It wasnt always training though, the option to party was always there every night! The Horizon group get pretty close which means we always have a good drink at the local bars, not to mention the Full Moon Party!! If you are worried you wont have any fun at Horizon, you are sadly mistaken! It's definately not all training, but if that's what you want then that is an option for you.

I met so many great people here from at least 7 different countries, and our differences quite easily fuel a months worth of conversation. I will honestly say, i met a group of people who became closer to me than anyone i have known in Sydney in my lifetime!

If you are a someone coming to lose weight, then you've found your place, if you want hardcore Muay Thai training then you've found it, if you want a relaxed environment that has a mixture of nightlife, fun, socialising and training, then you've found that too. The versatility is fantastic.

I doubt there has been a regretful person EVER!

Alex Simms, Sydney, Australia

Three Weeks in Thailand with Horizon Thai Boxing Camp

Here I am, home from another awesome three weeks in Thailand at Horizon Thai Boxing Camp. After living the island lifestyle on Koh Phangan it is difficult to get into the daily grind back home. I have a sense of withdrawal, having left what begins to feel like my second home.

The whole experience of training in Thailand beside champion Muay Thai boxers has not only made me a better Muay Thai fighter. I leave Thailand each time a better person, having experienced the refreshing good nature of the Thai people. The more times I visit the more I feel a part of the Horizon family.

With the help of their awesome trainers and the motivation of training beside Muay Thai students from around the world, I put my head down to training two hour sessions, twice daily except for Saturdays. I was to face a young Thai fighter with quite a few fights under his belt, under full Thai rules over five three-minute rounds. I expected a tough fight, but my Horizon friends assured me that I could win if I attacked with a strong heart.

I kept my cool and withstood some powerful kicks in the early rounds. As the fight progressed I unleashed punches, elbows, and even a head kick in the last round, for a decisive victory. I was gratified to land clean elbow strikes which I had only recently been developing with my Muay Thai trainers. There was a great supportive crowd consisting of both Thais and westerners.

I would like to thank everyone at Horizon Thai Boxing Camp for their friendship and support during my stay in Thailand. I urge anyone that is thinking about a Muay Thai training holiday, male or female to take advantage of Horizon Thai Boxing Camp on Koh Phangan. You will not be disappointed.