And now, the review I was looking for before I signed up :
First, the back story :
I'm 29 years old, 155lbs, 5'11 with zero fighting experience. Absolutely zero. I'm talking "I can't remember the time I threw a punch" type experience." "Take a punch to the chest and give up on life" type of experience. Yeah, that bad.
I live in Center City now, but I was raised in the depths of North Philadelphia, where everyone wanted to knuckle up every 15 minutes -- It's amazing that I'm still alive and breathing. Someone out there loves me. Divine Intervention.
Fortunately though, I've always had a crisp mouthpiece, so I've always had the ability to deescalate anger in others. I've creatively avoided heading into Bloodsport esque situations with the underbelly of society for almost 30 years, but I knew deep down that I didn't like having that glaring weakness.
Especially as soon to be 30 year old man. Having the same fighting experience that I had when I started high school in 1999 was unacceptable to me.
I didn't like the fact that I couldn't defend myself, especially hanging around dimes. Average men who drink excessively in tapout shirts get jealous, you see. Furthermore, As a man, not being fit and not being able to defend oneself causes in-congruence. It's a huge void in your life.
You may feel confident because of other factors, but the most primal of all, the ability to protect oneself and others needs to be handled. Enter Muay Thai.
Now, to make everything clear, I'm not taking this class to become some sort of night vigilante or to finally have the ability to tango with some burly dude in a dive bar on the weekend. Nah. That's stupidity.
If it was up to me, I'd go another 30 years without a serious fight. So before you start, drop the ego, if you have it. It's imperative to approach this academy and the various arts with respect and understanding. There are things to learn here that are easily more important than the ability to fight.
Arrival/Intro Lesson :
When I arrived, I had trouble parking, so you might want to consider public transportation. I ended up finding a spot on Washington ave, so I didn't pay anything. You might not be so lucky, friend. They will tow and ticket you like crazy on the side streets around Washington Ave. It's very congested, but that's South Philly for you.
It's easy to miss the entrance of Daddis. I saw the signs everywhere, but I tried opening like three locked doors before I found the correct entrance on one of the side streets. It's directly across from the Autozone on 17th and Washington, but a more accurate address would be something like 1041 S Bouvier St. It's a narrow street -- Look for the black awning.
When you go in, POW! That sock smell is a beast. You're in a building full of fighters though, so it's understandable. You'll get used to and eventually stop thinking of that smell pretty quickly. It'll fade into the background. Don't worry.
Once in, you'll get a glimpse of the 3D Logo, which is pretty sweet. Props to the guy/gal who created it. "I'm sure that has been instagrammed a billion times." I thought. So... my phone went back into my pocket.
As you ascend the stairs, you'll see pictures of various people fighting, which it'll probably get you pumped. The nervousness I've initially had about the place started to decrease at this point.
When I arrived to the top floor, I immediately felt that the place looked bigger online. It's spacious, don't get me wrong, but I expected more. The receptionist was pretty nice. Filled out paperwork, changed and met with the trainer.
The trainer I had was pretty much a " no-excuses" type of guy (which is good) and he was stern with his orders, but overall was a cool dude. We immediately put on the gloves, and got into the ring. He had me learn combos, knee attacks, elbow strikes, and stances -- all completely new to me.
Then, I've done a bunch of crunches, situps and burpees.
Then he had me mix it all together for about an hour. And that was the intro lesson.
As I felt the strength and energy drain from my body from exhaustion, I stumbled over to the desk area to discuss payment. Let's get it out the way -- Daddis is not cheap. I wont post exact numbers (GO IN!!!) but I will say this : you might have to cancel cable with the billion channels you don't watch if you're making an average salary.
I'm ballin out of control with my finances and even I paused for a moment and was like "damn." But.... it's worth it though. You get an immaculate place to train in, friendly coaches, an academy that's critically acclaimed and most importantly, you're getting your body on point while learning some sick moves, bro. I'm aiming to be in Fast And Furious 8, myself.
Ive had fears about doing this, I've had self doubt (and it showed in my training) but I forced myself to take action. I hope you'll do the same. Now I have discipline in my life.. which is more than most people in our lives can say. read more