Fighting Fit
Winner of 2016 JERAA Ossie Award for 'Best Photojournalism'
It is a sticky night on the streets of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Boxers inside Thapae Stadium are preparing for their fights.
Muay Thai is a brutal business. Under fluorescent lights, fighters contemplate techniques and strategy. The pressure is on.
Gyms and trainers have invested their time and resources on the fighters, while gamblers have bet their small earnings to raise the stakes. This is not simply a sport in Thailand. It is a highly ritualised tradition, tainted by problematic social conditions.
This photo story follows three Muay Thai fighters.
Photography and words by Emily Jane Smith.
A young boy before his fight. In Thailand, many children are recruited to start practicing Muay Thai from as early as seven years old. For children and their families, Muay Thai is often seen as a way out of poverty.
The young boy fights his opponent. Children train up to five days a week, their gyms becoming a second home.
A trainer helps the young boy recover after his defeat.
As trainers and gamblers and families watch, competitors fight to win glory for their gym and prize money.
The teenage girl stands in the corner of the ring just before her fight.
Muay Thai is more than just boxing in Thailand, it is a sport laden with sacred rituals and traditions. Before her fight, the teenage girl bows to the corner of each ring as part of 'wai kru ram muay'.
Using fitness, skill and strategy, the teenage girls fight for the glory of their gym.
The teenage girl consults her trainer during the match, she is not fighting well.
She rests after the loss of her match.
Richy Vischer prepares for his Muay Thai fight. He is being fitted with a traditional Mongkon/Mongkol.
Richy eyes off his opponent in the ring before the match.
The fighters tap gloves.
Muay Thai is a brutal sport. Involving arms and legs, the chance of injury is likely.
Richy knocks his opponent to the ground, winning the match.
Months of preparation pay off, Richy is thrilled to be the champion.