A Farewell to Kru Yodtong Senanan by Chatri Sityodtong
Written by Evolve MMA Founder Chatri Sityodtong
I saw my teacher, Kru Yodtong Senanan, for the last time as we pushed his casket into the crematorium for cremation. When I was a kid many years ago, he took me under his wing to teach me the art of Muay Thai. It was very difficult to know that I will never see him again. Thousands of people from all over Thailand (and even around the world) flocked to his funeral to pay respect to one of the greatest legends in history. Without a doubt, he gave this world far more than he ever received from it. He developed the most beautiful, technical style of Muay Thai. He produced the most number of Muay Thai World Champions in history. He helped thousands of orphans and underprivileged children lead a better life. He changed the world.
Evolve Mixed Martial Arts® is Asia's premier championship brand for martial arts. With World Champions in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing, Wrestling, and No Gi Grappling, Evolve MMA is the top martial arts training organization in Asia. It ranks among the best martial arts academies in the world.
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| Kru Yodtong Senanan, Founder of Sityodtong Camp in Thailand |
I saw my teacher, Kru Yodtong Senanan, for the last time as we pushed his casket into the crematorium for cremation. When I was a kid many years ago, he took me under his wing to teach me the art of Muay Thai. It was very difficult to know that I will never see him again. Thousands of people from all over Thailand (and even around the world) flocked to his funeral to pay respect to one of the greatest legends in history. Without a doubt, he gave this world far more than he ever received from it. He developed the most beautiful, technical style of Muay Thai. He produced the most number of Muay Thai World Champions in history. He helped thousands of orphans and underprivileged children lead a better life. He changed the world.
He died as he had lived most of his life -
penniless. He was not penniless because he lived a materialistic life. He was
not penniless because he couldn't make any money. He was not penniless because
he had bad luck. He was penniless simply because he always chose to give
everything he had to those less fortunate than himself. His generosity was the
definition of the human spirit born free.
I will share a true story about Kru Yodtong
Senanan that is well-known all over Thailand. This story best captures
who my teacher, Kru Yodtong, was as a human being. Several years ago, Kru
Yodtong won US$2 million in the lottery in Thailand. People from all over
the region flocked to Sityodtong Camp and he proceeded to give away all of his
winnings - one by one - based on each stranger's individual story of need and
poverty. He listened to each story and he gave out what he thought was an
appropriate amount to each person. For a few days straight, Sityodtong Camp was
a sea of people - literally. It was a crazy mad zoo. At the end of those few
days, Kru Yodtong gave away everything he had even though he was poor himself.
His whole life was about giving to the world. He
gave thousands of impoverished children and orphans an opportunity to change
their lives through the art of Muay Thai. He not only taught all of his
students how to fight, but he taught us how to live.
Success can never be measured by big houses,
luxury cars, or fancy clothes. For me, greatness can only be measured by what
you do for others. Thank you Kru for not only teaching me how to fight in the
ring, but for teaching me how to live life. Until we meet again, I will do my
best to honor your legacy.
SITYODTONG FOR LIFE!!!
Evolve Mixed Martial Arts® is Asia's premier championship brand for martial arts. With World Champions in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing, Wrestling, and No Gi Grappling, Evolve MMA is the top martial arts training organization in Asia. It ranks among the best martial arts academies in the world.
