Hungary’s biggest Thai box camp is going international at Lake Balaton – PHOTO, VIDEO

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In 2021 for the third time, the Great Balaton Sparring Party was organized by Kurdy gym, where more than a hundred fighters Thai boxers, kick boxers, boxers and martial artists met. This event tops a week long Thai box camp where beginners can learn from internationally acclaimed fighters like Norbert Spéth and István Kurdy Jr. who is the host of the camp alongside his father. The organisers have no secret plans to invite foreign clubs to the shores of Lake Balaton in 2022 alongside with numerous Hungarian clubs, to expand the learning experience.

It has become a tradition in recent years that on the last day of the summer Thai box training camp – organised by the leader of Kurdy Gym, István Kurdy Senior –, several clubs and sportspeople visited the beach of Balatonszárszó to have a day of sparring. This summer 15 rounds were held in the morning and 15 in the afternoon including both fixed and unattached rounds. There was a strong emphasis both on hand-foot techniques and clinching, so that the fighters could get a feel for the whole of muaythai.

You could also learn from the Hungarian muaythai national team

Most Thai boxing clubs in Hungary came to the event, but not only their competitors, but also with their hobbyists and beginners. Just as the training camp was not limited by skill, gender or age, the big sparring party was also attended by older and younger people, boys, girls, hobbyists and higher level competitors. The fighters also had the chance to test themselves against members of the Hungarian national muaythai team, from whom they learned a lot during the event according to the testimonies.

The beginner fighters didn’t have to worry, because the day was without stakes, so everyone tried to fight to the level of their partner. It was a great opportunity to prepare for competition, as everyone was able to fight against unknown opponents, or even just to put in one last effort to close the camp. “The big sparring party is not a competition, here everyone was brought together by the love of muaythai and the desire to move” – said Hungarian Thai box legend István Kurdy Senior.

Before, between and after the two sparring sessions the fighters could relax on the shores of Lake Balaton, or just enjoy the time to meet other members of the association and exchange a few words with old acquaintances.

Thai boxing, K1 and kick-boxing rules were also revealed in the afternoon

In the second act, starting at 16:00, the campers and those who “only” came for the sparring party were again faced with new partners. This year, in addition to the grassy area, a ring was also available for those who wanted to try their hand at a real fight.

After the last ring signalling the end of the last round, the participants, exhausted but satisfied and happy, threw themselves into the waters of Lake Balaton, filling the beach with the true muaythai feeling.

Press release

Kurdy Gym goes international with a new location, but still on the shores of Lake Balaton

The 2022 training camp will take place in Balatonszemes Pillangó Gyermeküdülő, with several clubs attending as co-hosts.  This time, alongside István Kurdy Senior, Ferenc Blazsekovics, György Vojvoda and Gyula Kemény from Veszprém will be joining the 7-night camp. In addition to Thai boxing, participants will gain insight into muay boran and krabi krabong techniques, among others. The majority of the training sessions will be held by István Kurdy Jr. and the world championship silver medalist Norbert Spéth. One of the largest Thai boxing events in Hungary is planned to invite foreign associations from neighbouring countries from 2022, providing further opportunities for campers to learn and make friends. The large sparring party across martial arts disciplines is expected to take place again on the beach of Balatonszárszó.

Accomodation, prices and important details

Arrival is on Sunday morning August the seventh 2022, between 9:00-13:00. Punctuality of arrival is important in order to start registration in time and to finish it before the rooms are occupied. The camp runs until 14 August, departing on Sunday morning at 10:00. The first day will start with lunch or dinner (to be discussed) and the last day will end with breakfast. Any special dietary needs should be communicated to Kurdy Gym prior to the camp to ensure everything runs smoothly (vegetarian, lactose and/or gluten intolerant diet).

The total amount of the camp: 102.000 HUF which includes tourist tax, banking fees and 7 days accommodation, 3x meals and 3x training per day! All the necessary details can be found on the camp event Facebook page.