In many parts of Isaan, children start training extremely young. Six years old is not uncommon. Some start even younger, following older brothers, cousins, or neighbours into the gym. The training is not structured like a modern Western martial arts class. There are no motivational speeches, no “journey of self-discovery,” and usually no expensive memberships. The gym is often rough around the edges — old bags, concrete floors, makeshift rings, and trainers who themselves gre