Muay Thai fighter Chen: Continuing the family tradition in Thailand

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Born into a martial arts family, Chen Weichao grew up kicking and punching. His father would make him practice these basic punching skills for hours each day. By the time he graduated high school, the punching bag had seen its last life.

His talent was there, but he didn't have much interest in Kung Fu, and instead gravitated towards the little-known sport of Muay Thai. Supported by his father, Chen left Weixian, a poor countryside area of Hebei Province, 12 years ago. This journey would be his quest to continue the family tradition, while expanding it beyond the narrow confines of his beginnings.

Chen Weichao /VCG Photo

A fighter's life

At the age of 15, Chen made up his mind and traveled to Por Pramuk training camp in Bangkok, Thailand – famous for its Muay Thai kickboxing star Buakaw Banchamek.

The training camp was built on the river bank, and when the water level rose, it was impossible to train. Nevertheless, the harsh conditions generated world famous Muay Thai master Buakaw, and Chen was excited to train with the idol.

Several days after sending his son to Thailand, Chen's father went back to China, leaving the youngster to train there by himself. Chen's daily life was consumed with training, eating and sleeping. As the only Chinese fighter, the teenager dealt with extreme loneliness at the beginning.

At home, his family faced criticism for what they believed was a foolish move. Many believed Chen's family was investing a barrel of money in a useless endeavor – fighting would not change his fate.

Chen Weichao (L) and Buakaw Banchamek /VCG Photo

Chen Weichao (L) and his father (C) with other Por Pramuk training camp members /VCG Photo

Former Por Pramuk training camp /VCG Photo

Chen Weichao (L, front) in Bangkok Muay Thai night competition, 2009 /VCG Photo

After seven months of intense training, Chen took the first step towards his ambitious Muay Thai dream. During his debut match in a country seaside temple fair, Chen took a heavy right hook at the start, but the hit also dispelled any anxiety he had about the fight's results. He fought back and knocked out the rival in the third round.

Chen remembers the audience's applause in that triumphant moment, and admitted that it gave him the confidence to continue on. If he had lost that match, he might have given up.

World champion

Chen fought in 70 Muay Thai matches throughout his career. The sport can be brutal and his fights left him with countless injuries – even now his nose has a broken bone inside.

In the 2014 WBC Muay Thai World Championship International Challenge, Chen faced French veteran Wilfried Montagne who was aggressive, defensive and experienced throughout the fight. Chen fought off his attacks with counter punches to level the score. In the final round, Chen punched Montagne's gum shield out of his mouth, and successfully bagged the 67kg-class belt by decision.

Chen Weichao asks his girlfriend to marry him after winning the WBC Muay Thai World Champion belt at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, August 15, 2014. /VCG Photo

Chen Weichao (R) poses with belt /VCG Photo

Chen Weichao (L) of China punches Wilfried Montagne (R) of France in the 2014 WBC Muay Thai World Championships /VCG Photo

Chen's family watched the match. His father offered one statement: “A Chao doesn't let me down,” using Chen's nickname.

His family had invested more than 700,000 yuan in his career, and at one point sold their house and car to sustain his dream. Winning the belt was proof that his journey to Thailand wasn't a "waste."

Training camp boss

Twelve years later, Chen continues to live in Thailand. He married a Thai TV host who he met during an interview.

After the title match, Chen fought in five more, and with the birth of his two daughters, he thought seriously about the future of his career. Instead of fighting until he could no longer fight, he wanted to keep his health so that he could be there for his family.

Chen Weichao and his two daughters at home /VCG Photo

Chen Weichao attends charity activities /VCG Photo

Many Muay Thai fighters struggle after retiring, especially if they sustained heavy injuries. Chen decided to open his own training camp, and once again his family helped him by investing in the business.

Chen Weichao teaches a trainee in his training camp /VCG Photo

A trainee kicks a sandbag in Chen Weichao’s training camp /VCG Photo

Chen Weichao during Muay Thai combat /VCG Photo

Chen Weichao’s wife gives him water to help cool him down /VCG Photo

Chen now trains promising young fighters at his camp,and he said there are more and more Chinese fighters taking up the sport. In this way, his relationship to the sport continues, as he hopes to help others like him find their own futures through Muay Thai.