Master in muay Thai

Don't mess with Veerle Vaes, Human Resources Manager for Bio-Planet, OKay Compact and OKay support services. She's been practising martial art muay Thai, or Thai boxing, one of the most effective combat sports, for about 20 years.

More than a solid work-out

“Thai boxing is tough. Not only do you start with an intensive warm-up, the training itself is not for the faint-hearted. Thai boxing is a full-contact sport and a lot of techniques are allowed, more than are permitted by the Queensberry rules: knee and elbow strikes, kicks above the belt and on the lower legs, etc. And not to forget clinching. Clinching allows you to grapple your opponent and kick your knees into their ribs. Real hand-to-hand combat, in other words, you need to be able to take a beating. It's not only useful for training. As a woman, I feel safer on the street. Because I can take a punch, I'm quite unflappable. Knowing I can defend myself gives me a sense of calmness.”

Discipline in and out of the ring

“Combat sports have played a key role in my life for a long time. At the age of eleven I started doing karate and was fighting competitively in no time. Five years later I stopped. But when I turned 18, I wanted to get started again. A search took me to my current club – Dawsu Leuven – where I got to know Thai boxing. An amazing sport! Yes, physically demanding, but it teaches you to keep going. That drive boosts your self-confidence and you feel stronger. Certainly when I fought competitively. In Thai boxing you agree on the weight, e.g. 70 kg, before a fight. The two fighters are allowed to deviate a maximum of three kilograms from this agreed weight.

As weight determines how hard a person is able to hit or punch, it's an important factor in this demanding full-contact sport. In addition to my daily training sessions to improve my technique and fitness, I also had to follow a strict diet to stay at the right weight. After those four years in the ring, I sure learned what discipline is! (laughs)”

Not giving up on my passion

“Thai boxing is a hand-to-hand sport. You need to be able to take a beating. This is also a very valuable aspect for

“At the age of 24 I suffered a bad foot injury. I haven't been in the ring since, but I still train recreationally. In this way I can still box, and combine it with my job and private life. I've also been training people for the last six years. During the mixed training, I help fighters prepare for the season. Thanks to my experience I know what it takes and I still get those competitive vibes. I also give a separate women's class. This is an ideal time for Muslim women to train. The atmosphere is more relaxed: it's not as competitive and you can just be yourself. Both classes give me lots of energy. It's great to see how the women get more self-confidence and open up. The best feeling is when you seen people grow and I help them in their development. I was recently given the opportunity to be a host trainer at an event of Buurtsport Leuven. The goal? Introduce women to Thai boxing and combat sport in general. It's great I can help with this and pass on my passion to others.”