This month's author spotlight is on Christoph Delp, author of Muay Thai. Christoph, born in 1974, was involved in full-contact sports for a few years before he traveled to Thailand for training in 1995. In 2001, he won the mandatory Muay Thai fight against a professional Thai athlete. He is now a trainer for Muay Thai and fitness. Learn more about him by visiting his website www.christophdelp.com

Q. What brought you to Muay Thai? How long have you been involved with it?

When I was a youngster, I took part in kick-boxing training and wanted to develop my sporting talents further. Motivated by sports programs I saw on television and films at the cinema, I decided to travel to Thailand to learn the art of Muay Thai. I then travelled to Thailand in 1995 and trained there in a gym in the north-east of the country under professional conditions. Ever since, I have spent a few months each year training in Thailand.

Q. How does Muay Thai differ from other martial art forms?

It is relatively easy to learn basic Muay Thai techniques. Good flexibility is less important here than it is in other martial art forms as there are lots of different techniques. For example, beginners can practice Muay Thai without having to perform high kicking techniques. Muay Thai teaches you effective techniques which are shown to work in the ring every single day.

Q. What do you believe has led to the transition from Muay Thai's original emphasis on showmanship and ritual to today's focus on betting and "butt-kicking"?

The increasing development of modern weapons has reduced the significance of Muay Thai as a martial art, although it still represents an extremely effective form of self-defense. Muay Thai performances were given back in previous centuries as part of festive activities. A modern feature of Muay Thai fights is that the events are attended primarily by betting spectators. My trainers have told me that back in the 1950s families from all levels of society attended Muay Thai fights to admire the skills of the sportsmen.

Q. How do you feel about this change?.

The impression that I gained of Muay Thai in Thailand is that the people in the stadiums are mainly there to bet. Muay Thai fights are extremely spectacular and I can therefore well imagine and hope that in the future Muay Thai will gain a higher profile globally as a sport, in the same way as K1 fights in Japan have, for example. But this will be dictated by the type of events that the organizers put on.

Q. What do you think of the new movie Ong-Bak, and how do you think it will affect the way Muay Thai is viewed in the West?

I really like the film "Ong Bak" - it presents lots of spectacular traditional Muay Thai techniques. However, I do not think that this film will result in a significant change in people's awareness of Muay Thai or the way it is looked at in the Western world. As far as I am aware, this film is watched mainly by people who were interested in martial arts, and often in Muay Thai in particular, before seeing the film. But I hope that I am mistaken.

Q. It seems as if Muay Thai requires more commitment than simply going to the gym and learning to throw a few punches. What lifestyle changes would a devoted practitioner of Muay Thai have to make?

There are many sides to Muay Thai. It can be practiced as a tough competitive sport, but can equally serve as a leisure sport or for self-defense, and there are even aerobic versions on offer. Only those who intend to take part in competitions need to gear their lifestyles towards this aim. If you wish to become a successful sportsperson, you need to undergo intensive training regimes geared to the specific sport, and additional training regimes to build up strength and stamina. In addition, you need to eat the right things, keep a regular check on your weight, and set aside enough time to recuperate. The higher your sporting goals are, the more you need to gear your life around the sport in question.

Q. Say someone was really dedicated and interested in Muay Thai, would you suggest that he or she go to Thailand to learn the form?

In principle, you can make a great deal of progress by training in Thailand. However, you need to find a gym and a trainer that are suited to your needs, concentrate on the training ,and not spend too much time participating in possible leisure activities on offer. You also need to devote a sufficient amount of time to yourself as the body requires a few days to acclimate. What is more, you must not give up at the first sign of difficulties, e.g. owing to a tough training regime, the heat, and cultural differences.