The Emperor of Muay Thai: Namsaknoi

Learn from Legends: www.legendarystriking.com
In Thailand, the media named Namsaknoi as the Emperor for his 6 year reign as the Lumpinee Stadium champion. With 285 wins and 15 losses, he has one of the highest win ratio in the history of Muay thai at 95%, and during his time, he was the youngest fighter to achieve fighter the year awards. On his resume of wins is a who's who list of legends.
Coming from the Por Pramuk camp, he experienced the same tragedy as his camp junior, Buakaw Banchamek. Left without his fight purses and many options, he was eventually recruited by the prestigious Evolve MMA to work as the head Muay Thai coach.
In this video, you get to tap into the mind of one of the greatest fighters in combat sports history. This is the story of Namsaknoi.

[@defaultset]

How can one dude be scarier than buakaw? Like, no offense. Buakaw is awesome, but this dude literally outplayed legends in his time like THE thongchai and THE saenchai! That's not just an ordinary feat. What a monster.

[@6400loser]

God damn, the part from 8:22 about his mama hits hard.

[@jjrich7655]

he is an impressive personality and is very cordial! I recommend you if you have the opportunity to visit his gym then do it, i was at his place about 1.5 years ago, and it was by far the best training i have ever had, and i look back on about 10 years of training. It was a great honor for me to be trained by him and his exceptionally strong coaching team.

[@jaredharrison6778]

Namsaknoi has such an interesting outlook. So strong of will. A champion of the highest caliber, robbed in plain sight. Like many of his friends. Still ends up a champion in life. I love that!!

[@zuhailishufller8046]

man now i really want to train with him really bad. he even beat the legend saenchai. that`s an achievement there.

[@Kevin3310]

This is irrelevant but Namsaknoi has the best English out of any other Thai Nak Muay on social media lol

[@MaxiLim]

hahaha yes im surprised he improved so much!!!

[@JudoMateo]

That should make him a better teacher so it is relevant!!!

[@guiltygearcore]

Agreed.

[@dinanmh9405]

สุดยอดเลยครับ นำศักดิ์ เก่งมากคุยอังกิดคล่อง ผมอายเลยเรียนมาเยอะยังพูดได้นิดเดียวเอง from thais south of Thailand

[@reinforcer9000]

is that his writing on social media? it's really different from the way he speaks. If it's him I have a feeling he uses a thesaurus lol.

[@Masamune2001]

My favourite Muay Thai fighter. Hope to train under him one day

[@adrianjagmag]

Wow, that fight vs Saenchai was a chess match, they were countering the counters each of them countered with! It was counterception! Always sad when a person is cheated out of what is rightfully theirs, hope to one day train under him.

[@rambodiehardwarrior749]

Watching him fight with Satoshi, I like him very much. He's a very intelligent fighter. In addition to his great style of fighting his English is also quite good. Now that he's become a trainer, I think he'll be the best to teach Muay Thai to foreigners who are interested in learning it.

[@humblebeginnings8328]

So proud for this man. He never says it, but I’m sure taking care of his mom is his first priority.

[@martinjuniors6973]

You can see his influence in many Evolve fighters.

[@diaquinone]

I can really see a lot of Namsaknoi in a young Buakaw, but Namsaknoi has better hands game.

[@MISTERPERFECT3806]

Lawrence, you have outdone yourself. This was an awesome video. Great story from the legend and the interview with Sean Fagan was cool. You, Fagan and two others are the only instructional channels I subscribe to for muay Thai. Great stuff, sir. Keep them coming.

[@harageilucid4352]

I hope Sylvie is one of the “two others” you mention!

[@Deimus333]

Nam! You're such an amazing person and mentor.

[@MaxiLim]

Lawrence! ive been waiting for this for a long time.... been watching and rewatching your previous 2 breakdown of Namsaknoi... So im glad and grateful i was once a student of his!

[@xjoshsaucex]

by far one of the best video's. it was like he was fighting bosses, and they kept getting harder, and harder,.. two elite fighters in the clinch, battling for control, just awesome to watch

[@sz-gn9id]

This guy's a legend!

[@kapornith]

another masterpiece...thanks for uploading

[@tclass99]

If I ever train Muay Thai this is where I'm going.... maybe my favourite island... with a gym run by one of the greatest fighters ever!

[@cypresspuz]

im so glad this guy is doing just fine nowadays. In Europe he would be filthy rich.

[@Jason-hp6pu]

How would he be rich in europe?

[@lopesgotebekeerling2175]

@@Jason-hp6pu he meant if he was fighting in europe at that time

[@brave7033]

Love your videos. Always on point. Shout out from France.

[@bosanceros0172]

My favorite, love this vid! I wanna see more of Namsaknoi, dude is fascinating.

[@deanelis123]

Untill now 2019..I still love and like..namsaknoi...

[@NantachaiChootien]

l love Namsaknoi and love your video. Thanks a lot.

[@ChucksterOLove]

Great story and amazing fighter!

[@icyjoker]

Great work Lawrence. Keep them coming.

[@brodriguez9518]

Thanks for sharing his story with us! I need to visit him on my next trip! love your videos, keep em coming :)

[@Kid82fy]

You're back!

[@nihad7650]

Just thank you

[@Lotus-Son]

Lawrence, you're the man! I ALWAYS wanted to learn more about what made Nam the "emperor".

[@Prime_Legend]

15:25 you hardly see that type of padwork in MT but it increasing. Good to see NakMuays are adapting and incorporating more boxing into their arsenal.

[@DeanRmma]

Great work Lawrence.

[@xInfected_Virus]

I love Lawrence Kenshin's videos

[@trsc1052]

If you don't know exactly how talented Namsaknoi was. This will prove he had endured a lot for his Muaythai career. >> Saenchai has 86.81% win percentage (349 fights and 303 wins) >> Buakaw has 86.90% (275 fights and 239 wins) >> Rodtang has 83.69% (319 fights and 267 wins) >> Namsaknoi has 93.33%!! (300 fights and 280 wins!!) Such a great and underrated fighter. His nickname is 'The Emperor'

[@trsc1052]

PS. In Thailand his nickname is 'King of Ram Muay' (Ram Muay is mean Ritual dances as a sign of respect before first round.)

[@user-jh6nn6sq9m]

คนนี้ชนะแสนชัยมาแล้ว

[@ConradSNIPER]

You are a Legend ⚡⚡⚡

[@fightun3r]

I would love to learn from Namsaknoi he sounds like an excellent teacher who will help you grow instead of making their pockets grow, it would be a dream for me at least.

[@prasg1186]

Inspiring character! I don't think I've seen anybody w/ a better MT record..

[@radziaziah3963]

I like namsaknoi

[@bigassser]

This is really nice , ขอบคุณที่ทำวิดีโอดีๆ เกี่ยวกับมวยไทยครับ

[@colorblindboxing7207]

That left jab followed up by the left elbow is so slick. Fantastic technique.

[@anindasengupta7976]

Yes My favourite

[@edwardfarmer4230]

Great video

[@joelirag3718]

Namsaknoi & Samart. GOATS

[@LawrenceKenshin]

goats pho sho

[@SomeKindOfFighter]

Its surprising Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn didnt become the big name he could have! .... Joking aside this is a great video really learnt stuff. MT features dont come easily. #somekindoffighter

[@Lotus-Son]

Some of the sequences that took place against panjasuk were truly "matrix"-like. Nam was a true one-of-a-kind talent. Never took the time to study him but wow did I miss out

[@tomtsuruokacohen8729]

What a legend!

[@UsamaKhan-mh5rm]

Awesome love ur analysis man

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Cheers bro! But no analysis here :)

[@UsamaKhan-mh5rm]

I know man i meant of ur previous videos.U and Jack slack are my favorite.As a martial artist i learn a lot from u guys

[@LawrenceKenshin]

haha thanks for the love, Jack is the man!

[@HankHill-xu6sn]

Motivation.... He never gave up

[@lostone982]

20 min of Lawrence Kenshin on a great subject...PRAISE BE

[@stynkonyn]

lawrence, your vids are very watchable to say the least, a good mix of info and entertainement, i hope you wil make a video of giorgio petrosyan, i think he fits well next to all the fighters you put in the spotlight

[@xfist2facex]

So stoke he has found his feet with his own gym. I remember seeing magazine cut outs of him on the wall at JWP's gym. Would love to train at his gym. Thanks for sharing information on such a great fighter.

[@og443]

your vids are AWESOME keep it up!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Thank you :)

[@jamie91995]

Lawrence Kenshin could you do a vid on enriko Kehl?

[@u4tiwasdead]

Lawrence Kenshin hey Lawrence just curious do you work at/with evolve gym because a lot of your videos promote them and their coaches? Also great video as always.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Evolve just happens to have the hall of fame list of legends with them. In the beginning I didn't even know they were at Evolve! Just imagine if 30 UFC champions was teaching under one roof, that's what it's like for Muay Thai there

[@smokeclouds8]

I heard Evolve pays their trainers very well compared to what they would be getting paid in thailand. Those hall of fame legends deserve some money in their pockets after all those fights.

[@ghostmateify]

does anyone have idea where namsoknoi is now or if he has a gym at the moment???? Lawrence do u have any idea how can I get in touch with him for some private lessons?

[@Lotus-Son]

And good job, law with building context with adding in who these guys were that nam took on. I realize to the naked eye just seeing another Thai name and fighter having a close match with a fighter were focused on isn't nearly enough to truly exemplify why the person we're studying is so great nor does it put anything in perspective until we are filled in with the context and background for the fight. Then the already-amazing things these guys are pulling off are that much more amazing to realize and witness.

[@zainlookboonmee]

Is the kid on the left at 10:24 , in the photo with Buakaw and Namsaknoi, Damien Alamos?

[@daleschaan]

If there was justice the owner of Namsaknoi's gym would have spent years in prison for stealing his hard earned money!

[@tclass99]

I don't understand how that was allowed to happen. The guy was/is one of the most decorated Thai fighters EVER and people just let him get ripped off like that? That gym should have been boycotted.

[@migueltorres1949]

@@tclass99 The thai mafia and gamblers control almost evrything, brother. It's such a sad reality. 😭

[@anwaryusoff5652]

Because namsaknoi muslims i Guess.

[@rkd350z]

Matthew Paul same reason buakaw has left por pramuk gym

[@johnroach3014]

Has the man love ya bro

[@andthereisntone1]

Wow!

[@kitdeesahut6246]

ผมคิดถึงการชกของท่านครับผม

[@lahcenelahcene]

I'll be there inch'Allah !

[@TheLegalcounsel]

The legendary muslim thai Fighter! Salute

[@razaliariffin7622]

melayu surathani dia ni.. mungkin juga bole berbahasa melayu lorat kelantan

[@abuumar15]

@@razaliariffin7622 jom cari dia berguru tomoi.hehe

[@razaliariffin7622]

@@abuumar15 hahahaha . Aku dah tua... kamu org patut cari dia

[@AA-pe5gu]

สุดๆ(มวยไทยยังไปได้อีกไม่มีที่สิ้นสุด)ศาตร์/ศิลปะ/ลึกซึ้ง

[@guiltygearcore]

I want to go to Namsaknoi Gym!!!!

[@user-uf9db3ij3z]

ไอดอลผมเลยคับ..สู้ๆคับพี่ ติดตามพี่ตลอดคับ

[@taoufikbou2511]

I was going to Koh samui next month and I wanted to train in his gym but I heard he s no longer there.. Can you guys tell me where is he now ?

[@Xinthisis]

Wow

[@jrowlandj]

Does anyone know why Namsaknoi left his gym to go to Singapore? All I have read is that he needed to leave for personal reasons, and that the club is no longer NSM.

[@tadashi7818]

What was the music when Namsaknoi was challenging Saenchai?

[@xWeissx12]

Whats the music used when he's fighting saenchai/thongchai?

[@moxy666]

Didnt Baukaw have similar problems with the Por Pramuk camp?

[@redemptionsong8086]

Lawrence, will taking time out to focus on boxing help me with my Muay Thai or will it create bad habits? My coach wasn't too big on bobbing, weaving, and too much footwork movement because there's elbows and kicks that you have to worry about. However, being the shortest guy (most of the time) in the gym, I feel that the slick defense and footwork that boxers have can help me. Examples I see of slick head movement are Buakaw, Giorgio, Samart, and Simon Marcus. I guess also the Glory rules could also contribute to them adapting some boxing techniques. What are you're thoughts on this? Could you also post a video on this. Thanks in advance!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

It's not black and white! Boxing will 100% help but you need to eliminate what will work for you well and what won't. A lot of the defences are seen as no good because good Muay Thai fights have kicks and knees coming so fast that the advantages of certain defences will overweigh the disadvantages. But yes, of course if well trained enough, and knowing when to use certain things, will get the desired results. All of the guys you mentioned are MT guys that did a lot of boxing training.

[@AntiNubDevice]

Samart! Kenshin has a video called Welcome to the Matrix that focuses on Samart's defense.

[@derprant]

Hey Lawrence, awesome video - maybe post the links you speak about at the end in the description? Will encourage lazy people to click.

[@sebastiantorres9622]

does anybody knowd how much it cost to train in his gym?

[@kevinthomas7259]

Also i would love to know about what happened at that gym and why buakaw didn't get his k1 max earnings from por promak

[@allrounderal2958]

could you make a video about namkabuan, the man was so untouchable that he's force to retire like dieselnoi....

[@anindasengupta7976]

I do agree with you.

[@kevinthomas7259]

Awsome video, you can tell this is the guy who created buakaw, i can see the similarities in techniques

[@auttapornsaisuwan4566]

One worrior of Muay Thai.

[@NeptraK]

I know Muay Thai is your specialty, but would it be possible for you to do a breakdown of Stephen Wonderboy Thompson's fighting style. I'm completely mesmerized by it. Thanks for the videos. Great work!

[@high.already]

Breeze Loo to be honest i dont think wonderboy is good enough to be on lawrence kenshin's video.

[@Muaddid2]

Thomson lol

[@user-tj7qd1qi4k]

namsaknoi yuttakarnkamtorn champion muay thai world class

[@JO-lp3tk]

Hey lawrence you seem to be well informed about MT history and just had one question, I cant seem to find an answer to this very interesting question and if anyone can give me an answer it's you so, has namsaknoi and samkor ever met in the ring? If so who won and can you do a video on it? The reason I ask is that they're both great fighters (nam better in my opinion) and watching your videos I noticed they both fought satoshi so both must have been active around the same time and pushing for lumpinee so have they ever collided?

[@NamsaknoiMuayThai]

hello Joey, yes I fought Samkor 5 times, win 2, loss 2, NC 1:) Cannot find video online :(

[@rawbbingmysellph7464]

There is 1 fight online right now (Samkor low kick ko win) "Boxing Works" is the channel.. The man has a beautiful, unique collection of golden age fights..

[@guiltygearcore]

whats the title of the first track sir? 0:39

[@billadmond9450]

Now I understand why Angela Lee is already a champion at the age of 21.

[@iwanttofeelaliveandexperie2872]

Bill Admond yeah Angela lee is absolute champ! So is her brother Christian

[@nattapontorwong590]

sad story

[@bagzhansadvakassov1093]

Shame people don't even know him, Namkabuan, Oley etc.

[@ConradSNIPER]

6 time champ at Lumpinee

[@jabadashudau2422]

could u make a video on andy hug?

[@kornelijuskortkiss1243]

👍👍👍

[@nocturnalwolf7559]

Por pramuk has ripped off buakaw and this dude. That gym is a shame !

[@user-sk8xf1rd2s]

พี่เค้าเคยสอนผมไหว้ครูด้วยสมัยนั้นพี่เค้าอยู่ ป.ประมุข..ทุกวันนี้ผมก้อยังดูคลิบน้ำศักดิ์น้อยอยู่เรย

[@a.h.z2830]

Check him out he has a youtube channel called Namsaknoi muay thai

[@chaiyadejboonsai9135]

No , He nickname is King of Rum Muay Thai (Whai Kru) no one nickname Emperor of Muay Thai

[@ronki23]

Best Muay Thai fighters in my opinion 1.Sagat2.Dieselnoi3.Namsaknoi4. Apidej Sit Hirun5.Samart Payakroon6. Somluck Khamsing7.Jomhod Kiatadisak8. Danny Bill9. Ramon Dekkers10.John Wayne Parr

[@naughty_fication9105]

Best MT fighters: 1. Namsaknoi 2. Namsaknoi 3. Namsaknoi 4. Namsaknoi 5. Namsaknoi 6. Namsaknoi 7. Namsaknoi 8. Namsaknoi 9. Namsaknoi 10. Namsaknoi

[@ronki23]

how a year changes everything! My top 10: 1.Sagat 2.Dieselnoi 3.Namsaknoi 4.Samart Payakroon 5. Saenchai 6. Somluck Khamsing 7.Jomhod Kiatadisak 8. Danny Bill 9. Ramon Dekkers 10.John Wayne Parr

[@ronki23]

J496 Can't decide between Samart and Saenchai. The 80s truly were the Golden age of Muay Thai

[@ronki23]

OK; here's my top 10 after 2 years: 1. Sagat 2. Samart 3. Dieselnoi 4. Saenchai 5. Namsaknoi 6. Somluk 7. Jomhod 8. Apidej Sit Hirun 9. Dany Bill 10. Ramon Dekkers

[@robmoore2209]

O boy new Lawrence Kenshin PogChamp

[@omegasquad868]

hey Lawrence do you have a breakdown of Benny Urquidez vs the thai in Thailand(sorry forget his name) and did Peter Cunningham ever fight a elite level Thai under full Muay Thai rules?

[@MGRA1996]

hey lawrence, is it normal that gyms in thailand dont pay their fighters according to the contract? How can they get away with that? And are those contracts for ever or why dont the fighters just leave after a few years like e.g. in soccer?

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Employer / employee relations have always been a struggle in every country. In less developed countries there is less things protecting workers. This unfortunately leaves a lot of room for exploitation, as you can see two of the biggest superstars in the history of Muay Thai were very mistreated.

[@7Jamal8]

+Lawrence Kenshin is buakaw Rich now? He created his own gym later on

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Yes he is a national hero and one of the biggest celebrities ever from Thailand

[@geraldoferreira4595]

I don't even know how he manages to carry his balls... they must be to heavy. 300 muay thai fights... yeah, it takes balls. I'll not even mention the 95% win ratio.

[@abdullahibnrinibnpoat8915]

Assalaamu alaikum

[@Dilla2k9]

I would love to take a year off college and train there, imagine the benefits.

[@bartschnurr8449]

How is it possible to be treated by the gym he way he was. Is there no contract or anything?

[@gabrielanimez3139]

ni lo conozco

[@MrMaelvis]

not even 2 minutes in and its like im watching matrix. what the actual fuck