FMMA THAILAND

From what I understand about Shaolin (and you're bothered about commercial gyms in Thailand), avoid. It's a tourist trap. Although, their San da is meant to be good. See Matthew Poly's book for info. Good escrima/kali is still said to be hard to find in the Philippines, but here's a link to a spreadsheet that might help you out [FMA resources](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jK5xCEfFiTM6bMb4n010wBZyTDY2wLYTtMkZFDrfbng/edit?usp=drivesdk) Like you say; Philippino training can be intense. One of my coaches has visited a school where they were training with live blades and there was a source, 2023 ↗

negative

Forget BJJ, Kickboxing, or Muay Thai, that stuff is only going to keep you stiff and "un-flowy". Thailand has some of the most beautiful and most importantly sturdy jungles in the world. I suggest you grab a canteen of water, a Warrior Bar from ONNIT, and a pool noodle (I suggest bringing a recurve or compound bow to be able to hunt for nourishment as well.) to begin your journey deep into the jungle to train with nature. Use your own movement as the key tool for growth and you will see how more important movement is than any other combat training you do. [Here is a great training video I source, 2016 ↗

positive

I don't think Thailand is known for it's BJJ gyms. Go to an MT gym if you need to. source, 2016 ↗

neutral