EASTERN PASSAGE — A lengthy career in the martial art muay thai could await Adam Piercey if his performance at the recent world championships is any indication.
The 20-year-old from here earned a bronze medal fighting in the 81-kilogram class at the world muay thai championships March 19-26 in Bangkok, Thailand.
It was Piercey’s first international experience competing in muay thai, commonly known as Thai boxing.
"It went pretty well," Piercey understated in a recent interview. "I fought some of the best countries in the world.
"I would have liked to win gold but it was my first international competition, so third isn’t too bad. I’m happy with that."
Piercey was one of 12 Canadian fighters who travelled to Asia for the world championships. The neophyte became a fan favourite as he took out experienced Iranian and Russian opponents to advance to the semifinals. He lost to a Belarusian fighter in the semifinal but defeated his Italian counterpart in the bronze-medal match.
Muay thai, considered the sport of kings in Thailand, began as a close-combat battlefield fighting skill. It has influenced the development of kickboxing in Japan, Europe and North America. But unlike muay thai, most kickboxing competitions do not allow repeated blows from the elbows or knees in hopes of avoiding fight-ending cuts.
"Muay thai is basically kickboxing with elbows and knees," Piercey said.
"It originated in Thailand and it’s a really big sport over there.
"The (world championships) was a huge tournament; there were over 40 countries represented."
Piercey, who played high-level rugby and was a high school basketball player, never practised martial arts until he was introduced to muay thai at his Dartmouth gym, Fit Plus, three years ago. He was hooked.
"One day I went into the gym, tried it out and liked it," Piercey said. "I started to get involved and my manager (Scott MacLean) got me involved and actually got me a spot on the Canadian team.
"The coach with Team Canada approached Scott about me joining the team. I had trained with him a few times before and he offered me a spot on the team. I jumped at the chance."
Piercey trains with Cole Harbour’s T. J. Grant, the first locally raised and trained fighter to make it to the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), the major leagues of mixed martial arts.
He said Grant has given him plenty of insight into the world of professional mixed martial arts, something he aspires to.
"T. J. has helped me out a lot," Piercey said. "I would like to turn professional and get into MMA (mixed martial arts). Right now, I’m just trying to gain some experience in muay thai."
Piercey has been offered fights in the Netherlands and even Uzbekistan this year, but logistics and funding will likely negate those travel plans.
"It’s kind of expensive to get there," he deadpanned.
