Learn From the Best – Liam Harrison and Andy Howson Muay Thai Seminar in Birmingham
There is an old saying that if you want to learn, learn from the best. At 8 Limbs Muay Thai in Birmingham, students recently had exactly that opportunity when Liam “The Hitman” Harrison and Andy Howson delivered a Muay Thai seminar together.
For anyone familiar with British Muay Thai, these two names need very little introduction.
Liam Harrison has been one of the outstanding figures of British Muay Thai for many years. His aggressive fighting style, devastating low kicks and willingness to face some of the very best fighters in the world have made him one of the most recognisable British athletes in the sport.
I had the opportunity some years ago to watch Liam training at Bad Company in Leeds with his coach, Richard Smith. Watching their pad work from only a few metres away was something very different from seeing it on a screen. The speed, precision and power were extraordinary. I was there with my cameras and came away with some photographs I am still very proud of — although looking back, I wish I had also pressed the record button.
This time, thankfully, I did.
Together with Andy Howson, another hugely experienced British Muay Thai fighter and coach, Harrison delivered what I can comfortably describe as one of the best Muay Thai seminars I have attended.
Rather than simply demonstrating spectacular techniques, Liam and Andy explained the details that make those techniques work: positioning, timing, movement and the small adjustments that separate knowing a technique from being able to use it effectively.
Their experience was obvious throughout the session, but equally impressive was the way that experience was passed on to the people attending.
For me, when discussing the great English Muay Thai fighters of the modern era, Jonathan Haggerty belongs right at the top of the conversation — and Liam Harrison is a name I would place very close behind. Different generations, different careers and different styles, but unquestionably world-class athletes.
A huge thank you to 8 Limbs Muay Thai Birmingham and Raf Hussain for once again allowing MMFN to attend, photograph and film the seminar. 8 Limbs continues to bring outstanding Muay Thai talent to Birmingham, giving local fighters and students the opportunity to learn directly from people who have competed at the highest level.
And this is precisely why seminars like this matter.
If you want to improve, learn from people who have already been where you want to go.
The full Liam Harrison and Andy Howson seminar was recorded by MMFN and can be watched below.