Dhani's Blog
Muay Thai and Bugs in Thailand
There are many places you'd want to go and things that you would love to do in your lifetime. Yet until the moment greets you at the front door, you many not know what to do. It was June 14 when our journey of 40 days began with the Kingdom of Thailand. Our mission was to demonstrate that we had what it took to make it. Not only survive the sport of Muay Thai, but to conquer the culture and live through the eyes of those who would be watching.
We set off across the great Pacific and I can tell you it was a long flight (21 hours via Japan). It was plenty of time for contemplation and reflection. I decided I would do whatever was necessary for me to make this show an incredible show. I had no idea what was in store for me.
So here we are several practices into the martial art of Muay Thai, and my trainer Pit decides to take me on an adventure. He tells me I need to diversify my palate and refuel with bugs. Now I've seen Andrew Zimmern try different foods and I've even had duck tongue, but bugs, oh goodness no! We drove 20 or so minutes out past where the gym was located on a scooter to try bugs. Not just any bugs, but your general household insects, beetles, cockroach and silkworm, to your outdoors variety. I've never been so challenged in my life. First we sat there and watched them fry them in the grease then I had to sit there and act like I was a professional. I placed the bugs one by one into my mouth cringing as I bit into each one of them. Several of them had a small explosion of bad complex flavors where others you only tasted the spices added. The second batch, cause you know never get it on a first take with something like this, was even more difficult, because, I knew what was coming. Now the grasshoppers started to feel like they were moving in my mouth and the cockroaches I could imagine them in the crawlspace of my house. But this is real eating in Thailand, this is what is considered a part of their custom and something Pit does for food, and he wanted to me to experience his lifestyle. Needless to say I survived and I must tell you that the ants were the best and I would do it again.
I fought and I won the battle of the bugs, but I also won my fight. But the trip was not about winning or losing, it was about an experience of the people, the culture and the sport all into one. I arrived there unsure of myself and what I had thought to be my mission and left there sure that I had come on the correct path.
Posted by: Dhani Jones
Although by this time your adventure on the show are over, Im so excited for you! What wonderful opportunity you were given and what a inspiration you are to others. I loved the blog. I intend to continue reading about your escapades as well as watching. God Bless!
Dude! I'm so excited about your show! I live in Barcelona and can't watch, but my family is going to tape every episode for me. Eating bugs on your first experience to a new place had to put a bad taste in your mouth (sorry, i'm a sports and travel writer and couldn't help that one), but what a great experience it had to be to fight one of the world's best. I wish you the best of luck in your adventures and will keep tabs on what's going on.
caio for now!
Great show.
Yo dude...where to go,i dont know what else to said man,but hey...its thailand.believe what the fortune teller told you,and in thailand???i dont think so you have to worry about the girl dude....they are there LOL.
Loved the show! I just moved back to the US after living in Bangkok for a number of years and you totally brought me back. If you go back again, you need to learn to play takraw (volleyball with no hands).
Wow, what a great show! Your facial expression while eating those bugs was classic! I'm so excited for you and I can't wait for next week's episode! Peace
I thought you did very well at not offending the poor street vendor who sell that garbage and takes pride in cooking it. I have worked with Gourmet Food for years and have seen some ugly reactions to things like Procuitto which I'm sure is worlds better than Cockroach. You handled yourself very well considering the bitterness and fowl flavors.
Dhani...love the idea of the show...very creative...fits your mold...unfortunately I missed the debut but will be tuning in weekly from now on.
Out
I so enjoyed this show. I love Andrew Z and all that weird food stuff! Travel really allows you to stretch...Stay encourage n tacklin' da globe!
-Z
Dhani: i'm a fan (football!!!) and am so excited to see you traveling and experiencing other cultures. i plan to watch every week, and cheer for you (if your team comes to play in my city). be blessed and can't wait for next week!
Dhani, your show was great and very inspiring espeacially for young adults such as me that want to travel the world and learn all of the knowledge it carries
Great show Dhani.. it was entertaining and compelling.. dude i've got u programmed into my dvr!..
I really enjoyed your show. I have always enjoyed travel shows like fight quest and I really enjoy watching a mild mannered NFL player experience these cultures and then partake in them. I especially like the way its all done in a very lighthearted happy to be traveling way. Whoever say football players aren't world class athletes are gonna think twice after watching this show.
Loved your show! I'm not a sports fan, but found your show intriging and you very relateable. I enjoy the perspective you bring to travel and other cultures. I'm looking forward to future episodes.
I absolutely loved your show. It is always interesting to learn about other cultures. You offer a fresh and exciting perspective. I will definitely be watching your show every Monday night and the repeats too!
I truly enjoyed watching you train for the Muay Thai event. My kickboxing trainer specialized in the sport and so he trains us using Muay Thai techniques. Watching you go thorugh the training really helped me understand what he wants when he says for us to 'knee' the bag and now I see how the hand placement is so important. So I learned with you on your Thailand adventure. As my trainer says, keep going and don't stop!
I have to admit, I only watched the show to see if my brother would make an appearance on the show. He did in the last 5 minutes!!! (I never get to see him anymore) I really enjoyed the show and look forward to the upcoming shows. Tim talks highly about you as a human being, and now I know why. It comes across on the TV, even though I have never had the opportunity to meet you, you seem like a genuinely nice guy. Good luck to you in your future endeavors and with the show.
I was so excited to watch the show last night!! You did a great job and really allowed for those out there who may not be Bengals fans, to see that we do have some GOOD guys on the field : ).
I am excited for you and your new adventure and cannot wait to keep watching and telling everyone to tune in!!!
DHANI! LOVE YOUR SHOW, IT's FUN SHOW, CAN'T WAIT FOR YOUR NEXT SHOW (hey DHANI "IF THEY LOOK GOOD EAT IT"
You should go and compete with 5-time World Champion HIGHLANF GAMES Ryan Vierra I can put you or the producers in touch with him ?
GREAT SHOW ! Mac
I loved it! Your show is awesome! I can't wait till next week to watch the new episode. I already set my DVR to record all your shows! I hope it is a big success so you can keep on "Tackling the Globe"!!!
I hope that in future episodes you get to explain HOW a society is reflected through their sports. I am really curious about Singapore's sport. Those people seem to me to be the most naive and blissfully content poeple. I took note when I was there that there was no sports apparall. Kids still played soccer and rich people play polo. But they care more about shopping and eating than anything. Even their own freedom and idividual rights. There is no right to assemble there. No right to disagree with the government. Death to Drug dealers. And prostitution is totally acceptable. Amazing heath care and a total police state. You don't ever see police, but they watch everything that goes on. Every inch is video taped. Don't let TC pigeon hole you to not include your thoughts about the societies. I am more interested in your take on the place than the sport. You have the best show on TC I have seen in a while. Thank You Dhani, I can travel channel again.
Oh I forgot to ask. What were you listening to on your Ipod to get pumped for the fight. Classical, Rap, Country, Techno?
Dhani,
Great show and better host. I have been a fan since your days in Philly(miss Ya!) I will be watching ever week. You are a great example of the well rounded man and professional athlete. What a great role model fro our children.
Loved the show. GO BLUE!!!
I watched your adventure in Thailand last night and I plan to watch all of your other adventures. What a great concept, learning about a country by learning about their sports. I am not really a sports fan but I love to travel and I like how you incoporate other cultural highlighs with the sporting format. This is really an interesting travel format. I hope you have a long future with the Travel Channel.
Monica
Emeryville, California
Dhani,
Loved the show and it was a nice twist on a travel show. So were you a FA when you filmed this? Did the Team know about it and let you go? I hope you were signed and the team was ok with so we have more then one season. I would hate to see the show end because your team will not let you.
I just watched premiere of your show. I absolutely loved it. There were times where I was laughing at your sense of humor of eating insects. There were times were I was amazed at how you were a fast learner at Muay Thai Fighting. I love how you captures the scenery of Thailand, even including your very own digital camera. I just loved how you put yourself into their culture. Whether you were mediating at the temple or going to go see the fortune teller. I learned some interesting facts about Thailand( including the Red Light District). You engaged yourself very well in the tournament against a professional fighter very well. I believe I can see you doing more Muay Thai Fighting in the future! I can wait for Switzerland!!! God Bless You On Your Journey!!!
Dhani,
I am so excited to see the rest of your season. It's such a relief for me, as a black man, to see another black man traveling and experiencing what this world has to offer. You definitely are representing yourself in the right way. Many blessings to you and I'll be tuned in for the entire season.
Wow and Wow!!! I couldn't stop talking about your show. I will be showing parts of it in both my foods and Adult living classes. The Thai food was unique and to see how you were able to try it but also voice the same reactions my studnets would have was wonderful, AND for the girls what a fantastic looking man. To see and hear a well spoken, handsom, educated man what a fantastic adventure spirit is righ on the mark for what I want my girls to know is out there for them. Thank you for a wonderful evening.
Dhani, i saw your Muay Thai@Thailand episode and I am very impressed by your versatility and the show. Your show ranks amongst Anthony Bourdain's...
Great work, keep it up !!
Dahani, it makes me happy to see someone being honest on tv. When you ate those bugs you didn't make it seem like it was delicious. But you kept it pretty respectfull.
big ups and I support the show.
Dhani you are so perfect!!! Will you marry me?? Keep doing what you doing and be safe. xoxoxox
DHANI,WATCHED THE FIRST SHOW AND I COULDN'T STOP WATCHIN TILL THE END...ITS VERY INTERESTIN HOW U REALLY ARE OPEN MINDED BOUT EXPLORING DIFFERENT SPORTS N DIFFERENT COUNTRIES...I'M PRETTY SURE U GOT THE ATTENDTION OF MANY...ALTHOUGH I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE GOTTON U A BETTER OPPONET FOR UR MUY THAI MATCH...OTHER THEN TAT IT WAS VERY INTERESTING TO WATCH U LEARN THE FIGHTIN SKILLS AND THE TTRADIONAL DANCE...OH YEAH AND THE PART WHEN U WERE EATIN THE BUGS...LMAO...
-GRANNY-
Great concept, great show. Dhani, you're wonderful, man. Truly an asset for Travel Channel. Great personality, insight and pure American. Can't wait to see more.
Dhani,
Meet me in Turkey or Greece or the golden sands of Bulgaria later this year, seriously!!!!!!
Katharine
I truly love your show. You have such a warm and inviting personality. And a beautiful smile to match. I became a fan instantly! keep up the good work.
Great show. Love seeing a brotha doing his thing. Congrats!!!
I dont understand, how is it that you went to Thailand, interacted with our elephants, showed footage of them on your show and there is even a pic of you playing soccer with our baby elephants on the website and then you go and promote a business camp with elephants under the eco volunteer section,rather than our Elephantstay project in Ayutthaya that is run under a non profit foundation, where we retire old elephants, have the most successful elephant breeding program in the world as well as many other projects to create a sustainable future for elephants.
Great show... look forward to watching more!
Loved the show. I'm only familiar with Muay Thai through Tony Jaa's movies, so it's great to see the real thing.
You reaction to eating bugs was classic! It was very real and I appreciated seeing that in a travel show. :)
O - H ... I - O ... Great show! A true football fan and now that the football season is over...I HAVE THE TRAVEL BUG!... It's great to see our countries greatest sport ... NFL ... in the world's limelight placing them one on one with other countries love for their physical competition!... Please try your hand at Cricket...I need you to win 1 point against these lames at work!...Truly the best way to know ones self and enjoy your/their country! ... When its over keep the re-runs coming like Seinfeld!
Dhani you're the man I am the only EAGLES fan that wanted you to stay in philadelphia I am glad you're enjoying life. Sometimes we read about all these self center athletes that do all the wrong things. But you're a prime example of humility and grace. Keep up the good work I enjoy watching your show.
Dhani,
I really like your show! It's great what your doing and you make the show more exciting to watch. My eleven year old daughter and I are thrilled to sit, laugh and talk about a black man doing his thing! Black people like to travel and have a good time!
Good show and God bless you!
Let me say, THANK U!!!!!! Dhani your show is amazing! My favorite travel magazine was canceled so I had no outlet for travel that spoke to me. Your show inspires me to continue to grow as a traveler and as a young african american male. Also, you have a funny sense of humor, very relatable. Being a soccer player, I would love!!!!!! to play soccer with the elephants. My DVR is now set for every show. Much success! And can't wait to see where else you take us.
What a lame show. I watched the Thailand episode was amazed how he talked down to the Thai people he interacted with.
Whats up with the "black people" don't eat this or, "black people" don't do that.
This show will be short lived.
Parts of your show was entertaining, but to be honest I was disappointed in your competition to become a 'Warrior,' as you called it. The guy you fought if you can even call it that, looked like he doesn't spend much time at the gym. Plus you guys were wearing head gear. Maybe you'd have alittle more respect from viewers if weren't so afraid to get your ass kicked.
Dhani i thought the show was great cant wait to watch more. Thought you could fought a guy in a little better shape though.Cant wait for the ireland episode. Hope your show stays on for a couple of years.
"Tackle the Globe" really clever! New England has some big sports fans as you may know, and I'm glad to see something captivate the mind of my otherwise too macho for the travel channel husband. Keep it up, I know you'll be alittle more relaxed in front of the camera soon. Please let us know when you'll make it up here. We'd love to shake your hand. All the Best, Danielle
Dhani...fun show, great concept. What a challenge to train for a brand new sport in a week! I don't care what shape you're in, that's a challenge. Love the fact that you are serious about the challenge and respectful of the culture you're in. Plus, you have a great personality that comes across well.
Look forward to more. Best of luck on the show!
Dhani I am from Thailand and I was so embarrassed for you when you were taken to the Red Light district. The tuk-tuk driver assumed that all foreigners come for that and took you straight there. There's so much more of Thailand that I wish you would have seen...like the beaches. Heaven!
i am an avid anthony bourdain: no reservations fan and was able to catch your show after viewing his. verdict: LOVE IT! what a refreshing take on travel.
you are hilarious and i must say that i take pride in seeing an african-american, especially a male, host for a travel show...we like to travel too! you are representing well!
i send you positive energy and good luck!
I absolutely love this show. Your personality brings me into the show and makes me want to learn about the culture and what you are doing. Great job Travel Channel - I have another one of your shows on my list of favs!
I watched your show for the first time last night. You've got a new fan! Great blog writing also!
I love the show! If I had ABS like that I would pose for Playboy! For real though!!!
Hi Dhani, I really love your new show on the travel channel and found you inspiring, relaxing, humorous, and very entertaining. I don't recall ever seeing such a sexy host for a tour guide! I begged you silently not to eat those bugs, but being the travel soldier that you are, you did it with bravado and your facial expressions were hilarious! So many Americans are not open to exploring other cultures and their offerings, even if some are in our own backyard (i.e. Chinatown, little Italy, etc). Keep up the good work my brother! I will continue to watch your travel show, preferably when it's on at night, so that when I fall asleep, I can dream I'm in some faraway land along with you! Sending love from Washington, DC!
The first episode was great! I'll definitely be watching the whole season and trying to catch your blogs and updates on Facebook. Very cool and very interesting. What was it like meeting the monk? That was pretty cool to have him bless you before the fight.
About this Thailand blog:
Bugs though?!?!?! =o( I mean, it's great that you got to experience the Thai culture full force and you had someone to bring you through the whole thing but I think they would've got me with the bugs. I don't like bugs (I'm a girl, what can say! lol) and getting me to eat them would've taken A LOT in me. Definitely would have to psych myself up for that one. But kudos to you for doing what most people wouldn't. Oh and the facial expressions were priceless!!! I wonder if Andrew Zimmern would? Wait, I think he already has! lol Anyhow, great job and I'll continue to spread the word.
Dhani Jones was my favorite football player and now he has his own show about traveling the world. Couldn't get any better then this
THE SHOW IS DA BOMB......FUN TO WATCH AND INFORMATIVE.KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND FOR MAKING IT INTERESTING
Dhani, you own this show. You are perfect. Your fun, friendly, relaxed approach to each culture is infectious. Your commitment to the task is fascinating. Who wouldn't want to be there and travel with you? This show MUST be continued to Turkey, India, New Guinea, Japan, Samoa, etc.. Do it, do it, do it!
I really love your show Dhani, your passion and joy for the cultures you experience make me want to book a flight out of the ole' US of A. I hope you keep doing this and you stick with the show!
I was born in Ubon, Thailand and was adopted by Americans. Most of my life I grew up in the United States. I went back to Bangkok to live 1973-1979. Have not been back since 1979. I'm too much of an Ameican, I don't think I'd have the courage to eat bugs, roaches or ants. Some of the fruit turned me off. But I love to travel. We had to turn off the cable due to the fact that my husband is unemployed. Hopefully some day, we'll get cable and will be able to watch your show on the Travel Channel. I enjoyed reading everyone's comments.
hey dhani your show is awesome. What was the name of the thai school you went too with pit the trainer. Keep it going
great show. loved it.
Muay Thai has more pro's then cons.. I give you mad respect for taking this sport on... In your future travels. I recommend Brasil. Try your efforts in Capoeira. One of the most lively art forms in the world. A discipline that incorporates fighting, dancing, and playing. Good luck with everything you do. Safe travels!
Hi! I´m a spanish football player and fan, i've loved your show but...
¿Wasn´t the dude you fought in Thailand a little bit FAT? I mean he couldn´t even kick! He's a gold medal winner for what???
Anyway, your show is really nice!
Dhani
I was sitting there wondering if you were married...and you ask the fortune teller about your love life. Glad to know that anything is possible in this thang that we call life. Also wonderful to know I'm not the only one that wants real love in their life. Hope you see this. "Hope Springs Eternal" Email me for a pic and we can talk more. Thanks,
Kenyatta
I saw this rerun episode over the weekend. You were so cute playing soccer with the elephants. I don't think another man would have done that. I love that you're fun, have a sense of humor and a great personality. And then you take on each challenge like you play football, with determination, dedication and hard work. I wish you all the best.
You must not know any history about fidel castro, you wore a shirt in the cambodia episode that had castro on it, i am cuban and castro has made my family go through hell, my dad had to escape cuba in a raft and was lost in sea for 8 days just to escape comunisum. Fidel also had my grandfather up for assasination. Fidel is a murderer, you should also wear a shirt of bin laden because is the same thing, i will never watch your show again, it was very hurtfull and disrespectful for my family and culture,and belive me, im not the only one that feels that way. Good luck with the rest of your miami audience. You should not even step foot in miami beacuse everybody already dislikes you for suporting castros comunisam
I have been watching the show religiously. However last night I cancelled it on my DVR on all of my TV's and will never watch the show again. When dhani walked out with a castro shirt with a red COMMUNIST star, I was shocked. But when he turned around with fidel on the back of the shirt and the number 59 in big bold numbers I almost ran through the TV. The year,1959, fidel took over Cuba and forced thousands to exile from the Island. I am sure dhani would find it offensive if Anthony Bourdain wore a KKK stamped on the front of the shirt and then had the number 68 and James Earl Ray on the back of the shirt. I am disappointed in dhani and even more disappointed in the Travel channel for allowing him to wear and promote such a shirt that screams out against everything America stands for. Next time choose his wardrobe carefully, unfortunately I won't be there to view it! Good luck on your next visit to Miami.
Last night, I stayed up waiting till 1:00am for the re-run of Dhani's show. I watched the first 26 minutes and I was enjoying myself until Dhani came out with the Fidel Castro t-shirt. I kept close attention to the shirt because I couldnt believe it. My family and friends have gone through incredible hardships in Cuba because of Fidel Castro and his communism. I interact everyday with people who have jumped on rafts to escape those troubles and here I am watching someone who's promoting communism or at least displaying their affection of Fidel Castro. I really enjoyed the show and Dhani's characted until now. I turned off the tv at 1:27 and went to sleep and that will have been the last episode of Dhani tackles the globe.
I too, like many of you was shocked when I just saw the episode where he wears the Fidel Castro shirt. While I am a firm believer of freedom of speech, I also think that it is important for him to realize that he is representing the US when visiting these countries, and when his show is broadcasted all over the world, giving a false representation (not to mention that there is no room for freedom of speech in communism). So, instead of wearing a shirt that represents the plight of many and what we as americans have fought so strongly against, maybe he should tailor his wardrobe to promoting the positive qualities of our people.
Hey Dhani, I was wondering what the gym was called that you went to. I was thinking about going over there for about a month and do some training? Also, any advice to a first time Thai land traveler?
Hey Dhani, first of all i love your show and secondly i loved to read your great experiences in Thai.. i was wishing that i would hear something more on Muay Thai, Martial Art practices, but hope to hear from you that how you deal with those in that gym.
Mate, a couple weeks ago, I got up early to rock my newborn back to sleep and decided to turn on the Travel Channel. We watched two of your episodes and I was hooked. I have since purchased the season pass on iTunes and I have enjoyed each of the shows up to this point. The blog rocks and I hope you keep this up for seasons to come! Great concept, excellent show!
Dhani,
The ants are always the best, though friends tell me worms are good too. Try ants in dark chocolate, you'll like it. Looking forward to the next season, both of the show and of Football.
i plan to watch every week, and cheer for you (if your team comes to play in my city). be blessed and can't wait for next week!