Muay Thai, also known as "Thai boxing," is Thailand's national sport, encompassing the art of eight limbs: fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
Compared to my previous challenges, mastering Muay Thai wasn't something I could achieve in just a few weeks or months. From observing fights to speaking with seasoned practitioners, I quickly realized the immense difficulty ahead. I had to honour not only the challenge itself but also the dedicated students, fighters, and the tight-knit Muay Thai community.
After countless hours of rigorous training—running, skipping, shadow boxing, technique drills, pad work, strength conditioning, sparring, and stretching—I finally stepped into the ring at Kalare Fairtex Boxing Stadium in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand.
This journey, spanning 2.5 years and over 40 gyms across the United Kingdom, Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand, proved to be the most demanding and rewarding experience of my life. It not only pushed me to peak physical condition but also guided me through profound personal growth.
I'm grateful to have met hundreds of individuals who made this journey truly special. My heartfelt appreciation goes to the coaches, training partners, gym owners, and communities that welcomed me with open arms.
To Muay Thai, I offer my sincere thanks 🙏
PEOPLE WHO HELPED ME
Competing in Muay Thai is undoubtedly a team effort, and I'm immensely grateful for all the support I received.
While I owe thanks to hundreds of individuals, there are a few key people who played pivotal roles in my journey. They not only contributed to my development as a fighter but also nurtured my personal growth.
Additionally, several gyms served as crucial settings where I honed my skills, deepened my knowledge, and gained invaluable experience. The members, training partners, and communities within these gyms formed the bedrock of this challenge, and I cannot express enough gratitude to them.
GLYN BLACKBURN
Head Trainer and owner of Alliance Gym Liverpool
Glyn is not just a Muay Thai fighter ranked UK number 8, but also the Head Trainer and owner of Alliance Gym. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, he managed to double the gym's size, mostly through his own construction efforts. Throughout it all, Glyn's selflessness shines through; he consistently prioritizes others, evident in the incredible community he has cultivated at Alliance.
SIT CHELSEA
Trainer and wannabe Chef
Chelsea's accolades speak for themselves: a 2x Northern Thai Champion with an impressive record of over 160 professional fights. Beyond his remarkable achievements in the ring, Chelsea dedicates his time to training some of the nation's finest Muay Thai fighters, both established and emerging talents.
However, Chelsea's talents extend far beyond the realm of combat sports; he harbors significant aspirations to become a chef. I've had the privilege of sampling many of his culinary creations, and they never fail to excite the team whenever he steps into the kitchen.
PBEE (MONKOLDEJ SITTHEPITAK)
Trainer and owner of Charn Chai Gym Thailand
Pbee boasts an astounding 20 years of experience in Muay Thai, with an impressive record of over 300 fights and an incredible 83% win rate. His achievements include being ranked No. 1 at both Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadiums—a feat akin to winning the Ballon D’or in football, truly remarkable.
As the head coach at Charn Chai, my primary gym in Thailand, Pbee's expertise extends globally, having trained across various countries. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have trained under Pbee's guidance, both in the UK and in Thailand. Having him and his team in my corner on fight night was an absolute blessing.
KEY GYMS
Although I visited 40+ gyms, these 5 needed a special mention.
KO Combat Academy
Bethnal Green, London
My first ever gym back in London. You helped kick this journey off and I will be forever grateful for walking in those doors and discovering this passion.
Alliance
Old Swan, Liverpool
No words can express the gratitude and love I have for this place, its students and it's community. Not only did you make me a better figher, you made me a better human being.
Charn Chai
Pai, Thailand
Working 40 hours a week and training through fight camp, you made every session equal parts enjoyable and horrendous. I am grateful for having you in my corner and helping me create one of my most treasured memories.
The Knowlesy
Academy
Burnt Oak, London
Following my decision to give this idea another go, I moved back to London and stepped on your mats. Even with fighters taking the world by storm, your team welcomed me with humility and open pads.
SRG
Alexandria, Sydney
On arriving in Sydney, there wasn't a short supply of gyms. But with the great welcome, the amazing trainers and the community vibes, there was no better place to acclimatise to my new Aussie life.
Muay Thai community
While rivalry is a significant aspect of competition, I've been fortunate to train and learn in over 40 gyms during my journey. Though I might not be able to mention every gym, Kru (Thai for instructor), or training partner, to everyone who stood on the receiving end of every punch, kick, elbow, knee, or question— I consider you the world's best counsellors.
