Muay Thai Training in Koh Phangan

Muay Thai or Thai boxing is different from kick boxing. It is the ‘art of 8 limbs’ because the style of fighting uses punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes, making 8 points of contact. A practitioner of Muay Thai is called a nak muay. The rules of the sport were codified during the Golden Era of early Thai independence under the great sovereign King Rama V who did a lot to popularize the sport. Now Muay Thai is Thailand’s national sport.

Every boy learns Thai boxing at school and you see young lads throughout Thailand goofing around in their spare time throwing rabbit punches at their mates. Like all martial arts Muay Thai is about discipline, not going to a bar getting drunk and causing trouble. Young and old alike in Thailand respect the great nak muay Champions past and present. Many places in Thailand come to a standstill every Sunday afternoon when bouts are broadcast on Thai TV. For Thai people Muay Thai is one of the cornerstones of their national identity. They are fighters and free people; not cowards and slaves.

This noble tradition is very much alive in Koh Phangan. The original Muay Thai gym in Koh Phangan is located in Haad Rin, the beach also famous for its Full Moon Parties. The Jungle Gym has been going for more than 12 years. It is a fully equipped gym with a full range of work out equipment. As well as Muay Thai, yoga and general fitness programs are available. The Jungle Gym has attracted a number of former Bangkok champions to the island to teach. The Jungle Gym used to have branches in Thongsala and Haad Thien but now only runs the one school in Haad Rin. They are happy to train both beginners and more advanced students.

The Horizon Muay Thai Camp is located on the idyllic and remote beach of Haad Thian on the east coast of Thailand. It is a beautiful white sand beach that is only accessible by boat and a perfect place free of distractions to study Muay Thai. Horizon Muay Thai Camp has qualified instructors who give lessons twice a day (except for Saturdays). Horizon Muay Thai has also started a fight night at their ring in Bantai. Bouts at all weights take place and women’s Muay Thai is also showcased. A 500 baht entrance fee is charged.

Chorenrit Boxing Stadium in Thongsala is another established Muay Thai training centre in Koh Phangan. It has 2 sessions a day from 8am to 10am and from 4pm to 6pm. Chorenrit’s coaching staff includes former Thai champions. All levels are welcome. Whether you want to learn self defence, get in the ring, learn more about Thai culture or just simply get fit Chorenrit Boxing Stadium has the right course of training for you.

Finally there is the Pechrungruang Muay Thai Stadium in Thong Nai Pan. It is a small Muay Thai training camp near the popular beach of Thong Nai Pan Noi. It has a small gym where you can work out or you can take a course in Muay Thai with one of their trained staff. During the high season Pechrungruan Stadium holds fight nights which feature all weights, men and women and culminate in two professionals fighting.

These are just three places where you can learn Muay Thai in Koh Phangan. There are more. Fight nights are popular and provide a fascinating insight into Thai culture. They are always well attended and the crowd gets thoroughly involved. Often bouts are held between ‘farang’ boxers and Thai boxers. It is not always the Thai that wins.