TBI Competition & Development Team Overview
Before Considering Competition
Before considering competition, I think it’s important to consider ‘why?’
When you found your why, think about ‘how’ it will get done.
Although competition is done alone in the ring, it takes a team to get you there.
We are a team of dedicated coaches and community members that strive for the very best of our athletes and are looking for reciprocity in the form of performance.
Through the decade of competition, we have developed and continue to refine our process for developing athletes.
We have had nationally ranked athletes, members of Team USA, as well as experience training and competing internationally.
Our vision is to continuously produce athletes that compete and represent TBI at the regional, national, and international levels.
Do you want to be a part of it?
The Benefits of Joining
What benefits come with being a part of the TBI Competition Team/Dev Team?
- Camaraderie
- Access to fight-team fund
- Sponsorship opportunities
- Private training
- Quicker advancement in skill and technique
- Assessment, video study, opponent study
- Customized training guides
- Nutrition guidance
- Extra strength and conditioning
Costs we try to subsidize with our sponsorship fund:
40% of traveling
Registration fee — max cap $100 (the earlier you sign up the better)
40% of housing
When Do I Know If/When I Am Ready?
Sample journey if member has ZERO Muay Thai experience:
- Day 1: Member joins gym, yay!
- 30-Day: Member is taking regular classes 3x/week, takes their first sparring class
- 90-Day: Member is consistently training, taking both sparring and clinching classes
- 6-Mo: Member discusses an interest in competing with Coach or Coach recommends competition
- 9-Mo: Member signs up for MDL/PKB
- 1-Yr: Member has full-time membership, signs up for C-Class tournament or debuts in local bouts, transitions to active competition team
Development Team vs Competition Team
The major key difference between the Development Team vs The Competition Team is competitive focus and amount of work required.
Let’s define what the competitive scope of the Development Team. There are two avenues for competition: ‘MDL’s’ and ‘PKB’s’
Development Path:
Key Differences
| Aspect | MDL | PKB |
|---|---|---|
| Stands for | Muay Thai Development League | Point Kickboxing / Point Muay Thai |
| Goal | Build confidence, gain experience | Compete and be scored on performance |
| Intensity | Light contact | Moderate to full contact |
| Outcome | No declared winner | Winner is declared by points |
| Emphasis | Learning, control | Technique, accuracy, effectiveness |
| Pressure level | Very low | Moderate (but lower than full bouts) |
PKB/PMT/MDL (Development Path):
- Can be viewed as ‘glorified’ sparring with another gym.
- All bouts are done on a mat and not in a ring.
- 2×2 min rounds but may go to a third round
- No full fight camp needed**
- May or may not have coach present
- Focus on building experience, not winning
(**Advisement for PKB’s: Due to the inconsistent intensity levels, it’s advise to prepare as if doing an actual fight)
here’s a clear breakdown of what MDL and PKB are, and how they differ:
MDL (Muay Thai Development League)
Purpose: Designed as an introductory competition format for new athletes to gain experience in a safe and controlled environment.
Contact Level: Light to moderate contact — strikes are pulled, especially to the head.
Scoring: No official winner/loser; the focus is on technical performance, control, and ring experience.
Protective Gear: Full protective gear (headgear, shin guards, 16 oz gloves, mouth guard, groin protection, chest guard).
Atmosphere: Educational and developmental. Coaches and referees are usually more involved in guiding athletes during the bout.
Goal: Help athletes get used to performing in front of a crowd, managing nerves, and testing their skills without the pressure of a “win/loss” record.
PKB (Point Kickboxing / Point Muay Thai)
Purpose: A competitive point-based format meant to simulate real matches while still maintaining safety.
Contact Level: Moderate to full contact, higher intensity than MDL. Clean, controlled strikes are encouraged.
Scoring: Judged and scored by points (like amateur boxing or sport karate). A winner is declared.
Protective Gear: Similar to MDL (headgear, shin guards, 16 oz gloves, mouth guard, groin protection).
Atmosphere: Competitive but still development-focused. Typically a bit faster-paced than MDL.
Summary:
- MDL = Think of it as “live sparring on stage” for experience and confidence building.
- PKB = Think of it as “light competition” where you’re scored and judged, a step closer to real fights.
Competition Pathway Chart
| Stage | Experience Level | Bout Type | Contact Level | Team Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Classes | 0 bouts | None (Training only) | Controlled contact (drills & sparring) | General Member |
| MDL (Muay Thai Development League) | 0 bouts | Exhibition (no winner) | Light | Development Team |
| PKB (Point Kickboxing / Point Muay Thai) | 0 bouts | Point-based matches (winner declared) | Moderate-Full | Development Team |
| C-Class | 0–3 bouts | Sanctioned amateur bouts | Full | Competition Team |
| B-Class | 4–9 bouts | Sanctioned amateur bouts | Full | Competition Team |
| A-Class | 10+ bouts | Sanctioned amateur / international / pro | Full | Competition Team |
Key Notes:
- MDL and PKB are not counted as sanctioned bouts BUT maybe or can be counted towards ‘Class’ ranking in tournaments or fight nights match making.
- Advancement to C-Class requires meeting all Competition Team requirements.
- Bouts get longer and more intense as you move up classes.
- A-Class often involves international tournaments and sometimes professional opponents.
Competition Pathway — Requirements Checklist
🥋 General Classes
Goal: Build fundamentals, consistency, and discipline
Requirements to move to MDL:
- Attending classes consistently (~3x/week)
- Can spar and clinch lightly with control
- Understand basic techniques and gym etiquette
- Cleared by Coach to participate in Advance Muay Thai and Comp Classes.
⚡ MDL (Muay Thai Development League)
Goal: Gain ring experience in a safe, low-pressure setting
Requirements to move to PKB:
- Completed at least one MDL bout
- Demonstrates composure and control under pressure
- Shows good sportsmanship and coachability
- Continues training consistently (~3x/week)
🥊 PKB (Point Kickboxing / Point Muay Thai)
Goal: Learn to compete with scoring and judging involved
Requirements to move to C-Class:
- Completed at least one PKB bout
- Handles competitive pressure well (win or lose doesn’t matter)
- Maintains regular sparring/clinching attendance
- Discusses interest in sanctioned bouts with Coach
- Cleared by Coach to join Competition Team
🏅 C-Class (0–3 Sanctioned Bouts)
Goal: Begin sanctioned competition
Requirements to move to B-Class:
- Minimum 3 months of continuous full-time membership
- Pays Competition Team dues ($99 semi-annual)
- Attends Competition Class (2x/month) & Clinch Class (2x/month)
- Maintains ~20 hours/week of training during camp
- Completes at least 3 sanctioned bouts
🥇 B-Class (4–9 Sanctioned Bouts)
Goal: Compete regularly and build experience
Requirements to move to A-Class:
- Consistent training year-round (on/off-season)
- ~4 bouts per year
- Shows advanced skill, discipline, and leadership in the gym
- Assists Development Team members and serves as a training partner
- Cleared by Coach to pursue national/international tournaments
🌍 A-Class (10+ Bouts / International / Pro Level)
Goal: Compete at the highest level (national/international/pro)
Requirements:
- 10+ sanctioned bouts
- Competes regularly in national or international tournaments
- Maintains exceptional technical skill, conditioning, and professionalism
- Serves as a role model and mentor to lower-level athletes
- Approved by Coaches to represent TBI on the highest stages
Beyond Your First Bout
Our vision is to continuously produce athletes that compete and represent TBI at the regional, national, and international levels.
One of our ethos here at The Thai Boxing Institute is ‘Sustainability’.
While it’s ok to just try it once (and we will 100% support you and your decision), ideally we want you competing for a very long time.
Our vision:
- Stay active throughout the year (~4 bouts per year)
- Slowly climb through the ranks in a safe and healthy manner
- Eventually compete internationally and then professionally
Local/Travel Fight Nights vs. Regional/National Tournaments
Local/Travel Fight Nights
- Local or traveled to single night bouts (‘Fight Nights’)
- Pre-matched opponents
- Similar experience (give or take 1 bout) and weight
Tournaments
- Multiple bouts over the weekend
- Usually ~3 bouts on average
- Higher rewards with similar prep effort
Note: International tournaments tend to be A-class (mix of professional and amateur opponents).
Requirements
To summarize:
Development Team
- Designed to help those interested in competition ramp up technically
- Key partners for those in camp on the Competition Team
- No dues
- Only requirement: willingness to help out and work hard
- Can perpetually be on Dev Team and compete in MDL’s/PKB’s
Competition Team
- For athletes competing in officially sanctioned amateur bouts (local IKF, regional, national tournaments)
Requirements:
- Minimum of 3 months of continuous full-time membership at TBI
- If you have zero competition experience:
- Do 1 Point KB / Point Muay Thai /MDL to gauge coachability/response to stress and pressure
- Winning or losing doesn’t matter — it’s a litmus test
Once criteria is met:
- $99 semi-annual dues (must be paid 6 weeks prior to competition)
- Competition class attendance 2x/month (Mondays 7PM)
- Clinch class attendance 2x/month (Wednesdays 7PM)
- ~20 hours/week training commitment to fight camp once date is booked.
- Signed agreement that one is willing to adhere to ‘Standards and Commitments’
Example: (Subject to change)
Note: Non-negotiable. No refunds regardless of injury, illness, etc.
Standards and Commitments
First and foremost, we must always align with our core values:
“GHAP”
Gratitude: appreciative of the privilege to practice Thai boxing with others within our community.
Humility is an attitude of spiritual modesty and respect for the worth of the individual that comes from understanding our place in the larger order of things.
Abundance: A positive growth mindset with a goal towards achieving teamwork success and contributing to the community.
Passion: All members within the community train and teach with a sense of intention, purpose, and fulfillment, along with a commitment to high standards and a strong work ethic.
“Life is great.”
What we are NOT looking for:
- Opportunists — don’t just show up when you have a fight camp
Ask yourself if you can commit to our criteria:
Development Team
Off-Season
- Train ~3x/week
- Sparring & clinching regularly
- Volunteering as padholders/training partners
- Assisting newer members or Comp Team athletes
In-Camp
- Training ~3x/week
- Sparring & clinching 2–3x/week
- Running 2–3x/week
- Prep for unofficial competition is less intensive
Competition Team
Off-Season
- Train ~4–5x/week
- Sparring & clinching regularly
- Helping Development Team
- Conditioning & strength training
- Assisting Dev Team athletes
What is ‘Off-season’? - ‘Off-season’ generally means when you are not in a fight camp.
In-Camp (following Competition Camp Schedule)
Failure to adhere to our standards will result in removal from the team.
Competition Camp
Here is a sample of our training requirements for Competition Team. There is where the ’20 hours of commitment per week’ stems from:
Standard Fight Camp Structure
Conditioning:
Cardio (Min. 3x / Week) :
- 3 – 4 Mi. Run, Swim, Cycle, Row, etc.
- Cooper’s Test 1x Week
Competition Camp
Here’s a sample of our training requirements for the Competition Team — where the 20 hours/week commitment stems from:
Conditioning
- Cardio 5x/week (3–4 mi. run, swim, cycle, row, etc.)
- Cooper’s Test 1x/week
- Calisthenics (every other day at end of work out):
- 50–100 crunches
- 50–100 squats
- :30 sec Plank hold for 4 sets
- 3×5 pull-ups (or alternative)
Warm-up
- 10 min weighted jump rope
- 2 rds weighted shadowbox
- Circle footwork. (see appendix for video)
- stick work (see appendix for video)
Pad/Bag Work Progression
- Week 1–2: 2–4 rds warmup / 3 rds Thai pads / 3 rds heavy bag
- Week 3–4: 2–4 rds warmup / 4 rds Thai pads / 4 rds heavy bag
- Week 5–6: 4 rds warmup / 5 rds Thai pads / 5 rds heavy bag
Sparring & Drilling
- 3–4 days/week (~5 rds ea.)
- 1–2 hard sparring
Clinching
- 3–4 days/week (~4–5 rds ea.)
Cooldown
- 200 push kicks
- 200 knees
- Stretch & roll out
Fight Camp Tracker
As the team grows, it’s not going to be scalable for coaches to track everyone’s workouts.
As an athlete, you’re responsible for making sure you’re getting what you need and putting in enough work over the week.
Use a chart to track your daily workouts. (the back white board is meant for this)
Please organize all pad holders and training for the week at the start of the training week. Generally Coaches will be able to hold pads for athletes three times a week depending on avaibiulity. It’s up to the athlete to schedule and organize additional help.
Last Notes
Talk to Coach
If something is hurting, you’re unsure about expectations, diet, conditioning, plans, or anything — talk to Coach. Check in regularly.
If Coach scares you, talk to Coach Erin.
Don’t be a Diva
As an athlete, you’re asking for extra time and effort from members and coaches. Be gracious and grateful.
Help tidy up, keep your stuff clean, support your teammates, take feedback mindfully, and be patient with partners.
Competing doesn’t make you the star of the gym — it makes you a resource hog.
Sample Schedule
The ideal schedule is the one you can commit to. So whatever days work best to balance life, work, and training is fine as long as you’re in the gym five to six days a week. Mon/Tues/Weds tend to be critical days b/c of clinching and sparring so be there in the PM for those sessions.
Appendix
Resources
Extra resources if this is your first camp and you’re confused about all the things.
Diet & Nutrition
This is a very involved process that should be guided by a coach. If there are ever any questions about diet and nutrition you can always ask any of the head coaches.
In a nutshell:
Long-Term: Body Composition (8–12+ weeks out)
Goal: walk around close to your weight class (≈5–10 lbs over) well before the event.
Focus on gradual fat loss while preserving muscle.
- Dial in nutrition
- Small daily calorie deficit (~250–500 kcal/day)
- Prioritize protein (1.6–2.2g per kg bodyweight)
- Whole, minimally processed foods — lower sugar, lower alcohol
- Consistent training volume
- 5–6 days/week mixed technical, cardio, and strength training
- Add low-intensity steady-state cardio if cutting weight
- Track metrics
- Weekly weight and body composition (DEXA, skinfolds, or smart scale)
- Adjust food intake gradually as needed
did you know our highly decorated and qualified former coach jeannie runs a meal prep company + nutritional coaching?
Primeal Eats!
Feed your wild side. Eat to compete. Meal Prep Service + Nutrition Coaching.High-quality meals made from whole foods to help you perform at your prime.
You can always ask for a consultation from her.
Other tools:
Meditation & Visualization Tools
Meditation is big, if you’re new or need help with mental training:
Performance visualization is also incredibly helpful during mindful meditation.
Imagery and observational learning use and their relationship to sport confidence:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02640410802549769#d1e443
- Simple Voice Recorder + Noise-Cancelling Headphones — Record your own guided visualization (walking to the ring, executing combos, staying calm) and listen before training or bed.
Pro tip: Visualization is strongest when combined with feeling the emotions and sensations of the moment (crowd noise, ring smell, gloves on your hands, etc.).
Fight Camp video:
stick work pt 1:
stick work pt 2:
Circle footwork: