Happy New Year! SO excited to get back on track after a well spent few weeks off. Thank you to everyone for looking after the gym while I was away and so happy to see everyone again.
Lots to say but first and foremost wishing everyone a prosperous 2025. đ
joining TBi/bringing a friend
We get a lot of questions about starting at TBI, so hereâs a breakdown of options!
The first drop-in class is $20, and any drop-in after that is $40. If someone wants to try the gym but has no Muay Thai experience, we suggest attending the âIntro Semi-Privateâ class on Mondays at 7 PM with Coach Lee. This class is limited to five people and is designed to teach beginners the basics of the sport while observing our classes and training methods.
âZero Experienceâ generally means no Muay Thai experience, including no knowledge of how to hold pads or work with a partner. This is distinct from experience in other martial arts like TKD, Karate, or Kung Fu as those don’t qualify as experience since the style of techniques is much different.
For those who know how to hold Thai pads and have some Muay Thai experience, our All Levels classes are suitable. However, we generally do not allow drop-ins for contact classes (e.g., sparring, clinching, or competition classes) due to liability concerns.
If youâre interested in bringing friends who canât make the intro class, they may join another class if you are willing to train with them as their partner and help us show them the basics and our training methods.
Lastly, we recommend private training sessions as another great option.
Core Values, mission statement and new members!
TBIâs core values serve as guiding principles and are displayed at the gym near the water fountain. These values were created by the coaches to help us achieve our goals for the upcoming year but also to help us integrate new members to further create a cohesive environment so that no one ever feels left out or unseen.
âGHAPâ: Gratitude, Humility, Abundance, Passion.
Gratitude represents an appreciation for the privilege of practicing Thai boxing within our community. Humility embodies spiritual modesty and respect for the worth of individuals, acknowledging our place in the larger order. Abundance reflects a positive growth mindset with a focus on teamwork and community contribution. Passion inspires all members to train and teach with purpose, high standards, and a strong work ethic.
Our mission statement has remained the same for the past five years and is on the front page of our website:
âWe aim to provide a safe and welcoming community where members can learn effective Thai boxing techniques for self-defense, a healthy lifestyle, and to improve self-confidence.â
Notice that fighting or competition is not mentioned in the mission statement. Although competition training is available, our primary purposes at TBI is everything describe in our mission statement. Competition with each other in manners of excessive hard sparring/bullying, gossip and cliques is not tolerated. So please be mindful of this when working with new members that are unfamiliar with a Martial Arts training space such as ours or those that are learning how to navigate a new third space.
Lastly, I always like to remind everyone what is what like for you to be new at this sport and how uncomfortable that may have been.
Now think of things that would’ve been helpful for you. Aim to be those things for that new person. đ
Competition Team
This yearâs competition season wrapped up a few weeks ago with an overall record of 8-2, a 75% win rate. The team included both A-class fighters and debutants, earning tournament and fight night titles, though some events were canceled last minute.
Coaching the competition team has been an opportunity to learn, whether itâs refining Muay Thai techniques, improving coaching methods, or growing personally. This year taught me to accept my limitations, trust my team, and provide them with space to grow.
Fighting is challenging, but thatâs what makes it excitingâitâs about rising to the occasion. Thank you to the athletes for your trust, to the coaches for preparing them, and to all members who supported, held pads, sparred, and encouraged their teammates. Iâm incredibly proud of everyoneâs effort and dedication.
Member Appreciation Day/Picture Day
Join us on Saturday, March 1st, at 11 a.m. for Member Appreciation Day. There will be no training that day. Instead, weâll have a group class picture and individual photos with the coaches.
A light lunch and beverages will be provided. Just bring yourself! Wear your favorite Muay Thai shorts and TBI gear.
Merch Restocked
Weâve restocked all TBI Tees, including the white âPANTERAâ tee, at $25 each (+tax), though XXL sizes for the Pantera tee are sold out. Select pullover and zip hoodies are available at $50 each.
All shirts and hoodies our on online store by clicking the âShopâ link on our website or simply by going to TBImerch.com
Our new TBI shorts feature an old-school appliqué embroidery logo across aqua blue satin with silver metallic accents and iridescent trim. They are both beautiful and functional. Check them out online at:
https://the-thai-boxing-institute.gymdesk.com/product/tbi-shorts-v3/68283
We also have a selection of XXXL and 4XL Muay Thai shorts from Thailand. Ask at the front desk to see the available designs. All merchandise is available online at TBImerch.com or via the âShopâ link on our website.
Upcoming Events
The next PKB event will take place on January 25-26 at the LA Convention Center during the LA Fit Expo.
Details can be found here:
https://www.pmt-west.app/event/Los_Angeles_CA_01_25_2025
Janurary Curriculum
1/6-1/11: Knees and Elbow Counters to Boxing
1/13-1/18 Attacking While Moving Backwards
1/20-1/25: All Feints
1/27-2/1: Angling