Habibi’s,
Welcome to the August Newsletter. Few changes to report, namely a schedule change and an instructor change. Thanks for reading!
See you on the mats!
Re: Clara on Deck
Congrats to Clara for her TKO win this past month at CALI 45 BLOW THE WHISTLE
Proud of how hard she worked and all the technique she showed off in the ring.
Great work Clara! Hope your Sunday was restful, introspective, and overall magical.
Thank you to Coach Erin for helping me train and corner Clara, and to Mher for helping her with weigh-ins. Thank you again to the TBI community for all the help training the crew and for being there.
Re: Coach Lee’s Goodbye
Thank you to everyone that came out to Coach Lee’s farewell dinner!
Wishing Coach Lee the very best. It was such an honor having you as a part of TBI and our coaching staff.
New Coach
With the departure of Coach Lee, we are happy to announce Spencer, AKA ‘Coach Spencer,’ is coming on board as part of the TBI coaching staff. He will be in charge of new member intake Mondays at 7PM.
Spencer has been a member of TBI for over 5 years and has helped train our athletes, as well as participated in a few of our Anniversary ‘Sparring’ events. We are so happy to have Spencer on board and look forward to his future here at TBI as a Coach!
Also: as part of TBI culture, we kindly ask that you refer to the coaches by ‘Coach.’ Little bit of a formality, I know, but it’s also meant to help our members in case you guys need help with something and are still learning our names.
A simple ‘Coach’ will get any of our attention. Thanks!
Sunsetting 8AM Classes
Yes — due to low attendance and cost, we are unfortunately canceling 8AM classes. The last 8AM class will be Thursday, August 14th.
Thank you all for your understanding!
Comp Class Invite Only
For those interested in competing or helping those compete, this is a great class made for that.
Due to the intense nature of the class, the only criteria is that we can trust that you are able to spar effectively without becoming too emotional or ultra competitive.
If you have been training in the competition class already, consider yourself invited. All members interested in joining the comp class please inquire with me (Coach Vic).
Thanks!
Interested in Competing?
We are always looking for competitors — competing is a great way to set a goal and reach it, all the while drastically improving your Muay Thai technique and discovering ‘What’s Inside.’
We have a guide on competing right here:
https://thaiboxinginstitute.net/2022/01/19/2022-competition-and-development-team/
(a little dated but still relevant)
I’d say… if you are interested in competing, 6 months of training is ‘GOOD ENOUGH’ if:
- You are sparring and clinching consistently
- Are training at least 3 days a week for two hours
(Sparring? Read our FAQ: https://thaiboxinginstitute.net/2024/09/04/the-definitive-sparring-guide-sparring-101/#more-2928)
The Easiest ‘Foot in the Door’ for Competition Is a MDL
What is an MDL?
A little bit of competition, a little bit of hard sparring, a little bit of nerves, and a whole lot of fulfillment.
I like it because they ‘prioritize safety and growth.’ It also gives you a bit of an idea of what to expect if you decide to move on to full contact competition.
Read more about it here:
https://muaythaidevelopmentleague.com
Note: An MDL is different than a PKB. A PKB is a little more full contact and fight-adjacent — for those that desire something ‘spicier.’
Read all links above to get an idea of the scene, and if — after you have combed through everything — you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
List of MDLs
August (LA): https://smoothcomp.com/en/event/25438
September (San Diego): https://mdl.smoothcomp.com/en/event/25001
November: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-5SSM8PHS5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=azE3ZnltMmp6bzRk
For the August MDL there are no coaches available to corner that weekend since many of us will be out of town.
Coach Erin’s Women’s Muay Thai Class Canceled
For one day only: Friday, August 15th. Please mark your calendars.
Also: just want to mention that Coach Erin has done a remarkable job developing that class.
Thanks, Coach Erin!
In Case You Didn’t Know
If you identify as a woman, then the Friday 5PM classes are available to you at no cost to your membership, meaning:
- Even if you have a ‘Part-Time’ membership you are allowed to take that class (and only that class) for free as a courtesy
- Taking that class will not count as a day from your ‘X’ allotted
If you have any questions about that, please e-mail us!
Think Lightly Tee
The ‘Think Lightly’ tee design is an expression of some of the values I hold dearly and try to instill in my teaching and way of conducting business.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic t-shirt designs of the ‘Youth Crew’ Hardcore Punk bands of the mid to late 1980’s as well as from famed ronin samurai Miyamoto Musashi, author of The Book of Five Rings.
‘Youth Crew’ hardcore punk can be characterized as optimistic, moralist, empowering, and generally positive, while the quote “Think Lightly of Yourself and Deeply of the World” is from Musashi’s Book of Five Rings, which I will leave up to you for interpretation.
TBI ‘hand wrap’ logo featured on the left-hand chest, while the back features a fight between two athletes with ‘Thai Boxing Institute’ on the top and ‘Think Lightly of Yourself and Deeply of the World’ at the bottom.
Printed on Bella Canvas 100% cotton, comfortable soft-feel unisex t-shirt crafted from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton so it provides exceptional softness and breathability.
S-XXL available
https://the-thai-boxing-institute.gymdesk.com/product/tbi-%27think-lightly%27-tee/10995
Price: $25 for shirt
Shipping: $5
Pick-up available
Venmo: @COACHVIK (last 4 digits: 5678)
Zelle: info@thaiboxinginstitute.net
(Please include size, shipping cost, and address if applicable)
Or purchase via credit card at: TBImerch.com
HELPING OUT
You may be asking: How can I help TBI out further? Here are a few ways:
Buy merch!
Help represent the gym — not only are our designs super cool, stylish, and comfortable, but this helps bring awareness to our cool little community!
We have t-shirts, pullovers, zip-ups, and even kids sizes.
Refer a friend or sign up a family member!
Did you know that if you refer a friend and they sign up, you receive a $25 discount off your next month’s gym dues?
Receive a $25 credit off your month’s membership if you refer a friend to TBI and they sign up as a member to either our Kids, Teens, or Adult program.
Also, we have family plans available: $25 discount off memberships for any family member that signs up.
Leave a review!
Yelp or Google Business reviews help!
August Curriculum
8/4–8/9: Using Your Lead Weapons (Punches, Kicks, Elbows, and Knees)
8/11–8/16: Overhand Rights and Check Left Hooks
8/18–8/23: Level Change Feints
8/25–8/30: Push Kicks