Hola, hi, 你好吗 (Ni hao ma), สบายดีไหมครับ (Sabai dee mai khrup),
Short little one this month. Thank you all for reading!
Re: China
I don’t know if y’all heard, but… I WAS IN CHINA. For two-ish weeks. TBH, I didn’t know a whole lot about China, but was always curious about visiting. It was interesting to see the difference between the propaganda that we are fed versus the reality.
China was filled with some of the friendliest, incredibly kind, (mostly) patient, helpful, and understanding people I’ve encountered in my travels.
It was an incredibly modern place, completely insular, and although I don’t speak any Mandarin, I was always able to get by with a bit of pointing, translation apps, smiles, laughter, and gratitude for the help — the last couple being universal expressions IMO.
Speaking of universal languages, connecting with the local Muay Thai community helped me navigate the cities and understand the cultures more. I got to train in the three different cities I went to: BW House in Shanghai, Top of Siam in Xi’an, and Fight Capital in Beijing. All great places with really cool trainers and locals.
Thank you to all the coaches holding it down while I was away, and to everyone who helped maintain our space while I’m out learning and exploring. Much appreciated. 🙂
Re: Member Appreciation Day
Thank you to everyone who came by! Had a blast hanging out with everyone, and we (the coaches) do appreciate having such cool, kind, and sweet members who allow us to pursue our passion for teaching and training the sport of Muay Thai.
Individual portraits, group shots, and candid photos coming soon to your inbox.
New YouTube Video / Book Preview
I posted a video preview of the book on our YouTube channel — check it out:
https://youtu.be/IiGY6_QyqYk?si=JfcLDXWhZGU1S_vY
(Subscribe if you haven’t: https://www.youtube.com/@thaiboxinginstitute)
We’ve included the use of QR codes to give video demonstrations of the techniques that will accompany the text. This sort of technology hasn’t really been used in the Muay Thai space, and we’re happy to give y’all a preview of what it will look like.
Aside from techniques, the book will also cover more abstract concepts that I teach in our school, such as visualization and developing your proprioception to help refine your targeting and aim. The sample video in the link above covers this — check it out!
Our upcoming book, Thai Boxing 101: An Introduction to the Sport of Muay Thai, will cover all the introductory aspects of the sport, including technique, gear selection, finding a proper school, as well as cultural aspects of Muay Thai in Thailand, the U.S., and around the world.
I believe it will be one of the most modern and comprehensive texts on Muay Thai.
The final text will include around 40 different videos covering all the techniques and concepts from the book.
Get on the mailing list:
https://www.thaiboxing101.com
TBI 14-Year Anniversary
Thank you all for the 14 years of support. Appreciate you all immensely!
Please join us as we celebrate the birthday of the gym. Event is open to the public, and we will have food and beverages (non-alcoholic and alcoholic).
Even if it’s your first day, first month, whatever — come through. Bring friends or come and make friends.
Freshly made pupusas by @centinelapupusas from 6–8:30 PM.
Looking for people to spar — it’s tradition every year that we do exhibition bouts between members. Super friendly, no winner/no knockouts, safe, moderated sparring in front of the party.
Great way to get a taste of what competing is like. Talk to me if you’re interested or sign up on the whiteboard near the bathroom with your name and weight.
Date: Saturday, June 27th
Time: 6 PM – 10:00ish
Location: The Thai Boxing Institute, 3831 Grand View Blvd, LA, CA 90066
Reminder to Label Everything
Label everything!! All of your equipment and your names in the cubbies.
If you need a cubby, talk to me. Must have a recurring monthly membership. Max two cubbies per member.
Closed Memorial Day Weekend
We will be closed Memorial Day weekend — Saturday the 23rd through Monday the 25th.
Appreciate the understanding and hope you enjoy the weekend!
Upcoming Events
If you are interested in competing:
Full Contact
WKA US National Championships 2026
Aug 13–16, 2026
APG Federal Credit Union Arena, Harford Community College
https://www.kihapp.com/tournaments/24173-wka-us-national-championships-2026
I’ve never done this one but am curious about it — willing to take one person, maybe two, if you’re interested. I’ll be doing some research for my next book.
Semi Contact
Eat Sleep Teep
Saturday, June 13th
https://www.instagram.com/p/DVhXGMmE04D/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://eatsleepteep.com/events
Interested in competing? Read this before asking questions:
https://thaiboxinginstitute.net/2022/01/19/2022-competition-and-development-team/
Re: Community Cohesion
One more month of bumping this:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWm65aWDzQf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
We know learning the sport is a team effort built on trust and familiarity. Help us be a tighter team by saying hi/bye or introducing yourself to others.
As a long-standing member:
Be kind, smile, and say hi to anyone you don’t know. Ask their name.
Be open to working with new partners in drills, sparring, and classes.
We were all beginners at one point.
As a new member:
Be proactive. Talk, say hi, get involved.
Ask questions and connect with the coaches — we are approachable.
We do appreciate being called “Coach” rather than first names. It helps maintain boundaries and respect for the work that goes into running the gym.
Thank you for helping make TBI a great place to train.
Re: New TBI Shirts
A few extra sizes left S–XXL!
$30 shirts (XXL +$5)
$7 shipping
Curbside pick-up available
Venmo: @COACHVIK
Zelle: info@thaiboxinginstitute.net
(Include size, shipping cost, and address if needed.)
Or purchase by card: TBImerch.com
https://the-thai-boxing-institute.gymdesk.com/product/tbi-t-shirt-contest-winner/114546
A Word From Our Sponsor
Leis by Jewles — Mother’s Day is coming up.
It’s not too late to order flowers. Free local delivery available. Custom graduation leis also available.
Instagram: @leisbyjewles
Website: www.leisbyjewles.com
May Curriculum
5/4–5/9 Feinting the push kick
5/11–5/16 Body shots
5/18–5/23 Kickboxing
5/25–5/30 Evading strikes (body movement + head movement review)
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice…” — Pelé