Oy… long intro section this month, so I’ll keep the rest short. Thank you for reading!
22 Years of Muay Thai
August is an interesting month. It’s still summer, but the end of the month symbolizes the end of the season…
But not so much the season, rather the symbolism behind what summer means.
Many take vacations or breaks. Some experience major life changes: births, new relationships, relocations, and separations.
Summer to me always meant play. Whether it was while I was in school, skating around the SFV and LA in 90-degree temps.
Or while in university, just a break from school.
And then finally, in my Muay Thai career.
It always felt like I would have a good fight lined up right before summer started and would take the summer off from hard training… which was always nice because my old gym felt like a brick oven during that season.
August to the gym meant our busiest time, although that changed a bit after the pandemic. This summer, though, felt like a bit of a rebound.
And finally, August was when I started training Muay Thai 22 years ago.
I want to use this as a segue to bring up the last letter of our core value acronym, GHAP, with “P” standing for Passion.
There was a time when owning the gym and even training felt like a Sisyphean task. Then came a reframe; it became an enjoyment of pushing the boulder.
Now, there is no notion of pushing a boulder.
Only being present.
Throughout all this, the common link was always finding the enjoyment of it all and keeping it playful.
The biggest motivator for me behind the last 22 years, though, has always been passion. And I kept the passion going by being playful.
Passion means showing up willingly, gladly, enthusiastically, and graciously.
Having passion despite when circumstances don’t align with these feelings.
Passion to me means, “Not giving a fuck. This is still fucking fun to me, and I’m going to get the job done to the best of my fucking ability.”
Twenty-two years later, I still love all this. It’s still so fun, playful, and rewarding, and I hope one day one of you, or many of you, will understand how I feel:
Summer forever.
USA Muay Thai Coaching and Performance Camp
My second year doing this, and its first year offering a USA Muay Thai Assistant Coaches certification.
I had so much fun training, meeting new folks, seeing old friends, and I learned a fuck ton.
It’s not often you get some of the top coaches in the USA all together in a setting meant for learning.
It was interesting to see the difference from last year to this. There was definitely an elevated sense of purpose and camaraderie that I really enjoyed.
Always trying my best to be the best coach I can possibly be to better serve my community, and I only hope to inspire you to try your hardest too.
Maybe one day I’ll have the opportunity to help Team USA at a World Championship. 🤞
TBI Goes to WKA
We have three athletes participating this year at the WKA National Tournament in beautiful Bel Air, Maryland. 😮
This is the first time TBI has ever attended this tournament, so it will be a brand-new experience for everyone…
…and I must say:
I’M VERY EXCITED.
The tournament takes place August 14–16.
Thank you to all coaches and members for your help in training our athletes!
If you’re interested in competing, please read this guide on how we approach competition.
MDL: San Diego XI
There is also an MDL going on the same weekend in San Diego.
These are great sparring events that are performed in front of an audience, and you are given feedback on your performance by the judges. It’s an excellent way to step into competition-format Muay Thai.
Check it out:
https://mdl.smoothcomp.com/en/event/32451
Please let me know if you are interested!
Core Values
Want to know our Core Values?
Around here we call them GHAP.
They’re our north star.
GRATITUDE
Appreciative of the privilege to practice Thai boxing with others within our community.
HUMILITY
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 the goal of teamwork, success, and contributing to the community.
PASSION
Training and teaching with intention, purpose, fulfillment, high standards, and a strong work ethic.
Check them out here too!
August Curriculum
August 3–9: Fight Camp
August 10–16: Boxing Techniques for Muay Thai
August 17–23: Boxing Counters to Knees, Kicks & Push Kicks
August 24–30: Knee & Elbow Counters to Boxing
“When you truly understand one thing, you will understand ten thousand things.”
— Miyamoto Musashi, Samurai and author of The Book of Five Rings