Y’all, this one is looooong. I’m sorry!

Let’s get to it!

Member Appreciation Day

Join us on Saturday, April 11th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Member Appreciation Day.

There will be no training that day. Instead, we will:

• Take a group class photo
• Take individual photos with the coaches

A light lunch and beverages will be provided.

Just bring yourself and wear your favorite Muay Thai shorts and TBI gear.

Re: USMTO

Congrats to all our athletes who participated this last weekend at the 2026 Spring USMTO tournament.

We went 2–2, with Clara winning her division and becoming the USMTO 140 lbs C-class national champion.

Congrats Clara! 👍

Proud of everyone for following through and being brave enough to step through the ropes.

THANK YOU to everyone at TBI for your help training them. Thank you to all the members who volunteered and sacrificed their own training time to help them.

Thank you to all the coaches for your help with pad work, drilling, clinching, sparring.

Thank you to Coach Jordan for your help cornering.

Thank you to Erin for your clutch assist cornering Clara in the finals.

Thank you to Amber for driving the team to AZ and around town.

Thank you to 818 Boxing for all your help with sparring.

Thank you to all our opponents and camps for sharing the ring.

And thank you to all promoters and officials who ran the tournament for all their hard work promoting the scene of Muay Thai.

(Sorry if I missed anyone.)

Onward and forward ⚡️

Shirt Preorders Are In!

Congrats to Adam for winning the contest, and thank you to everyone for the overwhelming amount of orders.

You can pick yours up with me or see Tara at the front desk on Mondays.

A few extra sizes left S–XXL, and all shirt sizes have been restocked!

🥋: $30 for shirts (XXL +$5)
🛫: $7 for shipping
🚗: Curbside pick-up available

Venmo: @COACHVIK
Zelle: info@thaiboxinginstitute.net
(Please include size, shipping cost, and address if applicable.)

or purchase by CC through our website: TBImerch.com

Thank you all very much!

https://the-thai-boxing-institute.gymdesk.com/product/tbi-t-shirt-contest-winner/114546

A Fighting Legacy

Did you know Adam is also a long-time member of TBI, artist (@outofstep.art), TBI Comp Team sponsor, and now filmmaker?

His Muay Thai documentary is available through streaming on Amazon Prime!

‘A Fighting Legacy uncovers how a 700-year-old Thai fighting art took root in the American Midwest, following the pioneer who brought it to the United States and the community built around the largest full-contact fighting event in the Western Hemisphere.’

You can support Adam through renting/buying his doc, but also by rating and leaving a review!

Peep the link below to check out his doc and help support Adam!

https://amzn.to/4dBG1Eh

Class Schedule — Next Two Weeks

Guys — I’ll be gone for the next two weeks. I’ll be visiting and exploring China to see what the Muay Thai scene and life is like out there.

While I’m away, a few of the coaches will be stepping in to cover classes as well as combined classes Monday and Wednesday at 6 PM until I’m back on the 29th.

Everything else will run the same. Thank you to the coaches who are stepping in!

Please lend a hand if you can to help the coaches clean up and lock the gym. Look out for them, the space, and each other please. I’ll be reachable through email (hopefully).

Thank you!

Re: Cleaning

Y’all are killing it with the new protocol. Thank you all for helping keep the gym clean and safe.

We noticed a bottleneck with the paper towels, so we added cloth towels along with more paper towels to help speed up cleanup.

Reminder:

• Clear bottles labeled “Pad Cleaner” are for pads
• Blue liquid labeled “Mat Cleaner” is for mopping

Please make sure you’re using the correct cleaner.

Community Cohesion

I made a video last week on an easy way to be inclusive and build rapport with others:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWm65aWDzQf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

We know that learning the sport is a team effort built upon trust and familiarity. You can help us be a tighter team by saying hi/bye to each other or introducing yourself/others if you’re engaged in conversation. 🙂

As a current, long-standing member, what can you do to help?

Be kind, smile, and say hi to anyone you don’t know. Maybe ask them what their name is!
Be open to working with a new partner—whether in open pairings, sparring, or drilling classes.

Just remember that all of us, including myself, were beginners at one point.

What can you do as a new member?

Be proactive! Talk, don’t be shy, say hi. Volunteer and get involved.
Say hi to me, ask me questions, talk to me or any of the coaches. We are all very approachable.

Lastly, as coaches we do appreciate you calling us “Coach” rather than first names. It’s a way TBI maintains boundaries and acknowledges the hard work and effort coaches put in to keep the gym going.

Thank you all for your efforts in making TBI such a great place to train.

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!

There will be freshly made pupusas by @centinelapupusas from 6–8:30 PM.

Also 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.

This is a 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.

DETAILS:
Date: Saturday June 13th, 20th, or 27th (will keep y’all posted)
Time: 6 PM – 10:00ish
Location:
The Thai Boxing Institute
3831 Grand View Blvd
LA, CA 90066

See you there!

No Gifts Please

Yo, y’all listen — I am really flattered when I receive a gift from you, but in all good conscience I cannot accept gifts. Hope you understand where this is coming from and would prefer that no one thinks I have favorites at the gym. Low key, I am annoyed by you all so there are no favorites. 🙂

Aye, pero fo’ real — if you do want to support the gym, please as always:

• Buy merch
• Refer your friends
• Leave a review on Google or Yelp
• Or support the many small business owners that train at the gym

Gifts are not needed and my life is immensely filled with gratitude and love.

I appreciate the sentiment and am always flattered. Thank you for ever thinking of me and the gym.

Label Everything

Label everything — your equipment and your names in the cubbies, please!!!

If you need a cubby, talk to me! Must have a recurring monthly membership. Max two cubbies per member.

Upcoming Events

If you are interested in competing:

(Full Contact)
2026 TBA Classic
June 17–21, 2026
Des Moines, IA
(We have one interested, looking for one or two more.)
https://www.muaythaitournaments.com/2026-june-tba-classic

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 you ask me any questions:
https://thaiboxinginstitute.net/2022/01/19/2022-competition-and-development-team/

Thai Boxing 101

Yes — it’s still coming out!
Yes — I was shooting for mid-April but it’s taking a bit longer!
Yes — We have covers you can vote on if you’re on our mailing list!
Yes — It’ll be out soon, please wait 😣

You can get on the mailing list at:
thaiboxing101.com

April Curriculum

• Pad holding review
• Parrying straight punches
• Checking kicks
• Feinting the jab
• Feinting the push kick

“The vision of a champion is someone who is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion—when nobody else is watching.” — Anson Dorrance (about Mia Hamm)

The post April Newsletter appeared first on Thai Boxing Institute | Muay Thai West Los Angeles | Venice.

A lot of fun stuff to read (IMO).

Reminder: be kind to yourself and your own progress. Everyone’s path is different.

See y’all on the mats!

17 Years of Coaching

Seventeen years ago, I taught my first paid Muay Thai class. I think I was paid $20 an hour. I only taught one class a day (four days a week though). 🙂

On this day, I always take time to reflect. Nearing 20 years, I can’t believe how much time has passed because I very vividly remember that first class — along with the rest of my time teaching at 10P Burbank.

Coincidentally, I had a session with my therapist yesterday where I had a little menty B over not feeling competent enough to continue teaching, or feeling frustrated, upset, or restless with my current state of being.

I understand where it comes from. It comes from “I seek more.” But understanding where my emotions come from and being invulnerable to feeling them are two different things. I just have to let them process. Sometimes they swell in me. Sometimes they ebb and flow.

I think I’m doing well in not expressing them too much — which is good, since my expression has always manifested in violence.

BUT THAT’S A WHOLE DIFFERENT STORY Y’ALL.

I was reminded of something I wrote while editing the final chapter of the TBI book. The chapter is called The Art of Life Long Training.

Excerpt:

Teaching and Coaching

I started helping out at my home gym, “Muay Thai Academy” of North Hollywood, two years into my training career.

At first I helped my Kru (Kru Santi) with the kids class, then partnered with beginners during the evening classes and helped them integrate into the gym.

Sometimes the owner, Kru Puk, would have me fill in for him in the afternoon classes.

Some may think it’s a bit early to be teaching — and I agree. My maturity level was definitely not suited for teaching adults. But by that point I had well over 10 fights with a decent record and was able to demonstrate technical proficiency.

None of this was paid. It was expected for the boxers to help out at the gym for free. It was part of our culture, and we felt it was an honor to assist the coaches and help maintain the gym as clean as possible.

Two years later, I landed my first paid coaching gig teaching and running the Muay Thai program at a Jiu Jitsu school in Burbank, CA.

By then, I had been certified as a “Level 1” Instructor by Kru Puk and Kru Santi. I still have no clue what that meant, but I was handed a very cool paper certificate signed by both of them.

That certificate still hangs on my wall at my own gym.

At the time, I had well over 20 fights and was considering a career in MMA.

I taught there for a few years, then moved to the Westside of Los Angeles and taught at another MMA gym for two more years before deciding to open The Thai Boxing Institute after eight years of training and over 30 fights.

The drive and motivation to open my own gym came from eight years of living, breathing, and dreaming Muay Thai.

It wasn’t until two years into owning the gym that I had to realign my focus and get serious about running a small business.

This was my path to where I am today. You don’t have to replicate it, nor do you have to follow my timeline. This is just a reference for those considering this route in life.

Coaching is extremely rewarding. To see people grow, to have a positive effect on their lives, and to see your own lineage spread is a surreal feeling.

Coach because you want to help. Don’t coach because you want to make money.

It’s laborious, hard work with odd hours, but some love the freedom of pursuing their passion in exchange for normalcy.

Just remember to take breaks and focus on your own health first, because you are your biggest investment.

—

Thanks for trusting TBI as your place to learn Muay Thai. I take this seriously and am very invested in everyone doing well. Any questions, just ask.

A Little Backed Up

Hi y’all,

Just a reminder that TBI is a small business run by me. 🙂 We have staff to help with many things, but oftentimes it’s me managing the gym and correspondence.

I usually answer emails within 24–48 hours (especially on weekends). It’s very helpful to keep all correspondence to email since it’s the easiest for me to track and delegate.

No DMs. And especially don’t text my personal line at 11PM on a Saturday night to turn off your billing. 🙂

Thanks for working with me!

Thai Boxing Institute Book

Yes — it’s still coming out!
Yes — we’re still shooting for mid-April!
Yes — I just spent the last two weeks thoroughly combing through the final draft to turn in for editing!
Yes — it’s been a lot of work and has spread me a little thin, but it’s going to be very good and I’m proud of how it’s turning out!

You can get on the mailing list at:
thaiboxing101.com

T-Shirt Design Contest

Hello y’all,

Thank you to everyone who submitted designs, and congrats to our top three finalists!

It came down to literally a one-vote difference, and our winner is:

Adam Wagner of “Out of Step Art” (@outofstep.art) with his Traditional Rose design featuring “The Thai Boxing Institute” in script on the front right breast pocket.

Simple yet elegant.

Thank you to our runners-up for their beautiful designs:

Luis Pinto
https://luispintostudio.com

Alvin Lee

Shirt Preorder

Preorder ends Friday, March 13th!

S–XXXL available

🥋 $30 for shirt ($35 for XXL and XXXL)
🛫 $7 for shipping
🚗 Pick-up available

Venmo: @COACHVIK (last 4 digits: 5678)
Zelle: info@thaiboxinginstitute.net

(Please include size, shipping cost, and address if applicable.)

Shirt Prices Going Up

Yes, I know. It’s unfortunate.

The last time I raised T-shirt prices was 10 years ago. I’ve always felt it was important to keep prices low to increase accessibility. But at this point, everything has gone up in price, and keeping the old price is no longer sustainable.

This is where we choose between maintaining quality or compromising it.

Starting in April:
• T-shirts will increase from $25 to $30
• Hoodies will increase to $60

We will honor the $25 price for all “legacy” T-shirt orders placed before April 1.

Appreciate your understanding.

Since we are out of stock on many designs, we will be placing a preorder for our two most popular shirts. If you’d like to grab some merch or request odd sizes, please submit a request or use the links below.

We will honor the old $25 price for all “legacy” T-shirt orders placed before April 1st.

Appreciate your understanding.

TBI “Minimal” Tee
https://the-thai-boxing-institute.gymdesk.com/product/tbi-%27minimal%27-tee/10996

TBI “Think Lightly” Tee
https://the-thai-boxing-institute.gymdesk.com/product/tbi-%27think-lightly%27-tee/10995

Re: Eat, Sleep, Teep

Congrats to everyone who participated at Eat Sleep Teep (@eatsleep) this past weekend.

Great skill shown by everyone, and our very own @claramccarthy won “Best Boxer of the Evening.”

Thank you to the TBI members who came out to support, and thank you to Coach Jordan and Brian SF for the corner support.

Appreciate the crew at EST for having us. The event ran really well, the matchups were solid, and everything felt moderated and fair.

Re: White “Vamos TBI!” Tee

Thank you to everyone who purchased the Vamos TBI tee over the last three months.

We were able to raise $250 to support The Immigration Center for Women and Children (ICWC) (@icwclaw).

The Immigration Center for Women and Children (ICWC) is a nonprofit legal organization providing free and affordable immigration services to underrepresented immigrants in California and Nevada. ICWC works to provide security and stability for children who are abused, abandoned, or neglected, and for immigrants who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes.

All profits from this shirt — until it sells out — will go toward organizations that support immigrant individuals, families, and children in the U.S. and worldwide.

If you have an organization you’d like us to consider for the next round of fundraising, let us know.

¡VAMOS TBI! or “LET’S GO TBI” is one of the mottos we keep here.

Printed on a white unisex Port & Company triblend tee.

The rear image depicts a Thai boxer performing the Wai Kru Ram Muay, surrounded by the Thai, El Salvadoran, and Mexican flags.

Black “Thai Boxing Institute – Mar Vista, CA” printed on the front left chest.

S–XXL available

🥋 $25 per shirt
🛫 $7 shipping
🚗 Pick-up available

Venmo: @COACHVIK (last 4 digits: 5678)
Zelle: info@thaiboxinginstitute.net

(Please include size, shipping cost, and address if applicable.)

Member Appreciation Day

Join us on Saturday, April 11th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Member Appreciation Day.

There will be no training that day. Instead, we will:
• Take a group class photo
• Take individual photos with the coaches

A light lunch and beverages will be provided.

Just bring yourself and wear your favorite Muay Thai shorts and TBI gear.

USMTO Help Needed

Fight camp for the TBI Competition Team starts Monday, February 16th. We are two weeks out.

We will have sign-ups on the back whiteboard if you are interested in helping. We will need:
• Drilling help
• Pad work help
• Sparring help
• Morale support 🙂

Male and Female Muay Thai Coach Opening

We are seeking a female and a male Muay Thai coach to join our coaching staff.

Requirements:
• Minimum 5 years of Muay Thai training experience
• Minimum 1 year of teaching or coaching experience
• Competition experience not required
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work with beginners and all levels
• Professional, reliable, and team-oriented

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys teaching fundamentals, supporting student development, and contributing to a positive gym culture.

Teen Muay Thai Rates

Just a reminder that our Teen Muay Thai program pricing has been updated.

Families currently enrolled at the $149/month rate will remain grandfathered unless placed on hold for longer than three months.

If you have any questions or need help making changes, please reach out.

Updated Pricing (Effective March 1):
• Teen Muay Thai monthly membership: $199/month
• First-time drop-in class: $20
• Additional drop-in classes: $40 per class

Thank you for being part of The Thai Boxing Institute community.

New Cleaning Protocol

Thank you all for helping keep the gym clean and safe.

We noticed a bottleneck with the paper towels, so we added cloth towels along with more paper towels to help speed up cleanup.

Reminder:
• Clear bottles labeled “Pad Cleaner” are for pads
• Blue liquid labeled “Mat Cleaner” is for mopping

Please make sure you’re using the correct cleaner.

March Curriculum

3/2–3/7 — The Jab + Cross
3/9–3/14 — Push Kicks
3/16–3/21 — Kicking Power Development (All Kicks)
3/23–3/28 — Fight Camp
3/30–4/4 — Freestyle Week

“Each one must teach one.”
— Marcus Garvey

The post March Newsletter appeared first on Thai Boxing Institute | Muay Thai West Los Angeles | Venice.

This is an open-entry design contest with a $250 cash prize, and the winning design will become an official TBI release.

The Basics

• Open entry (members and non-members welcome)
• Prize: $250 cash
• Winning design becomes an official TBI shirt

Design Guidelines

• Front, back, or front and back
• Maximum 2 colors total
• TBI old school logo may be used and altered
• No copyrighted imagery
• Must be clean and screen printable

How the Winner Is Chosen

• TBI staff selects the top 3 finalists
• Members vote to choose the winner

Timeline

• Submissions open: 2 weeks
• Staff review: 2 to 3 days
• Member voting: 3 to 5 days
• Winner announced in the March Newsletter

Official Rules

By submitting a design, you agree to the following:

Eligibility

• Open entry
• No limit on submissions

Design Requirements

• Max 2 colors
• Front, back, or both
• TBI old school logo allowed
• No copyrighted or trademarked imagery
• No offensive or inappropriate content
• Screen printable only (no DTG)

Ownership and Usage

• Winning design becomes property of TBI
• TBI may adjust sizing, placement, or colors
• No royalties or future compensation beyond the prize

Judging

• Staff selects finalists
• Members vote
• All decisions are final

Submission Details

• Print-ready format required
• Vector files preferred (AI, EPS, high-res PDF)

TBI reserves the right to cancel or modify the contest if necessary.

Thanks!

The post Help Us Design the 2026 TBI Shirt appeared first on Thai Boxing Institute | Muay Thai West Los Angeles | Venice.

This month’s newsletter is PACKED, so please read carefully.

Just a reminder of the ABCs of TBI:
ALWAYS BE (C) HELPFUL!

New Pad Hangers

Speaking of helpful, huge thank you to Brion and his assistant Gerty for building and hanging our new pad holders.

They look absolutely gorgeous!

Also, did you know Brion builds custom furniture too?
Give him a follow: @consciouscustoms

New Cleaning Protocol

Y’all, you are absolutely killing it with the help and it is very much appreciated. Thank you!

We noticed a bottleneck with the paper towels, so we added cloth towels to help speed up cleanup.

One important reminder:

• Clear bottles labeled “Pad Cleaner” are for pads
• Blue liquid labeled “Mat Cleaner” is for mopping

Please make sure you are using the correct cleaner. Thank you!

Member Appreciation Day

Join us on Saturday, April 11th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (tentative date) for Member Appreciation Day.

There will be no training that day. Instead, we will:

• Take a group class photo
• Take individual photos with the coaches

A light lunch and beverages will be provided.
Just bring yourself and wear your favorite Muay Thai shorts and TBI gear.

USMTO Help Needed

Fight camp for the TBI Competition Team starts Monday, February 16th.

We will have sign-ups on the back whiteboard if you are interested in helping. We will need:

• Drilling help
• Pad work help
• Sparring help
• Morale support 🙂

Thank you all!

Teen Program Update

Parents,

Thank you for the continued support and trust you place in our Teen Muay Thai program. Over the past few months, enrollment has grown significantly, which is a great sign. To maintain coaching quality, safety, and individual attention, we need to make some updates.

Updated Pricing (Effective March 1)

• Teen Muay Thai monthly membership: $199/month
• First drop-in class: $20
• Additional drop-in classes: $40 per class

Grandfathered Membership Option

• Students currently training at $149/month will remain at that rate
• Students currently attending via drop-ins may switch to the $149/month membership before March 1 to be grandfathered in

This is a great option for families whose teens attend regularly and want to lock in the current pricing.

These updates help keep the program sustainable while maintaining structure, safety, and attention for your teens.

If you have any questions or would like help switching memberships, please reach out. We are happy to help.

Thank you for being part of The Thai Boxing Institute community.

Membership Hold Policy Reminder

With the Teen Program pricing update, we would also like to remind members of our Membership Hold Policy for all memberships at TBI:

• Members paying below current rates will keep their rate as long as their account is not placed on hold for more than 3 consecutive months
• Holds longer than 3 months will require reactivation at the current membership rate

We are deeply grateful to our long-term members. Your consistency and loyalty allow us to provide a safe, welcoming place to train and learn Muay Thai without worry. We appreciate you more than we can say.

Female Muay Thai Coach Opening

We are seeking a female Muay Thai coach to join our coaching staff.

Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of Muay Thai training experience
• Minimum 1 year of teaching or coaching experience
• Competition experience not required
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work with beginners and all levels
• Professional, reliable, and team-oriented

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys teaching fundamentals, supporting student development, and contributing to a positive gym culture.

Help Us Design the 2026 TBI Shirt

For 2026, we want the next TBI shirt to come from the community.

This is an open-entry design contest with a $250 cash prize, and the winning design will become an official TBI release.

The Basics

• Open entry (members and non-members welcome)
• Prize: $250 cash
• Winning design becomes an official TBI shirt

Design Guidelines

• Front, back, or front and back
• Maximum 2 colors total
• TBI old school logo may be used and altered
• No copyrighted imagery
• Must be clean and screen printable

How the Winner Is Chosen

• TBI staff selects the top 3 finalists
• Members vote to choose the winner

Timeline

• Submissions open: 2 weeks
• Staff review: 2 to 3 days
• Member voting: 3 to 5 days
• Winner announced in the March Newsletter

Official Rules

By submitting a design, you agree to the following:

Eligibility

• Open entry
• No limit on submissions

Design Requirements

• Max 2 colors
• Front, back, or both
• TBI old school logo allowed
• No copyrighted or trademarked imagery
• No offensive or inappropriate content
• Screen printable only (no DTG)

Ownership and Usage

• Winning design becomes property of TBI
• TBI may adjust sizing, placement, or colors
• No royalties or future compensation beyond the prize

Judging

• Staff selects finalists
• Members vote
• All decisions are final

Submission Details

• Print-ready format required
• Vector files preferred (AI, EPS, high-res PDF)

TBI reserves the right to cancel or modify the contest if necessary.

Thanks!

February Curriculum

2/2–2/7: Volleying Strikes (Shell and Check Defense and Counters)
2/9–2/14: Clinch Disengagement
2/16–2/21: Boxing with Low Kicks
2/23–2/28: Body Kicks

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”
Phil Jackson

The post February Newsletter appeared first on Thai Boxing Institute | Muay Thai West Los Angeles | Venice.

2026! Wow!

As we move into the new year, just a reminder that over the next few months we’ll have new people joining our community. Please remember what it felt like when you first started the sport and joined our gym, and how sweet and helpful everyone (hopefully) was to you.

Please do remember to reciprocate that same sentiment.

Thank you, and see you on the mats!

New Cleaning Protocol

We’ve installed a paper towel dispenser and placed multiple spray bottles around the gym with safe-to-use cleaning solution. These are the clear bottles labeled “Pad Cleaner.”

If you can take a moment to spray and wipe down pads after using them, that would be super awesome.

New pad holders coming soon. Thank you all for your help!

TBI Zip-Ups

Stay warm with our TBI Zip-Ups, sizes Small through XL available.

Front left chest features “Thai Boxing Institute – Mar Vista, CA,” while the back features our classic original “Old School” logo.

White ink on black fabric, printed on Independent Trading Co. apparel.

80/20 cotton/poly blend, mid-weight full-zip hooded sweatshirt.

Already have a TBI hoodie?
Why not a zip-up to complete the collezione?

Already have both? (Hell yea!) Buy a spare!

Local pickup or shipping available.

https://the-thai-boxing-institute.gymdesk.com/product/tbi-‘old-school’-zip-up-hoodie/11010

🥋 $50 for hoodie
🛫 $12 for shipping
🚗 Pick-up available

Venmo: @COACHVIK (last 4 digits: 5678)
Zelle: info@thaiboxinginstitute.net

Please include size, shipping cost, and address if applicable.

Please Keep Checking In

Just a reminder, please help us help you with community management by checking in when you arrive.

Checking in helps us track attendance, understand engagement, and better support members, especially those interested in competing.

If you are interested in competition, you need to be proactive with coming to classes and using the check-in system at either one of the two tablets in the gym.

If you need help, please see Coach Vic or our front desk staff.

Bag Organization and Cubby Spaces

Please make sure gym bags and backpacks are stored in designated areas such as cubbies and shoe racks. The space by the doors must remain clear in case of emergencies.

There has been a large assortment of clothes and water bottles left behind. Items are usually donated within two weeks.

Please label your belongings with your name so nothing gets donated accidentally.

Cubby guidelines:

• Maximum of two cubbies per member
• Must have an active membership
• If a membership is canceled and items are left behind, those items will be donated

Thank you!

Now Accepting Applicants: 2026 TBI Competition Team

Although competition is done alone in the ring, it takes a team to get you there.

Over the past 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, and experience training and competing internationally.

Our vision is to continuously produce athletes who represent TBI at the regional, national, and international levels.

One of our core ethos at The Thai Boxing Institute is sustainability.

While it is okay to try competition once, and we will fully support that decision, ideally we want you competing for a very long time.

Our vision for athletes is to stay active throughout the year, approximately five bouts per year, and to slowly climb through the ranks in a safe and healthy manner.

We further envision many of our athletes competing internationally and eventually professionally.

We are a team of dedicated coaches and community members striving for the very best from our athletes, and we look for reciprocity in the form of performance and commitment.

More information can be found here:

TBI Competition and Development Team

USMTO Spring 2026 Tournament

On the topic of competing, we will have a team of four athletes doing the USMTO Spring Tournament in Arizona during the first week of April.

As we get closer to February, we will begin coordinating help with training these athletes. If you would like to help, there will be a sign-up sheet on the back whiteboard.

If you are interested in competing, please let me know.

If you have not done a PKB, MDL, or Semi-Contact bout, please complete one before considering full-contact competition.

Next Semi-Contact Event

Registration is open for:

EAT SLEEP TEEP Semi-Contact Muay Thai 6
February 28, 2025
Ventura, California

More information here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DS-gDQjEyxP/

If you are interested in competing, please talk to me.

Refer a Friend and Family Discounts

Just a reminder that we offer referral credits to members.

Refer a friend who signs up and you receive $25 in membership credit.

If you have a family member who joins, that member receives a $25 monthly discount on their membership.

If you would like to further support the gym, leaving a review on Google or Yelp is greatly appreciated.

As always, my aim is to provide the best possible experience for our members. If there is anything you would like to share, please reach out.

Many thanks!

A Word From Our Sponsor

Looking for help with New Year’s goals?

Our sponsor Primeal Eats offers meal prep services and nutrition coaching, using high-quality meals made from whole foods to help you perform at your prime.

Thank you to Primeal Eats for supporting our 2025 Competition Team and believing in what we do at The Thai Boxing Institute.

Feed your wild side. Eat to compete.

Follow them on Instagram or DM for details:
@primealeats

January Curriculum

1/6–1/11: Closing Distance
1/13–1/18: Clinching
1/20–1/25: Angling Out
1/27–2/1: Head Movement

The post January Newsletter appeared first on Thai Boxing Institute | Muay Thai West Los Angeles | Venice.

Re: Thailand

Thank you to Pete and Dave for hanging out with me in Chiang Mai. Had a blast — trained a ton, drank a ton of coffee, road trips, spiritual experiences at temples, and sketchy hotel experiences.

Thank you to the crew and community for looking after the place while I was away and allowing me to keep growing as a Thai boxer and coach.

Might take a year off from Thailand, but planning to head to South America September 2026.
Who’s down!?

MDL

Thank you to Coach Jordan and Coach Erin for taking the team out to San Diego to compete at the MDL.

Congrats to all participants on taking the next step in their Muay Thai career. Hopefully it sparked an interest in more competition. :p

Everyone looked great and demonstrated really good Muay Thai. Super proud of y’all!

Cleaning Protocol Coming in January

You may have noticed I started replacing the Thai pads — thank you for waiting on that. Over the next few weeks I’ll be reorganizing the pad area to make everything easier to grab.

I’ll also be installing cleaning supplies so everyone can help wipe down pads after each use to minimize odor and keep hygiene sharp.

Thank you for keeping yourselves and your training partners healthy.

Womens Muay Thai

Hello all — a few class cancellations this month and then the program ends in January.

No Women’s Muay Thai on:

• Friday, Dec 5
• Friday, Dec 26

We will be discontinuing the program in the new year. I’ll announce specifics in class today.
Thank you to Coach Erin for taking over after Coach Jeannie’s departure and creating a space where y’all could train hard together.

X-Mas / NYE Holiday Schedule

TBI CLOSED:

• Wed, Dec 24
• Thu, Dec 25 (Christmas)

AND

• Wed, Dec 31
• Thu, Jan 1 (New Year’s)

Thank you!

2025 TBI Holiday Party

Reminder we’ll be having a small potluck get-together at the gym for our holiday party.

The list is still empty. If no one signs up by Thursday @ 12 PM, I’ll cancel the party and try again next year. 🥲

We’ll also have a White Elephant Gift Exchange (max $20 gift).

If you want to bring a dish and/or do the exchange, sign up here:

🔗 Potluck & Gift Exchange Sign-Up:

Use the tab labeled “White Elephant.”

We won’t be covering the mats — Shoes Off. Wear festive socks!

📅 Saturday, December 6 (around 7ish)
📍 @ TBI

Re: White “Vamos TBI!” Tee

Thank you to everyone who purchased the Vamos TBI tee to support @immigrationequality.

We raised $250 toward helping LGBTQ+ and HIV+ immigrants and those seeking asylum.

All profits from this shirt (until sold out) will continue going toward organizations supporting immigrant people, families, and children worldwide.

If you have an organization in mind we can support next — let us know!

TBI Pullovers

Stay warm with our TBI pullovers!
All sizes restocked: S–2XL (only 2 left in XXL).

• 🖤 Minimalist “Thai Boxing Institute” on front
• 🏠 “Thai Boxing Institute – Mar Vista, CA” on back
• Printed on Independent Trading Co. black hoodie (80/20 cotton/poly fleece)

$50 each
🛫 Shipping: $12
🚗 Pick-up available

Payment:

• Venmo: @COACHVIK (last 4 digits 5678)
• Zelle: info@thaiboxinginstitute.net
  (Include size + shipping address if needed.)

A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR:

🌸 Leis by Jewles —

Thinking of the perfect gift? A bouquet never fails. Or maybe you want to dress up your place with flowers for the holidays?

Check out our sponsor!

We offer Free local delivery. • Free local delivery available

📲 Instagram: @leisbyjewles
🌐 Website: www.leisbyjewles.com

December 2025 Curriculum

• Dec 1–7: Body Shots
• Dec 8–14: All Types of Knees
• Dec 15–21: Low Kicks
• Dec 22–28: Freestyle Review
• Dec 29–31: All Defense

The post December Newsletter appeared first on Thai Boxing Institute | Muay Thai West Los Angeles | Venice.

Sending out a schedule addendum because I missed some things in the newsletter as well as getting asked if we will be open tomorrow, November 11th for Veterans Day. Check it out:

Combined Classes Today:

Apologies for the late notice, but Coach Robbie is under the weather and some of our staff is taking time off before I head out, so we have to combine classes today — which means Comp Class is canceled.

I will be teaching both Beginners Muay Thai and All Levels Muay Thai today.

Appreciate your understanding and wishing Coach Robbie a speedy recovery.

Re: Veterans Day

Regular schedule tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11th for Veterans Day. Nothing canceled!

More Combined Classes:

Monday the 17th, Wednesday the 19th, and Monday the 24th will all have combined classes since I will be out of town. Appreciate your understanding!

Kids Classes Canceled Week of Thanksgiving:

There will be no Kids Classes the week of Thanksgiving.
Those dates are Monday, November 24th and Wednesday, November 26th.

Thanksgiving Schedule Reminder:

TBI will be closed Wednesday, November 26th through Friday, November 28th in observance of Thanksgiving.
Classes resume Saturday, November 29th!

Thank you again, y’all. See you on the mats!

Warmly,
Coach Vic

The post Schedule Update, Veterans Day Info and Kids Class for Thanksgiving Week appeared first on Thai Boxing Institute | Muay Thai West Los Angeles | Venice.

November! Turkey, cold weather, and earlier evenings.

Usually in this month we practice “Giving Thanks”, but we can practice that year round!

Also a great reminder to exercise Gratitude, Humility, Abundance, and Passion — our core values.

Gratitude: Always grateful and fortunate that I can physically move my body to continue teaching others.
Humility: Honored that I have a staff of coaches that I consider to be more skilled than me in many aspects of this sport.
Abundance: I am content and grateful with the size of our gym and the members of our community.
Passion: I continue to learn to be the best coach and gym owner I can be to always best serve my community.

What’s your GHAP?

See you on the mats!

New Front Desk Person

You may have noticed someone at the front desk Monday nights — that’s Tara. Please welcome her to the community!

She’ll be helping us every Monday from 5:30PM to 8:30PM.

Please help us with the community management by checking in!
This helps Tara become familiar with everyone’s names and faces.

It also helps if you update your profile with a picture of yourself.

If you’re interested in competing, be proactive with coming to classes and using the check-in system at either one of the two tablets in the gym.

Thanks!!

A Fighting Legacy

Thank you to everyone who came last Friday for the screening of “A Fighting Legacy.”

Congrats again to Adam for finishing such an ambitious project!

It was really cool to see the whole thing come alive — I loved learning more about the history of the tournament, the sport’s origin in the Midwest, and the story of Pete Peterson.
VERY COOL!

Shoutout to Pete for hooking us up with the screen and benches, and to all the members that helped with setup, cleanup, and breakdown.

👉 Click here to learn more and support Adam.

Muay Thai 101: How to Corner

I uploaded a new YouTube video on how to be a corner person!

Did you know we have a YouTube channel? Please subscribe, like, and share any videos you find useful.

📺 Channel: @thaiboxinginstitute
🎥 Video: How to Corner a Fighter
🧰 Corner Kit Shopping List: The Definitive Muay Thai Cornerman’s Packing List

Thanksgiving Schedule

TBI will be closed Wednesday, November 26th through Friday, November 28th in observance of Thanksgiving.
Classes resume Saturday, November 29th!

2025 TBI Holiday Party

Missed last year and would really like to keep this tradition going — save the date!

📅 Saturday, December 6th (around 7ish)

Some ideas:

• Dinner and karaoke in Sawtelle?
• Potluck at the gym?
• Open to suggestions!

Let’s celebrate together!

Hygiene Reminder

Summer might be gone, but it’s still warm as hell — so let’s keep ourselves and our equipment clean and dry.

✅ Wipe down equipment
✅ Change t-shirts
✅ Wash and use clean hand wraps and gym clothes
✅ Trim nails and be mindful of cuts or abrasions

If you notice any unusual skin conditions, see a doctor immediately.

What Are Staph Infections on the Skin?

• Cause: Bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus
• Types: Boils, impetigo, cellulitis
• Symptoms: Red, swollen, painful areas; pus-filled blisters; warmth; fever; spreading rash
• Treatment: See a doctor
• Prevention: Good hygiene, clean and cover wounds, avoid sharing personal items, shower after training, sanitize surfaces

🔗 Mayo Clinic: Staph Infections Overview

If you go to the doctor for something on your skin, ask for a culture to know exactly what you have.

And if you’re sick (coughing, sneezing, sore throat, etc.), please stay home and get tested.
Much appreciated!

Upcoming Events

EAT SLEEP TEEP Muay Thai Semi-Contact Series 5
📅 Saturday, November 8th, 2025
📍 Ventura High School, Ventura, CA
Early registration open now — register before October 11th and save $10.
🔗 eatsleepteep.com

MDL – San Diego VIII
📅 Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
📍 Coronado High School, Coronado, CA
🔗 Event Info

TBI Pullovers

Stay warm with our TBI Pullovers!
All sizes restocked — S–2XL (only 2 left in XXL).

🖤 Minimalist logo “Thai Boxing Institute” on the front
🏠 “Thai Boxing Institute – Mar Vista, CA” on the back
Printed on Independent Trading Co. black hooded sweatshirt (80/20 cotton/poly fleece).

🛍️ Order Here

🥋 $50 each
🛫 $12 shipping
🚗 Pick-up available

Payment:

• Venmo: @COACHVIK (last 4 digits 5678)
• Zelle: info@thaiboxinginstitute.net

(Include size, shipping cost, and address if applicable.)

November Curriculum

 11/3–11/8: “Sneaky” Techniques
 11/10–11/15: Spinning Techniques
 11/17–11/22: All Kicks
 11/24–11/29: Freestyle / Review Week

The post November Newsletter appeared first on Thai Boxing Institute | Muay Thai West Los Angeles | Venice.

Did you know TBI member Adam Wagner has released a documentary on the biggest Muay Thai tournament in North America?

We will be screening it at the gym Next Friday October 24th at 8PM (after Fridays class)

Run time is approximately 74 mins.  Maybe we can grab some drinks afterwards at Accomplice and/or tacos afterwards (Memelas?)

Plot Outline

“A Fighting Legacy” delves into the vibrant world of Muay Thai, a combat sport that has captured the hearts of many, yet remains relatively underground and misunderstood. This documentary takes viewers on a journey across 5 decades leading to today, where over 1,000 athletes gather every year at an unlikely location in Des Moines, Iowa, for the largest full-contact fighting event in the Western Hemisphere.

Trailer

HERE or direct link: https://vimeo.com/1116926992

How Folks Can Support

The ultimate goal of this project is to share this story with the world and grow awareness of Muay Thai in the public eye.

By rating the film on IMDB, it helps to best position the film for distribution with streaming platforms so that it can reach a wider audience: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt38593367

Thanks y’all!

The post A Fighting Legacy appeared first on Thai Boxing Institute | Muay Thai West Los Angeles | Venice.

Wrapping up the year as we prepare for the next. How fun!

Read through it for more information on events and important dates of note.

TTYL!

Comp Team Meeting

Thank you to everyone that attended, here is a link to the update (and continually edited) comp team meeting:

🔗 https://thaiboxinginstitute.net/2022/01/19/2022-competition-and-development-team/

Also, if your ambitions are to compete in the future but yet have started sparring, might as well read our sparring guide here:

🔗 https://thaiboxinginstitute.net/2024/09/04/the-definitive-sparring-guide-sparring-101/#more-2928

Re: Eoin on Deck

We lost a split decision this last weekend — all good!

Eoin is well and healthy.

Proud of how hard he trained and the amount of effort he put into his training camp.

Thank you to Coach Erin and Coach Tony for helping me train Eoin and for cornering while I was away.

And to Clara for helping Eoin with weigh ins.

Thank you to big troy for having us on the card.

Thank you to our opponents for the time in the ring.

Thank you again to the TBI community for all the help training Eoin and the for being there to support.

Thank you to our current sponsors for all your help.

And of course to all our past sponsors and supporters. Appreciate you all immensely.

Pa’ la proxima.

Hygiene Reminder

Summer is all but gone because it is still warm as fuck so let’s keep ourselves and our equipment clean and dry.

This includes wiping down equipment, changing t-shirts, washing hand wraps, and using clean wraps and gym clothes. Trim your nails and be mindful of cuts and abrasions.

If you notice any unusual skin conditions, seek help immediately. Infections can happen, so it’s important to address them promptly by seeing a doctor.

What are Staph Infections on the Skin?

• Cause: Bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus
• Types: Boils, impetigo, cellulitis
• Symptoms: Red, swollen, painful areas; pus-filled blisters; warmth; fever; spreading rash
• Treatment: See a doctor
• Prevention: Good hygiene, clean and cover wounds, avoid sharing personal items, shower after physical activity, sanitize surfaces

🔗 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/staph-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20356221

If you go to the Dr. for something on your skin, please ask for a culture to determine exactly what you have.

Oh, and if you’re sick, like coughing, sneezing, sore throat unrelated to skin conditions, please get tested and stay home. Many thanks!

RE: Please Keep Checking In!

Just a reminder — please help us help you guys with the community management. It helps everyone when you check in!

We have a new front desk person starting next week so they will have to become familiar with everyone’s names and faces.

It helps if you update your profile with a picture of yourself.

If you are interested in competing you need to be proactive with coming to classes and using the check in system at either one of the two tablets in the gym.

Thanks!!

Upcoming Events

EAT SLEEP TEEP Muay Thai Semi Contact Series 5

📅 Saturday, November 8th, 2025
📍 Ventura High School, Ventura, CA

Early registration opens NOW!
Register before October 11th and save $10 on registration fees.

More info: eatsleepteep.com

MDL-SAN DIEGO VIII

📅 Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
📍 Coronado High School, Coronado, CA

More info: https://mdl.smoothcomp.com/en/event/26394

Schedule Adjustments

• Women’s Muay Thai class canceled on Friday, October 10th.
• Thanksgiving Schedule: TBI will be closed Wednesday, November 26th through Friday, November 28th in observance of Thanksgiving.

White “Vamos TBI!” Tee

An homage to the amalgamation of cultures surrounding our gym — a Thai martial art and my Latin-American heritage.

Not just the culture of the gym but of our beloved city of LA. A rich, culturally diverse city of people of all colors and backgrounds.

¡VAMOS TBI! or “LET’S GO TBI” is one of the many mottos we keep here.

All profits from these shirt sales will be donated to Immigration Equality (@immigrationeqaulity) — Immigration Equality champions the rights of LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive migrants, offering free legal support to asylum seekers, refugees, and detained individuals.

Their Detention Advocacy Program solely focuses on protecting and advocating for LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive people in immigration detention.

So let’s fucking go.

👕 Printed on a white unisex ‘Port & Company’ triblend tee:

• Rear image: Thai boxer performing the ‘Wai Kru Ram Muay’ surrounded by the Thai flag, El Salvadoran flag, and Mexican flag
• Front: Black ‘Thai Boxing Institute — Mar Vista, CA’ on left chest

Sizes: S–XXL
🥋 $25 for shirt
🛫 $5 for shipping
🚗 Pick-up available

Payment options:

• Venmo: @COACHVIK (last 4 digits: 5678)
• Zelle: info@thaiboxinginstitute.net (Please include size, shipping cost, and address if applicable)
• Credit Card: TBImerch.com

RE: Refer a Friend and Family Discounts

Just a reminder that we offer referral credits to our members for anyone that signs up and refers you as the source!

You receive $25 dollars worth of membership credit to your account if you refer a friend.

Likewise, if you have a family member that would like to join, then that member receives a monthly $25 discount off their membership!

Lastly, if you would like to help out the gym, a review of Yelp or Google pages is greatly appreciated!

And as always, my aim is to provide the best experience possible to our members. If there is ANYTHING you would like to say, please do reach out!

Many thanks!!!

Thai Boxing 101: An Introduction To The Sport

Been working on this pretty steadily the last couple of years but was offered help by Tim (thanks Tim) earlier this year to really get the project going, and we are near completion!

Hoping for a late ‘25 / early ‘26 release. Through a ton of research and writing we are going to release what is essentially a text book for the gym, but also the most comprehensive introduction to the sport currently on the market.

How exciting!

You can sign up to our mailing list for updates as the project moves forward. Thank you all for the support!!!

🔗 https://thaiboxing101.com

October Curriculum

• September 29th – October 4th: Footwork
• October 6th – October 11th: Rhythm variances for combinations
• October 13th – October 18th: Sweeps
• October 20th – October 25th: Pad holding review
• October 27th – November 1st: Reviewing long form boxing combinations

The post October Newsletter appeared first on Thai Boxing Institute | Muay Thai West Los Angeles | Venice.