How this Muay Thai fight club in PJ became a community hub for people from all walks of life

It all started seven years ago, on an ordinary day at a field in Sungai Buloh. 

Coach ADD, a dedicated Muay Thai enthusiast, was training with his son, Danish. Unbeknownst to them, their passion was about to ignite a spark that would change countless lives. 

Did you know: Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand. Thai warriors employ this martial technique, which dates back to the 13th century, while they aren’t carrying a weapon. It is also often referred to as the Art of Eight Limbs: fists, feet, elbows, and knees.

Curious onlookers, impressed by their training, approached Coach ADD, asking if he could train their children too. 

What began as a small, informal gathering quickly blossomed into a tight-knit community of young Muay Thai hopefuls.

Limited resources were no match for their unwavering determination. The group trained relentlessly, borrowing spaces from gyms and community halls, and making do with whatever equipment they could find. 

It was a humble beginning, but the seeds of something extraordinary were being sown.

A shared vision 

At the same time, Ariel, a Muay Thai aficionado, was on a quest for an authentic Muay Thai experience. 

Disappointed by the commercialised gyms in the Klang Valley, he craved the raw intensity and tradition he had witnessed in countless online videos. 

Ariel’s search led him to Coach ADD. He met him at one of the gyms, and an instant connection was forged. 

Coach ADD invited Ariel to train with his group, and Ariel was instantly drawn to the training, the kids, and the welcoming, family-like atmosphere.

Their conversations about Muay Thai often drifted towards a shared dream: a space that embodied the true essence of the sport, a place where community and passion thrived. 

They envisioned a gym that would not only hone physical abilities but also cultivate a strong sense of camaraderie, mirroring the electrifying atmosphere of renowned Muay Thai camps in Thailand. It was a lofty ambition, but their shared passion fueled their determination.

The birth of the fight club

With their shared vision and enthusiasm, Taring Muay Thai Fight Club was born. 

Located in Petaling Jaya, Taring Muay Thai Fight Club officially opened its doors in June 2023, with an initial investment of approximately RM100,000 to get the business off the ground.

Ariel said the gym’s inception was a community effort.

“When we opened Taring Muay Thai Fight Club, the entire community, including the kids and their parents, came together to set up the gym. They prepared food, helped make punching bags by cutting clothes, and cleaned up the space, all without hesitation,” the founder told Vulcan Post.

Taring Muay Thai Fight Club prides itself on focusing on traditional Muay Thai training, fostering a strong sense of community, and offering members the experience of both training and competitive fighting.

Members from diverse backgrounds, hailing from Malaysia and countries as far-flung as the Philippines, Singapore, Iran, Canada, and Australia, found common ground in their shared passion for Muay Thai. 

A place for everyone

Coach ADD and his tight-knit support team offer the opportunity for anyone to participate in amateur fights, providing a full spectrum of the Muay Thai experience.

Taring Muay Thai is more than just a physical training ground; it is a crucible for character development. The gym emphasises discipline, respect, and perseverance, values that extend beyond the ring. 

It’s a place where individuals from all walks of life could come together, support each other, and grow. The gym’s inclusive philosophy is evident in its approach to training B40 kids as well. 

The training is rigorous, requiring significant commitment, as kids train almost every day after school and sometimes even stay overnight at the gym on weekends. 

It’s about dedication and willingness to embrace the challenge, and the gym supports those serious about pursuing their passion for the sport.

They even have six different classes to choose from—beginner, kids, fighter, students only, personal training, and advanced. Each class ranges from one hour to 1.5 hours.

The gym also offers monthly memberships for categories—advanced, beginner, kids, and students. The membership starts from RM150.

The rise of Muay Thai

According to Ariel, the competitive Muay Thai scene has experienced significant growth over the past two years, with fighters like Jojo Ghazali, Aliff Rakib, and Rifdean Masdor making names for themselves in ONE Championship. 

ONE Championship is a kickboxing, Muay Thai, and mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation based in Singapore.

Once confined to the gritty underbelly of combat sports, Muay Thai fight clubs are now a mainstream fitness trend with gyms sprouting up like mushrooms after rain. 

More individuals are participating at both amateur and professional levels, with events happening almost every week across Malaysia, shared Ariel.

“While we don’t claim direct credit for this trend, we aspire to be a place where people can experience the tradition and art of Muay Thai, and perhaps even discover the next Jojo Ghazali,” he said.

Taring Muay Thai is proud that two of its students, Ulfa and Zuffry, will be competing in the upcoming SUKMA in Kuching, Sarawak. 

The gym continues to foster a spirit of support and encouragement, aiming to nurture the next generation of Muay Thai champions.

Challenges and future aspirations

Running Taring Muay Thai Fight Club is not about making a lucrative business but about the rewarding experience of unity and collaboration, Ariel said.

The gym’s biggest challenge is balancing profit with the need to provide resources for its fighters’ growth, both in their careers and personal lives. 

They’re even seeking English teachers to support the education of their fighters, providing better opportunities for their futures. 

Their goal is to ensure that every class offers a unique and valuable experience, encouraging members to keep returning and supporting the gym’s mission.

Taring Muay Thai aims to grow its membership while discovering new talent with the potential to reach the top levels of Muay Thai. 

“To achieve this, we’re launching an after-school programme for kids aged 12 to 18. This programme offers them the opportunity to train with us and potentially become the next Jojo Ghazali or Alif Rakib,” Ariel noted.

Ariel and Coach ADD’s big dream is to see Muay Thai become an official Olympic sport and to deliver Malaysia’s first-ever gold medal in the Olympics. It’s a lofty goal, but it’s one that fills the founders with pride and determination.

Featured Image Credit: Taring Muay Thai Fight Club