KICKS MUAY THAI

Muay Thai or Thai Boxing was born on the battlefields of the 15th century, during the legendary clashes between Thai (or Siamese) armies and their bitter rivals, the Burmese. Trained in the weapons-based fighting method known as Krabi Krabong, these early Thai soldiers also became famous for their toughness in close-quarters weapon less combat, where legs, knees, elbows and hands took the place of swords and sticks. This type of weapon less fighting became Muay Thai, known as the Science of Eight Limbs.

Chief Instructor Chris Kent and Instructor Tiffany Williams first trained in Thailand in 1998. Since then whenever they have visited Thailand they have tried to combine their travels with a few days at a Thai Boxing Camp. They have trained at Jitti’s Gym, along with Shane Kent, back when it was just off Khao Saan Road, and they have also trained at camps in Koh Samui; Koh Lanta and Phuket. Whenever they can get over to their friend Marissa’s “Jungle Gym” in Koh Phanghan they train there.

With the growth of Thai Boxing we were keen to bring Thai Boxing Instruction to Kicks but wanted to be sure we maintained the high standard of teaching we have always been known for. We were fortunate when our former Kickboxing Instructor and ISKA Amateur World Champion Anthony Hogbin returned to Brighton after training in Thai Boxing.  In 2006 he started up a class both at Kicks and at Cheetahs Gym.  Work and family meant Anthony was forced to give up instructing in 2007, and Chris stepped in to continue with a weekly class at Kicks.

This had a steady number of students but we wanted to offer more. We were delighted when in September 2009 we had the opportunity to have Mr Bunrot Phiophong (Rose), from Tiger Muay Thai Gym, Phuket over instructing at our club for three months.  Rose started training at the age of 8 and trained under Kru Nokeweed Davi (K1 & Lumpinee Champion) and then Jaruntong Kiatbanchong (Lumpinee & Rachadamnoen Champion). His fight record was 163 fights which included 5 fights at Lumpinee; 12 fights at Rachadamoen; and six fights televised on TV Channel 7   Rose brought boundless patience and humour into the daytime and evening classes then on offer,  and everyone benefited and learnt a lot from his being at Kicks.  Rose is now back at Tiger Muay Thai Gym in Phuket, Thailand but we hope at some point in the future that he’ll be back over for a visit to Kicks.

Through having Rose we met our Current Instructor Jono Redden.  Jono came into Kicks to train, but was recognised as a reputable former fighter and trainer, and so we contacted Jono about the possibility of teaching with us from January 2010.  We have been extremely fortunate to gain Jono who is currently at University in Brighton. Jono has over 15 years experience in the Martial Arts and lived and fought in Thailand between 2001 – 2003.  His recognition as a fighter in Thailand is reflected in his fights both in Gawilla Stadium, Chiang Mai and in the world re known Ratchadamnern Stadium.

He now teaches 5 classes a week and is also available in a limited capacity for 1:1 sessions. Jono is a superb technician who puts a lot of forethought into his classes. He works his students hard but is always prepared to do the work with them and has gained a loyal following.