Mr. Choi Jae Gyung, Gym Manager at the Yeonsu Samsan Cory Gym, participant of the 2004 national selection of the Korea Muay Thai Association for 2 years and 65 kg weight class champion from the same association, stated that Muay Thai is an essential sport to be learned by urban people.

First, Mr. Choi said that Muay Thai was not as well-known when he started learning, with  little to no academies teaching it; however, thanks to various news media many people are now familiar with  the sport.

As many still do not know the difference between Muay Thai, boxing, and kickboxing, Mr. Choi then explained the difference between boxing and Muay Thai;the former attacks with only the upper part of the body while the latter utilizes the kick and the body as well.

He said that Muay Thai has more power, and is fitted for close combat, while boxing is faster with the hand. 

Kickboxing differs in that the elbows and knees cannot be used while sparring.

“In my gym, the basic actions of Muay Thai are taught to students by me with my experiences of watching seminars, opening Muay Thai workshops, and studying abroad in Thailand,” Mr. Choi explained.

He also proudly asserted that he has achieved the Teacher’s License, Judge’s License, among others saying that he is a valid educator.

Mr. Choi added, “Then, when a student has learned enough and wants to participate in Muay Thai matches, the student can do a 1-on-1 match on the ring”.

It might sound a little dangerous, but there should be no worries regarding casualties according to Mr.Choi as wear protective gear.

“People learn Muay Thai to be able to protect themselves or to lose weight,” he said. 

Muay Thai is an active sport that aids in building muscles and losing fat. 

“Muay Thai is also a sport that helps a person improve focus, because it is an mentally alert sport. Usually, adults do personal training in gyms. However, for some people this might be a tad boring and therefore easy to lose motivation,”  informed Mr. Choi. 

This is because repetition in order to build muscles in gyms needs strong focus to carry on, and so some adults quit because it isn’t interesting.

“Also, I believe that since Muay Thai is a sport that not only children but adults can learn as well. Unlike some sports like Taegwondo, where most academies are targeting only children, or exercises like weightlifting or parkour where children are almost as good as banned from participating, Muay Thai is the ideal sport for people in general to participate,” Mr. Choi explained.

“Finally, a message I want to say to the public is that although people say that the body is the most important, not many of them take care of their body well,” he said. 

In conclusion, individuals of all age ranges, from young to not-too-old, can come and learn Muay Thai as it would be beneficial for the mind and the body.  

Min June You
Grade 9
CMIS Canada