ABOUT US

Thai Boxing Community Centre was established in June 2009 with the vision of helping community members in particular the young, through martial arts to be sufficiently socially equipped and adjusted to contribute to society and to have respect for themselves and others.

The increasing levels of criminal activities and general public disorder on our streets and in our neighbourhood are, for the majority of the time, perpetrated by our young adults due to poor choices. Some of the key contributing factors are drug/alcohol related, unemployment, inadequate community facilities, truancy leading to poor education, mental illness, family breakdown/domestic violence/neglect/abuse, behavioural problems, poor health, poor self esteem/confidence – this is not a conclusive list.

These negative factors builds a cycle in which the individual often find hard to break without help. Recognizing these factors, the Thai Boxing Community Centre was established as we believe everyone can still fulfill their full potential if given the opportunity, guidance, support, acceptance, love and a safe place in which to develop.

Many start off badly in life but with the right source of help can change in many positive ways achieving great things. Muay Thai is an excellent way in promoting what this charity aspires to achieve because of its holistic approach in disciplining, conditioning, building self esteem and confidence in individuals

What the community says...

Being the first time I ever tried a kickboxing lesson I was a bit unsure and out of place, but everyone was so welcome and helpful and fun that any doubts I had were soon put to the side.

Its fantastic that these projects are available for the community and has possibly given me a new hobby.

Susana
Zoom Session

I attended the Thai boxing community Centre in south Norwood recreation ground.

It was a life saver for me. This was the middle of the lockdown. My fitness improved rapidly within a few sessions. Kru Sam really built me up. I was going daily it was a great outlet and way to stay fit in a very difficult and challenging time.

My mental health improved. My whole mindset was transformed. I am more confident fitter healthier and happier and I made some great friends while training.

It is an amazing community of people that I am truly blessed to have.

Max Auer
Park Sessions

I really enjoyed the junior online sessions with Kru Sam during the lockdown period. It made me stay focused and active.

The classes were effective and I have learned some new Muay Thai techniques. We thank Kru Sam for his hard work and his support he showed us during this difficult time.

Thank you Master Kru!

Anas
Online Sessions

About the centre

The Centre is in Thornton Heath. The premises is located in Day Lewis House on Bensham Lane. It has been purposely adapted and boasts:

Designated training area
Training area is equipped with punching bags and boxing equipment
Weight training, conditioning/strengthening facilities
Female and Male changing room both with shower and separate toilet facilities.
Kitchen area for refreshment
Cooler fridge with varieties of beverages

The venue can be hired by other organisation/companies for training of staff for self defence or fitness e.g. security firms, women’s group and police force.

Our aims

The primary aim of the charity is not to work in isolation, but to be one of the many hubs on the wheel, working together to build a community where individuals are sufficiently equipped and adjusted, to contribute in society in a positive way with respect for self and others.

Muay Thai is an excellent way in promoting what this charity aspires to achieve because of its holistic approach in disciplining, conditioning, building self esteem and confidence in individuals We also aim to encourage teamwork. The importance of supporting each other is emphasized over competitiveness during sessions. Individuals can progress and compete in competitions/tournaments if they so desire. The charity esteems itself on it’s ethos of being ‘a family’ to each other and to the community at large.

The benefits of Thai Boxing is that it helps in building ones confidence, self esteem as well as the health benefits. It also instills discipline and respect for self and for others and finally helps in building good working relationships.

Origins of Muay Thai

Muay Thai history is deeply entwined with the history of Thailand itself. Because of perpetual invasions from neighbouring countries when Thailand was in the process of forming, Thai people depended on their ability to defend themselves. In these early times only short-range weapons such as spears, pikes and clubs would have been available for use in battle. During this kind of hand-to-hand combat, fighting methods can quickly change and the body’s natural weapons such as the head, fists, elbows and feet would necessarily also have been utilised. Undoubtedly, it is the systemised use of these natural weapons, developed as a practical fighting skill for the battlefield that came to be Muay Thai boxing.

The sport took the name Muay Thai post 1920s after the introduction of gloves and other elements of Western Boxing. In 1928 a rudimentary ranking system was introduced. During the late 1920s and 30s Muay Thai training was developed. Gyms were constructed and punch bags and balls became widely available. The use of training gloves and contest gloves became the norm. Muay Thai became a favourite sport and pastime. Every village staged prize fights and people from all walks of life flocked to training camps.

Interest in Muay Thai flourished until the 1970s, which was a golden decade for Muay Thai with the emergence of many great fighters. The oriental martial arts enjoyed a boom in general thanks to the movies of Kung Fu Legend Bruce Lee. Muay Thai gyms began appearing in USA, Germany, Holland and Australia.