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Here is what actual students and parents have to say about our Muay Thai program...

I had been taking other kickboxing classes while I was at university, however I wanted to keep working out while I was at home for the summer. I joined Martial Arts Planet after it was recommended to me by a friend and after only the first class I realized just how superior the level of skill, knowledge and expertise was compared to my previous gym. Khru Sweeney dedicates his time equally between every student no matter how good or poor they may be, which makes for the ultimate training experience. Nicholas V.

I have now been taking Muay Thai kickboxing lessons for approximately 9 months. From the moment I walked into your school I knew that I was dealing with complete professionals who genuinely care about their student’s progress.
Since beginning, I have been very impressed with the classes, and I feel that I am improving with every session through quality instruction. I have also had the opportunity to witness some of the classes involving small children, and the treatment and attention that each child receives is remarkable. I truly believe that both yourself and Khru Rebecca are not only trying to produce great martial artists, but great people.
I am also extremely impressed with your drive to improve your facilities and training through new equipment purchases and seminars with some of the world's greatest martial artists. It was because of the quality of the training that I decided to expand my study into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and again, the instruction is topnotch.
I feel that everyone at Martial Arts Planet goes the extra mile to make each student feel better about themselves and their abilities. And most importantly, everyone is made to feel like they are part of something important. Mike C.

The instructors at Martial Arts Planet combine two facets of teaching that are, unfortunately, rare amongst trainers. The first is an outstanding level of skill, knowledge, and expertise about their subject area. The second, and more difficult to find, is the ability to demonstrate and teach this skill to others. Most surprisingly is the fact that they do this for students at all levels of maturity, age, and skill. Not only do they challenge their students to excel, they empower them to do so. Excellent instructors and a great environment combine to deliver highly professional martial arts training for all students. Derek M.

For years, I've had a deep and genuine desire to learn about martial arts, but always lacked the confidence to try and kept making excuses to put it off. But finally, I summoned up the courage to face the unfamiliar and walked through the door of Martial Arts Planet. I had no idea what to expect and was immediately put at ease with very diplomatic and talented instructors in an atmosphere that so effortlessly breeds motivation, learning and mutual respect. I still can't believe how much I learn from each new class and how often I see people who possess so much skill behave in such a modest and humble way. Steve P.

Just over a year ago I was joking around with fellow employee's about how the car business seems to create a very short life for those who are in it. Like a lot of other areas of employment, there is a lot of stress; however, we added to that the lack of physical activity, irregular eating times, pizza diet, long hours, smoking etc. I think you get the point.
I decided to do something about it. Being one of those people who never seem to follow through on things that are good for me, I was hoping I could find something that I could stay with.
I called the school and set an appointment to view the facilities and meet the trainers. I always was interested in boxing, however being 46 and way out of shape, thought I could never be able to do an activity like that.
Signing up for one year of Thai kickboxing changed the way I think about my life. Not only do I notice what it has done for me physically but my mental approach to life is much better. Now when I am scheduling my time, I do so around the Thai class. I tell everyone it is the best thing I have ever done for me. Jim S.

Thai Boxing is a terrific martial art, especially for women who are interested in both self-defense and fitness. Since I started my confidence has soared. My training at this school has been a truly positive experience. Khru (instructor) Sweeney gives his students the personal attention they need while also encouraging interaction among the students in (and outside of) class. Eileen M.

Muay Thai has given me the to face greater and more difficult challenges... as well as the confidence to attack life long aspirations with a clear mind. Terry H.

I joined Thai Boxing at Martial Arts Planet in an attempt to get into shape without the boredom and monotony of the typical gym routine... I have met some fun and interesting people... attending Thai Boxing class has become the highlight of my week. Chris B.

MUAY THAI KICKBOXING

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Thai Boxing

Reprinted from the Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, DC

Thai Boxing or "Muay Thai" as it is referred to by locals, is an art of self defense that comes naturally to Thai boys, unlike other martial arts in which training is essential. Thai boys know the arts of kicking and boxing in Muay Thai style even when they are very little, usually urged on by their elders. Muay Thai is an ancient art of self defense, and it is believed that many of the deadlier forms of this art have been lost over the centuries, as each teacher or "Archarn Muay" has been said to have kept the highest forms to himself to prevent his students from disobedience.

Unlike other martial arts, Muay Thai has musical accompaniment which consists of a drum or "Krong", small brass cymbals called "Ching Chup" and a Thai clarinet commonly called " Pee." At the beginning of each fight the contenders dance to the rhythm of the music around the ring to pay homage to their respective Archarn or Kru Muay [teacher], usually for five to ten minutes.

Kickboxing in Thailand

From: Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia

Barefoot and shirtless, two young men launch kicks and punches and throw knees and elbows at each other while eerie music fills the air. Outside the 1.86-sq m (20-sq ft) ring, money-waving spectators shout rapid-fire advice. The winner and loser exit quickly at fight's end, for fear of being pummeled with bottles heaved by irate gamblers. With a centuries-old dance, the next two combatants prepare for battle.

Part athleticism, part performance art, and part ritual, Muay Thai is one of the oldest, most revered, and most popular sports in Thailand. Dating back some 2000 years, "Thai boxing" holds as much cultural and historical significance in Thailand as any sport in the world. Siamese soldiers used it in the absence of weapons. Kings used it to entertain the masses. Prisoners of war used it to earn their freedom. Today teachers use it to instill patience, respect, dignity, and strength in young students.

Before a modern-day Muay Thai aspirant can ever step into the ring, he must go through a regimen that is as much a history lesson as it is athletic training.

One of the earliest mentions of Thai boxing comes from the period after the Burmese sacked the Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya in 1767 and took most of the expert boxers as prisoners of war. According to tradition, a Thai hero by the name of Nai Khanom Tom was so skilled he was able to dispatch nine Burmese opponents in one go, earning his freedom from the Burmese ruler.

In the years that followed, Muay Thai's popularity waxed and waned with the shifting cultural tides. Officialdom itself became involved in 1921 when King Rama VI held a boxing tournament at the Sanaam Suan Kulaab (Rose Garden Field). Besides Thai boxers, competitors from China, India, and Burma (now known as Myanmar) were also invited to what became the largest Muay Thai event in history. Rules of the day permitted fighters to head-butt, spit on, bite, and pull the hair of their opponents. Instead of gloves, cotton wrappings dipped in glue covered their hands. (Boxing-style gloves were adopted in 1929.)

By this time word of Muay Thai had reached Europe. A French magazine, Le Sport Orient, observed, "Thai boxing is astounding. The boxers are agile, strong, and tough. This sport is not just a thrilling, strange, and extraordinary form of entertainment. Once again, it makes the French feel that Siam is one of the truly remarkable nations of Asia." (Siam became Thailand in 1939.)

As the 20th century progressed, the rules of Muay Thai changed to allow only the use of feet, fists, elbows, and knees as weapons. While the competitive terms of the sport evolved, its traditions and rituals remained immutable.

Training begins with the young boxer presenting his teacher, or master, with an offering of incense, candles, money, a handkerchief, bathing towels, or flowers-a demonstration of respect and gratitude called the yak kruu. A group of aspirants may arrange a feast of pork, duck, and chicken for the master. Students then take an oath, part of which reads: "I will look after myself so that I am clean, strong, and behave with honesty. I will not bully the weak. We will love one another, be united, and help one another whenever possible."

Once initiated, the student is drawn into a boot-camp atmosphere. The form of his every kick and punch is painstakingly analyzed and adjusted. What he eats and drinks is closely monitored. Even his stance (salakkhaang) and walk (yaang saam khum) must be perfectly executed. The student learns the vulnerable points of the human body and how to best exploit them. Conditioning, endurance, and control are the hallmarks of a successful Muay Thai fighter.

At the same time, intangible qualities such as respect, courage, courtesy, patience, humility, and compassion are emphasized with equal vigilance. The goal is to produce a fighter who is "as gentle as a lamb, as fierce as a lion."

When the fighter is at last ready to step into the ring, he does so amid more ceremony and ritual. Music called sarama is played by a three-piece ensemble comprised of a pi Chawa, or Java pipe, which sounds not unlike a bagpipe; a pair of bongo like drums called the glawng khaek; and teacup-sized cymbals called ching. Music plays such a significant role in the proceedings that fighters occasionally hop to the beat of the drums during their matches.

Before the first blow is struck the fighters perform two dances-the wai kruu in honor of their teachers, parents, and ancestors; and the ram muay, which shows respect for the spirits of Muay Thai. The gyrations also serve another important purpose: loosening muscles that are about to be put to the test.

Assistants then remove the fighters' ceremonial cotton laurel, the mongkon, and may also chant a blessing from a Buddhist monk or blow in their hair to drive away evil spirits. Some fighters take into battle a kruang rang, a piece of cloth inscribed with Sanskrit text rolled into a ring and worn around the biceps. Others prefer decorative amulets.

After a handshake the fighters engage. The pace and intensity of the matches vary, but most often fighters try to wear each other down by repeatedly attacking the kidneys and legs. Elbows and knees are usually thrown only during clinches. Crowds prefer kicks to punches because of the disdain held for feet in Thai culture. A kick, in fact, is akin to a declaration of war.

Audiences become absorbed in the competition. During the two-minute breaks between rounds, the more aggressive observers approach the corners and bark commands to the fighters, who occasionally nod their assent. Betting is rampant-and thus, so is disappointment. Beer and soda are usually served in plastic bags rather than cans or bottles, making for less dangerous projectiles if thrown at the combatants.

Like Western-style boxing, a knockout is scored if a fallen fighter remains down for a count of ten. If both fighters are standing at the end of five three-minute rounds, judges decide the winner.