Michael "Chase" Corley joins Clinton Tudor on the Gym Unlocks Podcast for a conversation on building a martial arts gym and martial arts school with standards, culture and long-term respect.

Michael is the founder and head coach of Heritage Muay Thai in Houston, Texas, former President of USA Muaythai, and author of Muay Thai Grit.

In this episode, Michael shares what he has learned from building Heritage Muay Thai, developing coaches, running kids programs, creating better first experiences for new students, using AI inside the business, and preparing the gym for its next stage of growth.

We talk about making Muay Thai accessible without watering it down, why fighters alone cannot carry a gym business, how to build culture through small standards, and why every person who walks through the door needs to feel the quality of the gym from day one.

For Muay Thai gym owners, martial arts school owners, martial arts coaches, boxing and kickboxing gyms, MMA operators, strength gym owners, and anyone building a gym that wants to last.

Gym Unlocks: https://www.gymunlocks.com
Clinton Tudor: @clintontudor
Michael Chase Corley: @corleyhmt

What does it really take to become a great Muay Thai coach—and build a gym, team and culture that stand the test of time?In this episode of the Gym Unlocks Podcast, Clinton Tudor sits down with Aziz Nabih, Head Coach of the USA Muay Thai Youth and Senior National Teams, Coach of the Year, and founder of Sitan Gym in New York.Recorded in the UAE, the conversation explores the lessons Aziz has learned through decades of coaching fighters, developing young athletes and building one of New York’s most respected Muay Thai gyms.Aziz explains why trust is the foundation of the coach–fighter relationship, how coaches can help athletes manage pressure and learn from losses, and why mental preparation is just as important as physical conditioning—especially when fighters step onto the international stage.The conversation also explores the responsibility coaches carry when preparing athletes to compete, the importance of fighter safety, and the difference between being a Muay Thai trainer and becoming a true coach.For gym owners and operators, Aziz shares how Sitan Gym grew through authentic Muay Thai, strong results, reputation and word of mouth. He also discusses leadership, accountability, humility, building a positive gym culture and creating an impact that extends beyond competitive fighters.One message runs throughout the episode: great coaches earn trust through experience, consistency and hard work. There are no shortcuts to leadership, and titles or certificates cannot replace time spent learning, coaching and taking responsibility for the people in your care.This episode is for Muay Thai coaches, aspiring coaches, gym owners, martial arts instructors and anyone interested in athlete development, coaching leadership, fighter mindset and building a successful martial arts gym.In this episode:• Building trust between coaches and fighters• Coaching youth and senior Muay Thai athletes• Developing a strong fighter mindset• Helping athletes learn from losses• Mental preparation for international competition• The difference between a Muay Thai trainer and a coach• Why great coaches must earn their position• Building a successful Muay Thai gym through reputation• Creating a strong and positive gym culture• Leadership, humility and accountability in coaching• Preserving authentic Muay Thai outside Thailand• Why young coaches should work hard, pay their dues and never cut corners

Jacob Drendel opened Rama 1 Muay Thai in Melbourne five years ago. Today it's home to 250+ members and 20 professional fighters — and he's just opened R1 Muay Thai in Phuket.

Clinton Tudor sits down with Jacob to find out what it actually took to build a gym that can operate without him on the mats every day, why getting the right coaching team in place changed everything, and the one mistake gym owners make when they try to expand too early.

Jacob also gets into Instagram as his first marketing dollar, the Primo partnership, and what the R1 Phuket fitness village is offering fighters and families.

This is episode 9 of Clinton's quest to collect 100 Unlocks — raw, honest conversations with gym owners who've built something real and have the scars to prove it.

If you're running a Muay Thai, boxing or MMA gym and wondering whether you're ready to scale — this one's for you.

Follow Gym Unlocks Podcast so you don't miss the next Unlock. Leave a review if this episode hits — it helps other gym owners find it.

On Instagram Follow Clinton @clintontudor and Jacob: @r1muaythaiphuket

Join us in this episode of Gym Unlocks as we sit down with Stuart Tomlinson, the owner of the highly successful Evade Martial Arts gym in Manchester and the mastermind behind the Warrior Collective.

Stuart takes us on a journey from the mats of Manchester to the screens of the world, sharing his insights, triumphs, and even some hard-earned lessons from his journey to success.

Hear Stuart's no-holds-barred account of the mistakes he made while building his gym, and the invaluable advice he has for gym owners looking to carve their path in the industry.

From the evolution of Warrior Collective to the impact it's had on the global martial arts community, Stuart's story is riveting and inspiring.

So, whether you're a seasoned martial artist, a gym owner, or just a curious mind, this episode is guaranteed to leave you fired up and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way. Don't miss it!

Need help with your gym's Instagram? Hire the experts.

Get ready for an eye-opening episode of Gym Unlocks, where we go behind the scenes of gym ownership, Muay Thai, and martial arts. Today, we're joined by a special guest, the remarkable Darren Reece, a true Muay Thai legend.

Darren's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From his days as a professional fighter in prestigious stadiums like Rajadammern and Lumpinee to becoming a highly successful coach, mentoring fighters such as Caylee Reece and Eugene 'BOOM BOOM' Ekkelboom, his story is a true inspiration. He's also the co-promoter of Epic Fight Promotions alongside his wife, Caylee, and a key figure in the evolution of Muay Thai in Western Australia.

In this episode, we delve into Darren's lifelong commitment to learning and his unique experiences as a pioneer in Thailand's training scene. Discover how he's managed to keep his gym deeply connected to Thai culture, even during challenging times like lockdowns. Gain invaluable business insights applicable to gym owners and striking coaches, and listen as Darren offers his perspective on the role of social media for fighters and shares his candid views on One Championship.

This is a conversation that offers a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for anyone in the world of Muay Thai and gym business. Join us for an enriching and informative episode that's set to unlock new horizons on Gym Unlocks!

Ever thought of training in Thailand and advancing your Muay Thai career? In this episode, Clinton Tudor chats with Tristian Dharmajiva of Bangkok's hot-spot, the Sitsongpeenong Muay Thai Camp. They discuss the camp's success, home to legends like Sitthichai and its role in Asa "American Ninja" Ten Pow's recent win at ONE Championship Friday Fight Night. Tristian shares the fighter's journey in Thailand and provides insights on UK champ Joe Ryan's rise at RWS Series of Rajadamnern Stadium. If you're plotting your next Muay Thai move, this episode is packed with firsthand knowledge.

Clinton Tudor chats with Sean Madden, the driving force behind the monumental growth of Eastern Training Center, a premier martial arts academy. Straight from the IFMA World Champs, Sean shares the secrets behind Team USA's Muay Thai success. Dive deep into crucial gym business insights, effective strategies, and the key lesson every martial arts coach needs in their arsenal. This episode is a goldmine for anyone in the martial arts industry!

Join Clinton Tudor on the Gym Unlocks podcast as we chat with Mark 'The Hammer' Castagnini.

Transitioning from his days as a champion Australian fighter in Muay Thai to constructing the renowned Hammer's Gym, now boasting over 2000 members, Mark's journey is a masterclass in strategy, determination and grit.

In our talk, Mark shares tips on gym marketing and how to run a gym business the right way. His advice is a goldmine for gym owners, especially those who've been in the game for years but still struggle.

We also dive into the heart of martial arts, highlighting its role in personal growth, community building, and teaching resilience. Mark also talks about his years commentating fights all around the world. He gives his thoughts on keeping fighters safe and doesn't shy away from discussing his controversial views on One Championship and UFC.

If you're into Muay Thai, managing a combat gym, or just love the fight game, this episode is packed with insights.

As a Muay Thai Fighter, fitness coach, author and a digital nomad living in Thailand, Jaz's journey is fascinating.

She has her own app teaching Muay Thai and fitness and even authored a book on mental toughness.  While still her 20s!! 

In this episode hosted by Clinton Tudor, delve into the world of online business, and fighting in Thailand. Jaz leads by example, inspiring her students to gain confidence and conquer their fears. 

Press play to learn from a fighter, coach, and an extraordinary entrepreneur.

This Gym Unlocks episode that will leave you motivated and ready to conquer new heights! 

This episode is packed with incredible business insights for gym business owners! Andy is the mastermind behind PTJ Muay Thai. Two killer locations in Sydney, Australia, he’s a true veteran in the world of Muay Thai, he’s dropping invaluable knowledge.
As the State President of Muay Thai Australia NSW, he inspires the next generation in the thriving Aussie scene.