Kicking Glass: Women Of Muaythai

To kick off the year, Kicking Glass flips the script.

In this special episode, the podcast’s host becomes the guest as Sue Glassey — IFMA Vice President, Chair of the Equality Commission, educator, and five-time world Muaythai champion — sits down with producer and IFMA Digital Manager Zlata Kozhemyako for an honest, wide-ranging conversation.

Sue reflects on her journey from elite fighter to global sports leader, sharing how Muaythai shaped her identity, confidence, and leadership style. She speaks candidly about navigating a male-dominated combat sport, advocating for inclusion — including the introduction of hijab-friendly competition — and leading historic change in gender equity, safety standards, and access for female, para, and special athletes worldwide.

The conversation also explores Sue’s life-altering accident and long recovery from a severe head injury, offering rare insight into concussion, athlete welfare, and the challenges of identity beyond competition. Drawing on both lived experience and governance expertise, Sue outlines why brain safety, recovery protocols, and inclusive policy must be central to the future of combat sports.

This episode is essential listening for fighters, coaches, administrators, educators, and anyone interested in leadership, equality, and creating meaningful change in sport.

🎙️ Kicking Glass — presented by the IFMA Equality Commission.

In this episode of Kicking Glass, host Sue Glassey sits down with Islay Erika Bomogao — the trailblazing Filipina fighter who’s redefining what’s possible in Muaythai.

Islay made history as the first Filipina to win an IFMA World Championship in the elite combat division, and has since become a multiple-time World Champion across combat, Wai Kru, and Mae Muay. Known for her graceful yet fierce performances, she’s helped make cultural competitions cool and continues to inspire the next generation of athletes in the Philippines and beyond.

From her devastating liver-shot KO in her last pro fight to her double gold at the 2025 IFMA World Championships in Turkey, Islay’s story is one of power, culture, and pride. She’s also been featured on the cover of Vogue Philippines, bringing Muaythai into the spotlight of fashion and mainstream culture.

Join us as we explore her journey, her passion for mentoring youth, and her thoughts on Muaythai’s inclusion in the Asian Youth Games — a historic step toward Olympic recognition.

🎙️ Kicking Glass — presented by the IFMA Equality Commission.

In this episode of Kicking Glass, host Sue Glassey is joined by Laura Burgos, Mexico’s Muaythai icon and one of the sport’s most accomplished female athletes. Known for her sharp technique and fierce presence in the ring, Laura opens up about the pressure of carrying a nation’s hopes — and what happens when that spotlight turns into scrutiny.

She shares, for the first time on record, the emotional impact of a doping scare that threatened to derail everything she’d built. From training through doubt to ultimately clearing her name, this conversation dives deep into resilience, injustice, and the strength it takes to keep showing up.

A powerful episode about truth, pride, and the cost of being at the top.

🎧 Listen now and follow Kicking Glass on @ifma_women for more real stories from the women redefining Muaythai.

Dive into the world of weight management with Viki Bulinova, a powerhouse from the Czech Republic balancing her fight accomplishments with a Ph.D. in Kinanthropology (Sports Science). In this episode of Kicking Glass: Women of Muaythai, Viki shares invaluable insights into the intricate relationship between weight, performance, and long-term health.

Uncover the real challenges behind cutting weight and the potential long-term repercussions it can have on both your performance and overall well-being. Viki, with her unique dual perspective as a fighter and sports scientist, delves into why understanding and managing weight properly is key for any Muaythai enthusiast.

Get ready to elevate your training and competition game as Viki imparts practical tips and knowledge that every fighter, from novice to seasoned pro, should know. This episode is your passport to a deeper understanding of the science behind Muaythai success.

Huge thanks to our wonderful sponsor Loblo: bionic athletic cups, pelvic protection, mouthguards and accessories offer an entirely new level of sports performance protection.

Host: Sue Glassey

Producer: Zlata K (IG: zlata_k) from Gym Unlocks.

On this captivating episode of "Kicking Glass: Women of Muaythai" hosted by Sue Glassey, the sensational Martyna Kierczyńska dives deep into her transformative journey.

Charting her beginnings in the gyms of Głogów, Martyna sheds light on the evolving challenges she faced from childhood to womanhood, particularly the profound impacts of weight shifts throughout her competitive years. Navigating the tricky waters of weight cuts, she reveals the influence of decisions the Poilsh team helped her make and how it imacted her career.

But what's next for a talent who's already clinched titles like European Games'23 Muaythai winner, WMC Pro World Champ'23, and the IFMA Muaythai World Champ'22? Martyna teases a potential switch to the MMA circuit but is resolute about one final pursuit in Muaythai: The Gold at IFMA World Combat Games. As she gears up for this epic quest, Martyna bestows invaluable insights for budding athletes representing their nations. Dive into this riveting conversation and discover the grit, passion, and vision of one of Muaythai's brightest stars.

Dive into a world where sport and family intertwine, as we welcome the esteemed mother-daughter duo, Angie and Jazzy Parr, to share their unique stories. Angie, a trailblazer in Muaythai, discusses the distinct challenges and rewards of running a gym business from a woman's perspective.

Meanwhile, Jazzy sheds light on the art of manifestation, guiding listeners on how she visualizes and achieves her dreams.

Experience the crazy tales of Jazzy's childhood, growing up in a gym, ringside, witnessing her legendary father, John Wayne Parr, in action.

Together, they paint a vivid picture of their journey in Muaythai, filled with passion, legacy, and unyielding family bonds. An episode replete with inspiration, ambition, and intimate family narratives.

Join us in a heartfelt episode dedicated to the incredible journey of Yolanda 'Springbok’ Schmidt the Muay Thai champion from South Africa who danced her way into the ring.

For everyone who cherishes stories of passion, determination, and resilience, this episode offers deep emotions and rare insights. Tune in to be a part of Yolo's journey!

Second episode of Kicking Glass: Women Of Muaythai podcast, where we welcome a true powerhouse, Iman "Pretty Killer" Barlow! Ranked top in IFMA, WMC and multiple other organisations, Iman started her fighting journey at just 4 years old. Her numerous accolades, including defending her world titles eight times, are a testament to her strength and commitment. Her incredible journey has made her an inspiration for girls all over the world.Join our host Sue Glassey as we delve into Iman's journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of being a world-class athlete in Muaythai. Don't miss this unmissable chat with the "Pretty Killer" herself!

We're excited to welcome you to the inaugural episode of our new podcast "Kicking Glass: Women of Muaythai"! This is your ringside seat to the most inspiring stories, straight from the women of Muay Thai. We're here to smash boundaries, shatter stereotypes, and break through that glass ceiling! Join our host, Sue Glassey of the IFMA Gender Equality Commission, as she delves deep into the lives and journeys of kick-ass Muay Ying and the champions that support them. Our first guest? None other than the USA's very own powerhouse, Tierra Brandt! With a resume that boasts 66 fights, multiple national and international accolades, and a stint on The Challenger Muay Thai reality show, Tierra is the epitome of strength and dedication in Muay Thai.