In Episode 186 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a successful Muay Thai gym in 2025. Whether you’re an aspiring gym owner, a coach, or a dedicated student, this episode will give you a raw, unfiltered look at the business side of Muay Thai—beyond just training fighters and hosting events.

Jonathan shares his insights from over 18 years in the industry, discussing:
✅ Why treating your gym as a business is essential for survival.
✅ The hidden costs—rent, insurance, marketing, staff, and equipment.
✅ Why pricing matters and how charging too little can kill your gym.
✅ The importance of student retention and building a strong community.
✅ How marketing & social media can make or break your gym’s success.
✅ The biggest mistakes new gym owners make—and how to avoid them.

If you’ve ever wondered why some gyms thrive while others struggle, this episode lays it all out. Jonathan also emphasizes the deeper impact of Muay Thai—how it transforms lives beyond just fighting, creating lasting change for students who walk through the doors.

🔥 Ready to take your Muay Thai journey to the next level?
Join our Pu’u Muay Thai Training Camp in Thailand! Train with elite coaches, immerse yourself in Thai culture, and take your skills to the next level. Learn more here: https://thailand.puumuaythai.com.

Listen in for a real, no-BS look at the state of Muay Thai business in 2025, and let’s build the future of the sport together!

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👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

Muay Thai is evolving—but is it for the better? In this episode, Jonathan Pu’u breaks down one of the most heated debates in the sport: Are foreigners helping Muay Thai grow, or are they diluting its authenticity?

As more Western fighters, gyms, and trainers flood Thailand, we’re seeing major shifts in how Muay Thai is practiced, promoted, and taught. Some argue that this globalization is bringing more money, exposure, and opportunities to the sport. Others believe that Muay Thai is being over-commercialized, losing its deep Thai cultural roots and turning into a tourist-friendly business model rather than a warrior’s sport.

🔥 What We Cover in This Episode:
✔️ A brief history of Muay Thai—its warrior origins & deep Thai traditions.
✔️ The rise of Western fighters in Thailand—how social media fueled the boom.
✔️ The impact of foreign-owned gyms—are they helping or harming the sport?
✔️ Western strength & conditioning vs. traditional Thai fight camps—which is better?
✔️ Are tourist gyms prioritizing business over real fighters?
✔️ How one championship & stadium fights are changing Muay Thai rules for casual fans.
✔️ Is Muay Thai still Muay Thai if you strip away its Thai culture?

This is a conversation that EVERY Muay Thai practitioner, fighter, and fan should be thinking about. Are we witnessing the growth of the sport or its slow decline into a watered-down version?

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👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, we sit down with Tim from Sack Life to explore how Muay Thai and martial arts can be powerful tools for mental health. Tim shares his deeply personal journey—from battling clinical depression to discovering how training on a heavy bag helped him reclaim his life. Today, he travels the country in a 1977 Volkswagen bus, bringing free martial arts training for mental health to communities everywhere.

💭 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ How Muay Thai helped Tim overcome depression and build resilience.
✔️ The power of consistency—one student has trained for 1,600+ days straight!
✔️ The Mental Health Power Sack and its impact on martial arts communities.
✔️ The role of gratitude practice in improving mental health and emotional stability.
✔️ Behind the scenes of Sack Life’s journey on the road, training out in nature.
✔️ Lessons in perseverance, community building, and overcoming obstacles.

🔥 PLUS: We talk about the roofing disaster at Pu’u Muay Thai Ventura, how Jonathan handled it, and what it taught him about resilience and gratitude.

📌 Follow Sack Life on Instagram: @sacklifeofficial
🌎 Sack Life Website: www.sacklifeofficial.com
🥊 Pu’u Muay Thai Academy: www.muaythaiventura.com

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👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

In Episode 183 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu reflects on the opportunities a new year brings and encourages listeners to make 2025 the year they finally begin their Muay Thai journey. Recorded at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for beginners looking to take their first steps into the "Art of Eight Limbs."

Jonathan addresses common fears like not being fit enough, looking silly, or holding others back, and shares why Muay Thai is the ultimate New Year’s resolution. With stories of past students who overcame these fears and never looked back, this episode highlights the transformative power of Muay Thai for mind and body.

Learn key tips for beginners, including how to approach your first class, what gear you’ll need, and why consistency is the secret to progress. Whether you're looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or find a supportive community, Muay Thai offers it all.

Ready to take your Muay Thai journey even further?

Join the Pu’u Muay Thai Training Camp in Thailand this March for a fully organized experience at a world-class gym. Train hard, explore Thai culture, and transform your skills in the birthplace of Muay Thai. Learn more here: https://thailand.puumuaythai.com.

Start 2025 strong—listen to this episode and take the first step toward discovering the incredible potential within you!

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👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

In Episode 182 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu dives deep into the question many fight fans are asking: Why aren't more Muay Thai fighters competing in the UFC? Broadcasting from Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, Jonathan breaks down the cultural, historical, and practical barriers that have kept high-level Muay Thai fighters from transitioning to mixed martial arts and entering the global stage of the UFC.

Topics include:

• The cultural significance of Muay Thai in Thailand and why it's deeply rooted in the nation’s identity.
• Historical barriers, including MMA being banned in Thailand for a period.
• The rise of promotions like ONE Championship providing a crossover platform for Muay Thai and MMA athletes.
• The lack of high-level grappling infrastructure in Thailand and its impact on fighter development.
• Examples of successful Muay Thai fighters transitioning into MMA, including Valentina Shevchenko and Loma Lookboonmee.

Jonathan also touches on the economic and logistical challenges for Thai fighters breaking into international promotions and shares his thoughts on what the future holds for Muay Thai fighters in MMA.

Ready to take your Muay Thai journey to the next level?
Join the Pu’u Muay Thai Training Camp in Thailand! Train at world-class gyms, immerse yourself in Thai culture, and experience the birthplace of Muay Thai. Details here: https://thailand.puumuaythai.com.

Tune in for this insightful episode and join the conversation about the future of Muay Thai in the UFC!

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👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

In Episode 181 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, join host Jonathan Puu as he reflects on an incredible year filled with growth, challenges, and exciting milestones. Broadcasting from Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, this gratitude-filled episode reviews the highlights from the past year, including unforgettable podcast conversations, impactful events, and the thriving community that has made it all possible.

We revisit key episodes, like exploring Muay Thai in Thailand, comparing RWS vs. ONE Championship, and learning from inspiring guests like James Nichol, Marc Entenberg, and Bruce Panyapol. Jonathan also shares personal highlights from training camps, events like the semi-contact series in Ventura, and his dedication to growing the Muay Thai community both locally and internationally.

As a special mention, don’t miss the opportunity to join the Pu’u Muay Thai Training Camp in Thailand! Train at world-class gyms, immerse yourself in Thai culture, and experience the birthplace of Muay Thai like never before. Get all the details here: https://thailand.puumuaythai.com.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Pu’u Muay Thai this year! This episode is a celebration of our journey together and a look forward to even greater achievements ahead. Tune in, and let’s keep growing as a community!

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👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

In Episode 179 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, recorded at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, we tackle the big question every Muay Thai enthusiast dreams of: "What gym should I train at in Thailand?" With countless gyms to choose from, finding the right one can feel overwhelming—but I’m here to guide you through it!

Drawing from my own experiences training in Thailand, I’ll break down key factors to consider, including the location, training goals, gym reputation, and more. Whether you’re looking for Bangkok’s high-level fight culture, Phuket’s beachside vibe, or Chiang Mai’s authentic and relaxed environment, this episode will help you pinpoint your ideal training destination.

You’ll also learn about common mistakes to avoid and hear about an exclusive opportunity to join the Pu’u Muay Thai Training Camp at Keatkhamtorn Gym in Bangkok. This all-in-one experience includes world-class training, accommodations, cultural activities, and expert guidance to make your trip unforgettable.

Ready to take your Muay Thai journey to the next level? Tune in for practical tips, actionable advice, and insider recommendations. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out the link below to learn more about our exclusive training camp!

Get details for our training camp details here: https://link.realquickdesign.com/widget/form/EPJ9inCtLDAZmCDoANC6

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👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

In Episode 178 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, recorded at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, we dive into the heated clash between Karate Combat and ONE Championship. Breaking news surrounds Karate Combat president Asim Zaidi, who has publicly challenged ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong, fueling a dramatic rivalry between these two combat sports organizations.

We also explore an unexpected twist as a fighter recently claimed he hasn’t been paid for his Karate Combat fight in Salt Lake City last month. This revelation adds another layer of controversy and raises questions about the operations within Karate Combat.

Additionally, we cover the involvement of a WBC Boxing president issuing a presidential pardon for a famous boxer caught in a broken justice system, shining a light on how politics and combat sports often intersect.

This episode unpacks the latest in combat sports drama, conspiracy, and the growing tensions between leading promotions. Tune in for an in-depth breakdown of these events and their potential impact on the combat sports world!

Don't miss this episode of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast for all the behind-the-scenes details and commentary.

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In Episode 177 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast titled "Evolution Of The Ultimate Fighter," Jonathan Puu sits down with Mark Beecher, former multi-sport pro fighter turned high-level striking coach, joining via Zoom from Houston, Texas. Mark, known as one of the top striking coaches with a low-key reputation, shares his journey in MMA and Muay Thai, recounting how he got started and his experiences training UFC legends like Forrest Griffin and Matt Brown.

Jonathan and Mark reflect on their history together over the years, from crossing paths at fight events, working as ring officials at tournaments, to Mark stepping in to tape Jonathan’s hands before fights. Mark also gives a behind-the-scenes look at his time coaching on The Ultimate Fighter TV series and discusses the evolution of the show and fighter development over the years. The episode wraps up with a fun twist into conspiracy theories for an unexpected ending!

For more on Mark Beecher, follow him on Instagram: @markhyena. Check out his gym, Hyena Muay Thai: @hyenamuaythai. Don’t miss this insightful and entertaining conversation!

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👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

In Episode 176 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast titled "Highlighting Muay Thai In The UFC," Jonathan welcomes former multi-sport professional fighter Chris Culley for his first appearance on the show, joining via Zoom from Los Angeles. Jonathan and Chris share their unique history, having met across the cage when Jonathan was cornering against Chris in a championship MMA fight.

The conversation dives into critical topics in the fight community, from authentic fighter development and the issue of record padding in some fight promotions to the challenges of building true competitive experience. Chris shares his experiences training fighters for the UFC, including Chris "Wartaco" Padilla, whose viral elbow finish showcased stunning Muay Thai skills. They also address controversies with popular teams in the USA. Special guest Josh Soliva hops in for part of the discussion, adding his own insights.

For more on Chris Culley, follow him on Instagram: @warchief.jumbee. This episode is packed with insights on Muay Thai’s influence in the UFC and the realities of fighter development!

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👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!