Puu Muay Thai Podcast

What really happens when Muay Thai fighters step into the ring at a tournament—and what can they learn by watching their fights afterward?

In Episode 250 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu sits down with Coach Phil Gillies and Matt Valencia, a firefighter and Muay Thai competitor, to recap the TBA Tournament of Champions in Los Angeles.

Following a big weekend for the Pu'u Muay Thai competition team, we review fight footage, break down techniques, discuss tournament strategy, and share the experience of preparing for and competing in a Muay Thai tournament.

Our team also featured Zach Flores, who competed in a five-round championship fight, Bryan Almontes, who faced a much larger opponent, and AJ, who made his competitive debut as a teenager.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Coach Phil's return to competition and the challenges of facing an aggressive opponent
• Matt's first full-contact Muay Thai tournament after less than a year of training
• Reviewing Matt's two tournament fights, including his first win and a tough second matchup
• Fighting southpaw opponents and making adjustments between rounds
• Muay Thai clinch work, teeps, low kicks, boxing, and defensive mistakes
• Understanding illegal sweeps, hooking, and other Muay Thai rules
• Why tournament strategy differs from fighting on a single-fight event
• Managing adrenaline, injuries, conditioning, and recovery between fights
• The importance of listening to your corner and applying coaching under pressure
• Why semi-contact Muay Thai can help prepare developing fighters for full-contact competition
• What fighters and coaches can learn from reviewing fight footage

Jonathan provides technical feedback throughout the episode, highlighting what worked, what didn't, and how both fighters can improve.

Whether you're preparing for your first Muay Thai fight, coaching competitors, or simply interested in what goes into a tournament weekend, this episode offers a look at the development process behind competitive Muay Thai.

Pu'u Muay Thai Thailand Camp - https://thailand.puumuaythai.com

Subscribe to the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast for more conversations about Muay Thai training, competition, coaching, officiating, and the people shaping the sport.

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If you train Muay Thai, you should experience training in Thailand at least once.

In Episode 249 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu explains why traveling to Thailand can completely change the way you understand Muay Thai, not just the techniques, but the culture, training, fighters, gyms, stadiums, and people behind the sport.

You don't have to be a professional fighter. You don't even have to compete. Training Muay Thai in Thailand is an experience for anyone who genuinely loves the sport and wants to understand it closer to its source.

In this episode, Jonathan discusses why a Muay Thai trip to Thailand is different from simply training at home, what you can learn by immersing yourself in Thai Muay Thai culture, why experiencing the stadiums and gyms matters, and why you shouldn't wait until you think you're "good enough" to make the trip.

Jonathan also shares perspective from his own years of traveling to and training in Thailand and why he continues going back even after nearly two decades in Muay Thai.

If Thailand has been sitting on your Muay Thai bucket list, this episode is for you.

🥊 Want to train with us in Thailand?

Train with us - Thailand Muay Thai Training Camp designed to give students the opportunity to train, experience Thai culture, visit the stadiums, and immerse themselves in Muay Thai alongside our team.

Learn more about the upcoming Thailand Training Camp:

https://thailand.puumuaythai.com

Whether it's with us or you make the trip on your own, experience Muay Thai in Thailand at least once. You'll understand the sport differently when you come home.

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Think you know who won a Muay Thai fight just because one fighter landed more strikes, scored more dumps, or put their opponent on the canvas more often?

Muay Thai judging does not work like a scoreboard.

In Episode 248 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in the sport: knowing Muay Thai is not the same as knowing how to judge Muay Thai.

Using Petchmorakot vs. Jimmy Vienot as a real-world example, Jonathan explains why controversial decisions often make more sense once you understand the actual judging criteria being used.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why Muay Thai judges do not simply count kicks, knees, dumps, or punches
• How damage, balance, control, and effective technique are actually evaluated
• Why a sweep is not automatically equal to a knockdown
• How catching a kick after absorbing full damage can be misunderstood
• Why Petchmorakot's knockdown of Vienot was so important to the score
• How fouls like hooking and plowing affect what happens in an exchange
• Why close rounds are not automatically 10-10 rounds
• How the 10-point must system works in Muay Thai
• Why experienced fighters and coaches can still misunderstand judging
• How judges can make mistakes—and why continued education matters

Jonathan also shares an example from a heavyweight fight where a decision was successfully protested and overturned after judges gave too much weight to visually impressive throws instead of the higher-priority judging criteria.

The point of this episode is not that judges are always right. They're not.

The point is that judging is its own skill, and understanding the sport does not automatically mean you understand how to consistently apply the criteria used to determine a winner.

If you've ever watched a close Muay Thai fight and immediately yelled "robbery," this episode may change the way you watch fights.

Jonathan also discusses SIAM Standard, his Muay Thai ring official training program designed to help referees, judges, inspectors, timekeepers, and supervisors better understand the responsibilities and standards required to officiate the sport properly.

Get started on SIAM Standard here: https://muaythairingofficial.com

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In Episode 247 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu sits down in person at Teep Studios with Arm, creator of Muay Thai Testament, one of the leading English-language sources covering Muay Thai news, Rajadamnern Stadium, and the fight scene in Thailand.

Arm joins the podcast while touring the United States alongside Petchsila, the reigning Rajadamnern World Series (RWS) Champion, as they travel across the country conducting seminars and sharing authentic Muay Thai with American gyms. 

Together, Jonathan and Arm discuss:

•  How Muay Thai Testament grew into one of the biggest English-language Muay Thai media platforms 
•  The current state of Muay Thai in Thailand 
•  RWS, Rajadamnern Stadium, and the evolution of entertainment Muay Thai 
•  The controversy surrounding youth fighting in Thailand 
•  Gambling, scoring, and how Thai stadium culture is changing 
•  Why foreign fans often misunderstand traditional Muay Thai 
•  Social media's impact on fighters and promotions 
•  Why now is one of the best times for international fighters to pursue opportunities in Thailand 
•  How Thailand is opening its doors to the global Muay Thai community 

If you've ever wondered what's really happening inside Thailand's Muay Thai scene—from the stadiums to the gyms to the people shaping the sport—this episode offers an insider's perspective from someone living it every day.

Follow Arm / Muay Thai Testament

📸 Instagram: @muaythaitestament

Learn More About Petchsila

Petchsila is the current Rajadamnern World Series (RWS) Champion and is touring the United States conducting seminars and helping grow authentic Muay Thai internationally.

Subscribe for more conversations with the coaches, fighters, promoters, officials, and personalities shaping Muay Thai around the world.

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Leave a message or text us 24/7/365!
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👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

In Episode 246 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu shares why his reasons for traveling to Thailand have completely changed after nearly two decades in Muay Thai.

When he first visited Thailand at 18 years old (Now 37), the goal was simple: become a better fighter. Learn better kicks, elbows, clinch work, and experience Muay Thai from its birthplace.

Today, the mission is different.

Rather than searching for secret techniques, Jonathan explains why he now travels to Thailand to observe the evolution of Muay Thai itself—from gyms and trainers to stadiums, promotions, recovery methods, and the changing culture surrounding the sport.

In this episode, Jonathan discusses:

•  Why he no longer travels to Thailand just to improve technique 
•  How Muay Thai has evolved over the past two decades 
•  What has changed at Rajadamnern and Lumpinee Stadiums 
•  Why observing culture is just as important as learning techniques 
•  The shift in recovery and training philosophies in Thailand 
•  Women's growing role in Thailand's biggest stadiums 
•  Why staying connected to Thailand helps coaches and gym owners grow 
•  What he'll be watching during his upcoming trip—and why it matters for the future of Muay Thai 

Whether you've trained in Thailand multiple times or dream of making your first trip, this episode offers a different perspective on why Thailand remains the heart of Muay Thai and why understanding its evolution matters for practitioners around the world.

Because the longer Jonathan has trained, the less he's gone looking for techniques—and the more he's gone looking for understanding.

Want to come to Thailand? Visit https://thailand.puumuaythai.com

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

The Global Muay Thai Roundtable returns for Episode 245 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast.

Jonathan Puu (USA) is joined once again by RWS commentator Joe Comerford (Australia/Thailand) and coach, commentator, and Shout Out Podcast host Jay Bryant (Canada) for another in-depth discussion on the biggest stories shaping Muay Thai around the world.

This month's conversation covers the landmark RWS 200 event, the continued evolution of Rajadamnern World Series, the economics of Muay Thai in Thailand, gambling's historical role in the sport, and why modern promotions are changing the future of Muay Thai.

The panel also discusses:

• RWS 200 preview and the biggest fights on the card
• The growth of Rajadamnern World Series
• Gambling, ticket sales, and the business of Muay Thai in Thailand
• The proposed restrictions on youth fighting in Thailand
• Women's Muay Thai reaching new heights worldwide
• Muay Thai pathways for international fighters
• Transgender athletes in combat sports
• New Muay Thai stadium developments in the United States
• Cross-promotion between organizations and international collaboration
• The future of Muay Thai across Thailand, North America, and beyond

The Global Muay Thai Roundtable brings together three different perspectives from three different countries to discuss the issues, trends, and stories that matter most to the international Muay Thai community.

This is a collaborative project and is also available on the channels of our guests.

Follow our guests:

Joe Comerford
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joecomerfordmuaythai/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joecomerfordmuaythai

Jay Bryant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoutout.podcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShoutOut.podcast

Subscribe for more interviews, coaching conversations, and discussions with some of the most influential voices in Muay Thai.

#MuayThai #RWS #Rajadamnern #Thailand #CombatSports #MuayThaiPodcast

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

In Episode 244 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu sits down in-person at teep studios in Scottsdale, Arizona with longtime coach, former fighter, and Warrior Family Gym founder Alex Anoushian.

Alex shares his journey from training at Sityodtong in California to living and fighting in Thailand at the legendary Lookprabat Gym, where he trained alongside some of the sport's most respected fighters and coaches. Along the way, he discusses training under Kru Walter Michalowski, learning from Kru Nokweed, fighting throughout Thailand, navigating life as a foreign fighter, and even taking fights in unexpected places around the world. 

The conversation also explores:

•  Training and fighting in Thailand during the early 2010s 
•  Life at Lookprabat Gym and traditional Thai camp culture 
•  Muay Thai in California before the modern social media era 
•  Smoker fights and the amateur scene in the United States 
•  Training under legendary Thai coaches 
•  The realities of making a living as a fighter 
•  Building Warrior Family Muay Thai Gym in Austin, Texas 
•  Surviving the challenges of opening a gym during COVID 
•  Coaching, community, and developing students long-term 
•  The evolution of Muay Thai in America 

Alex's story is one of persistence, adaptability, and a lifelong commitment to Muay Thai. Whether you're a gym owner, coach, fighter, or student, this episode offers valuable insight into what it takes to build a life around the art of eight limbs. 

Learn More About Alex Anoushian & Warrior Family Gym

Instagram: @warriorfamilygym

Warrior Family Gym – Austin, Texas

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Leave a message or text us 24/7/365!
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👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

When most people think about team sports, they think about football, basketball, baseball, or soccer. Muay Thai doesn't usually make that list.

After all, when you step into the ring, you're alone. Nobody can throw punches for you, make weight for you, or do the hard work on your behalf.

But after nearly two decades in Muay Thai, I've learned something important:

Almost nobody succeeds in Muay Thai alone.

In Episode 243 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, I discuss why Muay Thai feels like an individual sport on the surface but is actually built on one of the strongest team environments you'll ever experience.

In this episode, I cover:

•  Why Muay Thai feels different from traditional team sports 
•  The role coaches, teammates, and mentors play in long-term success 
•  How community influences retention and growth 
•  The story of how my training partners stopped me from quitting Muay Thai 
•  Meeting Kru Nokweed and finding a new direction in my journey 
•  Why accountability is personal but development is collective 
•  The importance of culture inside a Muay Thai gym 
•  Why students stay where they feel connected 
•  How experienced students eventually become contributors to the community 

I also share a pivotal moment in my own journey when I was ready to walk away from Muay Thai—and how the people around me changed the course of my life. 

Whether you're a beginner, competitor, coach, or gym owner, this episode is a reminder that while the work may be individual, the journey is rarely done alone.

Support the show

Leave a message or text us 24/7/365!
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👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

In Episode 242, we launch the very first Global Muay Thai Roundtable, bringing together three voices from different corners of the Muay Thai world.

Joining the discussion are:

Jonathan Puu (USA) – Founder of Pu'u Muay Thai, coach, gym owner, ring official, and host of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast.

Jason Bryant (Canada) – Coach, commentator, gym owner, and host of the Shout Out Podcast.

Joe Comerford (Australia/Thailand) – Rajadamnern World Series (RWS) commentator, former pro fighter, content creator, and long-term Thailand resident.

Together we tackle some of the biggest questions facing Muay Thai today:

•  Is Muay Thai actually growing worldwide? 
•  Should Muay Thai be in the Olympics? 
•  How do amateur and professional development pathways differ across countries? 
•  Is entertainment Muay Thai changing the sport? 
•  How do regulations impact growth in North America? 
•  What countries are producing the strongest Muay Thai talent? 
•  Why is it so difficult for fighters to transition from amateur to professional competition? 
•  How can coaches, officials, and promoters help shape the future of Muay Thai? 

The conversation spans Thailand, Australia, Canada, and the United States, offering unique perspectives from commentators, coaches, gym owners, officials, and lifelong students of the sport.

This episode marks the beginning of an ongoing collaborative series designed to connect the global Muay Thai community and discuss the issues shaping the future of the art and sport we all love. 

Follow the Roundtable Hosts

Jonathan Puu
Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast

Jason Bryant
YouTube: Shout Out Podcast
Instagram: @shoutout.podcast

Joe Comerford
YouTube: Joe Comerford Muay Thai
Instagram: @joecomerfordmuaythai

Support the show

Leave a message or text us 24/7/365!
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💬 What Do You Think? Join the Discussion!
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📺 WATCH & LISTEN NOW: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More!

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

In Episode 241 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu is joined by Josh Soliva, reporting live from Cebu, Philippines after being on the ground in Bangkok, Thailand for ONE Friday Fights 154 and “The Inner Circle” this last weekend.

This episode dives deep into the behind-the-scenes reality of ONE Championship, including firsthand insight into the now-talked-about Anatoly Malykhin vs Reug Reug situation, where tensions escalated into a backstage altercation following the fight.

Josh shares what actually happened beyond the headlines — including what led up to the conflict, what fighters and teams were dealing with during fight week, and how things unfolded behind closed doors.

In this episode, they discuss:

•  Behind-the-scenes access at ONE Friday Fights 154
•  The real story behind the Anatoly vs Reug Reug brawl
•  Fighter hotel interactions and unexpected run-ins with elite athletes 
•  The reality of weight cuts, hydration testing, and catchweight negotiations
•  What fans don’t see during fight week in Bangkok 
•  The physical and mental toll of Thai trainers and pad holders 
•  The evolving relationship between Muay Thai and MMA striking
•  Gambling culture and how it shaped traditional Muay Thai 
•  Why traveling to Thailand without guidance can go very wrong 

Josh also shares wild, unfiltered stories from inside the fighter hotel, recovery sessions, and fight preparation with Felipe Lobo — giving listeners a rare look into the real Muay Thai world beyond social media and highlight reels.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:

•  ONE Championship and international Muay Thai 
•  Training or fighting in Thailand 
•  Behind-the-scenes fight culture 
•  The realities of the global Muay Thai scene 

Follow Josh Soliva:
 https://www.instagram.com/joshsoliva95

Support the show

Leave a message or text us 24/7/365!
+1-805-456-3316

💬 What Do You Think? Join the Discussion!
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👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!