Chonburi Muay Thai

About Chonburi Muay Thai

Chonburi Muay Thai, situated at 2905 Wingate Ave in Nashville, TN, stands as a premier destination for individuals seeking authentic Muay Thai training. This veteran-owned gym is deeply rooted in the traditions of Thai boxing, offering comprehensive programs suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned fighters.

Location and Accessibility

Located in South Nashville, Chonburi Muay Thai is easily accessible to residents throughout the Nashville metropolitan area. The gym's address at 2905 Wingate Ave places it in a convenient location, making it a viable option for those seeking Muay Thai training after work, school, or on weekends. The gym aims to be a local hub for martial arts and fitness enthusiasts.

Facilities and Equipment

Chonburi Muay Thai is equipped to provide a complete training experience. The facility offers showers and toiletries for students' convenience. For those who prefer not to bring their own gear, equipment rentals are available. Gloves, wraps, and shin guards can each be rented for $5 per session. New hand wraps are also available for purchase at $15. In addition to training equipment, the gym sells branded merchandise, including shirts ($35), tank tops ($25), sweatshirts ($50), and shorts ($50), in sizes ranging from XS to XXL, allowing students to represent their gym with pride.

Training Programs and Classes

Chonburi Muay Thai offers a diverse range of training programs designed to cater to different needs and skill levels. Group classes are a cornerstone of the gym's training regimen, incorporating partner drills with gloves and shin guards, pad work with Thai pads and mitts, and conditioning exercises. These classes provide a dynamic and engaging environment for students to learn and improve their Muay Thai skills.

For younger martial artists, Chonburi Muay Thai offers youth classes specifically designed for children aged 6-12. These classes focus on teaching Muay Thai fundamentals, while also emphasizing discipline and cooperation. With two coaches present in each youth class, students receive ample attention and guidance. This ensures a safe and effective learning environment for young practitioners.

Recognizing the importance of individualized instruction, Chonburi Muay Thai offers private 1:1 training sessions with various coaches. These sessions allow students to receive personalized attention and focus on specific areas of improvement. For those with competitive aspirations, the gym offers specialized fight training programs for both amateur and professional fighters. These programs provide the rigorous training and coaching necessary to prepare for competition.

The gym offers a variety of classes to suit different skill levels and interests. These include:

• Beginner: Designed for those new to Muay Thai, focusing on fundamental techniques and building a solid foundation.
• Intermediate: For students with some experience, building on fundamental skills and introducing more complex techniques and combinations.
• All Levels: Open to all students, providing a mix of drills, techniques, and conditioning exercises suitable for various skill levels.
• Clinch: Focusing specifically on the clinch, a key aspect of Muay Thai involving close-quarters grappling and knee strikes.
• Sparring (by invitation): For experienced students who have demonstrated proficiency and control, providing an opportunity to practice techniques in a controlled sparring environment.
• Bag Classes: High-intensity classes focused on developing striking power and endurance through bag work.

Coaches and Staff

The coaching staff at Chonburi Muay Thai is a team of experienced and dedicated individuals. The gym was founded by head coach and owner Panyapol (Bruce) Ratanakul. Bruce was born in Thailand and began training in Muay Thai at age 10. He competed in 21 Thai fights, securing 16 victories. His training was under the tutelage of Ajarn Petchpayao and Kongnapa Watcharawit, figures well-respected in Muay Thai. Before establishing Chonburi Muay Thai, Bruce served in the U.S. Army. He has coached over 300 fights for students in promotions including UFC, Bellator, and One Championship.

The coaching team also includes David Khamhuang (General Manager, 2x Tennessee IKF Champion), Chik Obianyo (3x Tennessee IKF Champion), Ron Nguyen, Stephen Jones, Jason Campbell (Cruiser-WT National Champion), Damontez Cox, Zach DeJesus, Carleigh Goebel, Marcos Andres, and Aaron Lou. The youth coaching staff features Preston Scott (4x Muay Thai champion) and Malia Weaver (2024 TBA Classic World Champion).

Atmosphere and Community

Chonburi Muay Thai fosters a welcoming and supportive community. New students are encouraged to start in Beginner classes for assessment to ensure they receive appropriate instruction and guidance. The gym maintains a warm practice space and emphasizes the importance of proper hydration. The gym has a maximum class capacity of around 30 students.

The typical class structure at Chonburi Muay Thai involves a combination of drills, pad work, and conditioning exercises. Students are advised to bring hand wraps, gloves, shin guards, water, and a towel to each class.