Welcome To Khongsittha Muay Thai
“Any achievement starts with a willpower that falls short of nothing.”
The story of Khongsittha Muay Thai is a testament to the vision and dedication of two brothers, Matt and Dunk, whose shared passion for Muay Thai transformed the training landscape in Bangkok.
In 2011, they recognized a glaring gap in the city’s Muay Thai offerings. The existing gyms were often unwelcoming, intimidating, and lacked the basic comforts many modern practitioners desired. For a retreat-like experience, they had to travel to Pattaya or Phuket, which was far from ideal.
Determined to create something better, Matthew, a well-known celebrity in Thailand, and Dunk, an accomplished entrepreneur, embarked on a journey to redefine Muay Thai training in Bangkok. They purchased an old seafood restaurant and meticulously transformed it into what is now a Muay Thai haven.
Their mission was simple yet ambitious: to blend the traditional open-air training vibe with the warm hospitality Thailand is known for.
Today, Khongsittha Muay Thai stands out as a one-of-a-kind training camp renowned among locals and tourists alike.
Spanning over 1,000 sqm of training space, the gym is just moments away from the on-site accommodation. The resort features 80 rooms where students can comfortably stay and focus on their training at the camp.
What truly sets the gym apart is its ability to cater to everyone—from absolute beginners to aspiring professional fighters. It has even become the training ground for rising stars like Richi Khongsittha and Black Tiger Khongsittha.
Thanks to Matt and Dunk’s vision, Khongsittha Muay Thai has grown into a community that embodies excellence, inclusivity, and a deep respect for the art of Muay Thai.
How Khongsittha Muay Thai Was Built
Though neither had prior experience in professional fighting, business ownership, or even gym renovations, their determination to bring their vision to life was unwavering.
With only minimal funding from friends and family, they took on the massive task of transforming an old seafood restaurant into what would become Khongsittha Muay Thai. From installing boxing equipment to climbing ladders to painting the ceilings, they did much of the work themselves.
“I remember blasting away the cement using a jackhammer… and I’d never used a jackhammer before,” Dunk recalled.
Both Matt and Dunk were inspired by their own experiences training in professional fighter gyms, which often felt intimidating. “Even though I knew the champions of each gym, I gotta admit it felt scary to train,” Matt said. Their personal challenges led them to identify what was missing from those spaces and fueled their desire to create something different—a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone.
Dunk, a certified group fitness instructor through the Bootcamp Alliance, meticulously designed training programs to ensure that each session was effective and enjoyable. Meanwhile, Matt brought his lifelong passion for martial arts to the project, leveraging his black belt in Shoto-Kai Karate and his experience training in various camps to inform the gym’s unique approach.
By blending their skills, they developed a training model that combined the best elements from different gyms and disciplines. In 2015, their dedication culminated in earning their Teacher’s Licence (“Kru”) for Muay Thai, certified by the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Education Thailand.
Matt and Dunk’s story is one of grit, passion, and an unwavering commitment to creating something truly special for the Muay Thai community.
Early Setbacks
The journey to success was far from easy, with numerous setbacks along the way.
Dunk recalls, “Truth be told, my parents didn’t even support the business idea. My father mocked me for wasting time trying to become a Nak Muay fighter.”
But for Matt and Dunk, it was never about fighting itself. Their true goal was to preserve and promote the martial art of Muay Thai, sharing the joy of training with others and ensuring that its rich tradition would continue to thrive.
Despite the lighthearted teasing from their family, the opening day of Khongsittha Muay Thai finally arrived—but no customers showed up.
Dunk reflects, “We were super pumped for the opening day. We had planned out the class schedule, figured out membership prices, and even hired Superbon Banchamek as part of our founding team of trainers.”
Weeks passed before the first customers started walking through the doors.
It took nearly a month to reach the critical mass they needed, and one day, 30 customers arrived for a single class—too many to train effectively. The situation quickly became chaotic, and customers, frustrated with the wait times, demanded refunds.
Feeling the pressure, Matt and Dunk stepped back and restructured their training program to accommodate larger groups.
This pivot turned out to be a game-changer, and today, Khongsittha Muay Thai is known for hosting corporate clients, including:
- The Spartan Race
- Under Armour
- AirAsia
- Ignite MMA
- Thai Fight
- Muay Thai Super Champ
- The National Basketball Association
The Keys To Success
Although Matt and Dunk had no prior experience in running a Muay Thai business, they’ve shared some of the keys to success that helped Khongsittha Muay Thai thrive:
Dedication
While many complain about the 9-5 grind, Matt and Dunk quickly learned that building a business means working a 9-9 schedule! Dunk had just graduated from Babson College and left his corporate job to dedicate himself to his vision. Meanwhile, Matt, who works full-time as a TV show host, meets with Dunk during every free moment to keep building the business. In their first year, neither of them even took a salary.
Trial & Error
As entrepreneurs, Matt and Dunk embraced experimentation. Even though Muay Thai has been around for centuries, what works in one gym might not work in another. They discovered local Thai customers were not fond of traditional aspects like clinching and sparring. When they introduced these elements, they found that customers were intimidated and hesitant. This led them to refine their approach and adapt their training programs accordingly.
Partnerships
Networking and choosing partners helped propel Khongsittha Muay Thai to new heights. A major shoutout goes to Sean Fagan from Muay Thai Guy and Nak Muay Nation, who played a pivotal role in establishing their Fight Camps. Dunk contacted Sean, asking if he’d be interested in hosting his fans at Khongsittha Muay Thai. A few months later, Sean arrived in Bangkok. The lesson? If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.
Taking Care Of Your Team
One of their key philosophies is investing in their team. Annual staff trips, international travel, group dinners, and fostering a supportive work environment have been imperative to the gym’s success. This approach to employee well-being has led to high retention rates. This positive culture is reflected in the trainers’ interactions with customers, ensuring everyone receives the utmost care. After all, the employees are the face of the company and are integral to its success. Our team is a family and welcomes everyone to learn the art of Muay Thai!
The Future Of Khongsittha Muay Thai
Khongsittha Muay Thai is now one of the leading Muay Thai Schools in Bangkok, Thailand, welcoming thousands of students from around the world to experience life at a Muay Thai camp! Entering into its 11th year of operation, it has even more plans for expansion in the future.
Train & Stay Packages for international guests, Fight Camps for upcoming fighters, Group Sessions for Thai residents, Private Training for intensive technical development, Fitness Group Training for Strength & Conditioning, and VO2 Max Cardio, Yoga and Ice Bath Sessions for recovery and Corporate Events –
Khongsittha Muay Thai offers students a range of programs and training options, including:
- Train & Stay Muay Thai Camps
- Muay Thai Group Sessions (Thai Residents)
- Fight Camps
- Private 1:1 Training
- Fitness Sessions (Strength & Conditioning/VO2 Max Cardio)
- Yoga Classes
- Ice Bath Sessions
In addition to training, students who complete a minimum of 30 days of training will receive a Muay Thai Certificate from the Ministry of Education and the Sports Authority of Thailand. This certification validates your dedication and hard work and enhances your credentials as a Muay Thai practitioner.
Khongsittha Muay Thai now offers students a chance to extend their time in Thailand. There are two options:
There is no better time to book your flight to Bangkok and start your Muay Thai Journey!
Check out all of the training options on our Booking Page, and from everyone at Khongsittha Muay Thai, we want to thank you for your support and for choosing to train with us in Thailand.
See you in the gym!
