Phuket Muay Thai

Phuket Muay Thai - Rawai, Phuket

The term ‘tourist gym’ can be a bit divisive. Some people hate it, others accept it as just part of the Muay Thai tourism scene.

But here’s the real question: if you have the right trainers, is it possible to maintain authentic, high-level training standards while also enjoying the perks of a modern, hygienic gym?

Let’s investigate.

If you haven’t heard of Phuket Muay Thai, it’s one of the few gyms in the world that literally opens up onto the beach — Rawai Beach! And it might just have the best backdrop of any Muay Thai gym anywhere.

Phuket Muay Thai is owned and operated by Kru Bryan Dobler, who also founded Double Dose Muay Thai in California. He is the former Chairman of WBC Muay Thai USA and has a strong lineage, having trained under Ajarn Chai Sirisute, a key figure in bringing Muay Thai to the United States.

Kru Bryan has trained numerous champions in the U.S. over the years and is widely respected in both the American and Thai Muay Thai communities.

Class Schedule

The gym runs two group classes per day, Monday through Saturday, along with private training sessions in between.

Morning: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Afternoon: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Fighters are required to run 7km before each class - a non-negotiable part of the program, especially for those on the fight team.

Class format

Each session includes:

• Guided stretching and warm-up
• Skipping
• Shadowboxing
• Bag work
• Pad rounds
• Technical drills
• Supervised sparring
• Cool down
• Clinch sparring

The gym alternates between sparring and clinch work on different days. So you will clinch and spar 3 times per week, morning and afternoon.

During my visit

There were 12 students in the class, all foreigners, supported by 9 trainers — a very strong 4:3 student-to-trainer ratio.

It’s worth noting that Rawai is a more affluent area of Phuket, which means there are fewer local Thai kids training regularly. With that being said, the Phuket Muay Thai runs youth Muay Thai camps during school breaks, which are always full.

Also, the high trainer ratio may vary depending on the season. The gym retains its staff year-round, but numbers will naturally rise in high season.

Instruction and Atmosphere

Kru Bryan has handpicked every coach, placing emphasis on instructors who treat all students equally, whether you’re here for a couple of days as a beginner or a couple of years as a serious fighter.

The training is both enjoyable and demanding. Kru Bryan holds his fighters to high standards. This isn’t a place to half-commit — if you want to be a professional fighter, you’ll be expected to show real discipline and effort, and if not, you will be politely asked to leave.

Many of his coaches are well-established in the Phuket Muay Thai scene, including former head trainers from other big Phuket gyms.

The vibe is close-knit and family-oriented. The gym offers on-site accommodation, so many students are living, eating, and breathing Muay Thai every day.

Who is this gym for?

Phuket Muay Thai has a strong ongoing sponsorship program and recently brought on five sponsored fighters from around the world.

It’s a great fit for:

• Fighters aiming to compete professionally in Phuket or Bangkok
• Students who value cleanliness, organization, and high standards
• Beginners looking for a welcoming and structured training environment
• Anyone seeking a stay-and-train option

Who this gym might not suit

This gym is not ideal for:

• Those who want to “go pro” without putting in the hard work or showing commitment
• People who jump from gym to gym looking for sponsorship without consistency

Pricing

• Single group class (2 hours): 500 THB
• Two group classes in one day: 700 THB
• 10-class pack: 4,000 THB
• Weekly unlimited: 3,500 THB
• Monthly (once per day): 7,000 THB
• Monthly (twice per day): 11,000 THB
• Private training (1 hour): 900 THB

Accommodation pricing can be found here:

https://phuketmuaythai.co.th/accommodation/

Overall

Phuket Muay Thai is a strong example of how a Muay Thai gym can balance authenticity with modern amenities. The gym is spotless, has luxury on-site accommodation, and offers a dorm for fighters.

It caters to all levels - beginners, intermediates, and professionals - and backs onto one of the most scenic beaches in Thailand.

Kru Bryan is a well-known name in the Muay Thai world and has put together a serious team of fighters and trainers. With a growing sponsorship program and a focus on elite development, don’t be surprised if some of the next big names in Muay Thai come out of this gym