Traditional Muay Thai Gyms vs. Tourist Gyms: A Quick History Lesson

If you've been training Muay Thai or are researching visiting Thailand, you've likely heard or read about the ongoing debate between 'traditional gyms' and 'tourist gyms' in Thailand.

The two types of gyms can offer two very different experiences, and understanding the difference is important if you're considering training in Thailand - IMO it can make or break your trip, and having trained at over 30 Muay Thai gyms across Thailand, I can confidently say these differences aren't just surface-level, sometimes they're rooted in the very DNA of each type of gym.

This blog explores how these two types of gyms came to be, what sets them apart, and which one might be right for you.

The Rise of Muay Thai Tourist Gyms

Decades ago, gyms in Thailand had one simple goal—to create champions and elite Muay Thai fighters. These were the traditional Muay Thai gyms, also referred to as 'fight gyms.' Classic names like Jocky Gym, P.K. Saenchai, and Sityodtong were revered not just for their fighters but for their no-nonsense approach to training. These gyms were typically family-run and focused entirely on producing fighters to compete locally and nationally. Fighters lived and breathed Muay Thai, often staying at the gym and forming a close-knit, family bond with trainers and fellow fighters.

Then, things began to change in the mid-2000s. Tourist numbers in Thailand exploded, jumping from roughly 14 million people in the mid-2000s to nearly 40 million people by 2019. Among these visitors was a growing wave of Muay Thai and fitness enthusiasts eager for an immersive training experience—but not all of them were aspiring fighters.

This influx of students eager to learn the art of eight limbs gave rise to the tourist gym. These gyms were set up to cater to the growing demand for Muay Thai experiences, offering a more beginner-friendly, often luxury-oriented focus. Today, places like Phuket and Chiang Mai are filled with dozens of these gyms, all promising an unforgettable Muay Thai holiday.

The Traditional Muay Thai Gym Experience

Training at a traditional Muay Thai gym is an intense experience. These gyms can be steeped in history, with many operating as family-run establishments for generations (Such as Sityodtong in Pattaya). Here’s what you can expect at a traditional gym:

1. Fighter-Focused Training:

The primary mission of traditional gyms is to produce fighters. They focus on skill development, toughness, and conditioning, with a training regimen that’s not for the faint-hearted. Trainees are often pushed physically and mentally every day.

2. Bare-Bones Facilities:

Many traditional gyms aren’t outfitted with state-of-the-art facilities or pristine environments. Don’t expect air conditioning or new gym mats on the floor. What you will get, however, is an authentic setting that’s laser-focused on Muay Thai.

3. Close-Knit Community:

Local Thai fighters often live and train at the gym, creating a tight-knit bond with trainers and each other. Trainers pass down their knowledge and stories from years of fighting directly to their students. It is common at these gyms for the fighters and trainers to live, train, eat, and sometimes drink together.

4. Earnings Through Fighting Success:

Historically, a gym’s success and income were closely tied to the performance of its fighters. Fighters, trainers, and the gym itself typically earn their income from a fighter winning, ensuring that producing champions and elite fighters are at the heart of their operation.

Training at a traditional gym is about developing your skills as a fighter above anything else. From trainers correcting your technique with care to pushing you to your physical limits daily, traditional gyms bring out the fighter in you, but they are not always for the faint-hearted or modern-day pampered traveler.

The Tourist Gym Experience

Tourist gyms, on the other hand, cater more to hobbyist Muay Thai students. They aim to make Muay Thai accessible to everyone—from absolute beginners to more advanced practitioners, however, they usually separate the fighters from the beginners during class. Here are some defining features of tourist gyms:

1. Focus on Experience and Accessibility:

Tourist gyms are designed to deliver a fun, welcoming experience. Whether you’re new to martial arts or experiencing your first Muay Thai holiday, you’ll feel at home here. The training is often modified to ensure safety and enjoyment. The training can be but isn't always more beginner friendly.

2. Modern, Comfortable Facilities:

Many tourist gyms boast the cleanest environments, sometimes with air conditioning, high-quality equipment, and additional amenities like weightlifting areas, yoga studios, and even swimming pools.

3. Customer-Centric Approach:

Trainers and staff might speak better English, and the focus is on customer satisfaction. Tourist gyms often come with extra services such as airport pickup, visa assistance, and some even have their own restaurant, making training more convenient for foreign visitors.

4. Revenue Through Classes:

Unlike traditional gyms that used to rely on fighter winnings, these gyms generate income through class fees, merchandise, private lessons, and premium packages. This setup often means the classes are less intense and more tailored to recreational training.

One standout feature of tourist gyms is their community-building efforts. Training at these gyms often revolves around connecting with like-minded people from around the world. Many trainees stay in gym accommodation, sharing meals and experiences beyond the training mats. Some gyms will even run trips from the gym creating that whole holiday package.

What’s the Real Difference?

The biggest difference between traditional and tourist gyms lies in their mission and mindset.

• Traditional Gyms: prioritize developing accomplished fighters, even if you’re just there for a week. Training is intense, and the culture promotes discipline and improvement.
• Tourist Gyms: focus on making Muay Thai accessible and enjoyable for visitors, even those completely new to the sport. They may focus more on creating memorable experiences rather than churning out fighters.

That said, clean-cut distinctions between the two aren't always the case. Some gyms find the sweet spot between the old-school discipline of traditional training and the polished facilities of tourist gyms and some fight gyms now offer the same modern amenities previously reserved for tourist gyms.

Which Gym is Right for You?

The 'right' gym depends on your goals and what you seek from your Muay Thai experience:

• If You Want an Authentic Fighter's Lifestyle: Go for a traditional gym where you’ll be pushed to your limit and experience the raw essence of Muay Thai.
• If You’re Looking for a Fun, Relaxing Experience: A tourist gym offers accessible training in a comfortable, modern environment. Perfect for a holiday or beginner-friendly start.

Ultimately, your decision should align with your goals. Not sure where to start? Blogs such as Fight Link, Reddit, and facebook forums have lots of info!

You can read about the pros and cons of both types of gym here:

https://fightlink.app/blog/my-first-experience-of-a-tourist-gym/

https://fightlink.app/blog/why-thailands-tourist-gyms-are-worth-checking-out/