Chao Phraya Muay Thai Academy

Kru Yai Byron training at Lami camp, Thailand

Kru Yai Byron presenting Kru Shaun with his promotion to Chief Instructor

1. CLUB LOGO This logo was designed by Kru Yai Shaun Boland in 2002. The top writing is Thai for “Muay Thai” The two figures represent ancient Nak Muay of Ayutthaya. Kru Yai Shaun designed this logo to represent the traditional aspect of Chao Phraya Muay Thai.

2. CORPORATE LOGO This logo was designed by Kru Yai Shaun Boland in 2003. Kru Yai Shaun wanted a modern representation for the academy and a symbolic design. The logo is broken down into the following: The outer circle represents the ancient boxing ring and is coloured yellow to represent the sun – the giver of life. The inner square represents the modern boxing ring and is coloured red to represent the blood of the warriors of Ayutthaya The wavy line represents the Chao Phraya river, the name of our academy and is repeated 4 times to represent the weapons of Muay Thai; Fists, Elbows, Legs and Knees Writing is Thai for "Chao Phraya" The lower segment writing is Thai for "Muay Thai" The left and right segments contain pictures of Nai Khanom Tom – the father of Muay Thai

Most students train for fitness and self-defence but all students are given the opportunity to grow in their knowledge of Muay Thai either through fighting or the many courses on offer at the academy. It is Kru Yai Shaun's aim to keep the training as traditional and true to the Thai way as is possible for a western society. There is however some modern training methods that Kru Yai Shaun employs to assist the student’s progress.	Class of 2004
The students are given the opportunity to compete in Amateur and professional fights should they have the desire and commitment to do so. Those not wishing to enter the world of full contact can enter Inter-clubs which is light contact and a safer way to fight. Other students may wish to train as instructors and eventually run their own school. There are coaches and corner-man courses for those who want to be near the action and help the fighters. Whatever the student chooses, Chao Phraya Muay Thai will tailor the training to help achieve their goals.
It is the academy's aim to develop the student's fitness, health and self-confidence.

Chao Phraya Muay Thai academy has a full 18' x 18' boxing ring with integral seats. All equipment within the academy is for the use by the student and fighters. In addition to the illustrated equipment we also have hand weights, medicine balls, Thai style heavy skipping ropes and tyres (used as mini trampolines to strengthen calves and legs).
Large angle bag	Maize elbow bag
Heavy bag	Medium angle bag
Professional heavy leather bag	Professional speed ball platform
6ft 'Banana' bag	Pads and bag mitts
Boxing ring

Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays at the main academy. Please see the Contact Us page for the academy address, contact details and maps/directions. Fighter training is on Saturday and Sundays as booked. The classes are mixed and are of all levels of experience It is Kru Yai Shaun’s belief that both experienced students and beginners can learn from each other. Seniors pass on their experience and knowledge and in return learn and develop teaching skills.

Mixed class

Students with Kru Yai Shaun at the academy

A typical class may consist of a warm-up with callisthenics and stretching followed by shadow boxing.
	Assistant Instructor Leigh Edlin Taking Warm-up
This is followed by full contact pad work and basic techniques. Intermediate and advanced training involves sparring and clinch work plus advanced techniques including traditional Mae Mai and Luk Mai. To become a boxer (Nak Muay) an assessment is made by the instructor or Chief instructor after which a contract of training is agreed upon. Training to be a Nak Muay is tough and intense and is up to 6 days a week. Dependant upon when the fight is and the fitness of the Nak Muay, an intense schedule is adhered to for 6 – 12 weeks.
Class shadow boxing	Pad work	Kru Yai Shaun doing some light sparring