Kiatphontip Muay Thai

MUAY THAI EXPERIENCE

Training at Kiatphontip Muay Thai Gym

Kiatphontip

At the end of 2024, we returned to Thailand for another adventure, revisiting Hua Hin and taking the opportunity to explore Bangkok and Ayutthaya, which we’ve detailed in a separate article here.

During our few days in Bangkok, we packed in a trip to Ayutthaya and a private training session at the renowned Kiatphontip Muay Thai Gym, which is conveniently located just outside the city. This visit was particularly special as it allowed us to reconnect with a gym we had previously trained at in Leeds, UK, though only briefly.

Our introduction to Kiatphontip came during two visits to their Leeds location, where we had the privilege of training under the gym’s owner, Jompop Kiatphontip.

Jompop’s remarkable career and expertise in Muay Thai left a strong impression on us, making the chance to train with him again in Bangkok truly exciting. However, Jompop was visiting his gym in Thailand but sadly returned to the UK just days before our planned training at Kiapontip Bangkok.

Kiatphontip Muay Thai Gym
Kiatphontip Muay Thai Gym
Kiatphontip Muay Thai Gym

Jompop has been deeply involved in Muay Thai since the age of nine, growing up in the Phattalung province of Thailand. He built a stellar reputation fighting extensively across southern Thailand, eventually catching the attention of Songchai’s talent scouts. This led to a prestigious career in Bangkok, where he competed in the world-famous Lumpini Stadium before Songchai shifted his promotions to Rajadamnern Stadium. Jompop quickly became a standout fighter, earning titles such as South Thailand Champion and achieving the rank of No. 1 at Rajadamnern Stadium.

Over his professional career, Jompop achieved an impressive fight record of 161 bouts, with 131 victories, sharing the ring with some of Thailand’s biggest names, including Saenchainoi Toyotarayong, Chatchainoi Sitbenjamas, and Dennarklang Sor Wirapan. At the age of 23, Jompop retired to pursue higher education, earning a degree in law. After completing his studies, he returned to Muay Thai, dedicating himself to developing Kiatphontip Gym in Bangkok into a hub for both local and international practitioners.

Kiatphontip Muay Thai - About the gym

Kiatphontip Muay Thai Gym operates in two locations: Bangkok, Thailand, and Leeds, UK. Both gyms share the same dedication to providing authentic Muay Thai training, welcoming fighters and enthusiasts from around the world. The Bangkok gym is located in the vibrant heart of Thailand’s capital city, making it a convenient stop for anyone traveling through. Known for its authentic training environment, it attracts fighters and students seeking to immerse themselves in the traditional techniques and culture of Muay Thai. The facility features a spacious training area, a full-sized ring, and plenty of punch bags to accommodate both group sessions and individual training.

The Leeds gym is equally impressive, offering a slice of authentic Muay Thai training in the UK. It’s centrally located and caters to a diverse community of fitness enthusiasts, from beginners to professional fighters. Like its Bangkok counterpart, the Leeds gym is well-equipped, boasting a large training space, a ring, and a variety of punch bags. The highlight, of course, is the chance to train under Jompop, whose expertise brings the spirit of Muay Thai alive.

Both Kiatphontip gyms are designed to provide an optimal training environment for Muay Thai practitioners. Here’s what you can expect at both locations:

♦ Spacious Training Areas: Each gym offers ample space for group classes and individual training, ensuring that everyone has room to practice their techniques comfortably.

♦ Full-Sized Rings: Whether you’re preparing for a fight or practicing sparring techniques, the full-sized rings provide an authentic Muay Thai experience.

♦ Plenty of Punch Bags: From heavy bags to teardrop bags, the gyms are equipped with a wide range of training tools to suit various drills and exercises.

♦ Both gyms maintain high standards of cleanliness and organization, making them welcoming and professional spaces for training.

Experience Authentic Muay Thai at Kiatphontip
Kiatphontip Muay Thai Gym
Kiatphontip Muay Thai Gym
Kiatphontip Muay Thai Gym

Kiatphontip

During our first training session in Leeds, we booked a class for the two of us, training simultaneously with two trainers—Jompop and Chawan. Upon arrival, we began with a warm-up, including five minutes of skipping, some stretching, and light running. The gym was bustling with activity, as many people were attending a group class. While we occupied the ring area for our pad work, the rest of the gym was well-organized, with participants working the bags and sparring in structured rounds, switching partners after each. It was impressive to see the high skill level of many attendees, some of whom we later recognized as fighters competing at One Championship events at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. The main session for us included generous rounds of pad work and bag work, followed by basic clinch training. During the clinch, we focused on how to control the opponent, proper leg work and positioning in close combat, techniques for sweeping, and ways to escape the clinch. The session concluded with bag kicks and a substantial number of sit-ups.

Our second session in Leeds was with Jompop alone. It was a memorable experience, particularly as it took place in the middle of winter. After a longer warm-up to shake off the cold, we trained while Jompop, amusingly bundled in a winter jacket, scarf, and boot-like slippers, guided us. He divided our training: one of us worked on combinations on the bag, always finishing with a kick, while the other focused on pad work with him. Jompop demonstrated tricky combinations and defenses against various strikes, including counters for roundhouse kicks and elbows. Training with him was incredibly engaging—he’s not only skilled but also a vibrant and vocal personality. For first-time visitors to Thailand (as we were back then), his stories about the country and tips for finding good gyms in specific areas were an added bonus.

At Kiatphontip in Thailand, we arrived early and met Kru Ritt, our trainer for the day. Though not much taller than me (158 cm), Ritt’s energy and enthusiasm were immediately evident. He welcomed us warmly and set the mood by turning on a massive speaker and playing upbeat music, which filled the gym with an energizing vibe. We started with skipping, followed by stretching and shadowboxing while Ritt carefully observed and corrected our techniques. For instance, he noticed that I wasn’t swinging my arm enough when kicking with my right leg and explained how adding that movement would give my kicks much more power. He also shared tips on how to block effectively using your shin when an opponent catches your kick—a practical and useful detail.

We alternated rounds of pad work, each lasting about five minutes or more, and every round concluded with 10 kicks on each leg. Ritt’s encouragement and detailed pointers kept us focused and motivated throughout. He ensured that we worked hard while maintaining proper form, and his feedback was both constructive and easy to apply. By the end of the session, we felt thoroughly worked out but also more confident in our technique.

After finishing the pad work, we spent time stretching and doing some abdominal exercises to cool down. Before leaving, we had the chance to meet Jompop’s sister at the reception area. She was friendly and welcoming, and we had a brief but lovely chat with her. We decided to purchase some gym T-shirts as souvenirs before waiting for our Grab driver to pick us up. The experience was not only a testament to the high-quality training at Kiatphontip but also to the warm and inviting atmosphere that makes it stand out

our Experience at Kiatphontip

Training at Kiatphontip Muay Thai Gym, whether in Bangkok or Leeds, is much more than just a workout—it’s a deep dive into the culture, tradition, and spirit of Muay Thai. Guided by exceptional coaches like Jompop, each session is an opportunity to grow both in skill and appreciation for the art of this martial discipline. These gyms are truly special places, and their welcoming environment makes them ideal for practitioners of all levels.

We are incredibly thankful to everyone we trained with at Kiatphontip, including Ritt, Jompop, Chawan, and the many friendly faces who shared the gym space with us. A special mention goes to Kim, who we first met at Sitjaopho Gym in Hua Hin. During a session there, Kim noticed the Kiatphontip T-shirt I was wearing—a souvenir from our Leeds training—and asked if we had trained there. She highly recommended the Bangkok location and encouraged us to book a session when we had the chance. Her suggestion turned out to be a fantastic decision, and we’re grateful for her guidance.

If you’re ever in Bangkok or Leeds and have even the slightest interest in martial arts, we can’t recommend Kiatphontip enough. These gyms will leave you feeling inspired, stronger, and more connected to the world of Muay Thai.

Have you trained at Kiatphontip or have a favorite Muay Thai gym? Let us know in the comments or reach out on our social channels. We’d love to hear about your experiences!

Kiatphontip Muay Thai Gym

Vegan Maniac

Follow us on

Latest Posts