I've been a member at two other Muay Thai gyms in the past, for a total of 3.5 years (Muay Thai Institute of Kunponli in Salt Lake City, UT, and the Muay Thai Academy of America in North Hollywood). For the record, I enjoyed them both very much. I stopped doing Muay Thai when I got married and had my son, so after five years, I am really out of shape. I read everything I could about all the Muay Thai gyms in Orange County, and OC Muay Thai definitely looked like the best fit.
I'll admit, I was really intimidated, and it took me awhile to get myself in the door, even though I love Muay Thai. But the moment I came in on my first day, the owner, Dave, was really welcoming and friendly. I was scared for no reason at all!
I have a ton of respect for Dave, and I can tell that all of his students genuinely respect him, too. I think that's a really important attribute for a trainer in a Muay Thai gym. He's obviously a very skilled trainer and fighter (he reminds me very much of my former trainers, who were Thai), and although he looks like someone I'd never want to mess with, he is genuinely a nice person. He'll push you to excel, but never in a way that would hurt your body. And if you're sore or hurt, he gives the best advice... and so far, he has always been right!
The workout starts with a jog around the block outside the gym. This is the part I was most dreading. I simply do not like running outside. But if you have to walk it, no one is going to judge you. (It's a necessary part of training to build up your cardio so you don't run out of steam in the ring. I realize that.)
After the warm up, we go through different drills, and sometimes Dave shows us some really great Yoga moves. The Muay Thai training itself is really awesome! Dave ALWAYS mixes it up and you're never bored. The 2-2.5 hours I am there always fly!! The other students have always been very friendly, and believe me, I am always the most out of shape one there, but again, no one is judging you, everyone is there to improve themselves whereever they are at. Also, I should note that of all the Muay Thai instructors I have met, Dave is the one who is most informative in regards to technique. He really invests a lot of time in making sure you are doing true Muay Thai techniques... which probably doesn't happen if there is a high turnover rate in the students, and there doesn't seem to be a high turnover at OC Muay Thai. (I really enjoy seeing the same group of students each time.) When you leave, you feel empowered and energized!
The facilities are extremely clean and new. I have been a little scared of locker rooms at previous gyms, but OC Muay Thai is kept immaculate. Plus, I love that there is a steam room for our use if needed. Brilliant!
I can't wait until my son is old enough to be able to take Muay Thai lessons. I will for sure be signing him up at OC Muay Thai!
I cannot recommend OC Muay Thai enough. I love it and am already looking forward to my next session! read more