Month: January 2025

Why Start Muay Thai?

This is a question I get asked all the time. The answer is both personal and universal: I didn’t choose Muay Thai—Muay Thai chose me.

It was 2006, and I was 25 years old. I wasn’t a kid anymore, and while I had always been athletic, I had never found a sport that truly ignited my passion. Gymnastics, my first love, was a distant memory, something I had left behind with adolescence.

At the time, I was just like many other young women—still figuring things out. I had been in a long-term relationship and dreamed of having a family, but job instability kept me stuck in a frustrating routine. Then, almost by accident, Muay Thai entered my life.

Is Muay Thai for Everyone?

One of the things I love most about this sport is its versatility. Muay Thai can be practiced at any age and any level, whether you’re looking for a way to stay fit or want to discover a new side of yourself.

As a fitness activity, it’s one of the most complete sports out there. It improves strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, and even mental health. And no—you don’t have to “get hurt” to train. Yes, it’s a contact sport, but many gyms offer programs that focus on technique and conditioning rather than sparring or fighting.

However, if your goal is to step into the ring, that’s a whole different story. Training for a fight isn’t for everyone. It demands discipline, sacrifice, and a level of physical and mental preparation unlike anything else. When you compete, your opponent has one objective: to knock you out. It’s not a race—it’s a direct clash, and you need to be ready not only to throw strikes but to take them as well.

A Physical and Mental Transformation

For me, it all started with the desire to push my limits. From day one, training challenged me. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport, I felt like I had something to prove. I didn’t want people to think, “She’s just a girl.”

So, I pushed myself. Three training sessions a week soon weren’t enough—I started running on my days off, doing sprints, constantly improving. My body transformed—my core became stronger, my arms more defined. But the real transformation happened inside. I gained confidence, discipline, and a completely new relationship with my body and mind.

Stepping into the Ring for the First Time

Training wasn’t enough anymore—I needed to test myself. The first time I stepped into the ring, I had no idea I would become addicted to that feeling. Fighting isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s a mental one. It’s about discovering what you’re truly capable of, facing your fears, and pushing past them.

My Muay Thai

Over the years, Muay Thai has become more than just a sport—it’s a part of me. It has guided me through the toughest moments of my life, taken me around the world, introduced me to incredible people, and given me experiences I will never forget. It’s not just a workout—it’s a way of life, a philosophy.

Of course, there are things that frustrate me, like how Muay Thai is often watered down or turned into a commercial product. But to me, it will always be my Muay Thai—the one that taught me sacrifice, resilience, joy, and pain. The one that gave me travel, adventure, and a unique identity.

Want to Learn More?

If you have questions or want to start your own Muay Thai journey, feel free to reach out! Whether you’re interested in training for fitness or stepping into the ring, I’d love to help you discover this incredible world.

Muay Thai changed my life—and it just might change yours too.

My Muay Thai journey started in 2006 in a small gym in Gorizia, Italy, called Satori Gladiatorum Nemesis (SGN). It was a modest space tucked away in a basement, but it held a treasure: Giorgio Petrosyan, who would later become one of the greatest kickboxers of all time, was training there.

I still remember descending the narrow stairs leading to the gym. I was nervous yet intrigued, not entirely sure what to expect. As I approached, I could hear the sharp sound of kicks landing on pads, accompanied by Giorgio’s powerful shouts. The air was thick with the smell of Thai oil mixed with sweat—a scent I had never encountered before but one that would become a constant companion in my life.

At the time, I knew almost nothing about Muay Thai. I had no idea it would become the defining force in my life. Thailand was just a far-off place I’d barely heard about, and “Muay Thai” was simply a strange name. Little did I know, those steps down into that basement gym would shape every decision I’d make from that day forward.

From Sports Enthusiast to Fighter

Before discovering Muay Thai, I had always been active. I spent my childhood and teenage years as a gymnast, competing at a good level. However, as I grew older, I felt lost in the fitness world, trying out aerobics and cardio combat classes without finding true satisfaction.

It was my then-partner, Beppe, who introduced me to Muay Thai. He had started boxing, but when the local boxing gym temporarily closed, he found himself training at SGN. There, he noticed a young Armenian fighter—Giorgio—practicing kicks with his brother, and he told me, “These guys know how to kick.”

Out of curiosity, I went to watch Giorgio fight in a local event against Shemsi Beqiri. Giorgio won by breaking his opponent’s arm with powerful kicks. I was in awe. I thought, This is what I want to learn: how to kick like that.

The Gym That Changed My Life

When I finally stepped into SGN, I immediately knew it was different from any gym I had ever seen. There were no fancy machines, no mirrors, and no distractions. It was raw, intense, and entirely focused on hard work.

This wasn’t a place for ego or pretense. It was a space where everyone was equal, where effort and discipline mattered more than anything else. It was tough, grueling, and honest—qualities that mirrored what Muay Thai would soon teach me about life.

Even though I knew nothing about combat sports, I felt a deep connection to the place and the sport. Something about the atmosphere, the smell, and the energy spoke to me. From that moment on, I was hooked. I devoted myself entirely to this new passion, even before I fully understood what it would mean.

Muay Thai as a Tool for Self-Improvement

Muay Thai has taught me that growth comes through hard work, perseverance, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Over the years, I’ve competed in more than 80 professional fights, traveled the world, and built a lifestyle centered around this ancient martial art.

But Muay Thai is more than just a sport or career. It’s a philosophy. It’s about facing challenges with courage, learning from failures, and constantly striving to improve. It has become my personal tool for jikokaizen—continuous self-improvement—and the foundation for everything I aim to achieve in life.

Conclusion

Looking back, I’m grateful for that first hesitant step down the stairs of SGN. What started as a desire to “learn how to kick” transformed into a lifelong journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

If you’re seeking a way to challenge yourself, to grow, and to connect with a discipline that goes far beyond physical fitness, Muay Thai might be the answer. It’s more than just a sport—it’s a way to unlock your potential and embark on a journey of self-improvement.