Looking for a Muay Thai event near me? The EAT SLEEP TEEP Semi Contact Muay Thai Series is coming to Nashville, Tennessee on October 12th, 2025 at the Nashville Fairgrounds! This Muay Thai event is the perfect way for beginners, kids, teens, and adults to experience competition in a safe, semi-contact format. Unlike full-contact fights, the focus is on technique, skill, and control—making it the best way to test yourself or watch your students grow. In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podca...
In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, we highlight exclusive segments from our Whatnot livestreams, showcasing how we’re growing the Muay Thai community both in Ventura and worldwide. First, we sit down with Coach Vinny Chew of Pu’u Muay Thai Ventura. Vinny shares his journey from being one of our first front desk staff to stepping into the ring, his current coaching role with kids and adults, and his fight preparation for WCK Muay Thai in Long Beach. He also talks about the energy i...
Thinking you’re too old to start Muay Thai? Think again. In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Chief Instructor Kru Ed from Ventura shares why people in their 40s and 50s are some of the BEST candidates to train. Discover how Muay Thai improves balance, reduces stress from busy careers, and builds lasting confidence. Whether you’re a doctor, lawyer, parent, or professional in Ventura, this episode shows why it’s never too late to reclaim your edge through high-level coaching. Interes...
In this episode, Jonathan Puu sits down with Ognjen Topić (@topicfight), one of the most respected Muay Thai fighters to ever come out of the United States. Recorded during his visit to Ventura for a seminar, Ognjen shares his journey from graphic designer in New Jersey to Omnoi Stadium Champion in Bangkok, Thailand . We cover: His breakout fight against Neungsiam from Fairtex and why it was a turning point for him.What it was really like to fight legends like Saenchai and face off under the ...
Ever wondered which gloves ONE Championship fighters actually use and why they’re different from other Muay Thai gloves? In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, we break down the exact gear used in ONE Championship, why it matters for safety and performance, and how it compares to traditional Muay Thai gloves. We’ll cover: The official gloves used in ONE Championship Muay Thai boutsHow glove design impacts striking, defense, and fighter safetyWhy understanding the gear can change your ...
Should elbows to the back of the head be legal in Muay Thai? In Thailand, some stadiums say YES—while in the West, it’s a clear NO. In this episode, Jonathan Puu, an experienced referee and coach, unpacks the history, dangers, and rule variations behind this strike. Inside this episode: The origins of “rabbit punches” and why they’re dangerous12-to-6 elbows: from MMA ban to legalizationHow Thai stadium culture views back-of-the-head shotsThe viral KO that reignited the debateJonathan’s verdic...
In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu breaks down the gloves you should NEVER use for sparring—and why they’re putting you and your training partners at risk. From low-density foam to dangerous plastic reinforcements, we go deep on what makes a glove good or garbage. Jonathan shares his professional experience as a fighter, coach of national champions, and ring official for thousands of fights. You'll also get recommendations for trusted brands like Top King, Fairtex, Tw...
This week on the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast (Episode 203), Jonathan sits down with Glory Munoz, Program Director at Pu’u Muay Thai Ventura and one of the academy’s first-ever hires. Glory shares her story of starting as a beginner student, rising through the ranks, and stepping into a leadership role where she now helps guide others through their Muay Thai journey. From managing classes and events to mentoring students and upholding the academy’s high standards, Glory plays a vital role in the gr...
Starting Muay Thai can be overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Jonathan Puu breaks down the real challenges beginners face and how to overcome them. Learn why consistency beats talent, how to train through injuries, and what to do when motivation disappears. Don’t miss updates on our Muay Thai training camp in Thailand, upcoming events, and how to become a certified Muay Thai official. Links below: Thailand Camp: thailand.puumuaythai.comSIAM Standard: muaythairingofficia...
In Episode 201 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, host Jonathan Puu unpacks breaking news around a controversial Muay Thai youth tournament in Italy that’s sparked global concern, with accusations of illegal full-contact bouts and Olympic ambitions being questioned. He also covers the latest on ONE Championship’s Muay Thai rule changes, WBC Muay Thai's fiery response, and the upcoming SIAM Standard Ring Officials Course and EAT SLEEP TEEP Semi Contact event. Plus, hear about the December Thailand...
A tragic incident shook the Muay Thai community when a young fighter passed away at a recent tournament in Des Moines, Iowa. In this episode, Jonathan Puu reflects on what happened, the emotional aftermath, and how the Muay Thai community is responding. We discuss the importance of safety, tournament culture, and what steps are taken here in USA to help reduce risks. This conversation is about honoring the fighter’s legacy, supporting his family, and calling for better protections in the spor...
In this in-depth conversation at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, Arizona, Coach Connor joins Jonathan Puu to talk about what it truly takes to coach Muay Thai in 2025. From developing real fighters to creating a sustainable training culture, they cover the highs and lows of coaching, why some athletes stagnate, and what separates a coach from a pad holder. They also dig into the differences between American and Thai training methods, how to navigate ego in the gym, and why mentorship matters more...
Why Dana White Refuses to Promote Muay Thai – The Real Reason UFC President Dana White recently made headlines after commenting on kickboxing and Muay Thai, saying he prefers Muay Thai over kickboxing—but still has no plans to promote it. In this solo episode, Jonathan Puu breaks down Dana's statements, the deeper reasons UFC is investing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and boxing, and what this means for the future of Muay Thai globally. Jonathan also explores the missed opportunities for UFC to brin...
In this inspiring episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu welcomes Daniel Chacon of Denver Muay Thai to Teep Studios via Zoom. From arriving in the U.S. as a child refugee from Argentina to becoming a U.S. citizen, Muay Thai gym owner, and coach—Daniel shares the raw and emotional story of how martial arts transformed his life. Hear how a chance encounter with UFC legend Rich Franklin lit the spark that changed everything, and how Daniel now uses his platform to give back to the n...
In this special episode recorded at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, host Jonathan Puu is joined by Muay Thai legends John Crane and Bob Karmel, two Americans with deep roots at the iconic Fairtex Bangplee camp in Thailand during the 1990s. We dive into: What it was like to be among the first Americans training full-time at Fairtex ThailandThe wild story of Mr. Wong’s pet tiger, “Mimi,” that lunged at fighters during their morning runs 🐅The culture shock, intense training regimens, and bonds f...
In Episode 195 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu returns to Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ after a whirlwind few weeks of building the future of Muay Thai—literally. From hosting a sold-out Eat Sleep Teep 3 semi-contact event in Ventura to laying down the floors of the brand-new Pu’u Muay Thai Ventura academy, this episode is all about growth, gratitude, and grassroots community building. Jonathan shares the real story of how Muay Thai didn’t even exist in Ventura when he was growin...
In Episode 194 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, recorded at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, Jonathan Puu returns from a jam-packed trip to Ventura, California to share major updates and powerful insights into the future of Muay Thai officiating in the U.S. 🔥 What’s covered: Eat Sleep Teep 3 – Over 100 registered athletes for the third event in our semi-contact Muay Thai series happening May 17th at Ventura High SchoolBig Move Alert – The new Ventura academy location at 2424 East Main Street is ...
In Episode 193 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, recorded at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, Jonathan Puu dives into the exciting chaos happening in May for Pu'u Muay Thai! We talk about Eat Sleep Teep 3, our next big semi-contact Muay Thai event taking place on May 17th at Ventura High School, featuring competitors from across California, Arizona, Nevada, and beyond. Plus, Jonathan reveals all the details about Pu’u Muay Thai Ventura’s big move to our brand-new upgraded facility just down the s...
In Episode 192 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, we sit down in-person at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ with a very special guest: Jason Cruz, the legendary frontman of the punk rock band Strung Out and a dedicated student at Pu’u Muay Thai Ventura. Jason was in town for the Punk in the Park festival in Chandler, AZ, but made time to talk about his powerful journey through music, fighting, and finding purpose. At 51 years old, Jason shares how Muay Thai has transformed his life—and how discover...
In Episode 191 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, we’re coming to you straight from Bangkok, Thailand with a special crossover segment from CHOK Chats—hosted by content creator and RWS commentator Joe Comerford, joined by Jonathan Puu and Josh Soliva. This wide-ranging, no-filter conversation digs into the realities of training and fighting Muay Thai in Thailand, the cultural expectations for foreigners, and the ongoing issue of influencer fraud—people selling online content and courses without r...