About
About
■OVERVIEW
If you’re looking for a place where you can learn, grow, and share a few laughs in between drills, you’re in the right spot.
If you’re looking for a place to prove how tough you are, well…there are plenty of other gyms for that.
Just remember: leave your ego at the door. We don’t spar with those.
Read our Code of Conduct here.
SMTC is a space that focuses on inclusivity, community building, and fostering a supportive space for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and men alike.
This isn’t just a gym. It’s not a place you come to throw a few punches for cardio and leave. It’s a community—one that welcomes everyone who wants to learn real Muay Thai fundamentals, sharpen their technique, sweat a lot (or a little), and most importantly, connect with people.
■ OUR STORY
Hi, I’m Anna, the club organizer of Southpaw Muay Thai Club. I’ve been a student of Muay Thai for about 10 years now.
When I was first inspired to learn a martial art, I did a ton of research to find a gym. I found many martial arts gyms intimidated the hell out of me.
I’d watch their promo videos—intense videos of dudes sweating profusely, coaches screaming, and people sparring like they owed each other money.
It just didn’t feel like the right, or even safe, atmosphere for me.
But I really wanted to learn a skill while getting a workout in. I wanted discipline, structure, and a challenge…I knew I wanted to hit things. That’s about it.
So I researched every martial arts gym I could find (seriously, if there was a gym within a 20-mile radius, I looked into it). Eventually, I found a female-owned Muay Thai gym that was welcoming, safe, and full of people who loved the sport and actually talked to each other outside of class.
For the first time, I had a community. I made friends who trained together, encouraged each other, and made plans in the group chat to show up and support one another. I had never experienced anything like that.
I ended up taking a break from Muay Thai due to health issues and when I was ready to come back…my gym closed down permanently.
And in my desperate attempt to find another space like it, I realized… it didn’t exist. Especially a place that focused on technique and form and not so much cardio.
Every gym I walked into after felt overly aggressive, overwhelmingly male-dominated, and fueled by way too much ego. Despite training alongside other people, I never felt connected. No group chats. No camaraderie. Just “who’s the toughest in the room?” instead of “how can we help each other grow?”
So, I built the space I was looking for…
That’s how Southpaw Muay Thai Club was born.
Meet the team
ANNA KIM, CLUB ORGANIZER / INSTRUCTOR
JON INTHAVONG, INSTRUCTOR
AVERY ANTONIO, CONTENT / SOCIAL MEDIA