Hollywood saw stars! Three leading lights of Thailand went to visit the city of Angels.

Yodsanklai Fairtex, Duangdawnoi Looksaikongdin, and Saenchai Saenphong taught seminars at UCLA. The event was part of a day of activity.

The Thai superstars visited fans and fighters worldwide. The Masterclass tours have the support of the Thai Government’s ‘Soft Power’ Committee.

Saenchai kicked off the event with Buakaw. The two legends of the sport connected like Laurel and Hardy, or Tom and Jerry. Amongst their antics were real skills, and of course sparring. Saenchai brought several athletes to the stage including Kianna Pham.

“It was really fun. I was aware he enjoyed sweeping. So I tried to pull my kicks back really fast,” Pham said.

Pham is an experienced athlete. She fought at the WBC Muay Thai event at Lumpinee earlier this year. The North Californian boxer trains out of Elk Grove Muay Thai. The sparring was a great moment for her to learn.

“I learned feints into crosses and sweeps.”

Following Saenchai was Duangdawnoi. The multiple time champion taught effective sweeps. Her Muay Fimeu style was an eye opener for students. She incorporated classic Muay Boran techniques. She caught leg then spiked it with an elbow.

Following Duangdawnoi was the boxing computer, Yodsanklai Fairtex. The Southpaw athlete taught basic rhythm. He is a stadium and international champion. Yodsanklai used basic principles to advance his career to soaring heights.

Everything in sports has rhythm because If you don’t have rhythm everything is not good. “Rhythm is important,” Yodsanklai said.

Greg Grzesiak from Pure Muay Thai got to experience Yodsanklai’s rhythm live. He sparred with the southpaw legend.

“This is a once a lifetime event. It was the first time happening in the USA. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’m a huge fan of Duangdawnoi, Yodsanklai, Buakaw, and Saenchai,” he said.

Grzesiak flew from Chicago to Los Angeles for the event. He promotes the sport with seminars at his gym. He’s soon to host Karuhat Supawan in November.

The attendees for the event were diverse. They included new enthusiasts, seasoned athletes, and gym owners.

Several gym owners from the area were recognized by the Sports Authority Of Thailand. The SAT is the governing body for the sport. they issued certifications for credentialed Muay Thai gyms. Approved facilities include Boxing Works, The Yard, Left Hand Muay Thai, Sityodtong LA, Thai Boxing Institutre and others.

Criteria include ha clear goal, management, a boxing ring, and more. Those licensed gain access to the SAT’s qualified group of Muay Thai instructors. They can have promotional booths during cultural fairs organized by the Thai Embassy

It is all part of the SAT’s program to certify established Muay Thai gyms around the world.

The day ended with local fights. Major League Muay Thai hosted 11 bouts of action. Several athletes won regional and national belts.

The day of activity is part of a Thai governmental program. The Thai government knows that combat sports can unite nationalities. The Thai government is pushing forward the masterclass seminars as part of the “soft power” initiatives. These programs use culture to grow awareness of the sport and of the beauty of Thailand.

The Masterclass Seminar continues with its next stop in France on October 5th.

Limited Tickets Left Here