The art of eight limbs
Muay Thai
Get fit, learn to strike and train with a supportive team. Muay Thai classes for adults, juniors and competitors at both of our gyms.
What is Muay Thai?
Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, known as “the art of eight limbs” because it uses fists, elbows, knees and shins. It’s a full-body workout and a highly effective striking art, rooted in respect, humility, self-control and compassion.
At The M A Connection you’ll learn the fundamentals properly: stance, footwork, punches, kicks, knees and elbows, with plenty of pad work. Nobody needs to be fit, flexible or coordinated to start. That all comes with training.
Adult programs
Adult classes are for ages 16 and up. Fundamentals classes teach the basics step by step, and All Levels classes suit everyone from beginners to experienced students. Intermediate classes and the invitation-only Fighters program suit experienced students and competitors.
The Fighters program
Not everyone wants to fight, and nobody has to. But if you do, there is a clear path here.
The Fighters class is invitation only. You are not asked to put your hand up for it: you train in the regular Fundamentals, All Levels and Intermediate classes, and when the coaches think you are ready, they will tell you. That means ready technically, ready physically and ready in the head, which is not the same thing as being keen.
Fighters train under James Richardson and Tristan Picton, both of whom have competed themselves. Sessions are harder, more specific and built around preparing for a particular opponent on a particular night: conditioning, clinch work, sparring and fight-week planning.
If competing is what brought you here, say so at your first class. It changes nothing about how you start, but the coaches will know to watch.
Junior Muay Thai
Our junior classes are for ages 5 to 15 and blend traditional techniques with modern coaching methods. There is also an invitation-only Junior Comp group for those who want to compete. They build fitness, confidence and self-discipline in a safe, positive environment. See our kids martial arts page.
Your coaches
Muay Thai at our Stratford gym is coached by James Richardson and Tristan Picton, with Jeska Maunder coaching our junior classes.
Classes & levels
Find the right class
Fundamentals
Ages 16+ · No experience needed
Stance, footwork, basic strikes and pad work. No experience needed, and nothing to buy before you start: there are gloves at the gym you can borrow while you find your feet.
Intermediate & Fighters
Ages 16+ · Fighters is invitation only
Intermediate is open to experienced students. The Fighters class is **invitation only** and is for competitors who meet the club's requirements.
Junior Muay Thai
Ages 5–16 · Cubs, Lions and Teens groups
Traditional technique with modern coaching, in age-appropriate groups: Cubs 5–7, Lions 8–12 and Teens 13–16.
Gear
What to bring
Available at the gym
- Boxing gloves
- Shin guards
- Hand wraps
- Muay Thai shorts
- Mouth guards
- Groin guards
- Elbow guards
- Training shirts
There are gloves at the gym you can borrow while you are starting out, but we would rather you had your own: they fit better, they last, and nobody enjoys someone else's sweat. Ask at the front desk.
Your coaches
Meet the coaches
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Jeska Maunder
Owner & Junior Muay Thai Coach
Co-founder and BJJ brown belt. Jeska holds a Graduate Diploma of Education, has taught for more than 18 years from kindergarten to adults, and is the first point of contact for member enquiries.
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James Richardson
Muay Thai Coach
Coaches adult Muay Thai classes, building technique and fight-ready skills.
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Tristan Picton
Muay Thai Coach
Tristan coaches Muay Thai at our Stratford gym, including the Intermediate classes.
Good to know
Questions, answered
What do I need for my first class?
Comfortable activewear and a water bottle. That is genuinely it: we keep gloves at the gym you can borrow to get started, so there is nothing to buy before you walk in. Once you are training regularly you will want your own pair. Shared gloves are exactly as unpleasant as they sound, your own will fit properly, and a decent pair lasts years. We sell gloves and wraps at the gym when you are ready.
Do I need to be fit to start?
No. Fitness, flexibility and coordination all develop naturally as you train.
Can I compete in Muay Thai?
Yes. Start in the regular classes and talk to one of the Muay Thai coaches about it. The Fighters class is invitation only: the coaches will invite you when they think you are ready.
Can I book a private lesson?
Yes, one-on-one and two-on-one private sessions are available, and you can book one online. See our [private lessons page](/private-lessons/).
No experience needed
Ready to start?
No experience needed, at either gym. Four weeks to find your feet: the first two completely free, then two more at the intro rate, and your membership carries on from there unless you tell us otherwise. Pick your gym below and you can start online in a couple of minutes.