Welcome to the World Muay Thai League.

  We are an association of Coaches, School owners, Competitors and Students. We all share a passion; we are devotees to the undisputed King of Martial Arts, Muay Thai!

  Our goal is to ensure the advancement and recognition of Muay Thai throughout the United States, Europe, South America and Worldwide.

  In order to do this we first should identify the Challenges we face and then, in the spirit of a true warrior, and with persistence and teamwork; work at developing long-lasting practical solutions.

  If you share our passion; read on and learn how our focus will shape the future of Muay Thai.

  We welcome you to join our community (membership is free)

 

The Problems:  Students perspective

• Displaced practitioners. Countless numbers of Muay Thai students/potential competitors have no instructor or access to a 'true' Muay Thai instructor. They would love to improve; further their education, develop their skills but unfortunately their options to do so are almost non-existent. Often, The instruction many students do find is so inadequate that their enthusiasm is drained and they give up their pursuit of this fabulous Martial Art and Sport.
• It has been estimated that only 1 of every 100 new Muay Thai students will still be actively training 3 months later!) This is unacceptable! Imagine if only 1 of 100 soccer players continued to participate? Or baseball? Wrestling? No sport can grow with this abysmal failure rate. We MUST remedy this situation immediately for Muay Thai to grow as a widely acceptable and respectable sport! (WE'VE REVERSED THIS TREND IN OUR SCHOOLS!)
• A lack of quality multi-leveled competitions and high level coaching. Student who compete face a myriad of problems: Finding a 'fair' match, hoping they receive qualified and competent judging and refereeing, getting the time off for training and travel, affording the travel, and IF all of these situations can be remedied, often the competitor does not have a coach who can help him reach his potential. Clearly this leaves a new competitor at a huge disadvantage and will probably leave him with a negative (and possibly dangerous) experience.
• Perception of general public. Even many long-term committed students do not understand the depth of their own Art. Often they have only learned small aspects of the art. When students discover the Art in its entirety they start to respect and appreciate the traditions and uniqueness inherent. They will grow to appreciate the grace, athleticism, and commitment of the athletes involved. Slowly, the public will realize that Muay Thai is not just the 'stand-up' part of Martial Arts but is a FULL and complete Martial Art and Sport of it's own.

These are the more obvious problems we often hear about:

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Instructors/School owners Perspective

• Most Instructors, if honest with themselves, have no idea how to keep their students active, progressing, and enjoying their training. Often they are one step from closing down! These instructors, even if they are the BEST fighters, have no idea how to transfer and share that ability and information in an educational, supportive, and inspirational manner that benefits their students.

• A lack of business acumen. There is thousands of Karate schools and very few Muay Thai schools! For a Reason. Our Sport does not lend itself to the strip-mall karate school approach. Many well meaning Instructors have left their students with no coach/gym after suffering bankruptcy trying to follow the Karate school model! Our Art is unique - so must be our approach to running a successful business. To be effective school owners need help in this area from those who are experienced and knowledgeable.

• Many instructors are scared of competition. Often this is because they are not confident in their ability to properly prepare a student for tough competition. These instructors need to pursue advanced training for themselves so they may pass on the skills necessary to fully develop the potential of their students.

 

Let me introduce myself. I'm Ray Sarkine, President of the World Muay Thai League. I'm also a school owner who has been teaching in Indianapolis, Indiana over the last 25 years. I'm a lifelong Martial Artist who, Thanks to a loving and supportive Father, started training at the age of 5. I'm now teaching the children of people who trained in my program as kids.

I founded the Indianapolis Martial Arts Club and serve as the Chief Instructor. Our school is considered by many to be the oldest, largest and most successful Muay Thai School in the United States. I've trained and coached several North-American and World Muay Thai Champions. I taught the very first Muay Thai accredited college course at a top 10 university.

• Instructor support...I want to see our sport grow! I will help in every way I can. First, trying to help instructors become their very best in every possible way. Good instructors make good students! Good students stay with their training and eventually become even better Instructors!

• Student support...we will try and match potential students up with qualified and graded instructors in their area. We will also recommend competition venues that we feel are doing a quality job of representing not only top-notch competition but safety and a multi-level approach.

 

I have traveled throughout the United States and been privileged to meet some of the best people involved in Thai Boxing. Being welcomed by them I have in turn invited many to my School here in Indianapolis. I hope to soon expand my travels outside of the United States! If you need help and are dedicated to our Art, please join our community and enjoy knowing...we have your back!

Ray Sarkine

All respectful and Positive emails answered asap.

 

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