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 sport w...
Jun 27, 2025•17 min
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 th...
Jun 20, 2025•57 min
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 bring s...
Jun 13, 2025•15 min
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 nex...
Jun 06, 2025•26 min
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 Thailand The 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...
May 30, 2025•47 min
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 growing ...
May 23, 2025•22 min
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 School Big Move Alert – The new Ventura academy location at 2424 East Main Street is u...
May 09, 2025•24 min
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 st...
Apr 25, 2025•28 min
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 discoverin...
Apr 18, 2025•50 min
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 withou...
Apr 12, 2025•56 min
In Episode 190 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu visits the stunning Marrok Gym in Bangkok, Thailand, for a powerful in-person conversation with co-owners Mimm and Golf , alongside special guest Josh Soliva . This episode dives deep into how Marrok is reshaping the Muay Thai and MMA landscape in Thailand—focusing on fighter empowerment, fair contracts, and long-term athlete development . Jonathan explores: 🥊 How Marrok Gym was founded to give fighters fair treatment and freedom from e...
Apr 04, 2025•32 min
In Episode 189 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu exposes the harsh realities and hidden truths about fighting in Thailand—things most fighters never hear before stepping into the ring. If you’ve ever dreamed of fighting in the birthplace of Muay Thai, this episode is a must-listen to understand what you’re really signing up for. 💭 The Fantasy vs. Reality of Fighting in Thailand: The romanticized vision of training at an authentic gym, fighting in world-famous stadiums, and earning res...
Mar 21, 2025•16 min
In Episode 188 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu dives deep into the harsh reality of why most Muay Thai fighters struggle financially —and more importantly, how they can change that. Despite being one of the toughest and most respected combat sports, Muay Thai fighters often earn little to nothing , even at high levels. But does it have to be this way? Jonathan, with over 18 years in the industry as a fighter, coach, gym owner, and ring official, breaks down: 💰 The harsh truth about ...
Mar 14, 2025•18 min
In Episode 186 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu breaks down the flawed ranking system in Muay Thai and why it continues to be a challenge for fighters, promotions, and organizations worldwide. Unlike MMA and boxing, where structured ranking systems dictate title contention, Muay Thai still lacks a standardized, universally recognized system —and that’s holding the sport back. Jonathan dives into: 🥊 The difference between promotional titles vs. legitimate sanctioning bodies 🏆 Why the...
Feb 28, 2025•17 min
In Episode 186 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a successful Muay Thai gym in 2025. Whether you’re an aspiring gym owner, a coach, or a dedicated student, this episode will give you a raw, unfiltered look at the business side of Muay Thai—beyond just training fighters and hosting events. Jonathan shares his insights from over 18 years in the industry, discussing: ✅ Why treating your gym as a business is essential for survival. ✅ Th...
Feb 21, 2025•26 min
Muay Thai is evolving—but is it for the better? In this episode, Jonathan Pu’u breaks down one of the most heated debates in the sport: Are foreigners helping Muay Thai grow, or are they diluting its authenticity? As more Western fighters, gyms, and trainers flood Thailand , we’re seeing major shifts in how Muay Thai is practiced, promoted, and taught. Some argue that this globalization is bringing more money, exposure, and opportunities to the sport. Others believe that Muay Thai is being over-...
Feb 07, 2025•16 min
In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast , we sit down with Tim from Sack Life to explore how Muay Thai and martial arts can be powerful tools for mental health . Tim shares his deeply personal journey—from battling clinical depression to discovering how training on a heavy bag helped him reclaim his life. Today, he travels the country in a 1977 Volkswagen bus , bringing free martial arts training for mental health to communities everywhere. 💭 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How Muay...
Jan 31, 2025•33 min
In Episode 183 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu reflects on the opportunities a new year brings and encourages listeners to make 2025 the year they finally begin their Muay Thai journey. Recorded at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for beginners looking to take their first steps into the "Art of Eight Limbs." Jonathan addresses common fears like not being fit enough, looking silly, or holding others back, and shares why Muay ...
Jan 17, 2025•17 min
In Episode 182 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu dives deep into the question many fight fans are asking: Why aren't more Muay Thai fighters competing in the UFC? Broadcasting from Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, Jonathan breaks down the cultural, historical, and practical barriers that have kept high-level Muay Thai fighters from transitioning to mixed martial arts and entering the global stage of the UFC. Topics include: The cultural significance of Muay Thai in Thailand and why it's...
Jan 10, 2025•26 min
In Episode 181 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, join host Jonathan Puu as he reflects on an incredible year filled with growth, challenges, and exciting milestones. Broadcasting from Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, this gratitude-filled episode reviews the highlights from the past year, including unforgettable podcast conversations, impactful events, and the thriving community that has made it all possible. We revisit key episodes, like exploring Muay Thai in Thailand, comparing RWS vs. ONE Champi...
Dec 13, 2024•26 min
In Episode 179 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, recorded at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, we tackle the big question every Muay Thai enthusiast dreams of: "What gym should I train at in Thailand?" With countless gyms to choose from, finding the right one can feel overwhelming—but I’m here to guide you through it! Drawing from my own experiences training in Thailand, I’ll break down key factors to consider, including the location, training goals, gym reputation, and more. Whether you’re looking f...
Nov 29, 2024•36 min
In Episode 178 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, recorded at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, we dive into the heated clash between Karate Combat and ONE Championship. Breaking news surrounds Karate Combat president Asim Zaidi, who has publicly challenged ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong, fueling a dramatic rivalry between these two combat sports organizations. We also explore an unexpected twist as a fighter recently claimed he hasn’t been paid for his Karate Combat fight in Salt Lake City la...
Nov 15, 2024•27 min
In Episode 177 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast titled "Evolution Of The Ultimate Fighter," Jonathan Puu sits down with Mark Beecher, former multi-sport pro fighter turned high-level striking coach, joining via Zoom from Houston, Texas. Mark, known as one of the top striking coaches with a low-key reputation, shares his journey in MMA and Muay Thai, recounting how he got started and his experiences training UFC legends like Forrest Griffin and Matt Brown. Jonathan and Mark reflect on their history ...
Nov 08, 2024•55 min
In Episode 176 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast titled "Highlighting Muay Thai In The UFC," Jonathan welcomes former multi-sport professional fighter Chris Culley for his first appearance on the show, joining via Zoom from Los Angeles. Jonathan and Chris share their unique history, having met across the cage when Jonathan was cornering against Chris in a championship MMA fight. The conversation dives into critical topics in the fight community, from authentic fighter development and the issue of re...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 5 min
In Episode 175 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast titled "Traveling & Fighting Muay Thai," we connect with professional fighter Ricardo Mixco via Zoom from Maryland for his first appearance on the show! Ricardo and Jonathan reminisce about meeting at the 2015 WKA World Championships in Benidorm, Spain, and discuss Ricardo’s experience fighting for Lion Fight, a former leading Muay Thai promotion in the USA. We explore Ricardo’s journey overcoming setbacks from COVID-19 as a pro fighter, his train...
Oct 29, 2024•46 min
In Episode 174 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast titled "Exploring Chonburi Muay Thai," we welcome Bruce Panyapol, owner of Chonburi Muay Thai, for his first appearance on the show! Bruce shares his incredible journey growing up in Chonburi, Thailand, and how his unique training setup, living next to a Muay Thai camp, shaped his early experiences. After immigrating to the U.S., joining the Army, and serving multiple tours, Bruce found his way to Nashville, Tennessee. Now living the American dream, B...
Oct 18, 2024•43 min
In Episode 173 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast titled "Became a Digital Nomad in Thailand for Muay Thai," we sit down with James Nichol, a professional Muay Thai fighter and nutrition coach, joining us via Zoom from Chiang Mai, Thailand. In his podcast debut, James shares his journey from first visiting Thailand to becoming a digital nomad through his nutritional coaching education to support his fight career. We dive into his recent debut at Rajadamnern Stadium in the Knockout Series and discuss ...
Oct 11, 2024•39 min
In episode 172 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, titled "Gave Up Everything To Train Muay Thai In Thailand," we reconnect with Valentin Kocher-Benzig via Zoom from Thailand! Valentin, who has been chasing his Muay Thai dream, shares updates on his new position at a Muay Thai gym in Thailand and the growth of Muay Thai in the country. We dive deep into overcoming injuries and adversity in pursuit of this passion and how the Muay Thai scene has evolved. Plus, we discuss the exciting rivalry between R...
Oct 04, 2024•38 min
In this special in-person episode of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, recorded at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, AZ, we welcome Kikin Ucelo from Ucelo Martial Arts. We dive deep into the differences and similarities between Karate and Muay Thai, comparing the styles, techniques, and philosophies that shape both martial arts. Kikin shares his journey of turning his passion into a career and how a broken-down car in Phoenix led him to open his martial arts school. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on ch...
Sep 28, 2024•58 min
Sponsored by: http://www.PMTLIFESTYLE.COM Optimize Your Training With: ONNIT Supplements : https://bit.ly/pmt-onnit -- In this episode, recorded via Zoom from Teep Studios in Scottsdale, Arizona, Jonathan Puu is joined by Ryan Ughoc, coming to us from Santa Barbara, California. Ryan is one of the promoters for our upcoming Muay Thai event at Ventura High School on October 20th, 2024, and together, we’re excited to bring this to our community in Ventura, Jonathan’s hometown and one of the high sc...
Sep 25, 2024•32 min
