New to Muay Thai? Start Here

If you're looking into starting Muay Thai in San Diego but want a little more clarity about what to expect, this page will answer most of the questions people have before they start.

Am I too old? Do I need to be fit? Will I get hit? Will I fit in? What actually happens in class?

If what you read resonates, come train.

Who This Class Is For

You don't need experience, to be fit, or to know anything about Muay Thai (yet).

What matters is you actually want to learn. You pay attention, take feedback, and respect the people around you. You want quality coaching in a mature environment, not egos and generic circuits to kill time. Whether you're starting from zero or have competition in mind, you want training that's efficient, technical, and moves you forward.

If that sounds like you, keep reading.

Am I Too Old?

Today you are the oldest you’ve ever been. You’ll always feel your oldest from that perspective. Your future self doesn't exist yet to look back and show you how (relatively) young you actually are right now.

The main thing isn't your age, it's whether you're able and capable to train. If you are, in any capacity, you're not too old to get the benefits from Muay Thai. We have kids and teens to adults their mid fifties training, and I’ve even had 60’s in the past. Most started with zero experience. Don't overthink too much. Test it out, move your body, then make up your mind afterwards if you can do it.

"I'm 45 and was a little intimidated at first. Since day one he has made me feel comfortable." — David Leddick

Do I Need To Be Fit First?

No. Most people who start aren't fit — and whoever you are, someone less fit than you has already walked through this door.

I've had people who hadn't exercised in their lives go from zero to Muay Thai, and do well! I even had one guy come in so severely underweight his bones were too soft to hit the bags for the first six weeks. Within eight months he'd put on 10lbs of muscle, was training eight sessions a week, and had booked his first fight. Not many people are going to walk in looking like that and be ready to compete within a year.

Skill work comes first. Fitness follows gradually as a byproduct of learning something you actually enjoy. Don't think about fitness — just show up and enjoy the process.

"I was very nervous walking into the gym, but my nerves were quickly calmed by Ronnie. For the first time I was honest with a trainer when I said I really enjoyed it and I was excited to come back — I don't feel like it's something I have to do. I can't wait to." — Christopher Aaron, 45

What Should I Bring?

No need for gear at first. T-shirt and shorts.

After a few weeks, once you've decided this is for you: shin pads, gloves, hand wraps, and a mouth guard. I can recomend best brands when the time comes.

How Often Should I Train?

Twice a week is a good minimum for steady progress. Once a week works as a side hobby — you'll still learn, just more slowly. As your conditioning builds and your body wants more, add a third day, then a fourth. Some people work up to five days a week.

Start with twice. Build from there.

Will I Spar?

Yes, but not the way you're imagining.

You won't be thrown into freestyle sparring. I build it up gradually, starting with structured drills and modified sparring that looks more like a controlled game than a fight. Low risk, specific constraints, manageable from day one. As you improve, the constraints open up. When you're controlled enough not to be a risk to yourself or your partners, you can full spar.

It happens faster than most people expect. Once your brain has a map of the basics and you trust the people around you, you can handle a lot more than you think right now.

What Happens In Class?

I don't usually pre-plan classes, I read the room on the day. That said, I follow a consistent structure: roughly 45 minutes of teaching, then application, then conditioning or mobility.

The first half is deliberate. I teach, explain, drill, explore, correct. This is the “thinking” part of class.

The second half, we think less and feel more; sparring, clinching, bag work. I watch everything. My job is to keep you in that sweet spot: challenged enough to grow, not so overwhelmed you shut down, and not bored where you zone out.

I choose the training partners. And I teach everyone how to be a valuable partner, not just how to receive coaching, but how to give it. That benefits everyone, regardless of experience level.

Will I Fit In?

I hope so! But there's only one way to find out.

We have men and women aged 17 to 56 training in small groups. Most started from zero. If someone looks experienced, they didn't walk in that way.

The culture here is humble, focused, and mature. No egos, and if one shows up, I deal with it. Beginners are helped, encouraged, and looked after. More experienced students are expected to do the same for those coming up behind them.

Sometimes people don't click, and that's normal. The only way to know is to come in and see for yourself.

How Much Does It Cost?

$300 per month. No joining fee, no contract, no first-and-last payment.

A lot of gyms advertise a low monthly rate and make it up on the back end — joining fees, 6 or 12-month contracts, admin charges. I don't do any of that. You can cancel anytime. I don't want anyone here who doesn't want to be here.

Prefer to start privately? The Beginner Program is a structured one-on-one introduction to Muay Thai, while Private Training is available for students who want individual coaching, faster progress, or fighter preparation.

Where Are We Located?

8 Tribe Muay Thai is located inside Self Made Training Facility in San Diego.

Students regularly train with us from Point Loma, Liberty Station, Ocean Beach, Bay Park, Mission Hills, Downtown San Diego, Pacific Beach, Clairemont, and surrounding areas.

If you're looking for beginner Muay Thai classes in San Diego, we're easy to access from most central coastal neighborhoods.

How Do I Get Started?

Send me your details using the form below. I'll get back to you, we'll find a day that works, and I'll plan for your arrival.

When you get to Self Made Training Facility, walk straight inside to the ring. There's no reception, it's one big open gym, you won't miss it. Arrive five to ten minutes early on your first day. I'll be there. Introduce yourself and I'll take it from there.

Classes are Monday to Friday 5:30pm-7pm

If this sounds like what you've been looking for, here's the first step. Fill out the form below.