Puu Muay Thai Podcast

coach, and the promoter behind the US Muay Thai Open , to break down how Muay Thai competition is evolving in the United States. Thiago shares behind-the-scenes insight into what it really takes to run large-scale Muay Thai tournaments, develop athletes safely, and build sustainable fight teams. The conversation covers: How the US Muay Thai Open has grown into one of the largest tournaments in the...

In this episode we have Paul Reavlin of Revgear with us via Zoom! Paul is a long-time name in the sport of Muay Thai here in the USA with being a title sponsor for major tournaments, equipment manufacturing and sponsoring fighters. We discuss how Revgear had it's beginning with Paul selling equipment out of the back of his car up through what he has seen in trends in martial arts as well as w...

Episode 219 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast brings you a full instructor roundtable with Kru Edward Gonzalez , Chief Instructor at Pu’u Muay Thai Ventura, and Coach Vincent “Vinnie” Chew , one of the academy’s assistant instructors and front-desk leaders. In this episode, Jonathan, Kru Ed, and Vinnie dive deep into what really happens on the mats at Pu’u Muay Thai. They break down: Why promotions ma...

In Episode 218 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu sits down with assistant instructor and rising competitor Vincent “Vinnie” Chew of Pu’u Muay Thai Ventura. Vinnie shares his journey from growing up in a family of coaches to discovering Muay Thai, transitioning from student to coach, and balancing competition with teaching beginners and kids. This episode dives deep into:  • How coaching...

If you’ve ever wondered why so many adults turn to Muay Thai to manage stress, build confidence, and find community, this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast dives deep into it. Host Jonathan Puu sits down with Kru Ed (Edward Go) — Program Director and Chief Instructor at Pu’u Muay Thai Ventura — to talk about how training Muay Thai helps adults over 30, 40, and 50 reset their minds, build stren...

You’ve been training Muay Thai for months—maybe even a year or two—and it feels like you’re stuck. You’re showing up, putting in the work, but your progress has slowed down. In this episode, Jonathan Puu , host of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast , breaks down why that feeling happens and how to push through it. This episode explores the Dunning-Kruger effect —why your awareness may be growing faster th...

If you’re over 35 and thinking about starting Muay Thai, you don’t need a closet full of gear — you just need the right equipment. In this episode of the Puʻu Muay Thai Podcast , Jonathan Puu breaks down the must-have gear for beginners and adults returning to training after years away. From gloves and shin guards to mouth guards and Muay Thai shorts, Jonathan explains what you actually need to tr...

ver wonder why Muay Thai fighters always wear shorts and not MMA leggings or gym gear? It’s not about fashion—it’s about identity and respect . In this episode, Jonathan Puu , founder of Pu’u Muay Thai , breaks down the real reason Muay Thai shorts are so important in the West, and why every student should understand the meaning behind the uniform. From cultural roots in Thailand to building legit...

In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast , host Jonathan Puu tackles one of the most controversial topics in the Muay Thai world: Semi-Contact Muay Thai . He breaks down what Semi-Contact events actually do right , how they can support grassroots growth , and why they’re not the magic bullet to making Muay Thai mainstream in the U.S. Drawing on his experience running the Eat Sleep Teep Semi-C...

In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast , Jonathan sits down with Eric Adams , owner and head coach of Teep City Muay Thai in Parker, Colorado — and a proud Pu’u Muay Thai Licensee . Eric shares his full journey from working at Pu’u Muay Thai Ventura during the pandemic to launching his own Muay Thai academy in Colorado. He opens up about the struggles of finding a space, dealing with landlo...

Thinking about searching “Muay Thai near me”? Before you walk into your first academy, there are a few key things you should know that could save you time, money, and even injuries. In this episode, Jonathan Puu breaks down:  ✅ What to look for when you step into a Muay Thai gym for the first time  ✅ Why environment and community matter more than you think  ✅ How your very first class should be...

Looking for a Muay Thai event near me? The EAT SLEEP TEEP Semi Contact Muay Thai Series is coming to Nashville, Tennessee on October 12th, 2025 at the Nashville Fairgrounds! This Muay Thai event is the perfect way for beginners, kids, teens, and adults to experience competition in a safe, semi-contact format. Unlike full-contact fights, the focus is on technique, skill, and control—making it the b...

In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast , we highlight exclusive segments from our Whatnot livestreams , showcasing how we’re growing the Muay Thai community both in Ventura and worldwide. First, we sit down with Coach Vinny Chew of Pu’u Muay Thai Ventura. Vinny shares his journey from being one of our first front desk staff to stepping into the ring, his current coaching role with kids and...

Thinking you’re too old to start Muay Thai? Think again. In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Chief Instructor Kru Ed from Ventura shares why people in their 40s and 50s are some of the BEST candidates to train. Discover how Muay Thai improves balance, reduces stress from busy careers, and builds lasting confidence. Whether you’re a doctor, lawyer, parent, or professional in Ventura, thi...

In this episode, Jonathan Puu sits down with Ognjen Topić (@topicfight), one of the most respected Muay Thai fighters to ever come out of the United States. Recorded during his visit to Ventura for a seminar, Ognjen shares his journey from graphic designer in New Jersey to Omnoi Stadium Champion in Bangkok, Thailand . We cover: His breakout fight against Neungsiam from Fairtex and why it was a tur...

Ever wondered which gloves ONE Championship fighters actually use and why they’re different from other Muay Thai gloves? In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast , we break down the exact gear used in ONE Championship, why it matters for safety and performance, and how it compares to traditional Muay Thai gloves. We’ll cover: The official gloves used in ONE Championship Muay Thai bouts How gl...

Should elbows to the back of the head be legal in Muay Thai? In Thailand, some stadiums say YES—while in the West, it’s a clear NO. In this episode, Jonathan Puu, an experienced referee and coach, unpacks the history, dangers, and rule variations behind this strike. Inside this episode: The origins of “rabbit punches” and why they’re dangerous 12-to-6 elbows: from MMA ban to legalization How Thai...

In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu breaks down the gloves you should NEVER use for sparring —and why they’re putting you and your training partners at risk. From low-density foam to dangerous plastic reinforcements, we go deep on what makes a glove good or garbage. Jonathan shares his professional experience as a fighter, coach of national champions, and ring official for...

This week on the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast (Episode 203), Jonathan sits down with Glory Munoz, Program Director at Pu’u Muay Thai Ventura and one of the academy’s first-ever hires. Glory shares her story of starting as a beginner student, rising through the ranks, and stepping into a leadership role where she now helps guide others through their Muay Thai journey. From managing classes and events to...

Starting Muay Thai can be overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Jonathan Puu breaks down the real challenges beginners face and how to overcome them. Learn why consistency beats talent, how to train through injuries, and what to do when motivation disappears. Don’t miss updates on our Muay Thai training camp in Thailand, upcoming events, and how to become a certified Muay Thai...

In Episode 201 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, host Jonathan Puu unpacks breaking news around a controversial Muay Thai youth tournament in Italy that’s sparked global concern, with accusations of illegal full-contact bouts and Olympic ambitions being questioned. He also covers the latest on ONE Championship’s Muay Thai rule changes, WBC Muay Thai's fiery response, and the upcoming SIAM Standa...

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 hon...

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 Am...

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...

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...