On Pushing Boundaries And Muay Thai In Phuket With Sumalee Boxing Gym Owner Lynne Miller

 

 

In Thailand it is very easy to be seduced by the apparent freedom here.  Falling into this trap has smashed the dreams of many aspirant young fighters.  It’s hard to resist but to do so is the only path to success.

-Lynne Miller

 

Sumalee Boxing Gym owner and Managing Director Dr. Lynne Miller is one of a small number of foreigners who have been able to build a successful Muay Thai gym in Thailand amongst  thousands of Thai gyms.  She has been able to accomplish this feat within three years. Based out of Phuket, Lynne took time out of her schedule to give us an in-depth look into Muay Thai in Phuket; being a business owner in Thailand; and details on how to become a sponsored fighter for Sumalee Boxing Gym. In addition, she has shared her recommendations for foreigners who plan to train Muay Thai in Thailand.

 

There is a load of information here. Enjoy.

 

Please give us an overview of the current state of Muay Thai in Phuket.

 

The Muay Thai scene here in Phuket is constantly evolving and is generally very healthy.  As I foresaw when we first launched Sumalee, more and more gyms are opening.  However, many of these are small gyms which are not sustainable in the long run and/or built on fragile partnerships which are prone to breaking down.  New gyms appear as fast as older gyms disappear.

 

With time there has been an increasing segmentation between the gyms in terms of target customers.  This is good for everyone, especially the customer because it makes it easier to choose between gyms.

 

The growth in demand has also been reflected in an increase in both the number of stadiums hosting fight shows and promoters.   Like the gyms, these often come and go but in general, standards have been raised because of increased competition.

 

More than ever, newcomers to the market need to have sufficient resources behind them in order to survive as the sociopolitical changes affecting the whole of Thailand are having an impact.

 

Has the coup effected Muay Thai in the area?

 

The military coup has affected tourism generally throughout Thailand, together with a number of other stories that have hit the headlines in the last six months or so.  Potential newcomer tourists in particular are very wary of visiting a country under military rule.

 

Specifically, as far as the Muay Thai scene is concerned, the tightening up of visa requirements has had a dramatic negative impact as the number of people who are able to stay in the country on a long term basis.  This means that, unless they can get an Education Visa, there are fewer long term fighters around.

 

The global economic situation is another factor that has affected the Muay Thai scene, especially with regards to visitors from Russia.

 

 

My impression is that there is a lot of competition to maintain a gym / stay in business in Phuket. What has contributed to Sumalee’s success?

 

Whilst on the one hand there are now more gyms in Phuket and ergo more competition, as I mentioned earlier, there is also increasing market segmentation making it easier to become established, providing you have an appealing proposition.

 

Sumalee Boxing Gym sets its standards high and has the resources and expertise to achieve this.  We have managed to build an excellent team of very talented and loyal staff and fighters.  Whilst we are very keen to be seen as a serious Muay Thai gym, we have been able to expand the appeal of the sport through our specific offer which recognizes it’s all about the customer and not about us.

 

In marketing terms, our offer has great appeal to the segment known as Generation Y or Millennials (born between 1978 and 2000).  They grew up in a culturally diverse environment, are tech-savvy, enthusiastic, self-oriented, confident, well networked and achievement-oriented.  They are always seeking new challenges and Muay Thai fits the bill.

 

Our location helps us to a large extent too as we are well away from the “push and shove” or the more touristy areas of Phuket.  Many people come and train with us because they don’t want the distractions found in more touristy areas.

 

We have been very successful in forging partnerships with businesses and promoters.

 

We are the only gym in Thailand sponsored by Sandee Thailand which has given us enormous coverage.

 

We are also sponsored by the fight clothing brand, Ultim8 based in Hong Kong.  We also have good links with promoters in the UK and elsewhere internationally.

 

Considering we are a new gym, we have been very generous with our sponsorship activities.  We fully sponsor a number of up and coming fighters and this brings us to the attention of their followers.  We sponsor some Muay Thai initiatives and shows in the UK, including the Sandee Junior Championships launched this year.  For the last three years we have run a scholarship program, which is run as a competition.

 

Our sponsored fighters have been very successful which of course raises our profile.  We had our first foreign fighter, Craig Dickson, fight at Lumpinee recently which is an achievement we are very proud of. Craig came to us about two and a half years ago as a virtual unknown.  Since then he has fought with the following well known fighters: Saenchai, Gingreedtong SeaTransferry, Mafia Dum, Pravit Aor  Piriyapinyo, Chalerm Khao, Dong Weng Fei, Mungkornpet Dragon, Hasrul Pogsamuang, Pet Ubon Kiat Thanachot, Bow Suweilek. Josh Mendosa and Yodsainklai Kiat Thanchot.

 

Finally, we are one of the forerunners when it comes to marketing, especially using social media. We are very strong on this and it is one of the reasons why we attract so many partners.

 

 

What have been the challenges of owning a Muay Thai gym in Thailand as a foreigner?

 

Many of the challenges of owning a Muay Thai gym are the same as owning any other business in Thailand, especially if you don’t read and write Thai.  My spoken Thai is now at intermediate level and I can communicate most things I need to.  However, it is difficult for me to access information and digest it because I do not read and write Thai.  Since most company law in Thailand is the same as the UK, my experience in my previous UK business stands me in good stead.  I am also blessed in that my daughter, who is a partner in the business, speaks fluent Thai and reads and writes Thai too.

 

The first obstacle in owning any business in Thailand is finding a Thai business partner.

 

In any country having a business partner is inherent with difficulties.  In Thailand these difficulties are magnified many fold because of extreme cultural differences regarding business philosophy. It has taken me some time to find the right business partners but I now have two Thais with whom I feel accord.

 

As a foreigner in Thailand one is not eligible for any bank loan or other line of credit, unless exorbitant rates of interest are paid.  This means that the financial management of the business must be prudent, otherwise progress is not be possible.

 

Accessing appropriate expertise to assist with more complex tasks especially in the IT field is a challenge and often we have to rely on overseas suppliers to do this work for us.

 

As we are foreigners here it is very important for us to follow rules and regulations, particularly with regard to employment of foreign staff and payment of taxes.  These are costs not incurred by many Thai businesses.

 

 

The biggest challenge, regardless of which business you are in, is the completely different cultural attitude regarding business philosophy and work ethic.  This can be very, very frustrating and you have to be prepared to adapt.  It has taken us some time to get together the right team in order for us to provide the standard of training and service we want.  We feel we have got it right at the moment and are really very happy with the current team.  This is reflected in our results, with the vast majority of fighters winning their bouts.

 

Of course as far as Muay Thai specifically is concerned, the challenges are enormous.  When it comes to dealing with Muay Thai related issues in Thailand, I rely on my head trainer to do this and I trust him to do so.  As a foreigner, there are many advantages too because we are able to make more robust connections with overseas promoters and Muay Thai related businesses because of our cultural connection.  This means that the scope of what we offer is wide.

 

A significant difference between a gym like ours and a more traditional Muay Thai gym is how we bring money into the business.  A Thai gym will obtain the greatest proportion of its profits through the fighting agenda.  This has a significant impact on where their resources are directed.  In our case, our income is primarily generated from our foreign customers and ensuring their needs are met is our paramount concern.

 

In general though I would say that the wider Muay Thai community, especially in Phuket, has welcomed us with open arms.  They know my track record and they know I can make a contribution to the overall Muay Thai community by bringing new people into the sport, supporting fighters and providing talent for the numerous promotions that take place in Phuket and elsewhere.

 

Do you feel that being a female gym owner has impacted what you are trying to achieve as a business owner in Thailand?

 

Both not coming from a “fighting” background and being a female means many people find it difficult to take seriously what I am trying to achieve.  Fortunately I do not rely on others to define me!  Concerning the former, I believe that my particular background (in business and marketing) has given us a unique selling proposition not found in most other gyms.

 

As far as being a female is concerned, readers must understand that behind the frivolity found in bars and tourist areas, Thailand is a deeply conservative society. Most of all it is a very sexist society.   Females are not held in high regard, especially when it comes to business.  In the Muay Thai world of course such prejudices are rampant.  There are a few promoters and gym owners in Phuket who have never even acknowledged me, let alone developed any kind of understanding.  I avoid these people and work with the ones who are prepared to be open and put aside their prejudices.  I know that the training we offer is excellent, especially at this time, and that we produce great fighters who make a very positive contribution to shows.  Those who wish to work with us can benefit from this and those who don’t are missing out.

 

 

I first learned about Sumalee Boxing Gym via a post that I believe either you, or a representative of the gym, left on the now defunct Muay Ying Forum I used to run a few years ago. 

In it, it was expressed that Sumalee offers a safe and equal environment for women to train Muay Thai. Additionally, your website stresses that Sumalee offers an environment where all students are treated equally.  I’ve been in gym environments in Thailand where I’ve felt that my gender definitely effected my treatment adversely. If not in the gym’s overall culture, through the actions of specific individuals (trainers and fighters). Please expand on Sumalee’s commitment to providing a safe and equal training environment.

 

I know what happens in many gyms and I know how females can be treated.  Pure and simply, this is not allowed at Sumalee Boxing Gym.  As I said previously, it has taken me some time to get a team I am happy with but at the moment I am very comfortable with the trainers I have working with me.

 

Trainers work to a code of conduct and this means they must treat all customers with respect, regardless of their gender.

 

They are discouraged from getting into relationships with customers and they are not allowed to visit their rooms.  Unless it is a social occasion, drinking in the gym area is not allowed.  Any trainer found to be involved with drugs is asked to leave.  Trainers are not allowed to borrow money from customers.

 

The current team wholeheartedly subscribe to these values.  In return, I make sure their conditions of employment and living are good and I support them wherever I can.

 

How do you cater to the tourist market in addition to serious fighters, including those who are there long-term?

 

I am not sure what you mean by tourist in this context.  Our gym is not in a touristy area.  Therefore, the vast proportion of people who train with us are serious about their training/fitness.   Of course they are not all experienced in Muay Thai but they are usually committed to the goal of doing the best they can. Serious Muay Thai is at the core of our business and always will be.

 

Our sponsored and visiting fighters always take priority with regard to the training and planning of this side of the business.  Nevertheless, the trainers are very skilled at ensuring that the gym atmosphere is not intimidating and are very adept at making sure everyone gets the right level of training to suit them.

 

 

What does it take to be a sponsored Muay Thai fighter for Sumalee?

 

For the international sponsored fighters, we run two programs: one is a two month scholarship and the other is a long term sponsorship which doesn’t have a fixed duration.

 

In both cases we look for young, up and coming talent.  We prefer to take fighters who have not yet established a name for themselves.  We like to mold our fighters to our style so we can demonstrate what we are capable of.  We also like to make awards to students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to train in Thailand.

 

The short term scholarships are usually awarded through a competition.  Entries are invited and winners are selected on the basis of their previous Muay Thai history, references for their coach, and very importantly, their commitment and enthusiasm.

 

We have also awarded short term scholarship in special cases, usually where a student of merit needs a period of intensive training but they are financially constrained.

 

For the short term scholarships, students are offered two months of free training and accommodation at the gym itself.

 

The longer term contracts are usually awarded to people who have come to our attention and whom we regard as gifted.  To obtain one of these contracts the student, although still young, is usually already well known in their home country and has shown exceptional dedication to the sport.

 

What does sponsorship entail?

 

These students work to a clearly defined contract, which demands the utmost dedication to training and to furthering the goals of our gym.  In return, these fighters get free training, Sumalee branded fight wear, accommodation in a fighter’s house outside of the gym, a generous reimbursement from their fight purses, and assistance with travel and travelling expenses.

 

They get good opportunities to travel and fight both within Thailand and internationally.  They get a lot of support generally from the gym, remembering that most are still very young and a long way from home.  We are fortunate to have quite a few wealthy patrons and a number of our sponsored fighters have received assistance from them too.   They are also provided with training kit by our sponsors Sandee Thailand and Ultim8, Hong Kong.

 

Sponsored fighters are required to fulfill certain conditions, train/fight to a defined schedule and to behave in a manner that is consonant with the ethos of the gym.

 

They must help promote the good image of the gym both within the camp itself and on social media.

 

In the long-term, the only requirement is that after they have left the gym and where the promotion allows them to do so, they must wear Sumalee shorts when they fight.

 

What are your recommendations for people interested in training Muay Thai in Thailand?

 

You need to choose your gym very carefully, especially if you are travelling alone.  Thailand can be a very lonely place, despite all its charm.  Think very carefully about what it is you want to achieve and where would be the right place to do this.  Remember that success is derived from being happy and comfortable where you are.  Look at what the gym does for its foreign fighters, this is what should be the deciding factor.  The standard of teaching is the most important thing.

 

Get as much information as you can by looking at reviews, videos of fights, talking to others.

 

Be careful of advice and other information found on forums.  Things can change quite quickly in Thailand and forum users don’t always have up to date information.  The forums/sites themselves are not always managed well and considerable bias often pervades.  Ultimately, however, it comes down to your own personal choice and what you feel comfortable with.

 

Once at your chosen gym, be aware that it is easy for cultural misunderstandings to arise.  This can be very confusing and even alarming at times.  Take time to consider the context and talk to others about any confusion you might be feeling.  This can help to clarify things.

 

If you are serious about your training and want to remain in Thailand for a long time, stay loyal to your chosen gym to get the most out of the training.  Thai trainers usually put a lot a personal effort into their students.  When they feel that this is not reciprocated in terms of loyalty, not surprisingly they become less inclined to put all that effort in.

 

In Thailand it is very easy to be seduced by the apparent freedom here.  Falling into this trap has smashed the dreams of many aspirant young fighters.  It’s hard to resist but to do so is the only path to success.

 

 

And finally….what made you decide to open a Muay Thai gym in Thailand?

 

I first travelled in the Far East in 1983 and I came to work here for three months in 1984 to work on a research project.  I became enthralled by the culture contrast and wanted to delve deeper into the dynamics of the Thai culture in particular.  In 2000 I started to visit Phuket regularly.  During this period I had a tangential interest in Muay Thai, but only as a spectator.  I was fascinated by the sport.

 

In 2009 I came to stay in Phuket for a year in order to provide my daughter with the opportunity of learning to speak Thai.  Although I still had my business in the UK, I came with a view to seeking a business opportunity that would allow me to satisfy a long standing desire to live and work in the East.  Circumstances drew me more and more into the world of Muay Thai, not least because I trained for a year at a gym in Phuket as a means of keeping fit and occupied.  I ended up going into partnership in that business.

 

On reflection, it was obvious that the cultural gap between myself and my business partner meant that the partnership was inevitably doomed for failure.  By that time I had seen enough to feel confident that with the right team we could build a Muay Thai business that combined the best of a more traditional Thai gym with good business practice and customer service.  Sumalee Boxing Gym has filled a gap in the market and our relatively rapid rise to being one of the best known gyms in Phuket is testament to this.  We give our customers what they want and this is reflected in our excellent reviews.

 

What do you enjoy most about it?

 

The challenge!  Additionally it is tremendously rewarding to look around and see everything that I have been able to facilitate.  We built the gym from scratch.  It is a beautiful camp, with a wonderful vista.  It has given employment and opportunity to many people.  Lifelong friendships have been forged and repeat customers is very high. We are not complacent and we are constantly evolving. Every year we set out a business plan for the forthcoming year and work hard to reach those goals.

 

It’s not such a hard life to get up and find that most days the sun is shining.

 

It’s also not so bad finishing one’s working career being surrounded by talented young people.  The excitement of the wins never goes away.  We of course have losses too and it is these that drive us on to improve.  I also get lots of opportunities to travel to places I would otherwise never have a reason to visit.  I have travelled all over Thailand and many other places in the East too.

 

 

If you would like to find out more about Sumalee Boxing Gym visit their website here.