If you’re looking for your sign to join a gym, start a sport, or get fit, Muay Thai is it

By Charis Martin

Muay Thai is on the rise in Cyprus, and not just for fighters. What was once a niche combat sport is fast becoming a community movement. From school kids to CEOs, beginners to champions, more and more people are taking up the gloves, and finding more than just fitness.

At an Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) event last weekend, I was expecting to see a brutal showdown between muscle-bound thugs throwing wild punches. Instead, I witnessed something far more impressive: a display of not just physical strength, but of courage, technical skill, endurance and sheer willpower.

Walking into the event at Kition Athletics Centre was overwhelming. It was crowded, and it was loud. The sheer diversity of the crowd surprised me. A cash bonus offered for any fighter who secured a knockout added intensity to the night, while a big screen displayed close-ups of the action. The semi-pro fights had a live stream, and the pro fights were televised by CyTA. This wasn’t some small-time brawl; it was a meticulously organised, high-energy sporting event.

The energy of the crowd was incredible – people were on their feet cheering, gasping at every clean shot as though they were in the ring themselves. Popcorn flew. Drinks were spilled. Some fighters played it safe, while others went all out, swinging for that cash bonus. Only two fighters managed to score the KO, but every fighter gave their all in the ring.

One of the standout fights featured Joshua Martin of The Big Gym. Not only did he score a decisive victory, but he’s training the next generation of Muay Thai practitioners. His students – there to cheer him on – ranged from a couple of primary-school-age brothers to some of the sport’s rising stars. But Muay Thai isn’t just for fighters.

“Muay Thai is perfect for beginners,” even if they have no intention of ever fighting in the ring, says Martin. “Our fighters train next to the accountant trying to lose weight, and the software developer who is trying to fit in fitness before work, working next to the CEO looking for a new challenge,” he explained. Muay Thai is for everyone.

Muay Thai originated in Thailand as the national sport. It is often referred to as “the art of eight limbs” because it uses punches, kicks, elbows and knees. A full-body discipline, it is known for its intensity and power, but also for its emphasis on timing, control and mental focus. Although its roots lie in competitive combat, modern Muay Thai has grown to encompass everything from recreational fitness to self-defence and now, increasingly, community.

The Big Gym is a boutique gym in the heart of downtown Larnaca, and Martin has been coaching Muay Thai since shortly before the Covid lockdowns, starting with just two students training on the beach due to restrictions. Now, demand has grown so much that The Big Gym is scheduled to expand to a second location by the end of the month.

Muay Thai, Martin adds, has benefits for “all ages, all capabilities, and all genders.” It’s a sport that doesn’t just work up a sweat and get you fit, although the physical benefits are undeniable. Most people, he says, come for the physical benefits, but stay because they “fall in love” with the sport: the stress relief, the mental fortitude, the self-control.

Martin himself is a Muay Khao stylist, specialising in clinching and powerful knee strikes. As his students can attest, clinching with the coach isn’t easy. Martin says a large part of fighting is “about respect” – respecting how hard your opponent is training, and matching it with dedication of your own.

Cyprus may be a small island, but its Muay Thai footprint isn’t. Fighters like Savvas Michael have already made their mark in Thailand’s elite stadiums, competing at the sport’s highest levels. The goal is always to fight in Thailand, and Cypriot fighters certainly hold their own on the world stage. It isn’t easy. Unlike in some countries, where elite athletes receive government funding, most Cypriot Muay Thai fighters have to pay out of pocket for travel and expenses, no matter how high-profile the event they’ve been invited to.

Martin is trying to bridge the gap by collaborating with UK-based coach and former champion Dan McGowan, helping connect local fighters with international opportunities. Some gyms in Cyprus already boast world-class fighters turned coaches, like Coach Michalis Manolis at Five Star. He says that unfortunately “many talented athletes don’t pursue a professional career” because they don’t receive the support they need. With the right resources and investment, Cyprus could become a major player in the global Muay Thai scene, he adds, and “rightfully claim a place on the international stage”, not just producing great fighters, but cultivating a thriving combat sports culture: one of respect, discipline and wellbeing.

If you’ve ever considered trying a combat sport, there’s no better time to try Muay Thai. Whether you want to fight, get fit, boost your mental health, or just try something new, Muay Thai has something for everyone. And if you’d rather watch, EFC, New Era and KOK showcase top local talent in regular events.