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 improves fighting skills • Overcoming imposter syndrome as a new instructor • Pr...

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 strength, and reconnect with their purpose. They explore: The connection between posture, confidence, ...

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 than your skill—and how this illusion can make even good students doubt themselves. Jonathan shares pr...

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 train safely and comfortably — and what’s just marketing hype. Drawing on his 18+ years of experienc...

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 legitimacy for the sport in the U.S., this conversation dives deep into what makes Muay Thai unique. Jona...

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-Contact Muay Thai Series, Jonathan exposes how some organizations mislead fighters into believing Semi...

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 landlords who said “no martial arts,” and how mentorship and structured systems helped him build a thrivin...

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 handled (and red flags to avoid) ✅ The importance of culture, tradition, and r...

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 best way to test yourself or watch your students grow. In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podca...

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 adults, and his fight preparation for WCK Muay Thai in Long Beach. He also talks about the energy i...

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, this episode shows why it’s never too late to reclaim your edge through high-level coaching. Interes...

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 turning point for him.What it was really like to fight legends like Saenchai and face off under the ...

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 boutsHow glove design impacts striking, defense, and fighter safetyWhy understanding the gear can change your ...

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 dangerous12-to-6 elbows: from MMA ban to legalizationHow Thai stadium culture views back-of-the-head shotsThe viral KO that reignited the debateJonathan’s verdic...

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 thousands of fights. You'll also get recommendations for trusted brands like Top King, Fairtex, Tw...

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 mentoring students and upholding the academy’s high standards, Glory plays a vital role in the gr...

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 official. Links below: Thailand Camp: thailand.puumuaythai.comSIAM Standard: muaythairingofficia...

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 Standard Ring Officials Course and EAT SLEEP TEEP Semi Contact event. Plus, hear about the December Thailand...

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 spor...

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...