EVOLVE MMA Opens Its First Thailand Academy, Bringing World-Class Muay Thai Training to Bangkok
- Manta
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
Asia's leading martial arts academy launches at EmSphere with 150 weekly classes, elite instructors, and a mission to make Muay Thai accessible to everyone
Bangkok has a new destination for anyone looking to improve their fitness, learn authentic Muay Thai, or embrace a healthier lifestyle. EVOLVE MMA, one of Asia's most respected martial arts academies, has officially opened its first academy in Thailand with the launch of EVOLVE EmSphere, marking a homecoming for founder Chatri Sityodtong and a significant milestone for the country's wellness and martial arts community.
Located on the ninth floor of EmSphere in the heart of Sukhumvit, the new academy combines championship-level coaching with a welcoming environment designed for complete beginners, fitness enthusiasts, families, and professional athletes alike. The opening also signals EVOLVE's long-term commitment to expanding martial arts education across Thailand while celebrating the country's rich Muay Thai heritage.
A Homecoming for Chatri Sityodtong
For Chatri Sityodtong, opening EVOLVE's first academy in Thailand is far more than a business expansion. It represents a deeply personal return to the country where his lifelong love for Muay Thai began.
Known globally as the founder, chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, as well as the founder and chairman of EVOLVE MMA, Chatri has spent decades building two of Asia's most influential martial arts organizations. A lifelong martial artist with more than 40 years of experience, he is a certified senior Muay Thai instructor under the legendary Kru Yodtong Senanan and also holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie.
His journey, however, began long before the boardroom. Growing up in Thailand, Chatri saw many elite Muay Thai champions struggle financially after retirement despite dedicating their lives to the sport. Those early experiences stayed with him and eventually inspired the creation of EVOLVE in Singapore in 2009, not simply as a gym, but as a platform where martial artists could build meaningful careers while helping everyday people transform their own lives through martial arts.
"Martial Arts Is for Everyone"
Speaking at the grand opening, Chatri reflected on the vision that has guided EVOLVE since its founding.
"When we founded EVOLVE MMA in Singapore back in 2009, our vision was to create a platform where anyone could unleash their greatness through the power of martial arts," he said.
Sixteen years later, that vision has arrived in Bangkok.
Chatri believes martial arts should never be reserved solely for professional fighters. Instead, he sees Muay Thai as a lifelong practice capable of helping people become healthier, more confident, more disciplined, and better equipped to navigate life's challenges.
"We believe martial arts is for everyone," he said. "Whether your goal is to become healthier, build confidence, lose weight, learn self-defense, compete at the highest level, or simply become the best version of yourself, we believe everyone has the potential to achieve something extraordinary through the power of martial arts."
During a media session, Chatri also spoke about how martial arts extends far beyond physical fitness. According to him, Muay Thai teaches humility, patience, courage, discipline, resilience, and the confidence to overcome fear—qualities that remain valuable long after leaving the training mats. His hope is for more people, whether office workers, parents, students or visitors to Thailand, to discover those lessons in a safe and welcoming environment.
More Than a Gym
EVOLVE EmSphere has been designed as a premium training facility that welcomes every level of experience.
The academy launches with up to 150 weekly classes covering Muay Thai, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Kids' Muay Thai and Kids' BJJ. Members can choose classes throughout the day, making training accessible for professionals, entrepreneurs, students and families with varying schedules.
Instruction is led by an international team whose combined championship experience exceeds 1,000 years. The Bangkok academy features renowned names including former ONE Strawweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, four-time Lumpinee Stadium Champion Sagetdao Petpayathai, WBC Muay Thai Champion Petch-Phangan Lukjaoporongtom, along with several ONE Championship athletes and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialists.
The academy will also become the home of the EVOLVE Fight Team, where elite athletes prepare for competition on the global stage, including ONE Championship.
Building Confidence Through Muay Thai
One of EVOLVE's biggest commitments is youth development. Its Kids' Program, described as the largest Kids' Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program in Asia, welcomes children aged four to 13. Beyond teaching martial arts techniques, the curriculum focuses on confidence, discipline, resilience, character development, bully-proofing and lifelong fitness in a structured and supportive environment.
As a father, Chatri believes these life skills are among the greatest gifts parents can offer their children. "Our mission has never been just to teach Muay Thai or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ," he said. "It is about helping children build confidence, discipline, respect, humility, perseverance and the mental resilience to thrive in every aspect of life."
A New Wellness Destination in Bangkok
As wellness continues to evolve beyond traditional gyms, EVOLVE EmSphere introduces a different approach—one where fitness, mental resilience, community, and authentic Muay Thai come together under one roof.
For Bangkok residents, international visitors, and anyone curious about martial arts, the new academy offers more than a place to train. It reflects a broader philosophy that wellness is about continuous growth, learning, and becoming a stronger version of yourself, both physically and mentally.
With its championship instructors, comprehensive programs, and deep respect for Thailand's martial arts heritage, EVOLVE EmSphere positions itself as one of Bangkok's newest destinations for those looking to experience the transformative power of Muay Thai.
[PHOTO: Courtesy of EVOLVE]