What is the difference between Thai boxing and Muay Thai?
Nothing: Muay Thai is the Thai name for the sport and Thai boxing the English one. Both describe the art of eight limbs, striking with fists, elbows, knees and shins, plus the clinch.
Do I need any experience to start?
No. Every class is taught in levels, so a complete beginner learns stance, movement and the basic strikes on the pads while more experienced people work harder drills. Tell the coach it is your first session.
What should I wear to my first Thai boxing class?
Shorts or leggings and a t-shirt, nothing with zips. We train barefoot on the mat. Bring water and a towel. Gloves and pads are provided for your first few sessions; once you are hooked, your own 14 to 16 oz gloves, hand wraps and shin guards are the kit to buy.
Is there sparring, and is it safe for beginners?
Beginners do not spar. Technique, pad work and controlled drills come first; light, supervised sparring is introduced only when you and the coaches agree you are ready, always with gloves, shin guards and a gum shield.
How much do Thai boxing classes cost in Horsham?
Your first month of Thai boxing is free: every Thai boxing class for a month from your first one, with no card details and nothing to cancel. The free month covers Thai boxing only. After that it is included in the Adults membership at £98 a month, paid by Direct Debit through the app, which covers everything we teach: jiu-jitsu, Thai boxing, open mats, yin yoga and the strength gym.
What does the free month include?
Every Thai boxing class on the timetable for a month, starting from your first class. It does not include the jiu-jitsu classes, open mats, yoga or the gym: those come with a membership, which covers everything.
Can I train jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai at the same academy?
Yes. Horsham is one building with one big mat: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, no-gi grappling and Thai boxing under the same roof, with a café and a strength gym between classes. Striking and grappling together is the complete MMA base.
Who teaches Thai boxing at SWBJJ?
George Jarvis and Paulo Da Silva of Lumpini Fight Academy, Crawley. George is a ONE Championship world title challenger and former WBC Muaythai and ISKA world champion; Paulo is his head coach, with a fighting career from 1999 to 2025.
Is Muay Thai good for fitness and weight loss?
A Thai boxing class is an hour of pad rounds, bag work, clinch drills and conditioning. It builds cardio, strength and coordination quickly, and most people find it far easier to keep up than a treadmill because every round has a point.
Am I too old to start Muay Thai?
No. Beginners in their thirties, forties and fifties train alongside younger members; the coaches scale every drill to the person holding the pads. Fitness comes from training, not before it.
How many times a week should I train?
Twice a week is enough to improve steadily; three or more if you want to compete. Members on an unlimited plan can add jiu-jitsu, open mats and yin yoga around it.
Where is SWBJJ, and how far is it from Crawley?
Unit T, Blatchford Road, Horsham RH13 5QR, with parking outside. It is about 20 minutes from Crawley and Horley, and an easy drive from Haywards Heath, Billingshurst, Southwater, Broadbridge Heath, Rudgwick, Cowfold, Dorking.
Is there a kids’ Thai boxing class?
The first Thai boxing classes are for adults and older teens. Tell us on the form if you would like a kids’ class and we will let you know as soon as one starts; the kids’ jiu-jitsu programme runs every week in the meantime.
