Muay Thai, the centuries-old martial art from Thailand, has seen rapid growth in the UK in recent years. What was once a niche sport now attracts a diverse mix of casual fitness enthusiasts and serious competitors.
Olly Luscombe, a passionate Muay Thai fighter, sat down to discuss the sport’s expansion, the challenges he has faced as a university student, and his thoughts on the future of Muay Thai in the UK.
“Muay Thai has taken off in the UK,” said Luscombe, reflecting on the sport’s recent growth.
“Traditionally, it was considered quite a niche sport, especially in the West, but in the last few years, it’s exploded. Originally from Thailand, it’s over a thousand years old, and for much of its history, it stayed largely within Thailand and Burma. But now, people from all over the world are catching onto its benefits and competitive edge.”
The fighter credits much of the sport’s rising profile to the success of high-level UK fighters such as Jonathan Haggie, a One Championship titleholder, and Nico Carrillo, a world-class competitor from Scotland.
“We have fighters like Jonathan Haggie, who is now a champion in one of the biggest promotions, and Nico Carrillo, who’s at the top of the game as well.
“Even retired fighters like Liam Harrison helped pave the way for English fighters to compete at the highest level. The UK has some real talent in the sport now,” he added.
This surge in interest has been visible through the increasing number of Muay Thai gyms opening across the country, with even MMA gyms incorporating Muay Thai classes to meet growing demand.
“As the most elite striking martial art, Muay Thai has become a key part of MMA training. So more gyms are offering Muay Thai classes because people see how effective it is in the cage and want to try it themselves,” Luscombe explained.
However, despite the sport’s growth, Muay Thai’s popularity is not evenly spread across the UK. While cities like London and Manchester have established Muay Thai communities, the 20-year-old notes that areas such as his hometown of Weston-super-Mare and other parts of the Southwest are still catching up.
“There are some really good Muay Thai promotions around Devon and Wales, but in places like Somerset, it’s still relatively niche.
“But I’ve noticed the sport is growing, and there are some excellent local promotions even in less-populated areas. It’s just a matter of time before the sport becomes more widespread.”
For Luscombe, who now studies at the University of Gloucestershire, the growing popularity of Muay Thai has not translated into greater training opportunities in his area.
“There’s no Muay Thai gym in Cheltenham, and it’s been tough for me to continue training. The closest gym is an MMA facility, but it’s not the same. I don’t have a car, so I haven’t been able to train properly throughout my time at university,” he reveals.
While he has been unable to train consistently at university, he remains committed to Muay Thai and is eager to return to the sport whenever possible.
“My love for Muay Thai hasn’t changed. Every time I’m back home, I’m excited to get back in the gym,” he said. “It’s been frustrating that I haven’t had access to a proper gym while at university.”
Luscombe believes that the lack of Muay Thai gyms in Cheltenham may be due to the area’s demographics.
“Cheltenham is quite a nice, quiet area, and Muay Thai is a brutal sport. It’s not something that everyone is interested in.”
He continued, “It’s about finding people who want to push themselves and train for competition. I can see why the demand for Muay Thai in Cheltenham isn’t as high as in bigger cities.”
Despite these challenges, the young martial arts fighter remains hopeful that the sport’s growing popularity will eventually reach Cheltenham.
“I’m sure in a few years, we’ll see more Muay Thai gyms in areas like Cheltenham”.
“The more people see what Muay Thai is really about—how it’s not just some choreographed form of fighting like you see on TV—the more they’ll want to get involved.
“More gyms are offering classes, more promotions are emerging, and the level of competition is getting higher. The UK is definitely on the map when it comes to Muay Thai.”
Luscombe’s journey in the sport is a testament to the dedication of fighters who are determined to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Muay Thai.
“Muay Thai is in my blood, and I’m not going to stop. It’s a lifelong passion, and I’ll continue to follow it wherever it takes me.”
As the sport continues to expand and gain popularity, fighters like Olly Luscombe are helping to shape its future in the UK.
With more gyms opening and promotions becoming more frequent, Muay Thai’s presence in the UK is set to grow even further, providing opportunities for both recreational practitioners and elite athletes in the years to come.
