About Thai Boxing

Thai boxing is the national sport of Thailand and is widely regarded as the most effective stand up martial art in the world. Known as the art of eight limbs it uses not just kicks and punches but also knees and elbows as striking weapons together with a form of stand up grappling often referred to as clinch work. Some schools will also teach some basic grappling and evasion moves, which means that when you add them altogether you have a very effective system of self-defence. It also a sport in it's own right and is currently the fastest growing martial in Britain. Because of the cardio vascular aspect of Muay Thai training it also an excellent way of keeping/getting fit, losing weight, toning up and increasing flexibility. Aside from the physical benefits of Thai boxing, it can also increase your concentration levels and does have a dramatic effect on your self-confidence and self-discipline. All in all, a couple of hours a week spent doing Thai Boxing will reap excellent benefits.

For more information about Thai Boxing, see the Wikipedia site here.
Particular sections of interest are Conditioning and Kickboxing.

About the gym

GFC Muay Thai is one of the best-equipped, purpose built, Thai Boxing gyms in the North West. The gym has Thai Boxing equipment consisting of two boxing rings, a padded floor, mirrored walls, hanging kick bags, floor to ceiling and speed balls, low kick, arm pads and focus mitts. It also has general fitness equipment such as weight station, free weights, sit up benches, and chin bars. It is dedicated to allowing access to Muay Thai Boxing to as many people as possible. It caters not only to those wishing to compete, but also to people just wanting to train for various reason, such as, weight loss, increased fitness, self-defence, increased confidence, social aspects and just for the fun of it, Thai Boxing is a lot of fun! The gym also holds regular gradings, allowing people to test their ability without competing in the ring.

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Gym History

Darren started the Heywood Thai Boxing Club in 1993, renting a room in another gym in Heywood. In 1996 he decided that the gym needed a full time headquarters, and they moved to their current location, Britannia Mill in Bury. With the help of some friends and a lot of the students he converted an unused unit in the Mill into one of the best full time Thai Boxing gyms in the country. After leaving Master Sken's Sitnarong Camp in 2002 Darren changed the name of the gym from Heywood Thai Boxing Club to G.F.C. Muay Thai.

Gym Philosophy

The gym's Philosophy is simple and straight forward; the instructors at the gym want to offer quality Thai Boxing instruction to as many people as possible regardless of their age, sex, ethnic background and ability. Whilst we have been successful in competition, we realise that not everyone wants to enter the ring and compete. Whatever the person's desires and ability we will do everything we can to help you achieve your desires and potential.