Learning from Muay Thai Legends – A Day That Will Inspire Our Martial Arts Students Forever
August 2, 2025 – The G-Elite Martial Arts team had the incredible honor of attending the Muay Thai Masterclass World Tour in San Francisco, CA. This once-in-a-lifetime event brought together three of the most legendary names in the sport: Saenchai, Petpanomrung, and Yodsaenklai. Hosted by the Thailand Government and KOA Training Academy, in collaboration with Fairtex, this masterclass united over 700 martial artists from all over the region for a day of world-class training, tradition, and inspiration.
For our students at G-Elite Martial Arts, this experience wasn’t just about learning techniques—it was about seeing what true mastery looks like and bringing that energy back to our own dojo.
A Day Filled with Muay Thai Culture and Training
The event began with a warm welcome from the Thailand government, sharing opportunities for martial artists to travel to Thailand with 90- and 180-day training visas through NowMuayThai.com. This allows fighters and enthusiasts to train at authentic Muay Thai gyms and pay homage to Thailand’s national sport.
We also experienced the Wai Kru tradition—a respectful pre-fight dance—and watched SEA Games champions perform Muay Boran, the ancient form of Muay Thai. The cultural depth and history behind every movement were truly humbling.
After a traditional Thai lunch, it was time for what we came for—hours of intensive Muay Thai drills, sparring, and technique breakdowns from three of the best fighters in history.
Training with Legends
Yodsaenklai Fairtex – The Boxing Computer
Two-time Lumpinee Stadium Champion Yodsaenklai Fairtex kicked off the training with a focus on precision over aggression. His advice to “fight calmer and more accurate” resonated deeply with our team. His fluid combinations and masterful defense showed exactly why he is one of the most respected fighters in the world.
Petpanomrung Kiatmuu9 – The Professor
Current Glory Featherweight Champion and former RISE Super Lightweight World Champion, Petpanomrung demonstrated unmatched control in the ring. His ability to manipulate an opponent’s movement and set up devastating strikes was jaw-dropping. His teaching style reminded us that martial arts is as much about strategy and intelligence as it is about strength.
Saenchai – The GOAT
Finally, we had the rare privilege of training under Saenchai, arguably the greatest Muay Thai fighter of all time, with over 300 career wins. His playful, creative style, springy footwork, and surprising jump kicks made the training session feel both exciting and familiar to our Hapkido background. The fact that he is still competing at age 45 is proof that martial arts is a lifelong journey.
Why This Matters for Our Students at G-Elite Martial Arts
This experience reaffirmed why we train the way we do at G-Elite Martial Arts in Elk Grove. We don’t just teach kicks and punches—we teach discipline, cultural appreciation, technical skill, and mental focus.
For our adult students, these lessons in precision, control, and adaptability are invaluable for both self-defense and competition. For our youth students, seeing living legends like Saenchai inspires them to aim higher in their own training.
Ready to Start Your Own Martial Arts Journey?
If reading this makes you want to train like the champions we met, then it’s time to step onto the mat with us. At G-Elite Martial Arts, we offer martial arts for all ages and experience levels.
Whether your goal is to improve fitness, build confidence, learn self-defense, or compete at a high level, we’ll guide you every step of the way.