You may have heard of Sinbi Muay Thai training camp and how it’s one of the most desirable gyms in Phuket, Thailand to learn the Art of Eight Limbs. You may have even heard of the Muay Thai gym’s owner, Sinbi Taewoong, a highly ranked Thai fighter who eventually went on to become a martial arts superstar in South Korea. If you’re planning a trip to visit Phuket, then you might want to know why the Sinbi gym is a great place to train Muay Thai.
Find out who the eponymous founder of Sinbi Muay Thai training camp is, some of the history behind it, the expert instructors that work there, and why it is the go-to place for anyone looking to get some real Muay Thai training in southern Thailand.
Who Is Sinbi?
Sinbi Taewoong is the founder and owner of the Sinbi Muay Thai gym. He was one of many young Thai fighters that fought in the Bangkok stadium circuit during the early 2000s. Born as ‘Somchai Binmad’ in southern Thailand, he moved to Bangkok at the age of 13, and competed in professional-level matches as ‘Thopadak Wanchalerm’. Sinbi was the top-ranking Muay Thai fighter at both Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadiums.
However, it is not surprising if you have never heard of this phase of Sinbi’s Muay Thai career. While Sinbi was a rising star, he was unable to secure the big championship title matches through his promoter at the time. Although Sinbi was fully capable of beating the title holders of his time, which he demonstrated when he beat the then-reigning Lumpinee champion, he never got the opportunity to enter a title match.
Fortunately for Sinbi, his talents in the Muay Thai ring were noticed by Sun-Taek Kong, founder of the Taewoong Gym and one of the top officials of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO). Sun-Taek convinced Sinbi to join his Muay Thai gym in Seoul, South Korea. Thopadak Wanchalerm became Sinbi Taewoong and went on to become a multiple championship title holder in the K-1 professional kickboxing events.
For more on Sinbi’s childhood, training, and Muay Thai career, read Lumpinee Fighter and Owner of Sinbi Muay Thai Camp, Sinbi Taewoong.
The History Behind Sinbi Muay Thai Camp
Sinbi Taewoong wasn’t just a gifted Muay Thai fighter. During his tenure at Taewoong Gym, he instructed many other famous fighters, like Lim Chi-bin, a fellow three-time K-1 MAX champion. He has since worked with Lim Su-Jeong, the female Korean kickboxer who became a Muay Thai champion in Thailand, and pro-MMA fighter Jae Hee Cheon.
After he returned from Korea, Sinbi also worked at Rawai Muay Thai training camp, another gym in Phuket, Thailand. He also had a short stint at Trojan Gym in Birmingham, England. During this period, Sinbi learned to speak English while training foreign Muay Thai students and tourists. All this experience meant that when the time came, Sinbi could easily transition from professional fighter to Muay Thai gym owner.
Sinbi’s successful fighting career in Korea meant that he was a celebrity there, and this did much to make Korean martial arts fans aware of Muay Thai. It is said that gym memberships at Muay Thai training camps in Korea went up during Sinbi’s time there. This is a bigger deal than you might imagine when you realize that Korea’s national sport is Taekwondo, not Muay Thai.
Sinbi opened the Sinbi Muay Thai gym in 2007, and although it’s been a while since he fought in Korea, there’s still a steady stream of Korean students traveling to Phuket to train at his camp. Many of them are his biggest fans, who followed Sinbi to Thailand to train with the Muay Thai fighter who first inspired them to put on boxing gloves.
Sinbi still uses his fighting name instead of his Thai family name. This is out of respect for his fans in Korea, who propelled him to great heights with their support. It also shows that Sinbi is aware that his name is a strong brand that can regularly attract talent to the Sinbi Muay Thai training camp. It sets the place apart from a more traditional gym, making it one of the main reasons why Muay Thai students and professional fighters from other countries visit there.
The Sinbi Muay Thai training camp comes highly recommended to young Korean fighters looking for gyms in Thailand by Sinbi’s old friends at Taewoong Gym. The retired fighter can be seen regularly conducting Muay Thai workshops in Korea, strengthening his brand as well as maintaining close ties with his former gym in Korea and the man who discovered his talents, Sun-Taek.
Why You Should Be Getting Your Muay Thai Training At Sinbi Muay Thai Camp
Apart from Sinbi’s presence, which his fans appreciate, there are plenty of other reasons why you should choose Sinbi Muay Thai training camp for all your martial arts needs. Whether you’re a newbie wishing to start your Muay Thai journey or a professional stadium circuit contender wishing to get some expert advice, you’ll understand why Sinbi Muay Thai is world-famous for its exceptional quality training experience.
Get Real Muay Thai Training From The Experts
The instructors that will guide you at Sinbi Muay Thai are handpicked by Sinbi himself. Many of them are experienced professional fighters with hundreds of matches under their belt, and some are championship title holders.
The head trainer at Sinbi Muay Thai is Yod Khompatak known as ‘Fa’, a Muay Femur style fighter that has won an International Muaythai Council (IMC) championship. Kwanchai Sor Kittichai known as ‘Cookie’ is a South Thailand championship title winner, and is there to train fellow Muay Thai fighters. Saenkeang Kaitjarunchai is a Muay Khao (Clinch and Knees) fighter and Southern Thailand Champion with over 220 matches.
Sinbi’s brother Yodlam Singsonchai (Bao V), who first trained together during their childhood, is also here and has many years of experience training young Thai fighters. Not only are they able to guide you through the basics of stances and striking techniques, they are also able to instruct in English, which sets a high bar that not many Muay Thai training camps can boast about.
Sinbi Muay Thai Training Camp Has All the Facilities
You will quickly find that the facilities and training equipment at Sinbi Muay Thai are of exceptional quality. There’s a large open-air gym area with a nice breeze that will keep you cool during an intense workout session. There are three boxing rings that you can practice sparring in when you’re ready. You also won’t run out of space for any warmups, stretching, or shadowboxing you might want to do.
Even if it gets crowded, you won’t be waiting in line since there is plenty of training equipment to go around at Sinbi Muay Thai training camp. There are 30 heavy bags and two wall bags to practice your striking. As for building strength, there’s an assortment of free weights, benches, and isolation-exercise machines for any workout you might need. For your cardio and endurance-building exercises, you can use the spinning bikes or rowers provided there.
Sinbi Muay Thai Training Camp Is Located In Phuket
You already know that the Sinbi Muay Thai gym is located in Phuket. To be more precise, it is situated in the town of Rawai, within walking distance of the picturesque Nai Harn beach. The gym area of Sinbi Muay Thai is elevated, giving you amazing views of the surrounding greenery and ocean while you train.
Apart from the stunning tropical scenery, the Rawai town and Nai Harn beach areas feature plenty of tourist attractions as well. There are historical sites to immerse yourself in Thai culture; water sports and snorkeling if you’re feeling adventurous; and an endless number of restaurants to try out the local cuisine. There’s a lot more you can do in Phuket after your training session at Sinbi Muay Thai ends.
Sinbi Muay Thai Training Camp Has Accomodation
If you wish, you can even stay at the Sinbi apartments within a short three-minute walk from the gym. They have all the modern amenities like laundry service, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, air-conditioning (a must-have for the tropical climate), and a swimming pool to dive into after a hard day’s workout. Keep in mind that you might need to book in advance if you’re planning on going during the heavy tourist season between November and April.
Sinbi Muay Thai Training Camp Is A Family Business
The Sinbi Muay Thai training camp is a family-run business. Apart from Sinbi and his brother Bao V, their sister is also part of the management team. Together, they ensure that the premises, including the gym, gear shop, and apartments, are maintained in excellent condition for all visitors. All the training equipment is kept clean, hygienic, and in working order as well.
Everyone Is Welcome At Sinbi Muay Thai
Sinbi Muay Thai is not just a place for pro-fighters. It’s a place that is open for Muay Thai fighters and beginners of all levels. No matter your age or level of training, the expert trainers chosen by Sinbi will make sure that you feel comfortable with the pace and intensity of the training session, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
If you’re new to the Art of Eight Limbs, have never trained in this combat sport before, and are working up the courage to go for your first lesson, then read our guide, What To Expect In Your First Muay Thai Lesson.
Choose Sinbi Muay Thai Training Camp For Your Holiday
Group training is available from Monday to Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for the morning session, and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the afternoon. A typical class will start with warmup exercises, shadow boxing, pad work, bag work, a bit of sparring if you’re ready, conditioning exercises, and finally stretching to cool down.
Private one-on-one lessons are also available, but only on request. If you’re ready to begin your Muay Thai journey at one of the most desirable gyms in Phuket, Thailand, check out their Muay Thai training schedule, prices, and other info at Sinbi Muay Thai Training Prices.
A Place For All Things Muay Thai
If you wish to learn more about Muay Thai, which training gear you need, where the best gyms are to be found in Phuket, and the latest happenings in the martial arts world, then check out Ushup, the home for everyone that loves Muay Thai!
FAQs
Sinbi Muay Thai is located near the beautiful Nai Harn beach in Phuket, Thailand. You can find it at 86/108 moo 7, Soi Saiyuan 9, Rawai, Muang Phuket, 83130, Thailand.
Yes. There is accommodation available for students at the Sinbi Apartments which is a short three-minute walk from the gym. Bookings can be made at Sinbi Muay Thai Accommodation
Most of the instructors at Sinbi Muay Thai are all experienced fighters that have fought at prestigious venues of the Bangkok stadium circuit like Lumpinee and Rajadamnern. You can find out more at the Sinbi Muay Thai Training Team.
