Puu Muay Thai Podcast

Puu Muay Thai

Welcome to the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast—your go-to source for all things Muay Thai! Broadcasting from our dedicated Muay Thai podcast studio in Scottsdale, AZ, we bring you expert insights from fighters, coaches, officials, and gym owners worldwide. Whether you're a beginner, competitor, or coach, we cover training, fight breakdowns, event coverage, Muay Thai history, industry trends, travel, nutrition, business strategies, and more. Hosted by Jonathan Puu, a former pro fighter, veteran coach, and professional Muay Thai ring official, this podcast delivers authentic, no-BS conversations straight from the heart of the sport. Expect interviews with top-level athletes, promoters, and insiders, as well as discussions on gym culture, coaching strategies, and the evolution of Muay Thai globally. 🔥 Stay connected to the world of Muay Thai—subscribe now! 🔥

  1. 4D AGO

    If I Started Muay Thai Again, I’d Do This | Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast Ep. 240

    In Episode 240 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu breaks down what he would do differently if he started Muay Thai all over again — and more importantly, what he would double down on. After nearly two decades as a student, fighter, coach, gym owner, and ring official, Jonathan shares the biggest lessons that shaped his journey — including the mistakes that slowed his progress and the habits that helped him stay in Muay Thai long-term. If you’re just starting Muay Thai, this episode will help you avoid the most common beginner pitfalls and focus on what actually moves the needle. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why consistency beats intensity in Muay Thai training  The importance of focusing on basics over flashy techniques Why comparing yourself to others will slow your progress  The truth about rushing into fighting too early  How poor recovery (sleep, nutrition, stress) limits your development  Why most athletes are under-recovering, not overtraining The role of community and training partners in long-term success  The mindset shift that keeps people training for years — not months Jonathan also shares personal stories from his early training — including dealing with poor sleep, under-fueling, and overworking — and how those factors impacted his performance, injuries, and overall progress. This episode is a must-listen for beginners, intermediate students, and even experienced practitioners who want to train smarter, stay consistent, and get the most out of their Muay Thai journey. Because Muay Thai isn’t something you figure out quickly —  it’s something that rewards the people who stay. Support the show Leave a message or text us 24/7/365! +1-805-456-3316 💬 What Do You Think? Join the Discussion! 📩 DM us on Instagram: @muaythaipodcast 💥 Join the Black Room VIP Community to talk more about this topic! 📺 WATCH & LISTEN NOW: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More! 👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

    16 min
  2. MAY 8

    Sexual Abuse in Martial Arts: What You Need To Know | Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast Ep. 239

    In Episode 239 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu sits down in person at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, Arizona with amateur Muay Thai fighter Calie Patrick for one of the most important conversations ever featured on the podcast. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual abuse, grooming, trauma, and predatory behavior inside martial arts spaces. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Calie shares her personal story of getting involved in martial arts as a teenager, transitioning from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into Muay Thai, and eventually becoming the victim of grooming and sexual abuse by a coach while she was still a minor. This episode explores not only what happened, but also the deeper issues surrounding:  Grooming and abuse in martial arts gyms  Warning signs parents, coaches, and students should recognize  The psychological impact of trauma and PTSD  Boundaries, mentorship, and power dynamics in combat sports  Why safe gym culture matters  Recovery, therapy, and healing through martial arts  How Muay Thai helped Calie rebuild confidence and identity  The importance of empowering women in combat sports Jonathan and Calie also discuss how martial arts gyms can create safer environments through better communication, awareness, supervision, and accountability. While difficult at times, this conversation is ultimately about resilience, healing, and helping protect future generations of martial artists. If you are involved in martial arts as a student, parent, coach, or gym owner, this is an important episode to hear. Follow Calie Patrick:  Instagram: @riseoftherebels_  Personal Instagram: @thegoldengirl_azSupport the show Leave a message or text us 24/7/365! +1-805-456-3316 💬 What Do You Think? Join the Discussion! 📩 DM us on Instagram: @muaythaipodcast 💥 Join the Black Room VIP Community to talk more about this topic! 📺 WATCH & LISTEN NOW: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More! 👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

    48 min
  3. MAY 1

    Should Muay Thai Have Belts… Or Is That Ruining It? | Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast Ep. 238

    In Episode 238 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu breaks down one of the most debated topics in modern Muay Thai: Should Muay Thai have belts or a ranking system? It’s one of the first questions beginners ask when they walk into a gym. Where do I rank? How do I level up? When do I get promoted? But Muay Thai has traditionally operated very differently from other martial arts like karate, taekwondo, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — where belts and rankings define progression. In this episode, Jonathan explains both sides of the argument and what’s actually at stake when you introduce ranking systems into Muay Thai. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why Muay Thai has historically never used belt rankings  How skill, experience, and performance define your level in Muay Thai  Why beginners are drawn to structured ranking systems  The pros and cons of belts for retention, motivation, and growth  How ranking systems can shift focus away from real skill development  The risks of “black belt factory” systems in martial arts  Whether there’s a middle ground between structure and authenticity  How Pu’u Muay Thai uses a shirt-level system — and why Jonathan shares his perspective from nearly two decades in Muay Thai as a student, fighter, coach, gym owner, and ring official — explaining why structure can be helpful, but should never replace the true measure of progress: Can you actually perform under pressure? This episode is a must-listen for beginners trying to understand progression, coaches designing programs, and anyone interested in preserving Muay Thai while helping it grow in the West. Support the show Leave a message or text us 24/7/365! +1-805-456-3316 💬 What Do You Think? Join the Discussion! 📩 DM us on Instagram: @muaythaipodcast 💥 Join the Black Room VIP Community to talk more about this topic! 📺 WATCH & LISTEN NOW: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More! 👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

    13 min
  4. APR 24

    How Often Should You Train Muay Thai? (Beginner Guide) | Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast Ep. 237

    In Episode 237 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu answers one of the most common questions beginners ask: How often should you train Muay Thai? Most people assume the answer is “every day.” Train harder. Train more. Go all in. But that mindset is one of the fastest ways to burn out and quit before you ever see real progress. In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the truth about training frequency — and how to build a schedule that actually helps you stay consistent, improve, and avoid injury. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why training too much too soon leads to burnout  The ideal training frequency for Muay Thai beginners  Why consistency beats intensity every time  How recovery impacts your progress more than you think  What happens when your body doesn’t have time to adapt  How to build a sustainable training schedule that fits real life  When and how to safely increase your training volume Jonathan explains why most beginners don’t fail because Muay Thai is too hard — they fail because they try to do too much too fast. Real progress comes from showing up consistently over months and years, not going all in for a few weeks. Whether you’re just starting Muay Thai or trying to improve your training routine, this episode will help you understand how to train smarter so you actually stick with it long enough to get results. Support the show Leave a message or text us 24/7/365! +1-805-456-3316 💬 What Do You Think? Join the Discussion! 📩 DM us on Instagram: @muaythaipodcast 💥 Join the Black Room VIP Community to talk more about this topic! 📺 WATCH & LISTEN NOW: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More! 👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

    11 min
  5. APR 10

    From American Samoa to Pro Fighting (Deutsch Pu’u) | Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast Ep. 236

    In Episode 236 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu sits down virtually in the Black Room at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, Arizona with his cousin Deutsch Pu’u — a former professional fighter with a background in boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Deutsch shares his journey growing up in American Samoa, where structured martial arts training was limited, and how he developed through boxing before competing professionally across multiple combat sports — including K-1 kickboxing and Muay Thai. This episode goes beyond fighting and dives into something bigger: building a future pipeline for combat sports in Samoa. In this episode, they discuss:  Growing up in American Samoa and learning to fight without formal structure  Transitioning from boxing into kickboxing, MMA, and Muay Thai  Fighting in K-1 and adapting without a traditional Muay Thai background  Training at Fight Capital in Las Vegas with Jason Andrada  How Muay Thai changed his approach to striking (elbows, knees, clinch)  The importance of structure, coaching, and proper education in martial arts  Building a pipeline to develop fighters from Samoa and bring them into Muay Thai  Creating opportunities for the next generation through coaching and systems Deutsch also shares his vision for introducing structured Muay Thai and combat sports programs in American Samoa — with the goal of developing world-class fighters from the island and creating long-term opportunities through proper coaching and mentorship. This episode is about more than fighting — it’s about family, legacy, and building something that lasts for the next generation. Support the show Leave a message or text us 24/7/365! +1-805-456-3316 💬 What Do You Think? Join the Discussion! 📩 DM us on Instagram: @muaythaipodcast 💥 Join the Black Room VIP Community to talk more about this topic! 📺 WATCH & LISTEN NOW: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More! 👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

    44 min
  6. APR 3

    Training in Thailand Changed Everything (Joel “The Wolf” Licata) | Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast Ep. 235

    In Episode 235 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu sits down virtually in the Black Room at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, Arizona with Joel “The Wolf” Licata, a Muay Thai fighter turned coach who spent five years living and training in Thailand. Joel shares his journey of starting Muay Thai later in life, moving across the world during COVID to train full-time in Chiang Mai, and developing his skills under legendary trainer Thailand Pinsinchai. In this episode, they discuss:  What it’s really like training in Thailand with no other foreigners  The difference between Muay Thai in the U.S. vs Thailand  Fighting in Thailand as an older athlete and smaller weight class fighter  Competing internationally, including fights in Thailand and Mexico  The risks of fighting, including injuries and Joel’s decision to retire  How Muay Thai evolves across different rule sets and promotions  The importance of clinch work and technical development  Joel’s transition into coaching at Rising Tide Academy in Maryland Joel also breaks down how training in Thailand shaped his understanding of Muay Thai and why bridging the knowledge gap between Thailand and the United States is critical for the sport’s growth. This episode is a must-listen for fighters, coaches, and anyone considering training or fighting in Thailand, as well as those interested in the long-term journey of Muay Thai beyond just competition. Follow Joel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelxthewolf Train with Joel at Rising Tide Academy: https://risingtidemartialarts.us/ Support the show Leave a message or text us 24/7/365! +1-805-456-3316 💬 What Do You Think? Join the Discussion! 📩 DM us on Instagram: @muaythaipodcast 💥 Join the Black Room VIP Community to talk more about this topic! 📺 WATCH & LISTEN NOW: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More! 👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

    36 min
  7. MAR 27

    Inside Monster Promotions: Building Muay Thai Events in the U.S. | Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast Ep. 234

    In Episode 234 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu sits down in person in the Black Room at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, Arizona with Mike Martinez, founder of Monster Promotions and longtime coach, matchmaker, and event promoter. Mike returns to the podcast (previously featured on Episode 164) to break down what it actually takes to build Muay Thai events in the United States — from matchmaking and fighter development to the real economics behind running a show. In this episode, they discuss:  How Monster Promotions started and why it was built  The reality of running Muay Thai events in the U.S. (costs, logistics, and risk)  What makes good matchmaking — and why “easy fights” don’t grow fighters  Building fight cards, tournaments, and title bouts  The challenges of promoting in smaller markets like Flagstaff, Arizona  Elevation, travel, and preparation for fighters competing at altitude  How fighters and gyms can better support promotions and grow the sport  The importance of relationships, collaboration, and long-term vision in Muay Thai Mike also shares insight into upcoming events like Cinco de Monster, expansion plans into Las Vegas and Phoenix, and how promotions are evolving with media, livestreaming, and modern marketing. This episode is a must-listen for fighters, coaches, gym owners, and anyone interested in the business and growth of Muay Thai in the United States. Learn more about Monster Promotions: https://www.monsterpromotions.org/ Support the show Leave a message or text us 24/7/365! +1-805-456-3316 💬 What Do You Think? Join the Discussion! 📩 DM us on Instagram: @muaythaipodcast 💥 Join the Black Room VIP Community to talk more about this topic! 📺 WATCH & LISTEN NOW: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More! 👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

    43 min
  8. MAR 20

    Is Muay Thai Losing Its Identity? Tradition vs Evolution in Modern Muay Thai | Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast Ep. 233

    In Episode 233 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu explores a question that’s becoming more common in conversations around the sport: Is Muay Thai losing its identity? With the rise of international promotions, new rule sets, and growing influence from MMA, the way Muay Thai is practiced and presented around the world is changing rapidly. From small-glove fights to altered scoring systems and shortened fight structures, many fans and practitioners are asking whether these changes represent healthy evolution — or a shift away from the art’s traditional roots. In this episode, Jonathan breaks down several of the biggest factors shaping modern Muay Thai: The growing influence of MMA striking stylesThe debate around small-glove Muay Thai vs traditional boxing glovesHow different scoring systems change the way fights are foughtThe impact of international promotions and global audiencesChanges happening inside historic Thai stadiums like Rajadamnern and LumpineeWhy understanding Muay Thai culture matters for preserving the artDrawing from nearly two decades of experience as a student, fighter, coach, gym owner, and ring official, Jonathan explains how Muay Thai has always evolved — while also highlighting the elements that make the art unique and worth protecting. Muay Thai today is more global than ever before. But with that growth comes an important question: how do we allow the sport to evolve without losing the traditions, culture, and technical depth that define it? Whether you’re a fighter, coach, fan, or someone new to the sport, this episode explores the ongoing conversation about the future of Muay Thai. Support the show Leave a message or text us 24/7/365! +1-805-456-3316 💬 What Do You Think? Join the Discussion! 📩 DM us on Instagram: @muaythaipodcast 💥 Join the Black Room VIP Community to talk more about this topic! 📺 WATCH & LISTEN NOW: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More! 👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

    13 min
5
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast—your go-to source for all things Muay Thai! Broadcasting from our dedicated Muay Thai podcast studio in Scottsdale, AZ, we bring you expert insights from fighters, coaches, officials, and gym owners worldwide. Whether you're a beginner, competitor, or coach, we cover training, fight breakdowns, event coverage, Muay Thai history, industry trends, travel, nutrition, business strategies, and more. Hosted by Jonathan Puu, a former pro fighter, veteran coach, and professional Muay Thai ring official, this podcast delivers authentic, no-BS conversations straight from the heart of the sport. Expect interviews with top-level athletes, promoters, and insiders, as well as discussions on gym culture, coaching strategies, and the evolution of Muay Thai globally. 🔥 Stay connected to the world of Muay Thai—subscribe now! 🔥

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