THIS LEGENDARY MASTER INTRODUCED MUAY THAI TO AMERICA

By Kyle Gilmore

Ajarn Chai brought Muay Thai to the United States in 1968, spreading his knowledge of “the Art of Eight Limbs” by developing the Thai Boxing Association. This year marks fifty years that he has been teaching his craft.

If you have practiced the art of Muay Thai in the United States, you undoubtedly know Ajarn Chai. If you don’t or haven’t, you should.

The master himself sat down with Muay Thai Guy for a chat about his life, his style and his vision for the future of Muay Thai on a global scale.

(Co-written by Monica Gilmore. Special thanks for Rachel Ramirez.)

HUMBLE ORIGINS

Born Surachai Sirisute on October 16, 1948 in Bangkok, Thailand, Ajarn Chai took up Thailand’s national sport at the tender age of four. His father ...