The Striking Corner

We finally made it to Episode 100! It took us a while but we did it. But the goal is now to get to 200 and keep the conversations about Muay Thai going and continue helping this sport grow in the U.S. and worldwide. Thank you for your continued support through all these years, it is very much appreciated. With that said, in this episode, we speak with USMF President, Michael "Chase" Corley. We thought it was only right that someone who has worked tirelessly these last 4 years to get U.S. Muaythai organized and more respected at a global level, give us a bit of a State of the Union about the sport. In addition, Michael also gives us some insight into IFMA's upcoming Virtual World Championships. When they are taking place and how you can get involved. I'm sure many of you have questions regarding a Virtual Muaythai tournament, but Michael is here to answer some of those questions and we will, of course, share more information as we get it. Once again, thank you for all your support these years. And here is to 100 more episodes. And...Muay Thai is Life, ALWAYS!

In this episode of The Striking Corner Podcast, we speak with Head Coach of Pittsburgh Muay Thai and Head Judge of the United States Muaythai Federation, Stephen Strotmeyer. In addition to his years of expertise in Muay Thai, Stephen also has a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh and currently serves as a Trauma Epidemiologist at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Many of our listeners are either gym owners, coaches, or students of Muay Thai gyms across the US. We know that many of you are most likely looking for answers about reopening your gyms or going back to train safely as the U.S. begins a phased approach to easing out of lockdown. In this podcast, we try to get more answers about COVID-19. What steps you should take to safeguard your gyms and your students, masks, rate of infections, and more. We wanted to get this info from someone that not only works in the study of infectious diseases but is also passionate about our sport, is understanding of the economic ramifications of the lockdown, and is genuinely interested in getting everyone back in business safely.

In this episode, we speak with our friend Carl Gebhardt, who is the head coach & owner of Steel MMA and Fitness in San Diego, California. We discuss his journey in martial arts and as a gym owner. We also discuss the momentum of U.S. Muay Thai before the COVID-19 crisis as well as the frustrations about owning a Muay Thai gym during this time of quarantine. Chatting Muay Thai during these crazy times and hoping all of our friends in the Muay Thai community can get back to work soon!

This episode was our first attempt at a Facebook LIVE. We cut out a bit of the technical difficulties and the time we waited for a few more people to jump in before starting. With everyone on lockdown due to the pandemic, we decided it would be a good time to talk about the movies, fights, coaches, and other inspirations that got us all into Muay Thai. We also discuss why you should support your local gym in this time of crisis as for many of us our gyms are more than just a place we train, they are a family and our home away from home.

This is our first ever video podcast of The Striking Corner! The audio-only version of the podcast is of course still available on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, etc.. We are very excited to be able to offer the video version of the podcast in addition to the audio version, and while it is still a work in progress, we hope you all enjoy it! Leave us comments below. With the current situation around the world with COVID-19, it is a bittersweet time to get this video podcast started but because many if not all of us have seen our ability to go outside limited, we hope this podcast will offer at least a brief respite from the situation and we can discuss Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and everything combat sports related. This will blow over soon and we are confident that in time we will be back to our normal routines. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the show and stay safe. Our guest in this episode is our good friend and world-class Muay Thai coach, Bryan Popejoy from Boxing Works. We discuss Janet Todd's recent win in ONE Championship and more!

In this episode of The Striking Corner podcast we speak with up and coming women's Muay Thai fighter, Jackie Buntan. Training out of Boxing Works in Torrance, California; Jackie has been active in Muay Thai since she was 11 years old and won her first TBA Muay Thai World Expo title at just 13 years old. We discuss Jackie's journey in Muay Thai and discuss the recent news that she has signed with rapidly flourishing Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and MMA promotion ONE Championship.

In this episode of The Striking Corner podcast we speak with LA-based fighter and 2019 IFMA World Championship Silver Medalist, Kennedy-Reilly Maze. Kennedy discusses her journey through Muay Thai, how the sport has shaped her life and helped her overcome past issues and insecurities. Kennedy is an extremely focused and driven athlete who feels that her journey in the sport is just beginning. She is definitely a fighter to look out for as it is evident that she is willing to sacrifice everything to get to the top of the sport. We had a great time speaking with Kennedy and we know you will enjoy this episode!

In this episode of The Striking Corner podcast we speak with New York-based fighter Jessica Ng. Jessica is one of the most recognizable female fighters in the NYC Muay Thai scene, in addition she has represented Team USA on various occasions at both the IFMA World Championships and the IFMA Pan-American Championships. We discuss her passion for the sport, her experiences at IFMA, the growth of Women's Muay Thai and Women's combat sports, and Eric completely sticks his foot in his mouth at one point...so Enjoy!

In this episode of The Striking Corner podcast we talk with Rami "The Son of Palestine" Ibrahim. Rami has had a long successful career in both the American and International Muay Thai scene. In addition to being an accomplished fighter, Rami is also a passionate and successful coach that has instilled the same dedication and sacrifice in his students that he has always demanded from himself. Rami, has always been a confident, passionate, and fearless individual who speaks his mind and has a gift of inspiring those around him to push harder and be better. He has helped coach both the US Youth and Adult teams as part of the USMF at international competitions. This man no doubt loves the sport of Muay Thai and it was a pleasure to have him on the podcast. If you are currently a fighter or are new to Muay Thai, this episode with Rami will no doubt motivate you and also help you understand the kind of dedication and discipline that is required if you want to make it to he highest levels of this sport.

This is it! One of our biggest podcasts to date! Recorded at the 2019 TBA Classic Muay Thai World Classic in Des Moines, Iowa, Vinny and Eric sit down with a few of the top coaches in the US; Bryan Dobler of Double Dose Muay Thai, Bryan Popejoy of Boxing Works, Danny Brandt of Dan's Gym, Pete Peterson of the TBA and Roundkick Gym, Stephen Strotmeyer of Pittsburgh Muay Thai, Patrick Rivera of Valor Training Center, Sean Madden of Easton Training Center, and last but not least USMF President, Michael "Chase" Corley of Heritage Muay Thai. It was a late night round table discussion with some of the top Muay Thai minds in America after a long day of Muay Thai fights. We go all in on the growth of Muay Thai in America...somewhat unfiltered. Enjoy!

In this episode of The Striking Corner, we speak with Muay Thai photographer extraordinaire, Jeff Dojillo. If you are a fan of Muay Thai and follow the sport, chances are you have seen Jeff's work. Jeff is a professional photographer that luckily for the Muay Thai community fell in love with the sport and has used his talent to capture the beauty of Muay Thai and showcase it to the world. Aside from photography, Jeff is now also the Chief Brand Officer for the USMF and helps them with everything from social media to digital marketing. In addition, Jeff has decided to put together a Muay Thai documentary covering Team USA as they compete in the upcoming IFMA World Muaythai Championships in Bangkok. But he needs the help of the Muay Thai community to raise the funds...and that is where we all have to lend a helping hand! Listen, learn, and if you can donate!

In this episode of The Striking Corner podcast, we speak with Muay Thai power couple, Pete & Pam Peterson. Since 2007, they have been the minds behind the largest, and one of the most respected and organized Muay Thai only tournaments in the U.S., The TBA Classic Muay Thai World Expo, known in the Muay Thai community as simply, "The T.B.A.'s We discuss what it takes to put together a tournament of this size, their favorite and least favorite moments of organizing the event, and how it all began. We also, of course, discuss the growth of Muay Thai in the U.S. and much more!

In this episode of The Striking Corner Podcast, we speak with USMF Vice President Marcy Maxwell. Marcy is extremely passionate about the growth of Muay Thai in America and has been an integral part of the United States Muaythai Federation's efforts to organize and grow the sport in the US and help our athletes gain recognition as well as experience internationally. In addition to her work for the USMF, Marcy also works with the Sport is Your Gang initiative in order to help at-risk youth stay off the streets and out of trouble by introducing Muay Thai into their lives. It was a pleasure having Marcy on the podcast as we discussed everything from Women's Muay Thai and Youth Muay Thai to "Love Muay Thai More" (which is something her coach and mentor, Jongsanan Fairtex once told her) and placing the sport above all else in certain situations, which is something that is definitely easier said than done.

In this episode of The Striking Corner podcast, we speak with 3x Muay Thai World Champion and renowned coach, Kieran Keddle. We discuss Kieran's move from the UK to Canada, both the opportunities and issues he sees in North American Muay Thai, European vs North American Muay Thai, his promotional aspirations, and more! Kieran is accomplished coach and former fighter with a wealth of knowledge and was genuinely a pleasure to talk to. We're sure you will enjoy this episode! Check it out!

In this episode, we speak with IFMA Pan-American Gold Medalist and Canadian Pro Muay Thai fighter, Scott "Smash" MacKenzie. Scott has been on an absolute tear as of late in his Muay Thai career and will soon be facing his biggest test as he makes his professional debut versus Naruepol Fairtex at Triumphant 7 on April 13th. We discuss Scott's recent change of fight camp and how it has helped his game, his journey so far in Muay Thai, the Canadian Muay Thai scene, and we also discuss Scott's staunch defense of the Canadian craft beer scene, Celine Dion, the Canadian National Anthem and more.

In this episode of The Striking Corner we speak with USMF Referee and Judge, Joshua "JJ" Ferraro. JJ has reffed over 2,000+ Muay Thai and MMA bouts throughout his officiating career and currently assists the United States Muaythai Federation in conducting Judging and Refereeing courses throughout the United States. We discuss the rules of Muay Thai and the differences between judging and refereeing a Muay Thai fight as opposed to MMA. We also discuss Muay Thai scoring and the criteria that experienced Muay Thai judges and referees are using to score a fight. If you have ever been on what you feel has been the wrong side of a decision or you THINK you know what scores or does not score in Muay Thai, you should definitely be listening to this episode! Enjoy!

In this episode of The Striking Corner, we speak with writer, fighter, and a total pain in Eric's ass, Matt Lucas! Matt currently lives in Thailand where he works as a fight commentator for Max Muay Thai and the Social Media Manager for Fairtex. Matt truly lives and breathes the sport of Muay Thai so we decided to speak with him about the current state of Muay Thai in Thailand, his perspective on the growth and current direction of American Muay Thai, the growth of promotions like One Championship and Max Muay Thai...and much more! Matt jumped on the podcast as a replacement for a guest that had to reschedule and we ended up having a great episode. Matt is still disappointed by Eric's perpetual lack of commitment and Eric still thinks Matt is a pain in the ass...but what are friends for? Enjoy!

In this episode of The Striking Corner podcast we speak with Mark "The Hyena" Beecher. Mark is without a doubt a straight shooter who is brutally honest and well...likes to talk a little shit and drop some "Beecherisms" from time to time. But his dedication, knowledge, and passion for Muay Thai is without question so he feels very strongly about protecting the sports integrity and toughness and does not want to see it get watered down. Also, if you are one of those "no touch knockout" masters...Mark would like to fight you. You know, just to test a theory. Enjoy!

In this episode, co-host Vinny Scotto and guest Patrick Rivera join the podcast from Stockton, Calfornia as Kru Patrick Rivera just finished up another edition of his very popular Muaythai Youth Academy workshop. These workshops are designed to help coaches, gym owners, and future business owners understand the value of starting a Youth Muaythai Program in their gyms. Patrick Rivera has help develop amazing young athletes that have gone on to compete in word class tournaments and bring home gold. The future of Muay Thai is in our youth and once again Patrick shares his knowledge with us and how YOU can become a successful business owner by focusing on the youth. Always a pleasure having him on the show.

It's 2019! New Year, New TSC! Yes....we are back from our holiday although Vinny argues that our self-imposed holiday had more to do with Eric's inability to juggle a new job and the podcast than taking a holiday break. And while there is some truth to that accusation, we used the time off to change our website, begin to make some changes with our equipment, and refocus our efforts for 2019! We have new guests, a new contest, and a new way for you to sponsor our podcast if you are interested in getting some exposure for your gym while helping us out. It's going to be an amazing year for Muay Thai & Kickboxing and we tell you why! 15 days into 2019 and here is our first episode of the year...FINALLY!