Today we’d like to introduce you to Panyapol.
Hi Panyapol, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Panyapol. I’m the owner, managing director and head coach at Chonburi Muay Thai gym in Nashville. I started the gym in the beginning of 2013, just renting a space from another gym because I wanted to teach and grow Muay Thai. I also wanted to continue to train with other members. I was born and raised in Thailand, Chonburi province, and the namesake of the gym. I started Muay Thai training at age 9 years old. Growing the sport of Muay Thai in the USA and showing anyone who inspiring everyone to be better versions of themselves are my passions.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Owning a small business always has many struggles. We relocated after renting a small space, about 900 square feet, to a 4000 square foot space, which is where we are now. We grew from an initial, small group of people who trusted in me to teach Muay Thai with the right attention and focus every day. Those people now mentor the next generation of students.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Chonburi Muay Thai (CBMT) is the elite Muay Thai gym in Tennessee, which was founded in 2013 by Panyapol (Bruce) Ratanakul. Bruce was born in Thailand, where he began training in the art of Muay Thai at the age of nine. Over the years, Bruce has won 22 of the 33 Thai fights in which he competed. CBMT is the only traditional Muay Thai gym in Tennessee and, just as in fighting, the success of the gym was hard-fought and won through years of discipline, commitment, and consistency.
Muay Thai or “The art of eight limbs” is a traditional combat sport that specializes in stand-up striking: kicks, punches, knees and elbows, and clinching techniques. Students aged six to seventy years old have been members at our gym and the martial art is adaptable for most everyone. We are know locally, nationally, and even internationally for the success of the gym. CBMT boasts more than twenty championship belts and fighters have participated in over 400 fights.
As a testament to our brand, CBMT is the only local gym to host traditional and current fighters from Thailand. Over the years, several legendary greats have conducted seminars and taught classes, drawing attendance from students in surrounding states. No other Muay Thai gym in Tennessee can offer that experience.
Bruce intentionally cultivates a family atmosphere at the gym and has several students who have been with CBMT since the establishment in 2013. From beginner students to fighters, watching any class will show observers the rapport and respect from student toward each other and toward their coaches. The proverb “iron sharpens iron” is on display, as one can often see students doing additional work after class together or just answering questions from newer students.
Most recently, Bruce is expanding the brand to include hosting fight events. Last month, CBMT hosted fights at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Despite it being the first event, fighters from seven states participated and helped to make it a success.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
As stated above, the success of the gym was hard-fought and won through years of discipline, commitment, and consistency.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chonburimuaythai.com/
- Instagram: @chonburimuaythai
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chonburimuaythai7817
