Trainers
The majority of our trainers at Diamond have fought in the big stadiums of Bangkok, and most are former champions and title-holders. At Diamond Muay Thai we have a large team of talented trainers who have been selected not only for their Muay Thai skills and pad holding ability but also their teaching skills. Currently we have 10 trainers- led by head trainer Kru Chok Rittisak, a former Ratchadamoen champion and winner of the prestigious yellow jacket (over 10 consecutive title defences). At Diamond we are strongly focused on teaching correct technique and all of our trainers are passionate about improving the abilities of their students. Our team is a strong unit with several trainers living with their wives and children in the camp – creating the family atmosphere that we are known for. Although training is intense and students are pushed hard, our trainers have easy-going and relaxed personalities, creating a fantastic environment for learning.
Kru Chok
Chok was born in Nakhon Si Tammarat, Southern Thailand, and he first fought at the tender age of 10 years old. After several years of fighting on the Southern circuit and winning numerous belts, he re-located to Bangkok where he fought at Ratchadamoen stadium. Chok soon found fame not only winning the Ratchadamoen title but defending the belt over 10 times against opposition of the highest level. This led to him being awarded the elusive yellow jacket for consecutive title defences. Chok is an incredible pad holder and is the head trainer at Diamond- ensuring that training sessions are always tough but also varied and interesting.
Santod
Santod is the brother of the late superstar Nokweed Davy and brings a tough Bangkok style of training to the gym. Santod has fought throughout the South of Thailand and also won South Thailand titles in multiple weight divisions. He has graced the stadiums of both Lumpini and Ratchadamoen in Bangkok where he fought out of the famous Davy Gym. Santod has a tall and slender physique, which compliments his classic fighting style which relies on his great fight IQ, fantastic timing and counter attacks. Around the camp Santod has a great personality and he always makes training informative but fun for his students.
Baow
Baow is a commanding presence in the gym- offering hard, Bangkok style training where students are pushed to their limits. Baow still fights at a very high level and has a career which has so far spanned more than 250 fights. He is well known in the Bangkok stadiums for being a tough offensive fighter and many of his wins came from elbow KOs. Baow has been teaching Thai and Western fighters for many years, speaks great English and has a strong frame- making him a favourite pad holder for bigger guys. In the past few years Baow has fought for the larger promotions in Thailand such as Thai Fight and Max Muay Thai.
Nop
Nop’s fight name was Chok Chai and he started his career in Pattalung at the age of 7 years old. Nop comes from a family of brothers who used to fight regularly at the same shows in South Thailand. At 18 years old Nop moved to Bangkok where he fought for an extended period of time at Lumpini Stadium. He fought with a classic style which was admired by the Bangkok crowds. Nop has a commanding presence around the camp and always goes the extra mile to make sure that students are happy with their training. Nop is an excellent clincher and will break the Thai clinch down to offer good advice and instruction.
Ip
Ip has been a trainer on Koh Phangan for the last 4 years and his mother and father also live on the island. Ip is a lively member of the team and ‘Elvis’ as he is affectionately known is a student favourite. Ip has fought in various stadiums in South Thailand and is a well known fighter here on Koh Phangan. He has a solid build and loves to clinch and spar with students- often smiling (Thai style) when taking any punches or kicks. Ip is still an active fighter and keeps himself in good shape throughout the year. You will often see him playing football with other students after training sessions.
Laan
