Tihipuke Muaythai

Tihipuke Muaythai is a renowned stand-up martial arts gym located in Hamilton, New Zealand. Founded in 2012 by Darryl Dawson, the gym started in the Hillcrest High school gymnasium before moving to Darryl's garage gym in Hamilton East. In 2014, it went commercial and settled in its current premises in Collingwood Street, Hamilton Central.

Most people join Tihipuke Muaythai to build confidence, acquire self-defence skills, meet friends, or improve their fitness. However, around 10% of members choose to compete in fights. The gym is well-known for its ability to produce technical fighters, or Nak Muay Femur, who have gone on to achieve success at a world-class level. Many individuals have joined Tihipuke Muaythai as beginners and have transformed into exceptional athletes.

Tihipuke Muaythai caters to a wide range of individuals, from those who simply want to get fit and have fun to professional fighters.

1. KIDS: These classes are designed for children aged 5-8, focusing on balance, fun through exercise, listening skills, and basic fitness and skill acquisition. For kids aged 9-13, the classes have a greater emphasis on skill acquisition and physical development.

2. NUTS & BOLTS: These are beginner to intermediate kickboxing classes that teach the fundamental techniques, skills, and combinations necessary to progress to the intermediate level. They are great for building fitness, learning self-defence, and toning up. The environment is relaxed and friendly.

3. INTERMEDIATE: These classes are designed to challenge participants' fitness levels and further develop their combination repertoire. The Monday and Wednesday classes include circuit-type fitness/bag work and partner drills, while the Tuesday and Thursday classes focus on technique-based pad work.

4. NAK MUAY: These classes are intended for advanced students and/or competitive fighters. They follow a similar structure to the intermediate classes but also include sparring, grappling, knees, elbows, advanced fitness training, and outdoor training/camps. High-level and professional fighters are also expected to train in the mornings.

In addition to Muaythai classes, Tihipuke Muaythai also offers a fully equipped weights and cardio gym called TMT Fitness Gym. Members have the option to access the gym only or combine it with Muaythai classes. Those who choose the gym membership receive ongoing exercise prescriptions from qualified instructors and can use the facilities during opening hours.

Personal training sessions are available for those who wish to refine their Muaythai technique or push their training intensity to the next level. These sessions can also be focused on gym/weights training, weight loss, muscle gain, or injury rehabilitation.

Tihipuke Muaythai also offers specialised fitness programmes such as HIIT circuit training, which consists of 30-minute high-intensity circuits designed to enhance fitness and trim the body. There is also a muscular conditioning circuit that utilises weights and other resistance training methods to help individuals achieve a toned and lean physique.

Furthermore, Tihipuke Muaythai organises weekend training camps to provide members with an immersive and intensive training experience. These camps further enhance skills and allow participants to train in a focused environment.

Tihipuke Muaythai is dedicated to promoting the art of Muaythai and offering a supportive and inclusive training environment for individuals of all ages and abilities. Whether you're looking to improve fitness, build confidence, or pursue competitive fighting, Tihipuke Muaythai is the ideal place to achieve your goals.