New Galaxy Soho Gym MIP Training Center Makes Muay Thai Accessible for All

Slight-framed, peppy Miranda Zhou is not necessarily what you’d expect from the owner of a muay thai and boxing gym. In fact, her own first taste of muay thai was less than a year ago. “I never thought that I would be the kind of person who practiced muay thai,” she says. “I thought it was ‘violent’, not to mention I was shy and lacked confidence — the first class I tried I didn’t even want to take off my socks [muay thai is practiced barefoot]!” However, she soon fell in love with it, training one-on-one every day with a personal trainer and making special trips to muay thai gyms overseas.

That is why she decided to open her own muay thai gym, MIP Training Center, located on the second floor of Galaxy Soho. “I wanted to create a gym where people like me, particularly other women, can feel comfortable trying muay thai for the first time and discover a new form of exercise,” Miranda explains. The gym itself is spacious and airy, with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows allowing for plenty of natural light. Much of the equipment, including the boxing ring in the center of the gym, has been custom-made for MIP.  

Muay Thai, sometimes called Thai boxing, is known as “the art of eight limbs” because it combines the use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Movements are rapid and require the coordination of the whole body, making muay thai much more efficient at fat loss, conditioning, and body sculpting than traditional boxing (and hundreds of times more effective than simply pounding away on the treadmill at the gym). “When you kick, for example, the power comes from your waist and hips, not just your leg. Muay thai is a great way to finally get those toned abs you’ve been talking about for years!” Miranda says, laughing. 

MIP's classes are intense, with few breaks (although you can, of course, go at your own pace). “I tell the instructors to make the classes fast-paced and challenging; after all, people are paying to come here to exercise, not to rest,” Miranda says. As a result, you can burn up to 800 calories during a one-on-one session with a personal trainer. A standard group class starts with a brief warm-up, followed by instruction in techniques and combos, then sparring and work on the bag. Classes are mixed level but the instructors know how to tailor the class to each person — beginners work on the basics while more experienced students spend more time on the bag or doing drills.

MIP's team of instructors hail from China, the Philippines, and the UK, and all speak both English and Chinese. For example, muay thai and strength and conditioning coach Jonathon hails from the UK and has spent many years studying martial arts in Henan Province and muay thai in Thailand, and holds a degree in sports science. Filipino coach Jessie "The Fighter" Rafols is a professional MMA fighter and has fought (and won) competitions around the world. Don't feel put off by the idea of training with a "professional fighter", though — the aim isn't to get you into the ring, but rather to use the same techniques they use to get fighters competition-ready to help you get into shape. "Every instructor has his own style; they teach the basics but they also add their own twists here and there," Miranda says. "For example, I like Jessie's style because his techniques look great in photos!"

“MIP is a family," Miranda finishes by saying. "We have a lively WeChat group where we share our experiences and complain about our aches and pains! One of the master trainers I know once told me that the aim of a non-professional muay thai gym isn’t to train fighters, it is just to create a space for people to exercise and let off some steam. I believe we have achieved that here.” 

MIP Training Center
10222, 2/F, Tower A, Galaxy Soho, Dongcheng District (139 1016 8436 / 135 2062 9636)
MIP慕泰格斗：东城区银河SOHOA座2层10222

MIP offers group and one-on-one classes in muay Thai, boxing, and fitness-oriented muay Thai. First-timers can enjoy a free trial class and there is 10 percent off all classes during the month of December. Add MIP's official WeChat account (ID: MIP慕泰格斗) to purchase and book classes or add owner Miranda Zhou (ID: Miranda_Zhouuuuuu or scan the QR code below).

This post is paid for by MIP Pro
Photos provided by MIP Pro