Trainer ‘Bee’ Monkoldej Sitthepitak, center, trains students inside of Charn Chai Muay Thai Gym (Photo: Hustle Boss)
By Chris Robinson
Once again, for the third time this year, I find myself in the country of Thailand, getting a bit lost in all that the beautiful land has to offer. But, unlike my first two trips where I stayed in and frequented many areas of Bangkok, I decided to move up north this trip to the small town of Pai.
One of my main goals in the early months up here in Pai, before I likely again head back to Bangkok to finish my trip, was to get familiar with the Charn Chai Muay Thai Gym. Ran by former Lumpinee and Rajadamnern #1 ranked “Bee” Monkoldej Sitthepitak, the gym has a very welcoming atmosphere that suits both professionals and beginners. But make no mistake about it, the work is very intense and you have to be committed to get through each session.
There are two separate two-hour sessions that run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and the gym is always lively and full of good energy. I would estimate that about 20 students, sometimes more, frequent each class, with about eight trainers overseeing their work.
We will be uncovering many stories from within Charn Chai in the coming weeks, but, for now, please enjoy some early photos of our time inside of the gym.
Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com