Muay Thai

Muay Thai is an ancient Martial Art from Thailand in the Far East which has a history going back over 2000 years. In this modern age Muay Thai is one of the fastest growing fighting sports in the western world, which is always exciting and graceful to watch. The use of clinch work, punches, kicks, knees and elbows make sure that the crowd is always waiting for that "anything can happen" moment. Although Muay Thai can be completely devestating it is also great for fitness, flexability, general wellbeing confidence and self esteem.

The Faktory Muay Thai Team is run by Craig Jose, Jimmy Burn and Ken Ayre, we also have a kids academy run by Linda Stevenson. With over 30 years combined experience you will be certain to get the very best of our skills and attention. Whether you want to compete and learn the art to a professional level or just stay fit and healthy and enjoy the family atmosphere of the gym, The Faktory welcomes you to come and try this magnificent Art.

Coaches

Craig Jose has trained in various forms of fighting arts since 1994 including Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Boxing, Vale Tudo and MMA. Although competing at an amateur level from 1996 in kickboxing and MMA He is best known for his professional A-class Muay Thai achievements which include ITBF European Champion - 70kg, POS2 8to1 Tournament Champion, BTBC British Champion - 70kg, ITBF English Champion - 70kg and Former ITBF British Champion - 67kg. This wealth of fighting experience makes him a well informed and practical instructor. Craig has shared his knowledge and skills for a total of 6 years at Newcastle University Muay Thai Club where he is still Head Coach. This club is heavily linked to The Faktory.

Ken Ayre has been training  Muay Thai and Kickboxing since 1993. He has also studied Mixed Martial Arts since 2004. Alongside Jimmy Burn he ran the New Concept Muay Thai Club at Churchill Community College and West Allotment Boys Club until moving to The Faktory in March 2009. Ken has competed competitively in both Boxing and Muay Thai and is an excellent practioner with great strength and powerful technique with much to offer and share as a coach.

Jimmy Burn has trained in Muay Thai & Kickboxing from 2000 and has coached Muay Thai since 2002 at Churchill Community College and West Allotment Boys Club until moving to The Faktory in March 2009. Among other successful fighting achievements he has proven his skill and ability by winning the Fightzone Light Welterweight British Title in 2008. Jimmy demonstrates insane flexability and a passion for clinch work.

Linda Stevenson is in charge of running kids Muay Thai @ The Faktory. She has attained black belt level in Freestyle Karate and Kickboxing and studied Muay Thai for 4 years. She has also coached Muay Thai and Kickboxing at Newcastle University since 2007. She has a wealth of expereince of working with children as a full time Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist. Which means she is fantastic at breaking  techniques down into their fundamentals, explaining and demonstrating them in a child friendly mannor.