From Local Rings to Global Stages: Your Roadmap to Competing in Muay Thai

If you're looking to compete in Muay Thai, starting locally is the first crucial step toward building a successful career in the sport. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you compete in Ontario and eventually move toward international Muay Thai events.

1. Join a Muay Thai Club in Ontario

Before stepping into the ring, you need solid training. Find a reputable Muay Thai club in Ontario that offers structured classes and quality coaching. Muay Thai Ontario, the governing body for Muay Thai in the province, provides a directory of affiliated clubs. This ensures you're getting the best training available and are part of a community that supports your growth.

Find a club: Muay Thai Ontario Club Directory

2. Register with Muay Thai Ontario

To compete in any Muay Thai events in Ontario, you must be registered with Muay Thai Ontario. This registration is required for participating in sanctioned competitions, and it connects you to resources, and other essential information.

3. Participate in Local Competitions

Once you're trained and registered, the next step is to compete in local events. Muay Thai Ontario hosts various competitions, including the Ontario Provincials, where athletes from across the province showcase their skills. These events are an excellent opportunity to gain experience, improve your technique, and build a competitive resume.

Ontario Provincials: The Ontario Provincials are the premier local competition where you can test your skills and earn recognition. Be sure to check the Muay Thai Ontario website for upcoming event dates and registration details.
Event Details: Muay Thai Ontario Events

Muay Thai Ontario - Provincial Championship Belt.

4. Compete in the Canadian Muay Thai Open

After gaining experience in local competitions, the next step is the Canadian Muay Thai Open. This is a national tournament where athletes from across Canada gather to compete. While you don’t need to qualify for the Open, it’s a great opportunity to elevate your competitive profile and challenge yourself against the best in the country.

Canadian Muay Thai Open: Canadian Muay Thai Open

5. Qualify for Team Canada

If you're aiming for international competitions, the next milestone is qualifying for Team Canada. To be selected for the national team, you'll need to excel in national competitions like the Canadian Muay Thai Open. Muay Thai Canada sets specific criteria for athletes to represent Canada in international events.

Team Canada Qualification: Muay Thai Canada

6. Stay Informed and Connected

As you progress in your Muay Thai career, staying updated on events, training camps, and new opportunities is crucial. Muay Thai Ontario and Muay Thai Canada are the primary sources of information for athletes looking to compete at higher levels. They also offer educational resources to help you improve your skills and knowledge of the sport.

Muay Thai Ontario Updates: Muay Thai Ontario
Muay Thai Canada Updates: Muay Thai Canada

Path to International Competition

Once you've established yourself locally and nationally, you can begin pursuing international Muay Thai competitions. The International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) is the global governing body for amateur Muay Thai, and they organize major international events like the IFMA World Championships.

To compete internationally, you'll need to be selected for Team Canada, which typically requires consistent performance in national competitions and adherence to IFMA's standards. Representing Canada on the international stage is a significant achievement that can open doors to professional opportunities and further development in the sport.

Highlighting Current Canadian Muay Thai Athletes

Canada has a strong presence in the international Muay Thai scene, with athletes regularly competing at global events. Here are some notable Canadian Muay Thai athletes who represented Canada in 2024:

Olivia Bahsous: At just 14 years old, Olivia secured a gold medal in the Junior 14-15 Female Youth -36kg category at the 2024 IFMA Youth World Championship, held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Josimar "Judge Dread" Tulloch: A Muay Thai Canada Team Member and Gold Medalist, Josimar has been a prominent figure in the sport, representing Canada with distinction.
Martello "M16" Jones: An accomplished fighter with multiple championship titles, including the 2024 IFMA World Championships Elite -86kg Bronze Medal and the 2024 Maximus Fight Promotions Muay Thai Cruiserweight Champion.
Taylor McClatchie: Taylor has competed on some of the biggest stages in the combat sports world, including Glory Kickboxing in Madison Square Garden. Now setting her sights on competing for ONE Championship in 2025.
Jake "The One" Peacock: A limb-different Muay Thai fighter who made his ONE Championship debut in April 2024, showcasing exceptional skill and determination.