WMTO

A new era for Thai boxing

Thai boxing in Great Britain is entering a new era. Early in 1996 the WORLD MUAY THAI ORGANISATION was formed by Steve Logan with the aim of taking Thai Boxing to the level that he blieved it should be at.

The standard of Thai Boxing in this country is generally lower than the standard in other European countried such as Holland and France. Steve Logan feels the reason for this is that many talented Thai Boxers reach a certain level, and then it is very difficult for them to progress because of a lack of suitable opponents. After a while they become frustrated at this lack of fights and either "retire" or go on to other sports such as boxing. Therefore the standard never rises above the present level. Our top Thai Boxers have not been receving the recognition which they deserve.

The WMTO feels the problem exists because many promoters are only interested in promoting novice shows, and are not prepared to take the risks involved in promoting a large A class show. If someone is prepared to take the risks and put our top fighters against each other on a regular basis, then our standard can only improve.

WMTO has hosted numerous A class shows since its conception, and not just in Birmingham but also in London, Rochester, Oldham, Coventry, and other venues. This shows that the WMTO are not just talking about it, but are actually doing something to resolve the problem. Other talented Thai Boxers were not getting the opportunities that they deserved. The WMTO are trying to avoid politics wherever possible, and let the most talented fighters fight for their titles, regardless of what organisation the beling to (not just the champion of a few select clubs). The WMTO invite ALL Thai Boxers and their instructors to send in their fight records so they may be entered into the WMTO ratings, and maybe considered for area, national and international titles.

The WMTO also cater for people who do not wish to fight competitively by arranging seminars with top instructors, for referees and judges, plus related seminars such as a sports injuries and sports massage seminar, the first of which was held on the 8th December 1996. We also hold interclubs on a regular basis for those people who are not interested in fighting, or simply not ready to fight for real.