EVOLVE MMA opens first academy in Thailand at EmSphere, Bangkok
EVOLVE MMA, Asia’s championship martial arts brand, has opened EVOLVE EmSphere in Bangkok, marking the brand’s first academy in Thailand and the beginning of its long-term plan to grow the martial arts community in the country.
Located at EmSphere in the heart of Bangkok, the academy offers 5-star training facilities designed for all ages and experience levels, from complete beginners and fitness enthusiasts to professional athletes.
EVOLVE EmSphere has launched with an initial schedule of 150 classes per week across Muay Thai, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), wrestling, mixed martial arts (MMA), Kids’ Muay Thai, and Kids’ BJJ.
The academy is led by EVOLVE MMA’s international championship instructor team, with a focus on authentic martial arts instruction in a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment.
Building on the success of EVOLVE’s Singapore academies, the Bangkok schedule has been designed for executives, entrepreneurs, students, homemakers, families, and children. With classes available throughout the day, members can book training sessions that fit their routines and lifestyles.
Chatri Sityodtong, founder and chief executive officer of ONE Championship and founder and chairman of EVOLVE MMA, said the Bangkok launch continues a vision that began in Singapore in 2009.
“When we founded EVOLVE MMA in Singapore back in 2009, our vision was to create a platform where anyone could unleash their greatness through the power of martial arts,” Chatri said.
“Over the past 16 years, we have been humbled by the incredible support we have received in Singapore. Today, we are incredibly excited because even more people will now have access to authentic martial arts taught by our international world-renowned championship instructor team.
“Bringing EVOLVE MMA to Bangkok marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our mission to make world-class martial arts accessible to everyone.”
Chatri said the academy is designed for people with a wide range of goals, including improving health, building confidence, learning self-defence, losing weight, competing, or simply becoming stronger through training.
“We believe martial arts is for everyone. Whether your goal is to become healthier, build confidence, lose weight, learn self-defence, compete at the highest level, or simply become the best version of yourself, we believe everyone has the potential to achieve something extraordinary through the power of martial arts.”
EVOLVE Kids’ Program
EVOLVE EmSphere will also offer the EVOLVE Kids’ Program, described as the largest Kids’ Muay Thai and BJJ programme in Asia.
Designed by a Harvard MBA, the programme welcomes children aged four to 13 years old across all experience levels. The curriculum focuses on character development, confidence building, physical development, agility, discipline, resilience, lifelong fitness, and practical self-defence skills.
The programme is designed to provide a structured, safe, and supportive learning environment where young students can develop physical skills as well as confidence, resilience, and character both on and off the mats.
“As a father, I know every parent wants their child to grow up with confidence, resilience and the strength to overcome life’s challenges,” Chatri said.
“At EVOLVE, we believe martial arts is one of the greatest investments a parent can make in a child’s future. Our mission has never been just to teach Muay Thai or BJJ. It is about helping children build confidence, discipline, respect, humility, perseverance and the mental resilience to thrive in every aspect of life.
“Through world-class instruction in a safe, supportive and structured environment, kids learn to stay calm under pressure, overcome adversity and develop the character to become the best version of themselves.”
Chatri added that the children’s programme also responds to concerns many families have around bullying in schools.
“With bullying in schools continuing to be a concern for many families, whether verbal, emotional or physical, every child deserves the confidence to walk through life without fear.
“Our Kids’ Program empowers children to become bully-proof by equipping them with practical self-defence skills, the confidence to stand up for themselves, and the discipline to respond with courage, self-control and respect.”
Championship instructor team
EVOLVE MMA said its instructor team brings together more than 1,000 years of combined championship experience, combining elite competitive backgrounds with a shared focus on helping students of all ages and skill levels reach their potential.
EVOLVE EmSphere will also serve as the home of the EVOLVE Fight Team in Thailand, where elite athletes will train and prepare to compete internationally, including in ONE Championship, the world’s largest martial arts promotion.
The EVOLVE MMA EmSphere instructor team includes Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, former ONE Strawweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion; Sagetdao Petpayathai, four-time Lumpinee Stadium Champion; Petch-Phangan Lukjaoporongtom, WBC Muay Thai Champion; Yamin PK Saenchaimuaythaigym and Neung Thoranee Guaybangkorlaem, both experienced ONE Championship athletes; and Pathipan Arthikong, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu National Champion, and ONE Championship athlete.
Together, the team brings decades of elite competition and coaching experience to the new Bangkok academy, with classes designed to support students from first-time beginners to competitive athletes.
The launch of EVOLVE MMA Bangkok at EmSphere gives Thailand’s martial arts community access to a full training programme across striking, grappling, fitness, children’s classes, and professional fight preparation under one roof.
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