INTERVIEW WITH THE AUSTRALIAN COACH « DAVE FOX », ONE OF THE BIGGEST COLLECTORS OF AUTHENTIC MUAY THAI VIDEOS
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUSTRALIAN COACH « DAVE FOX », ONE OF THE BIGGEST COLLECTORS OF AUTHENTIC MUAY THAI VIDEOS
By Serge TREFEU (2026)
Serge TREFEU : Hello Dave, and thank you for this interview. You’ve been a passionate Muay Thai coach for many years. At what age did you discover this sport?
Dave FOX : Firstly, thank you for this invitation Serge. I first discovered MuayThai when l was 16 years (1989)
What drew you to Muay Thai in particular?
I had only seen Full Contact rules above waist Kickboxing until a friend’s Mum (a Karate blackbelt) told me about MuayThai. After reading very little about it at the library (no internet back then) l looked everywhere to find more & became fascinated
Do you have any siblings who also practiced Muay Thai?
My older brother Ken was my first student & l opened my Gym in his backyard in 1991
Were there many Muay Thai gyms in the town where you grew up in Australia?
Taipan MuayThai was the only fighter Gym in Rockhampton QLD trained by Mick Parker & he had a few fighters with Warren Sharrock & Brad Carter being his Champions
Which Muay Thai gym did you start practicing at?
I started self-training by watching a VHS of Ajarn Chai Sirisute (I still have this tape) while training in Hwa Rang Tae Kwon Do. Soon after a trainer named Paul Schappell opened his Gym ‘Black & Blue’ which l joined. I then moved to Brisbane & continued to train under James Reid who ran ‘Black Knights’ MuayThai
At that time, was Muay Thai already well-developed in Australia?
Yes & no… the West Coast had (& still has) Phon Martdee who was promoting MuayThai shows & bringing over some of the Golden Era nakmuay ie. Samranthong Kiatbanchong (R.I.P.), Coban Lookchaomaesaitong, Namkhabuan & Namphon Nongkeepahuyuth (R.I.P.), Therdkiat, Jongsanan among others. Meanwhile on the East Coast were mainly Kickboxing shows, with MuayThai starting to grow especially in Brisbane (1990), followed by Sydney & Melbourne
Who do you think are the Australian champions who have made their mark on the history of Muay Thai?
‘John’ Wayne Parr, Toby ‘The Weapon’ Smith, Darren ‘Riddler’ Reece, Daniel ‘The Rock’ Dawson, Paul’ Hurricane’ Briggs, Nugget McNaught, Bruce ‘Preacher’ MacFie, Marcus ‘MadDog’ Mangan, Chadd ‘The Shark’ Collins, Shannon ‘F16’ Forrester, Charlie Bubb, Tony ‘Hollywood’ Hill, Amy Birch, Caley Reece, Mark ‘Too Smooth’ Pease, Darren Hedgecock, Blair Smith, Oliver Olsen, to name a few & there are plenty of others that I could add. Each of these fighters have fought around the world or of a high calibre and many have gone on to become incredible trainers of the next generation
How long have you been practicing Muay Thai? Have you had the opportunity to compete?
I began training in the Art in 1990 & under the BJC grading system (similar to Karate & Tae Kwon Do) l achieved my black singlet & opened my Gym in July 1991. I’m very open about my “fighting” history & only had 3 fights in Tae Kwon Do, but none in MuayThai
How did you discover the world of Muay Thai, the champions, the matches in Bangkok, by watching VHS tapes?
In Australia unless you lived in a city that had a MuayThai Gym, our only resources were Australasian Fighting Arts & BLITZ magazines and later International Kickboxer magazine.
VHS tapes were difficult to come by, but Stephan Fox (Secretary of IFMA) ran a very successful shop & Gym in Mackay, ‘North Queensland Martial Arts Supplies’ and he would send you a VHS of Thailand fights with your order… classic Golden Era fights!
What year did you first go to Thailand?
I first went to Thailand with my wife Brigitte & our son Edan in 2006 and we lived there until 2009
What was your first introduction to Thailand like: the culture, the food, the Thai people, and of course, Muay Thai?
My wife is a music teacher & got a 2 year contract at an international school in Huay Khwang, Bangkok. We were 2 days late arriving in Thailand due to our son taking ill, so we got off the plane at 12.30am, arrived at our new home around 2am, got a couple of hours sleep & headed to the shops to buy some essentials & then my wife was taken to the school to start work.
We knew very little of the language, had no idea the whereabouts in Bangkok we were, but learned quickly about where to eat, how to behave & had an incredible experience.
My first experience at the fights was a Kerk Krai event at the original Lumpinee Stadium in September 2006 with the Main Event: Saenchai Sor Khamsing vs Duangsompong Kor Sapaotong!
Have you trained in a Muay Thai camp?
The first camp I attended was Tor Chalermchai 6 days after we landed & it was only a few hundred meters from my home. This session ended abruptly when l popped my left knee (old injury). Being a big guy & this being a true khaai muay, l looked around & found the Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong MuayThai School which was in the other direction & l trained there until we left in 2009
Which boxing camps have you had the opportunity to visit in Thailand, and which ones left the biggest impression on you?
Tor Chalermchai (first camp I visited), Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong MuayThai School, Jitti Gym, MuayThai Plaza (Pertie Gym), Rompo Gym, 13 Coins/Dr Saenchai Gym, Chacrit Gym, OneSongchai Gym, Kaewsamrit Gym, Kiatphontip Gym, Eminent-Air Gym, Romsrithong Gym, Luktapagard Gym, Vor.Pechpool Gym, Sink Boxing Camp, Sor Vorapin Gym, Town-In-Town 2 Gym, Sasiprapa Gym, Jocky Gym, Fighting Spirit Gym, Sitsongpeenong Gym, Sor Kor Pirat-Por Pichar Gym.
Each of these Gyms hold a place in my heart, but Tor Chalermchai Gym was the first camp I visited. Jaroenthong School was the camp I trained out of, Kiatphontip Gym makes you feel like family & 13 Coins/Dr Saenchai Gym was my home away from home
You’ve met so many great Thai champions. Which ones did you connect with the most?
Yes, there are too many to mention both Thai and Foreign, but I’m still in contact with Jokkapop Porntawee (Kru Pat), Stephane Nikiema, Liam Harrison, Dany Bill, Dieselnoi, Orono Wor Pechpool, Sam-A, Sinbi, JWP, Mr Pong… the list goes on…
Who are your favorite Thai champions, those who, in your opinion, have left their mark on the history of Muay Thai?
Each and every one of the Golden Era had something different to offer, but a few of my favourites are: Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, Karuhat Sor Supawan, Kaensak Sor Pleonchit & Oley Kiatoneway for their effortless movement. Boonlai Sor Thanikul for his counter speed. Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn & Sakad Petchyindee for their power & walk forward style
What were your most memorable encounters in Thailand?
Just being given the oppoturnity to live there and having the pleasure to meet so many fighters & trainers that I had only read about or seen on video and of course to meet my Ajarns who helped me find a new path… it was indeed a true honour
Do you have a particular anecdote to tell us that happened to you in Thailand?
Not really, but when people ask me about it I often say you can’t escape the smell, the street food is incredible & the people/culture are amazing
You’ve attended many matches in Bangkok’s stadiums. Which one left the biggest impression on you?
Wow, that’s a big question! My first event at the original Lumpinee Stadium was an eye-opener due to the atmosphere and quality of fights & will forever have a place in my heart…same goes for my first event at Rajadamnern Stadium…
In what year did you become a Muay Thai and kickboxing coach? Did you create your own Muay Thai gym?
I became “qualified” in June 1991 and opened my Gym on July 7th that year
Have you trained students who have fought in Australia and Thailand?
I have trained fighters in the past: Cameron Burrows had 3 fights including a State title. Ruben, Scott, Jason (R.I.P.), Shane, Garth & Kane all had 1 fight under my Gym. Rob, Sam & Billy did interclub bouts, with Rob going on to fight numerous times & for titles under his new Gym.
I had more personal success being a pad holder for various Gyms while in living outside Melbourne in Victoria with fighters: Nathan and Matt winning Victorian Titles and Nick winning an Australian Title.
Now in I’m training Lucas who had his first fight (split points loss) in December and now preparing for his first Full Thai Rules bout in February. He’s training hard and we’re both keen to see what the future has install
In the early 2000s, you worked for the famous website www.k1-fans.com, dedicated to Muay Thai and the distribution of “old school” videos about the sport. Can you tell us about that period and your work for the site? Did you create it yourself?
WWW.k1-fans.com was not my website, it was created by a gentleman Alexis from Spain who was a huge fan of combat sports.
This website & forum opened the doors for many up&coming fighters as well as seasoned professionals to share their story, their jourey & their fights online with fans.
I was a member who became a moderator & when we moved to Thailand, I held up a handmade sign & wore the shirt in many of my photos to help promote the site. I also met a few of the members from the forum in Bangkok too, which was amazing
Do you manage to fully enjoy your passion for Muay Thai, or do you also have another job?
Teaching MuayThai has been my only job since returning to Australia in 2009. Before our move I was a cleaner & bouncer/security guard, as well as a trainer
You love Thailand and its unique customs. So much so that you have several sacred Sak Yant tattoos on your body. Can you tell us about them? Do they have any connection to Muay Thai?
I first learned about Sak Yant thru the MuayThai documentary “Born For The Fight’ and even though it was a few minutes it sparked an interest.
Being a member of K1-FANS I got meet other fighters & trainers who had already been blessed by the khem sak, so I started to ask questions. From there I became part of SakYant.com a forum created by Ajarn Spencer Littlewood and my journey and interest started to move forward.
My first visit to a Wat (temple) was with a brother & 2 time World Champion, Jason ‘Ironman’ Fenton from Canada. He organised a trip for us out to visit Phra Ajarn Jeab out in Minburi & I received my first Yant, Gao Yodt and from there I have had the pleasure of being tattooed and blessed by 3 other Ajarns, the late Ajarn Keaw, Ajarn Thoy Dabot of Wat Thong Nai and Australia’s very own Ajarn Mat Reid
You were tattooed by Ajahn Keaw, the master tattooist of great Muay Thai champions such as the legendary Jean-Charles Skarbowsky, Stephane Nikiema, and Dany Bill. Can you tell us about your meeting with him?
I had the pleasure of meeting Stephane Nikiema at the 2007 Queen’s Birthday event and we briefly spoke about MuayThai and Sak Yant. We arranged to meet again a couple of weeks later in Bang Sue so he could take me to meet Ajarn Keaw. A few days prior to this I met Stephane along with Serge, Antoine & Victor Pinto at Rajadamnern Stadium.
As we entered the stadium we were shown our seat area by a Thai man who greeted each of us and as I came closer he touched my arm and said “I will see you soon.” Little did I know that on that weekend I would enter the Samnak at Wongsawan Soi 11 and be greeted by the same Thai man… Ajarn Keaw. He was warm, happy and had this calming aura about him that made you feel welcome.
I miss him every day, but know that he is always by my side before, during and after doing my morning mantras…
Do you know any French Muay Thai champions? What are your thoughts on French fighters?
There are so many to mention but Stephan Nikiema, Guillaume Kerner, Jaid Seddak, JC Skarbowsky, Morad Sari, Dida Diafat, Jo Prestia are the Golden Era stand-outs followed by!
In your opinion, what is the difference between foreign fighters in Thailand today and those in the 1990s and 2000s?
I think it’s the opportunities they have now. If you’re at the right Gym at the right time the door is open for you, but in the 1990/2000’s you had to fight and earn your spot for recognition… John Wayne Parr, Amy Birch, Jean-Charles Skarbowsky, Stephane Nikiema, Jaid Seddak, Joe Prestia, Orlando Weit, Ivan Hippolyte, Dida Diafat, Dany Bill, Gilbert Ballentine, Ramon Dekkers (R.I.P.), Rob Kaman (R.I.P.), Peter Smit (R.I.P.), Manu N’Toh, Guillaume Kerner, Farid Villaume, all these warriors and many others paved the way for where foreigners are today
Do you think it’s easier for a foreign fighter to make a name for themselves in Thailand today?
Yes, it’s opened up so much especially due to the internet and social media.& if you’re at the right Camp at the right time you can fight on the bigger shows & if you perform well, your name will spread
What are your thoughts on current Muay Thai and on today’s Thai champions?
No matter what changes there are in the Sport, I will always the love the Art and take my hat off to those who climb into the ring and challenge themselves
Do you follow ONE Championship events? What are your thoughts on this organization’s fights?
Yes, I watch ONE. The organization has does amazing things to get MuayThai into homes around the world, which is what it needed. But I’m personally not a fan of the little gloves & 3 round fights. They make for more entertaining fights for the general public, but for the purists… don’t reinvent the wheel when it still works
Muay Thai is now extremely well-known worldwide, and fighters today command huge purses, especially at ONE Championship. Do you think this is a good thing, even if it has somewhat distorted authentic Muay Thai?
Fighters getting paid more is a great thing & well overdue, but it has to be truly earned. I was with an extremely popular nak muay in 2008 when he defended his Lumpinee Title and received a purse of 100,000bht ($3000US), now you have fighters getting $50,000USD bonuses & Rodtang getting 10,000,000bht ($300,000US) a fight!
Women’s Muay Thai has also grown enormously, both in Thailand and internationally. What do you think?
It’s about time the ladies got true recognition. They can push just as hard as the guys in the Gym & deserved to be put in the spotlight
I know you’re nostalgic for the era of the great Thai champions of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Is there a Thai champion today that you particularly appreciate, for their style or charisma?
I love the nak muay of the Silver & Golden Era, they were in a different league to the fighters of today. Who do I appreciate? I’d have to say Sam-A & Nong-O. I had the honour of meeting and videoing them in the early 2000’s so to see them still mixing it up with the current generation of fighters is amazing!
And a foreign champion?
There are some incredible foreign fighters coming thru, but I can’t go past ‘John’ Wayne Parr & ‘The Hitman’ Liam Harrison, both great guys outside the ring and a true warriors inside
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I would like to thank each and every person I have had the privilege of training over the years, and all those who I have crossed paths with from around the world both in person and on the internet.
Special mention to Rob Cox who is a true MuayThai Encyclopedia, Rodolfo Barba, Damien Trainer, Bryan Popejoy, Johnny Borchardt & Peter Hoole who have shared their knowledge and assisted with my learning for many years… and of course to you & your team for all you have done
Thank you very much, Dave, for this interview, and wish you Chookdee for your future projects!
Thank you for this oppotunity to share my story and a special thank you to you Serge for all you have done and continue to do for the worldwide MuayThai family!
Dave “Hellfighter” Fox, founder of Suk Jai Muay Thai Australia, launched his business in February 2010 after three years in Bangkok.
The club’s history dates back to 1991, when it was established as Black Knights 2 (under the BJC umbrella). In 1993, it became Talisman Thai Stables, then joined the WMC in 1995. In 2000, it became Talisman Hellfighters Muay Thai Gym, also incorporating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Damon Paine (also a Hellfighter trainer).
Dave “Suk Jai” Fox began his martial arts journey with tai chi, Kyokushin karate, and Hwarang taekwondo, disciplines in which he excelled, winning the Central Queensland title and competing in the Queensland and Australian championships. He then gained extensive experience in Muay Thai, organized three training camps with the Southern Thailand team, and became internationally recognized as a coach and source of information for some of the biggest names in the sport.
Today, Suk Jai Muay Thai offers private lessons by appointment. “Suk Jai” means “Joyful Heart”: it is the name of the Wat (temple) of his first Ajahn, who introduced him to Buddhism and the world of Sak Yant.
Dave Fox also created a Youtube channel “Suk Jai Muay Thai” where “Old School” videos on Muay Thai are published, videos which are real gems for all fans of authentic Muay Thai!
Youtube Suk Jai Muay Thai :
https://www.youtube.com/@SukJaiMuayThai
