KIATSONGRIT GYM “BEST BOXING CAMP OF THE YEAR IN THAILAND IN 2021”
KIATSONGRIT GYM “BEST BOXING CAMP OF THE YEAR IN THAILAND IN 2021”
by Serge TREFEU (2024)
The Kiatsongrit Gym is a true institution of Muay Thai, existing for 40 years. This mythical camp was created by Mr. Songrit Tansap, a great Muay Thai enthusiast who gave his name to the camp. Indeed, «Kiat» means «Honour» and «Songrit» is the name of the founder.
Until 2016, the Kiatsongrit Gym had a medium infrastructure. Then, a new camp, much larger, was built in the same area as the old Kiatsongrit camp, located in the Rat Burana district south of Bangkok.
The new facility offers modern facilities and improved space, allowing more fighters to be accommodated and meeting the growing needs of athletes in training.
After 1997, following the death of Mr. Songrit Tansap, his son Kiatphirun Tansap, nicknamed «Ben Kiatsongrit», took over as head of the Kiatsongrit team. Under the direction of the late Songrit Tansap, all the boxers in the camp fought for the famous promoter Songchai Ratanasuban.
Today, Ben Kiatsongrit continues to carry on his father’s legacy while adapting the camp to the developments of modern Muay Thai. He now works with several major promoters in Bangkok, which allows the boxers in the camp to have more fighting opportunities.
Among his partners is Mr. Hua Kode (Parunchai Adithepworaphan), the renowned owner of the Parunchai Gym camp located in southern Thailand.
This collaboration with various prestigious promoters and camps strengthens the position of Kiatsongrit Gym in the world of Muay Thai and ensures a promising future for its fighters.
The excellent results of Kiatsongrit Gym boxers in recent years have allowed this camp to be elected “Best Camp of the Year 2021” by the prestigious institution “The Sports Writers Association of Thailand”. This trophy is a recognition of the commitment and quality of the training provided by the camp.
Long before receiving this magnificent trophy, the Kiatsongrit Gym produced exceptional fighters, particularly in the 80s and 90s.
Among the legends trained at Kiatsongrit Gym, several have left an indelible mark on the history of Muay Thai.
In the 80s, Kiatsongrit Gym produced top fighters such as Thapisut Kiatsongrit (Rajadamnern champion), Chatnakrop Kiatsongrit, Duan Isaan Kiatsongrit, Wanchingchai Kiatsongrit, and Samranchai Kiatsongrit, a great boxer in the 65 kg category, distinguished themselves by their great performances in the ring.
The 90s saw the emergence of two ring legends from Kiatsongrit Gym: Suadao Kiatsongrit and Changpuek Kiatsongrit.
Suadao Kiatsongrit (Lumpinee champion), made his mark in 1992 by defeating the legendary Rob Kaman. He then conquered the WMTC world title in -75 kg by defeating the formidable Dutchman Perry Ubeda.
In 1993, Suadao became the light heavyweight world champion by defeating the formidable Dutch champion Luc “The Butcher” Verheyen by referee stoppage in Bangkok.
In 1996, he won the WMC light heavyweight world title by defeating the great Japanese champion Musashi Satake in Buriram, in the northeastern region of Thailand.
Suadao Kiatsongrit, along with his training buddy Changpuek Kiatsongrit, was one of the first Thai fighters to take on the heavyweight champions in the famous K1 organization in Japan. He fought against stars such as Stan Longinidis, Andy Hug, Stefan Leko, Curtis Schuster, and Mike Bernardo, showing the high level of skill and courage of Thai boxers on the international stage.
The phenomenal Changpuek Kiatsongrit, real name Somchai Robpantha, was born in 1966 in Prakhon Chai district, Buriram province. He was nicknamed “Elephant Power Fighter” because of his remarkable strength and tenacity.
Changpuek made Muay Thai history by being the first Thai boxer to fight in the K1 format in the heavyweight tournament in Japan, despite weighing only 75 kg. This challenge against kickboxing giants proved his courage and exceptional performance.
Changpuek started fighting at the age of 14 after joining the Kiatsongrit camp in Bangkok. He initially fought in the 108-pound category at the Rajadamnern stadium. As his career progressed, he moved up to the senior division, where he soon fought in the “Thai heavyweight” category (-75 kg).
In Thailand, Changpuek Kiatsongrit faced and defeated the best opponents of his era, including ring stars such as Payap Premchai (KO), Den Muangsurin, Songwanlek Kietpetch (KO), Samart Prasarmit, Krongsak Boranrat, and Raktae Muangsurin. His fighting style, marked by devastating low kicks and an exceptional ability to durable boxer, allowed him to distinguish himself and travel abroad to face renowned fighters.
Changpuek has fought in various countries including Las Vegas, Japan, Australia, Holland and France. He has scored victories against some of the best international fighters, which has further cemented his global reputation. Notable victories include triumphs over legends such as Rob Kaman, Rick Roufus, Stephane Nikiéma, Orlando Wiet, Tasis Pedritis, Luc Verheyen, Dale Cook and Peter Smit.
Changpuek Kiatsongrit is a true Muay Thai legend, having won several prestigious world titles throughout his career. He has been the WMK Heavyweight World Champion, IMF, UKF, IMTF Light Heavyweight World Champion, and WMTC Light Heavyweight World Champion.
Fight Statistics:
Official Fights: Approximately 350 fights
Estimated Fights: Nearly 500 fights
Number of KO Wins: 174 KO Wins (Record holder for most KO wins)
Changpuek Kiatsongrit’s memorable match in the United States in 1988 in Las Vegas against Kickboxing star Rick Roufus is an epic fight that marked a turning point in the history of Muay Thai and Kickboxing, propelling Changpuek into the pantheon of kick boxing legends.
In the first round, Changpuek was hit by a blistering right from Roufus, which broke his jaw. Despite this serious injury, Changpuek continued to fight, taking blows for four rounds. Using his devastating low kicks, he eventually weakened Roufus’ legs, making him unable to stand. Changpuek won the fight by knockout, a spectacular triumph that caused a sensation around the world. This sensational fight inspired director Mark DiSalle to make his famous 1989 film “Kickboxer”, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dennis Alexio. The film is set in Thailand and features Muay Thai fights, popularizing the Thai martial art to an international audience.
After hanging up his gloves, Changpuek worked as a Muay Thai coach at various boxing camps in Pattaya.
Today, Changpuek has returned to the source of his beginnings, Kiatsongrit Gym. He is one of the head coaches of the camp, where he continues to inspire and train the next generation of fighters.
Also, in the 90s, Keng Singnakhonkui was one of the most illustrious representatives of Kiatsongrit Gym.
Here is a look at his accomplishments and memorable fights from his career:
GS Battery Tournament: Keng won this prestigious tournament by defeating Thailand champion Kengkrai Sor Vorapin.
Knockout Victories: He knocked out stars like Kaoponglek Luksuratam and Prabsuklek Saknarong, demonstrating his punching power.
Other Notable Victories: Keng also defeated renowned punchers like Superlek Sor Isaan and Den Muangsurin.
Legendary Fights: He has fought Muay Thai legends such as Wangchanoi Sor Palangchai, Lamnamoon Sor Sumalee, Chatchai Phaiseethong, Rainbow Sor Prantalee and Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj (for the Lumpinee title at 135 lbs).
Today, Kiatsongrit Gym continues to produce top-level fighters, with around ten champions active in the major stadium circuits of Bangkok.
The uniqueness of Kiatsongrit Gym lies in the regional diversity of its fighters. Each region of Thailand has its own style and techniques of Muay Thai, and Kiatsongrit Gym incorporates this cultural and technical richness into its training program. This allows fighters to develop a variety of skills and be versatile in the ring.
These champions come from all over Thailand, each bringing their own unique style and expertise to the camp. Here are the current top champions of Kiatsongrit Gym:
Songchai Noi Kiatsongrit, 23 years old, hails from Samut Prakan (30 km from Bangkok) and proudly represents Kiatsongrit Gym.
Songchai Noi is known for his aggressive and technical style. His ability to knock out his opponents makes him a particularly feared and respected fighter in the One Championship circuit.
One Songchai World Champion in 115 lbs (2022): Songchai Noi won this title by defeating Phetsuphan Por Daorungruang. This fight took place at the Somtam Sabai Ta Resort stadium in Kamphaeng Phet province.
One Championship History: Songchai Noi is undefeated in the One Championship circuit, having won 7 times, including three by KO!
Current Weight: Currently, he competes in the 116 lbs – 120 lbs weight class and is one of the darlings of the One Championship.
Victory against Rak Erawan: He has twice defeated the famous champion Rak Erawan, who is the Lumpinee champion, TV7 champion and Thailand champion.
KO against Jomhod Eminent Air: Songchai Noi also knocked out former ring star Jomhod Eminent Air, thus reinforcing his reputation as a formidable fighter.
Ritthidet Kiatsongrit, 20 years old, is a promising talent of Kiatsongrit Gym, having already accumulated several important titles and recognized for his strong emotion in the ring.
Ritthidet comes from Buriram province and was trained by Khru Chaidet Nakhanram, he has been training at Kiatsongrit Gym for 5 years.
Radja Stadium Belt in 105 lbs (2020): Ritthidet won this belt by defeating Yokngoen Detpetchsithong, earning a prize of 1,500,000 baht.
2020 Recognition: He was voted “Best Upcoming Fighter of the Year”!
Jitmuangnon Stadium Belt in 118 lbs (2022): Ritthidet continued to prove his worth by winning another belt in a higher weight class.
Ritthidet is nicknamed “Keang Say Djao Namtaa” (The Left Shin Has Tears in His Eyes) because of his marked emotionality, crying with every victory, which makes him particularly touching and memorable to his fans.
Ritthidet is known for his refined technique and dedication in the ring. His ability to outdo himself in fights, combined with his visible emotionality, creates a unique connection with the audience.
Phetthong Kiatsongrit, 20 years old, is a talented fighter from southern Nakhon Si Tammarat, an area known for its avid Muay Thai practitioners.
IBF Muay Thai World Title at 122 lbs (2022): In 2022, Phetthong scored an impressive victory in Japan, defeating Hiroya Haga on points to capture the IBF Muay Thai World Title at 122 lbs.
Phaydaeng Kiatsongrit, 24 years old, is from Nakhon Pathom, a central province of Thailand. He is one of the outstanding fighters of Kiatsongrit Gym. He trained and perfected at Kiatsongrit Gym.
IBF Muay Thai World Title 135 lbs (2022): On July 17, 2022, at Jitmuangnon Stadium, Phaydaeng won the IBF Muay Thai World Champion belt in the 135 lbs category by defeating Prachanban Sor Jor Wichit Pedpriew.
Phaydaeng is known for his aggressive style and power in the ring.
Saklek Kiatsongrit, 22 years old, is a talented fighter from Phatthalung province, located in southern Thailand, close to the Malaysian border.
Jitmuangnon Stadium Title (2022): In March 2022, Saklek won the Jitmuangnon stadium belt in the 118 lbs category by defeating Yangdam Sor Thor Hiyoubangsaen. This victory solidified his reputation as a top fighter in his weight class.
Thongsiam Kiatsongrit, 22 years old, grew up in Bangkok, where he trained at Kiatsongrit Gym.
Radja Stadium Title (2022): On December 24, 2022, Thongsiam defeated Phetmanee Phor Lakboon to win the belt at the famous Radja stadium in the 140 lbs weight class.
Fight Location: Unlike most Radja title fights that usually take place in Bangkok, this title match took place at the central stadium in Ratchaburi, a province in Thailand.
The Kiatsongrit Gym team is supervised by four experienced coaches. The camp has about twenty active fighters.
The owner and team of Kiatsongrit Gym are known for their hospitality and openness towards foreign fighters. The gym welcomes athletes of all levels, offering them a unique opportunity to train alongside some of the best fighters of the moment.
