On October 16th, we celebrate Muay Thai Teacher’s Day! Teacher’s Day is celebrated throughout Thailand on January 16th. In the United States, however, Teacher’s Day is celebrated on October 16th to coincide with the birthday of Ajarn Chai Sirisute.

Ajarn Chai is the founder of the World Thai Boxing Association (WTBA). He is credited with bringing the art of Muay Thai to the United States in the 1960’s, and was the first person to formally teach Muay Thai in America. The WTBA is the oldest and largest Muay Thai organization in existence, and today the WTBA has affiliates in many countries across the world.

The Cellar Gym is a proud member of the WTBA, and we connect our immediate lineage back to Ajarn Chai. Most of the Cellar’s past and current Muay Thai instructors have studied under and received their Instructor rank from Ajarn Chai, including Chris Cichon, Ben Locken, Katie Locken, Lucas Lundgren, and Talitha Lundgren. Our advanced students and coaching staff also carry this lineage forward for future generations of Muay Thai students.

To celebrate Teacher’s Day, Muay Thai students may present their Muay Thai instructors with traditional gifts of fresh or dried flowers, incense, candles, fruit, and rice. Students may also opt to send Ajarn Chai flowers, cards, or contribute to a specified fundraiser.

We wish a happy Teacher’s Day to all of our wonderful Muay Thai instructors, and a happy 76th birthday to Ajarn Chai!