Muay Thai is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and effective martial arts on the planet.  Also known as the "Art of Eight Limbs" (competitors can use their fists, elbows, knees and legs), Thailand`s national sport prides itself on being the most technically superior of the stand-up arts.

  Walsall looks a long way from the world-class competitors who compete in the stadiums of Bangkok and the beauty of the techniques and traditions, let alone emulating the heroes who step into the ring.   However, for local lad Phil Gamston (pictured in boxing gloves)  it is a chance to represent his hometown of Walsall at a forthcoming high profile martial arts tournament on 30th September, Fight Series, at The Hanger in Wolverhampton City Centre.  He also plans to donate a percentage of the prize money to charity. 

    Phil, who has spent the past 4 years training in Muay Thai and won his first fight with a KO in Round 1  said, "my friend got me into it and I was looking for a hobby.  I quickly fell in love with the sport and the environment of the gym where I do my training".     Phil is a member of K-Star Thai Boxing Academy in Aldridge. 

K-Star`s founder and Chief Instructor Steve Logan was given an award earlier this year for his work as a pioneer of Muay Thai in the Midlands.  Steve started the first full time Muay Thai Academy in Birmingham over 30 years ago and promoted the first Muay Thai events in the Midlands.  Steve is still promoting the beautiful art of Muay Thai and the K-Star brand is still growing with 5 full-time Academies.  

  On Phil`s left wrist is a tattoo of two flowers - a lily and a rose with the names of his grandmothers, Jacque and Teresa.   "Everytime I go into a ring," said Phil, "or if I`m hurting or training hard I kiss my left wrist and think about my grandmothers.  They always wanted to watch me fight in the ring but they never had the chance because they have both passed away.  I definitely feel that they are there, cheering me on and I fight for my grandmothers."

  The Aldridge Academy, located just off Aldridge High Street in Rookery Lane, supports the local schools and charities such as the James Brindley Foundation.  

  Tom Abbotts (pictured with Phil)  runs the Aldridge Academy.  "We are very much part of the community," he said, "and we are in the heart of the town.  Community is important to us.  We provide a home from home and a safe haven for young people."  

Tom and Phil are planning to donate a percentage of the prize money from the fight to charity.  "We want to donate it to the James Brindley Foundation in Aldridge," explained Tom, "because it`s close to home and we support the community".    

 Tom is also the ECMMA Midland Mixed Martial Arts Champion.   Tom initially began his martial arts career in 2005 initially in boxing after his father passed away.  He went to live with his grandparents and his grandfather was on the Boxing Board of Control.

  "My grandfather taught me boxing," said Tom, "and so I boxed for my grandfather to make him proud.  I wasn`t afraid of anything in those days except when my grandfather came to see me compete.  Then I got scared.  I didn`t want to let him down".  

Tom eventually took up Muay Thai martial arts.  He began working at K-Star in 2016 and became Midlands Champion in 2018. 

"For over 2,000 years the people of Thailand have looked towards Muay Thai as the perfect way to increase fitness, flexibility and stamina," explained Tom Abbott.  "In fact, Muay Thai is the world`s best all-round workout because not only does it give your body an awesome workout but it`s also good for your mental health".  

According to Tom, the mental health benefits of Muay Thai include stress reduction and increased levels of relaxation for a longer and healthier life and increased self-confidence and self-discipline to develop a positive attitude towards life.  It`s an ancient martial art of Thailand developed over thousands of years known for its tremendous power, maximum efficiency and raw simplicity and taught in Aldridge just off the High Street.     Muay Thai utilises a beautiful symphony of kicks, punches, knees and elbows with fluidity and grace. 

Local lad Phil Gamston will take this into the ring and show that something so beautiful can also be destructive when he represents Walsall later this month.

     "It means a lot to me to represent Walsall" he said.  "Tom has put a lot of time into my training."       

Further information about K-Star MMA:  

Website: k-starthaiboxing.co.uk/aldridge

Facebook: K-Star MMA Aldridge