Izzy in his “happy place” helping out with classes

If ever there was a shining example of how Muay Thai can transform lives, Izzy would be walking proof. Despite being introverted by nature, Muay Thai has brought out his infectious enthusiasm and willingness to help others. This much-loved member and trainer at JAI are so addicted that even a moonboot couldn't stop him from training!

How did your voice get so loud?

I like to say that I got it from my mum – she had a very loud voice and the loudest laugh, so I like to think that I inherited it from her.

Does the voice match the personality?

Funnily enough, no! The thing is that even though I can be loud, I tend to be a bit introverted. When I can choose between staying home or going out, I tend to prefer staying home.

But you're always at JAI!

Haha, that's a good point – JAI is my happy place, so I'd always rather be here.

How has Muay Thai changed you?

Muay Thai has brought out my confidence. I used to be very shy, and training Muay Thai has brought me out of my shell a lot! It has allowed me to feel free to be who I am, so if you hear me being really loud, you can thank Muay Thai for that! And you can also thank our trainers here too because they do nothing but encourage.

We can see that you love helping out people in our classes, why is that?

I would say I love helping both. With newbies, I love helping them particularly because when they get that 'aha' moment, it's the most lovely thing in the world. You can see their face light up! I have had people start their first training session with me and then they've gone on to do fights before I even have!

When it comes to experienced people, it's a lot more convenient, I will admit. I do love training them because you can be more 'nit-picky' with them and help them improve the little things. Long story short, if I had to choose, I would say I prefer training newbies.

Recently you had surgery on your Achilles and still came in to train with a moonboot on! What made you do this?

Well, like I said, Muay Thai is my happy place. The thing with me is... I just can't stop! I like to follow two sayings that I adore: the first is, "You don't focus on what you can't do; you focus on what you can." And the second is, "Give a person a why, and they can achieve it through any how." My why is Muay Thai, because I love it, and I will continue to train it by any means necessary, whether I am in a moonboot or not!

What was it like getting your birthday beats today? You got 53 kicks from our trainers Falan and Tee, who have over 300 professional fights between the two of them!

Felt like 100, haha!

Featured Student: Isaiah "Izzy" Savelio