Testimonials

LENE PETERSEN 48 MUM OF 3 FIGHTER...

I've become confident, I like the way I look now, I love my new family.

Fighting was something that never ever crossed my mind! That was only for the serious guys with the tattoos. I changed my mind. Signed up and went training. Loved the fight training and the huge amount of support from the trainers, they never let you down, they push you and you feel like telling them to f... off, but they know their stuff. They know you, they know what you're capable of, they know stuff about you don't even know yourself. I have never been on such a high!

EILEEN-ROSE WRIGHT

MTI is now my second home.

Like many people, I started Muay Thai as a fun way to get fit but I very quickly became addicted and wanted to find a gym that was more dedicated to its students, friendly and professional. MTI is now my second home.

The trainers are extremely knowledgeable and the classes are structured so that each student can learn at their own pace. I think MTI has a very good teaching style. New concepts are broken down into tangible steps and they always explain why you are doing it that way as opposed to you just going on your merry way and having no idea of the technical side of it.

JAMES O'CONNOR
NZ CHAMPION

Being a part of the most highly regarded clubs in I started learning and practicing Muay Thai at

Victoria University when MTI was known a VUW. I took to Muay Thai as it was something completely different from what I was typically used to. Immediately after one lesson, MTI had me hooked on the sport. I spent the next year immersed in the sport; watching videos, working on my technique and learning something at every session. After a year of training and having witnessed some fight shows, I decided to put my name forth for my first novice fight. The trainers at MTI (Mark & Jonny) prepared me with all the skills, respect and courage needed to enter the ring. After the bout I was a bit disheartened as it hadn't gone at all how I thought it would. I got smacked round a bit and wasn't sure if this sport was for me. However my fellow gym members and trainers helped me realise that this is all part of the sport, they supported me, giving me more motivation to continue.

DARREN

PHD 49 years old, PHd in Biology lecturer in Biological Science.

Stepping into the ring I was a winner before the first shot was thrown; a screaming crowd and my friends and family in the front row with my son bursting with pride telling everyone that's my dad.

I've always been sporty and enjoyed challenges, so a few disparaging remarks from my wife about my advanced age when I mentioned I was thinking of taking up Muay Thai had me doing some research about which club in the Wellington area to join. I'd heard good things about MTI so turned up for the free trial lessons and was hooked.

BAILEY PALMER - FIGHTER

The family vibe at the gym is one of many reasons our fighters are so successful.

I came to MTI 3 years ago from another Muay Thai gym because I was ready to take my training to another level and MTI was the best place in Wellington to do this.

I was delighted to find MTI a nurturing and challenging environment with excellent local and international trainers who possess a wealth of experience and knowledge they use to develop and prepare champions, fighters and those who iust want to learn the art for fitness and fun.

LONG VAN NGUYEN

OWNER VIETFIGHTER GYM, HANOI, VIETNAM - www.vietfighter.com

I joined MTI (V.U.W ) and started training Muay Thai under Mark and Jon and the rest of the team all the way back in 1999 and it was one of the best decisions in my life.

Training Muay Thai has helped me so much in life it has helped me to become more physically but more importantly I have become mentally stronger. I am grateful to have started my martial arts journey with the team at MTI because of their no ego, and no macho BS approach to Muay Thai training & fighting.

MTI is truly one of the best gyms in the world and the team that can help you to be the best that
you can be.

RICHARD DAVY
PHD STUDENT

I started training in January of 2007, with the aim of getting fit and learning a form of self defence. I quickly started seeing dramatic results in both my fitness and all round health. With a lot of help from kick boxing, I have managed to lose 50 kilograms, dropping from 126kgs to 76kgs.

The thing that has struck me the most about the gym is the friendly atmosphere, everyone is very patient, and always willing to give you advice and help you perfect your technique, as well as to pushyou to your physical limits. Not only have I improved my health and well being, I have made some great friends along the way. Now, with the help of my excellent trainers, I want to push myself even further and get into the ring and fight again, something I had never even considered when I started

IAN CHARLTON
NZ CHAMPION

I've seen beginners become NZ champions within 3 years

MTI has been life changing and made really a positive impact in my life. I have always been a sporty person playing most sports and to a decent level too. After hanging up my rugby boots in 2007 as I knew I wasn't going to make it', I wanted to keep fit and do something that would push and challenge me.

As a competitive person, I started training with the ambition of fighting as soon as I could, or was able to. I soon got into a routine and lifestyle that changed me forever. I have never been pushed to the limit mentally and physically as much as I have at MTI than I have compared to all the other sports I have played (not because I had to, but because I wanted to. If you are happy to train to have fun thenit is just as rewarding as pushing yourse If to the limit twice a day, 6 days a week leading up to a fight).

JOHN COSTA - MUSICIAN

In roughly one and a half years I lost over thirty kilograms, one year of it training at MTI. I let my Gym membership expire as it was not needed, the training was more than enough. Though I was determined to change some things, I do not believe the results would have been as complete without the enthusiasm for the sport and encyclopedic knowledge of health and fitness the trainers at VUW have. If you are serious, they will take you seriously.

I lost so much weight that when I returned home and saw my cousins they didn't believe it was me!

DION FITZGERALD - MMA

For me it's the opportunity to be exposed to such a vast range of knowledge. The team have expertise in every field ranging from top Muay Thai coaches, to experienced jujitsu coaches. You get in experienced grapplers and wrestlers to help us. If I wanted just to train I would got to the gym at MTI you're actually learning something new each time. We are constantly tested and pushed, it's awesome.

For the pics - this is me the same person!

Take it easy and thanks again for helping me with the training, it has seemed to affect all aspects ofmy life not just my fitness.

PHIL LUKE

Four months later, I am a whole 32kg lighter and fight ready

When I arrived back from Melbourne in October 2013, I weighed over 115kg. I struggled to run proper and my general fitness was horrid. However being surrounded by an immense amount of Champions and fighters, hard work easily becomes a lifestyle.

MTI is the definite place for this as it is full of positive and fierce team members who will push you, then pat you on the back for it. Four months later, I am a whole 32kg lighter and fight ready in what I believe is one of the greatest clubs I have ever encountered.