Testimonials
Richard Davy – MTI Fighter – joined to get fit
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 push you 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.
Lea Patrick – MTI Fighter Joined September 2005
After competing in a variety of sports and at various levels I wanted to find a new challenge that would push my ability to it’s limits. Not an easy feat.
When attending my first training sessions as a beginner I remember looking over at the fighters and thinking that I wanted to experience all Muay Thai had to offer.
MTI has the best learning environment that enables a safe, fun progression to whatever level you wish to achieve. You get back just as much as you put in and you will benefit from this sport both mentally and physically no matter what level you decide to reach.
The longer you are there the more you will experience a family atmosphere consisting of other motivated people who share your passion for the sport and life in general.
There is no discrimination with age, gender or race at the gym, you are treated as an equal. MTI’s trainers provide full commitment to the club and its fighters with a ’strive for perfection’ attitude and the trusted ability to nurture your potential.
MTI enjoys great success in the production of high quality fighters and the positive promotion of Muay Thai.
John Wolff – IT Manager
I have trained since 2002 and have gained fitness, self confidence, friends and a focus in my life that I did not have before.
Training, is done in a fairly relaxed atmosphere and I have found as the intensity of training increases so has the support and advice from both trainers and fellow students. The Trainers Mark and Jon are experienced, perceptive and dedicated. They are able to identify student strengths and weakness and with dedication and practice on the part of the student, their skill level can increase dramatically.
Mark and Jon’s dedication to excellence in Muay Thai is passed on selflessly to their students and the fact that they are patient and willing to adapt there their teaching style to individual students is a strength.
If you are willing to put 100% in to your training they will put 100% into you!
Tom Sheppard – North Island Kickboxing Champion
I started training in 2003. Since then I have thoroughly enjoyed all the various pleasures that have gone with it. I first started Muay Thai kickboxing as a practical means of self-defence, as I was informed by a close friend that it is the most “street” applicable striking martial art one could learn. As my skill set and experience increased, along with my confidence in the club and trainers, I decided that I would try my hand at competitive fighting. Since then I have never looked back, and have continued to train and develop my skills as the years progress.
I have tried many sports in my time, but none are as physically demanding and satisfying as kickboxing. While you ultimately determine how far you push yourself at each training session, the training template is set in such a way that people of all skill levels can potentially push themselves to their physical limits.
These days there are many kickboxing classes and gyms out there, as the sport has gained global recognition for its fitness benefits. However, not all trainers and classes are the same, and there is a huge amount of disparity between the various different classes that are currently out there.
At MTI, you can definitely rest assured with the knowledge that the gym you are attending is of a top international standard, which constantly revises its training technologies and strategies in order to maximize the benefits for its students. On top of this, there is a strong community and family feel to it, which is very inviting to newcomers and a great environment from which to make new friends.
How much you get out of the sport is up to you, but whether you are seeking fitness, self defence or competition, Muay Thai kickboxing is the sport for you, and MTI is the best place to do it.
Ben Ruck – Physics / Chemistry Lecturer
I began training in 2001 after returning to New Zealand from Canada. Initially I wanted only to develop skills and a decent level of fitness, but soon I felt the desire to test myself in the ring so I had my first fight in 2001. Since then I have held the North Island light welterweight title, and had the privilege of fighting in one of the first NZ amateur fights to include elbows.
I love both the mental and physical challenge that Muay Thai brings – there’s nothing quite like riding the wave of nerves before a fight, or the feeling of pushing yourself to your absolute limits. Muay Thai brings obvious benefits in terms of health and fitness, but to me the greatest benefit is the confidence that it gives you. I’ve never felt nervous speaking in public since entering the kickboxing ring!! I also really value the friends I’ve made through the sport at training and around the country, including all of my opponents.
The training environment at MTI is great, with excellent coaching that really helps you to improve your technique. Everyone is friendly and there is always encouragement whether you’re just pushing yourself to get fit or preparing for a major title fight. Being one of the senior club members I enjoy helping out with beginners and up-and-coming fighters whenever possible, not just with technique but also advice about the mental aspects of the fight game.
Muay Thai is all about reaching your own potential, so I recommend this sport to anyone, regardless of their experience or level of fitness.
Cameron MacGregor
Coming from a competitive swimming back ground I was used to the hard training but what surprised me about MTI was the family atmosphere about the club. From my very first training I was welcomed into the club by everyone, from general to advanced to NZ champions.
The club has a rare mix hard to find in other martial arts clubs. In my opinion it is the best kickboxing club in Wellington if not New Zealand, coached by Mark Hampton who I consider to be the best coach out of any sport I have ever played.
MTI is the ultimate club for people that want a new hobby, to improve their fitness or to become a champion MTI can provide you with it all.
Meenal Prasad – Team leader Legal Services
I tend to try a lot of different things and usually lose interest in them pretty quickly and move on to new projects. This hasn’t happened with kickboxing though. I’ve been training with MTI for two and a half years now and I still enjoy every training session.
The club has some fantastic trainers who put in a lot of time and effort in everyone’s training. They are very inspirational and they teach you to go beyond what you think is your limit. I love learning about the technical side of kickboxing (eg all the different processes involved in throwing a good punch, elbow, knee or kick) and find that both Mark and Jon are excellent at explaining all the different steps involved. You can definitely see that they are very passionate about the sport and this comes across in the way they teach.
I’ve found that kickboxing is both a mental and physical sport and I’m continuously having to push myself all the time. My fitness has gone up since I started and I’m a lot stronger now as well. Plus I’m definitely liking the increase in my speed and power.
I would definitely recommend training at MTI as it caters for all levels, wether you’re interested in fighting or just increasing your fitness and strength. The club also has a fantastic team.