Southside Muay Thai Academy

Muay Thai is a martial art based on methods and traditions that have been practiced for thousands of years. As the national sport of Thailand, there are countless Muay Thai gyms across the Southeast Asian country. Here in Toronto, Southside Muay Thai Academy stands as one of the most authentic Muay Thai gyms in the city. “The culture at Southside is very traditional in the sense that it’s like Thailand,” says Michael Perez, owner of Southside Muay Thai Academy. “We try our best to replicate the same feeling you get when you visit a Thai gym.”

Michael was raised in a traditional martial arts family where both his parents and grandparents were involved in traditional karate. “Martial arts was very close to my family, but Muay Thai captured my attention,” he says. At 14, Michael joined a local gym and began his strict study and practice of Muay Thai. “I just wanted to be the best martial artist I could be and I thought Muay Thai was the best way to demonstrate that.”