As traditional as Southside Muay Thai maintains; there is no question that there is something different about this brand of Muay Thai.
The proof: they win. They win A LOT.
Since opening its doors back in 2006, the gym has developed a mystique as being flat-out winners. Behind their fearless leader Michael Perez, Southside boasts of multiple champions, a gold medal Olympian and a reputation for being relentless in their goal of adding to their list of victories.
Growing up in the south side of Scarborough, Michael always had a knack for martial arts – his father and uncles (and aunt) are all black belt Karate practitioners. H also has an uncle that played an instrumental role in Michael’s love of athletics — an uncle who would have represented Canada in the World Amateur Boxing Championships (had it not been for a Canadian lockout the year he was elected to participate).
Michael developed his love for martial arts seemingly from birth. His affliction can be traced back to before he could speak full sentences, as he was dressed up in boxing equipment and put up against his older brother and cousins for friendly sparring matches. Fast forward nearly 20 some odd years later, and Michael has instilled the same love for competition and martial arts in over 500 Southside members. Much like opponents in the ring, clubs try tirelessly to figure out their opposition and are often left asking themselves, “What are they (Southside) doing right?”
The thing that pops out to me is the sense of community and family. Love is possibly the secret ingredient that has made Southside an enigma amongst its competition. The intense passion and love for the sport is reciprocated to Southside’s pupils and put on display in the ring. Athletes in general are all competitive, especially ones in combat sports where draws are more rare than being dropped in daze and unconscious. It isn’t enough to just “want it bad,” because fights are (for the most part) evenly matched but the knowledge, passion and execution are derived from and best delivered by the love of the sport.
Who knew love could hurt so badly?
