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Saturday 19 August 2017

Shin Kick Muay Thai..... “If you do not have authority, you can’t expect respect.”


Just off Walton Road in Woking there is a fabulous kick boxing gym which I discovered purely by chance. This friendly, family run, yet professional business is run by Jesse Saunders and his wife Liz. When I first went into Shin Kick to make enquires I met their 13 year old daughter who wowed me with her brilliant knowledge of the business and their little one who was clearly running the reception desk with a lovely big smile.

As well as being a former professional fighter, Jesse is a renowned referee and judge, a director at IBMTO (Independent Board of Muay Thai Officials), a BMTA Muay Thai instructor, a level 2 fitness instructor, a level 3 personal trainer and a qualified TRX instructor.

Liz Saunders is the lady running the entire business side of Shin Kick and she is also a massage therapist and a mummy too.

Jesse first got into Muay Thai through a Thai friend in Guildford when he was 14 and this sparked his love of the sport. He has been out to Thailand to train many times in the past.

Jesse Saunders
The gym has excellent facilities and runs classes for children and adults from beginners upwards. They also offer one–to-one private trainer sessions which can be tailored to your level of fitness.

Muay Thai is a combat sport which originates from Thailand, so essentially, Shin Kick is a fighting gym but you can learn self-discipline, self–defence, balance and co-ordination, get fit and learn a new sport. If you want to get in the ring you can, if you don’t want to you don’t have to.

Children attending the gym will be more self-confident and get fit; it is a much better option than sitting on the sofa watching TV and playing computer games. Also, belonging to a gym can make a child feel included and part of something good, which is especially necessary for a child who needs their self-esteem boosted. (Children can start from age 5)

Shin Kick is a gym where you can pay as you go and there are also membership options. Clearly membership will ensure you get off the sofa and go, always a good incentive. If you can’t commit to membership, then the pay per class is brilliant. If you are not sure whether Muay Thai is for you, you can ask for your first class for free.
  • Personal training sessions are £40 a session but can be bought in blocks of 5 with the 6th session free.
  • Adult classes are £12 per class or included free in membership from £70 a month.
  • Children's classes are £7 per class or included free in membership from £35 a month.

Classes can consist of pad work, technique work, clinching techniques, light sparring, body conditioning, abdominal work, burpees, sit ups and more.

There are also Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes taught at Shin Kick and they are good for self defence, cardio workout and general fitness. These are also taught from total beginners to the advanced fighters.

Since the gym first opened in 2007, Jesse has produced many English, British and European champions and top ranking fighters so if this is a path you are interested in, then Shin Kick is definitely a brilliant place to train.


When you first go to Muay Thai there is spare equipment you can borrow, however they also sell a fabulous range of clothing and equipment so you can treat yourself. Let’s be honest, we all want the correct kit and to look the part. Your normal shorts and t-shirt will be great, but once you get into the classes you need the right gear and you will want to buy the MDK branded clothes and equipment.J


The enthusiasm and camaraderie is evident at Shin Kick and there is a good spirit of helping each other with things like pad work and bag work. This is a good place for adults and children alike and you shouldn’t be put off because Muay Thai is a combat sport, there is absolutely no atmosphere of aggression in Shin Kick and you will definitely feel more confident after a few sessions.


For information on this fabulous gym please go to their website:
www.Shinkick.uk or find them on Facebook at Shinkick Muay Thai
The gym address is: 86 Walton Road Woking, Surrey, GU21 5DW and their email contact is: info@shinkick.uk  


Thank you to Shin Kick for providing the photos and for answering my endless questions.😊