We are thrilled to announce that Ubud Muay Thai recently celebrated a significant milestone: our 5th anniversary in May 2023! Under the theme "Grow to Win," this year's anniversary encapsulated the gym's pursuit of improvement and personal development. At Ubud Muay Thai, we believe success is not solely measured by victories in the ring, but also by the transformative journey of self-improvement that leads to triumph.
However, what truly set this anniversary apart was our deep dedication to sustainability and community engagement, culminating in a remarkable collaboration with Sungai Watch, a local organization focused on environmental conservation. Through these series of anniversary events, we not only showcased our love for Muay Thai but also demonstrated our real contribution to the community and the environment.
Our Collaborative Effort to Embrace Sustainability
On the 18th of May, 2023, Ubud Muay Thai joined Sungai Watch in their regular river cleaning activity, known as "Friday Cleanup," in the Ketewel area of Gianyar, Bali. This collaboration provides us the opportunity to take our commitment to the next level by actively participating in a worthy cause close to our hearts.
As Muay Thai practitioners, we recognize the importance of balance and respect, not just within the gym but also in the world around us. By organizing this event, we aimed to demonstrate that the principles of growth and victory extend beyond the four walls of our training facility and into the wider community.
Together with Sungai Watch, we gathered a group of passionate individuals ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference. Among the participants from Ubud Muay Thai were our Founder, Adiyoso "Ocho" Sasongko, and two of our talented homegrown fighters, Yul and Agus.
Choosing to clean the river was a conscious decision to address this critical issue at its source, recognizing the vital role rivers play in the overall health of our planet. Bali, with its stunning coastline and vibrant marine ecosystems, relies heavily on the ocean for its economy, tourism, and livelihoods of local communities.
However, the alarming statistics revealing that more than 80% of plastic pollution in the ocean originates from rivers and streams emphasize the urgent need to take action. By focusing on cleaning the river, we aimed to prevent plastic waste from reaching the ocean, safeguarding marine life, and preserving the natural beauty that makes Bali such a cherished destination.
By the end of the day, our combined efforts resulted in the collection of 478 kilograms of trash. The collected waste was then transported to the waste station in Gianyar, where it would be sorted and recycled, ensuring that it did not further contribute to environmental degradation.
Muay Thai Sparring Showcase & BBQ Celebration
To conclude our 5th anniversary celebration, we hosted an intimate BBQ event at our gym on May 27th, 2023. This laid-back gathering brought together our beloved clients, the representatives of Sungai Watch, and other local small businesses, including Ibu Susu, Kyoka Ubud, Waroeng Adji, and Namaskara Coffee & Superfoods, that share our vision of sustainability and community growth.
Surrounded by the warm camaraderie that has defined our gym over the years, we savored delicious food, shared stories, and celebrated the successes of our anniversary and the positive impact we had made together through collaboration.
We also organized a Muay Thai sparring showcase with more intimate settings, which allowed us to focus on our fight community, fostering a deeper connection between fighters and spectators. The showcase was an opportunity to demonstrate that Muay Thai is not as intimidating as it may seem, encouraging people to embrace the sport and discover the strength and discipline it instills.
Edsar, our Co-Founder, emphasized the importance of returning to the roots of Muay Thai, stating, "With this anniversary, we want to show people that this sport is not as scary as they may think. We aim to build a community around Muay Thai and give back to the community through collaborations such as Sungai Watch." These words encapsulated our commitment to breaking stereotypes, building bridges, and promoting the positive values of Muay Thai both within our gym and the wider community.
As we move forward, we will continue to nurture our fighting community, create inclusive spaces for everyone to embrace Muay Thai, and actively contribute to the betterment of our environment and society. Ubud Muay Thai remains committed to our mission of growth, both within and beyond the gym, as we strive to inspire individuals to reach their full potential and collectively make a positive difference in the world!