If you’re over 35 and thinking about starting Muay Thai, you don’t need a closet full of gear — you just need the right equipment. In this episode of the Puʻu Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu breaks down the must-have gear for beginners and adults returning to training after years away.

From gloves and shin guards to mouth guards and Muay Thai shorts, Jonathan explains what you actually need to train safely and comfortably — and what’s just marketing hype. Drawing on his 18+ years of experience teaching and officiating Muay Thai, he shares insider advice on buying gear that lasts and keeps you coming back to train.

Learn about the best brands for Muay Thai equipment, how to avoid cheap fitness gloves, why the traditional Thai steel cup still reigns supreme, and the importance of gear that supports your longevity. Plus, Jonathan reveals his go-to recovery tools and electrolyte solutions for fighters and everyday practitioners.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent, or someone looking to stay fit and learn real Muay Thai, this episode will help you train smarter — not harder.

📌 Follow on Instagram: @muaythaipodcast

🎙️ Join the Black Room for exclusive content: https://tribe.puumuaythai.com/communities/groups/black-room-at-teep-studios/home

Impact Mouthguards: https://www.impactmouthguards.com/discount/EATSLEEPTEEP?ref=WcVKARtZuQLGsY

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📺 WATCH & LISTEN NOW: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More!

👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

ver wonder why Muay Thai fighters always wear shorts and not MMA leggings or gym gear? It’s not about fashion—it’s about identity and respect.

In this episode, Jonathan Puu, founder of Pu’u Muay Thai, breaks down the real reason Muay Thai shorts are so important in the West, and why every student should understand the meaning behind the uniform. From cultural roots in Thailand to building legitimacy for the sport in the U.S., this conversation dives deep into what makes Muay Thai unique.

Jonathan shares:
🥊 Why uniforms matter for tradition, community, and recognition
🇹🇭 How Thailand’s culture shapes the sport’s identity
🏫 Why Western academies must uphold Muay Thai’s standards
💬 The story behind the viral “Charlie Potatoes” gym hopper video
⚖️ The difference between Muay Thai and Kickboxing—and why labeling matters

Wearing Muay Thai shorts isn’t just about looking the part. It’s about respecting the art, the coaches, and the generations that built it.

📌 Follow us on Instagram: @muaythaipodcast

🎙️ Join the Black Room for exclusive behind-the-scenes access: Black Room at Teep Studios

Support the show

Leave a message or text us 24/7/365!
+1-805-456-3316

💬 What Do You Think? Join the Discussion!
📩 DM us on Instagram: @muaythaipodcast
💥 Join the Black Room VIP Community to talk more about this topic!

📺 WATCH & LISTEN NOW: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More!

👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!

In this episode of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, host Jonathan Puu tackles one of the most controversial topics in the Muay Thai world: Semi-Contact Muay Thai.

He breaks down what Semi-Contact events actually do right, how they can support grassroots growth, and why they’re not the magic bullet to making Muay Thai mainstream in the U.S.

Drawing on his experience running the Eat Sleep Teep Semi-Contact Muay Thai Series, Jonathan exposes how some organizations mislead fighters into believing Semi-Contact competition alone will take them to the top—and how this illusion is hurting the sport.

Learn how Semi-Contact can serve as a stepping stone, not a dead end, when combined with:
🥊 Certified officiating and real structure
📈 Storytelling, marketing, and sustainable promotion
🌎 Clear athlete pathways from training to full contact competition

Whether you’re a coach, promoter, or athlete, this episode challenges you to rethink how we grow Muay Thai the right way—through authenticity, development, and community.

💬 Do you think Semi-Contact helps or hurts the sport? Drop your thoughts in the comments or DM us on Instagram.

👉 Links:

• 🎙️ Follow the Podcast: https://instagram.com/muaythaipodcast
• 🥊 Join the Black Room for exclusive content: https://tribe.puumuaythai.com/communities/groups/black-room-at-teep-studios/home
• 🔥 Learn more about Eat Sleep Teep Events: https://eatsleepteep.com

Support the show

Leave a message or text us 24/7/365!
+1-805-456-3316

💬 What Do You Think? Join the Discussion!
📩 DM us on Instagram: @muaythaipodcast
💥 Join the Black Room VIP Community to talk more about this topic!

📺 WATCH & LISTEN NOW: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More!

👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!