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

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