How long has Mr. Miles been teaching?

Canada’s Legendary Muay Thai & Kickboxing Pioneer Ajarn Mike Miles has been teaching since the mid 1970’s (he started his training in the traditional Martial Arts in 1967). To date he is the trainer of 24 World Champions and has helped thousands of people from various backgrounds such as housewives to celebrities learn various skills from the Martial Arts as well as learning more about themselves.

Can you tell me more about Mr. Miles as a Martial Artist?

He has been honored by the most prestigious Muay Thai/Kickboxing and Martial Arts Halls of Fame around the world and is recognized as having one of Canada’s top Muay Thai/Kickboxing camps (gyms). He is also recognized world wide for his development of Muay Thai/Kickboxing in Canada and the USA. Although many of our members are not leaning toward the competitive side of the sport, Ajarn Mike is renowned the world over for his coaching abilities and practices. Some of the top authorities in the sport have called Ajarn Mike a 'Legend' in Kickboxing & Muay Thai. Ajarn Mike is a 3 time Professional World Champion and one of only a handful of North Americans to hold a 7th degree Black Belt in Kickboxing (WKA) while also holding a Senior Instructors certificate in Muay Thai from celebrated Muay Thai Master Acharn Panya Kraitus (as well as from the Government of Thailand). Ajarn Mike will teach/train you, along with his other certified male and female instructors. Whether you train in a group or in a private lesson the benefits of this sport will be felt immediately. By yourself or with friends, our friendly training environment will make you feel like part of the family.

Can you tell me more about Mr. Miles as a person?

Ajarn Mike Miles is a very private person and he tries to keep his personal life just that, personal. Outside of his obvious living for Muay Thai and the Martial Ring Arts, he has few personal public interests which include Harley-Davidson motorcycles, collecting Beatle paraphenalia, Martial Arts paraphenalia, tattooing and artwork. He has written for Martial Arts magazines around the world, has a complete set of books and videos on the Martial Ring Arts (Muay Thai, Kickboxing, etc.) that he hopes to publish soon. He also spends a lot of time working on original artwork of Muay Thai and famous people.

You mentioned 'other qualified male and female instructors', what sort of credentials do they have?

Mike Miles Muay Thai & Kickboxing Ltd.'s schools are Calgary’s only WMC, IFMA and WKA licensed and certified Muay Thai/Kickboxing facilities. We are also Calgary’s only certified Cardio-Kickboxing gyms featuring certified instructors by America’s Cardio-Kickboxing founder Mr. Frank Thiboutot. We are the oldest and best equipped Muay Thai/Kickboxing schools in this city. Finally, all of our instructors are ring experienced Kickboxing/Muay Thai champions. You learn from instructors who have produced results in the ring and fully understand the self defense aspects of the this art. All main instructors are certified AFLCA instructors.

Many people teach ‘Kickboxing'. What sets your school apart from the rest?

We only teach Kickboxing and Muay Thai. We are Masters at what we do, not ‘jacks of all trades’. We are now in our fourth decade of instructing (quality lasts). Top this off by the fact that our instructors and competitive athletes have fought for every recognized sanctioning body in the world (representing Canada on every continent on the planet). Our facilities are safe, professional, and unique in Calgary. Ajarn Mike’s personal history, his lineage, qualifications and credentials are all posted in the main gym. In Thailand, the birthplace of Muay Thai, Kru Mike’s lineage is impeccable and of the highest most respected standards.

What is Muay Thai Kickboxing? How is it different from regular 'Kickboxing?'

‘Muay Thai’ is the King of all Martial Arts and was born out of conflict and war and was based on survival. By the sixteenth century Muay Thai became recognized as part of the military training. In wasn’t until 1930 that the Muay Thai we see today was born, (leather gloves, rounds per bout, and weight classes became the standard). Over 300,000 people practice Muay Thai in Thailand, with fights being held on a daily basis. Kickboxing is a very generic term and can mean anything from Muay Thai, to Full Contact rules competition to Cardio exercise like the latest fad, Tae Bo. Muay Thai is different than other Kickboxing styles because it utilizes all of the body’s natural weapons; fists, elbows, forearms, shins, knees and feet. Through safe training and proper guidelines Muay Thai has become an art that anybody can practice and benefit from.

Sounds like a rough sport, how much contact is there in class?

The beginner class offers no sparring. Techniques are taught through very mild contact. No one in class is going to be out to injure you. Classes are conducted under the supervision of several professional instructors. You will never be forced into something you don’t want to be a part of.

Sounds like a guy thing; do you have a lot of female members?

Over 70% of our members are women. Muay Thai/Kickboxing is an excellent way of learning self-defense, getting into shape, and a great way to meet new people. Topping it off, our classes are very beginner friendly.

I’m not fit and have no previous experience, so how can I do it?

You don’t need to be fit, it’s our job to get you fit! We have 3 levels of intensity: Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced. You start like everyone does as a beginner and build up. A lot of current members had no previous martial arts experience. Classes are designed to be challenging to both the beginner and the experienced martial artist.

I’ve taken martial arts before. Do I still have to start in the beginner class?

We would like to watch you and evaluate your skills in the beginner class before letting you attempt intermediate and advanced classes. As you know, Martial Arts all have their own distinctive style and Muay Thai is no different.

What sort of things do you do in class? How long are they?

A typical beginner class consists of a short 20 minute warm-up followed by a 10 minute stretch period. Then the technique section of class starts. Every day you will learn something new. The total class runs for approximately 1 ½ h. The best way to see what a typical class looks like is to come down and watch a session or better yet, to take a free class.

Free class you say?

The best way to tell if you are going to like it, is to try it. Mike Miles Muay Thai & Kickboxing Ltd. does offer an introductory class at no charge. Bring a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and jump in. Before taking the class, you must sign a legal waiver in case of injury. Persons under the age of 18 will need to get a parent or guardian to sign the waiver. Either bring your parents down, or ask us for a ‘free class form’ to take home.

I don’t want to fight in the ring or get hurt. Can I still do Muay Thai/Kickboxing?

Yes you can! No one has to go in the ring or do sparring. 99% of our clientele is not interested in competition. Most of them want to engage in exercise and do it solely for fun. You train in a fully equipped gym with emphasis on hitting pads and bags, not partners. You learn from day one, defense and attack, plus the advantages of getting fit, supple and gaining confidence.

There are lots of gyms, why pick this one?

In North America, Muay Thai is growing in strength and recognition by its practitioners and competitors. Many of the major martial arts have tried to imitate the skills and styles of Muay Thai. Unfortunately, there are only a few real Muay Thai training facilities. Mike Miles Muay Thai & Kickboxing Ltd. is Calgary's most qualified to teach you the art of Muay Thai/Kickboxing. We have a large gym with a full professional weight room, heavy bags and striking equipment, and a cardio equipment area which can be used at anytime during business hours. We let you try a free class first which will give you a taste of our professionalism. It’s a friendly atmosphere. You’ll see what we mean.

How/Where do I start? What do I need?

Come to any of our convenient locations and watch or join in a free class. There are adult co-ed classes, teen and children’s only classes. Members range in age from 4 years to 50 plus years old. All you need is a pair of shorts/loose tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt or sweatshirt.

Why should I join?

Join for self-defense, fitness, or just plain fun. Mike Miles Muay Thai & Kickboxing Ltd. is a great place to meet people interested in working out, Martial Arts, Muay Thai, or Kickboxing.

If I join Mike Miles Muay Thai & Kickboxing Ltd., is there any uniform I must wear?

We ask you to wear a club shirt and then anything on your legs that you are happy with, be it shorts or sweat pants. If you want (no pressure), you can purchase Thai style shorts. These are very comfortable and help to dissipate the sweat. Again, this is an option and up to the student.

How much are classes and private tuition?

Group Classes vary depending on your status, be it if you are working, a student, a teen ager or a child. Many different programs offer different financial arrangements for you to train at our facilities. It is best to come in for a consultation to see which program and costs will suit you best. Ajarn Mike has travelled the world learning from some of the most respected and celebrated teachers in the world earning certification and notoriety. After taking this all into consideration, Ajarn Mike Miles believes in giving back to the public and prospective clients will be shocked and surprised to see how little we charge. Group tuition is co-ed and the cheapest method of learning. Private tuition which is a one on one basis is more expensive, but is a rapid way of learning and improving, and we cater for 2 to 6 (small groups) for private lessons which can be cheaper. They are available any time day or night and weekends.

Just a few questions on the opportunity of competition if I desire. Is it available?

We are Canada's busiest competitive Muay Thai and Kickboxing facilities. Our athletes have represented Canada on every continent around the world and have particpated in International Boxing, Full Contact Rules, International Kickboxing Rules, Muay Thai Rules (both full and modified), to Traditional Martial Arts Competition. Mike Miles Muay Thai & Kickboxing Ltd. is known around the world as one of Canada's elite competitive gyms.

Can I just become a competitive athlete?

One has to earn the right to be considered a fighter. In Thailand, athletes are put through tests by their instructors before being allowed to represent them when competing in the ring. A person will go through tests including testing their perseverance and integrity before being awarded the right to become a full fledged competitive athlete representing Ajarn Mike Miles and his lineage. Ajarn Mike himself went through many of these tests before being accepted by the top instructors in the world. An instructor does not want to put all his time into an athlete that just might quit after receiving extensive training. Many people want to be competitive athletes and those wishing such, will have to prove their worth through several tests.

How demanding is Ajarn Mike on his competitive athletes?

Ajarn Mike demands the athlete be the best he/she can be. That is why the gym and Ajarn Mike Miles has such a flattering reputation. He wants more than athletes who want to compete, he takes it a step further, he wants athletes who want to win and his track record and his highly successful competitors are proof of his committment, demands and the rewards the athletes will achieve.

Do you take international students?

Elite athletes from around the world have requested and approached Ajarn Mike Miles to come and train at our facilities. We welcome international students all the time.

How do I receive more information?

Lift your telephone and dial (403) 244-8424. If this hasn’t answered your questions, please feel free to call.