From Competitor to Coach

From the Corner: A Full-Circle Journey at the Sandee Novice Open

At Sandee, we’ve always believed that the Novice Open is about more than just competition. It’s about creating a safe, professional and inspiring platform where the next generation of Muay Thai athletes can take their very first steps into the ring.

Every event brings new stories — of courage, growth, nerves, pride and unforgettable first experiences. This one is particularly special.

In the blog below, we’re proud to share the perspective of a head coach who once stood inside the ropes as a young competitor at our Novice Open — and has now returned years later, this time guiding her own junior fighters through the same journey.

Her story is a powerful reminder of what grassroots competition is really about: development, community, and the full-circle moments that define a lifelong involvement in the sport.

Here’s her experience from the corner.....

Stepping into the venue as Head Coach of Manchester Muay Thai, this event felt like a genuine full-circle moment. I first competed at Sandee Opens myself from just eight years old, and some of my earliest memories in the sport were shaped at novice events like these—being part of a team, learning discipline, and growing in confidence every time I stepped into the ring.

Those early experiences stayed with me. The novice open environment gave me and my teammates a safe, structured introduction to competition, and it’s something I’ve always believed plays a crucial role in developing young fighters the right way.

Returning to the Sandee Open as a Coach and Gym Owner

Now at 22 years old, I returned to the Sandee Novice Open in a completely different role—this time bringing six junior fighters from Manchester Muay Thai.

Our youngest fighter was just nine years old. Four of the boys had only been training for around four months, and three were stepping into the ring for their very first fight. With first-time competition comes excitement, nerves, and a lot of unknowns—not just for the fighters, but for everyone around them.

The Coach and Parent Emotions Behind Junior Competition

From my perspective as a coach, there’s always a level of anxiety when guiding young fighters into their first competition. You want them to enjoy the experience, stay safe, and come away more confident than when they arrived.

But for parents, that feeling runs even deeper.

As one parent described it:

“There is a specific kind of nervous that only a parent understands. That flutter in your stomach when you watch your child walk toward a challenge where you can’t help them.”

That was exactly the case for Jacob, one of our nine-year-olds stepping into the ring for the first time.

A Parent’s Perspective: From the Mats to the Ring

Jacob wasn’t new to combat sports. He’d been training in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for around 18 months, but Muay Thai was new territory. Despite having trained at Manchester Muay Thai for less than two months, the growth his parents saw in him during that short time was huge.

The gym quickly became more than just a place to train—it became a community.

From the moment he joined, Jacob was welcomed by the coaches and teammates. Seeing him proudly wear the team colours after just eight weeks spoke volumes about the culture built at Manchester Muay Thai.

Stepping Into the Unknown at the Sandee Novice Open

For Jacob and his parents, arriving at the Sandee Open Novice event felt like stepping into the unknown. Sandee is one of the most recognisable brands in Muay Thai, and suddenly they weren’t just buying the gear—they were part of the event.

Any nerves quickly eased thanks to the organisation of the day. From check-in onward, the event ran smoothly, with helpful staff answering questions and guiding families through the process. For parents trying to manage their own nerves while supporting their child, that level of professionalism makes all the difference.

The Moment Every Parent Remembers

Watching a child climb through the ropes for the first time is something no parent forgets.

As Jacob stepped into the ring, the focus wasn’t on winning or losing—it was about courage. About testing himself, trusting his training, and representing his team with pride. Seeing him apply the skills drilled into him by his coaches under the lights of a Muay Thai ring marked a huge milestone.

Results That Matter Beyond Medals

By the end of the day, Manchester Muay Thai walked away with three finals wins, two Sandee Boxing Gloves, and one Sandee Title—an outstanding achievement given how new most of the fighters were.

But the real success went far beyond trophies:

• Confidence gained

• Ring experience earned

• Memories created for fighters and parents alike

For Jacob, the experience lit a spark. He left buzzing, already excited for the next event—and his parents felt the same.

Why the Sandee Novice Open Sets the Standard

Both as a coach and through the eyes of parents, the Sandee Novice Open stands out as one of the best introductions to junior competition. The bouts are well matched, the atmosphere is competitive yet supportive, and the organisation allows young fighters to focus on learning and enjoying the experience.

For parents considering whether competition is right for their child, this kind of environment makes all the difference.

A Proud Day for Fighters, Parents, and Coaches

It was a proud moment for me as a coach, seeing young fighters take their first steps in the sport the same way I once did—now with me in their corner. And from the parents’ perspective, it was a day filled with nerves, pride, and unforgettable memories.

A huge thank you to the Sandee organisers and everyone involved for delivering a top-tier event. An unforgettable day for the entire Manchester Muay Thai team—and one we’re already looking forward to repeating.