Finding Purpose Through Muaythai: My Visit to Discover Muaythai Gym

By Redza Shahid | Asia School of Business

On 27th August, I had the privilege to visit Discover Muaythai (DMT) Gym as part of the TBN Asia Conference Impact Trip, organized in collaboration with ASBhive. Out of all the destinations lined up, DMT stood out immediately, a gym that’s not just about combat sports, but about second chances.

The Journey to Jalan Alor

Our destination was tucked away in the heart of Jalan Alor, one of Kuala Lumpur’s liveliest streets. If you’ve ever been there around 5–6 PM, you’d know the vibe: hawkers setting up their stalls, the smoky aroma of satay and grilled seafood filling the air, neon lights starting to flicker on, and the hum of locals and tourists bargaining or chatting over dinner. It’s chaotic yet full of life, the perfect backdrop for a story about transformation.

To get to the gym, we climbed four flights of stairs. Let’s just say that became our “warm-up” before the real session even began. I was joined by 19 delegates from Singapore, Africa, the USA, Indonesia, and the Philippines, a diverse group of changemakers curious to see how Muaythai was creating social impact in Malaysia.

Imran’s Story: From Thailand to Malaysia

We kicked off with a sharing session by Imran Harith, co-founder of DMT. His story was nothing short of inspiring. Years ago, he took a solo trip to Thailand and immersed himself in a Muaythai camp. What struck him wasn’t just the fighting techniques but the discipline, respect, and personal growth that the camp instilled in its students.

That experience planted a seed. He returned to Malaysia with a mission: to use Muaythai as a tool to empower troubled and homeless youth.

At DMT, the youth go through an intensive program that blends Muaythai training with life skills. They don’t just learn kicks and punches, they also learn English, character development, teamwork, gym operations, and even receive counseling.

Stories That Stayed With Me

Two stories that Imran shared really hit me. 

– The first was about a boy who, on his very first day at the gym, slept for two days straight. Everyone thought something was wrong but it turned out he simply hadn’t had a proper bed in years. For the first time, he felt safe enough to rest.

– The second was about a troubled youth who came in declaring, “I want to be a world champion.” It sounded ambitious, almost unrealistic. But with discipline and belief, he did it. He went on to win medals at the SEA Games and other championships, proof that with the right support, dreams can become reality.

“What struck me most was how real and raw the stories were. It wasn’t just about Muaythai moves, it was about a founder’s vision and youth who’ve turned their struggles into strength. Super inspiring to see how discipline and belief can change a life.”
— Shannon Tan, TBN Asia

Training With Champions

After the sharing, Imran gave us a tour of the gym. Then came the fun (and slightly intimidating) part: training! Half of us stepped onto the mats for a light Muaythai session with the youth trainers, who were themselves graduates of the program.

We learned elbow strikes, high punches, and even got a taste of sparring. Some participants even had the chance to spar with a world champion, talk about leveling up an afternoon workout!

It wasn’t just about sweating it out. It was about witnessing the confidence and pride in the faces of these young trainers. They weren’t just teaching us techniques; they were showing us how far they had come, from vulnerable beginnings to purposeful living.

Reflections

Walking away from Discover Muaythai, I realized something powerful: sometimes, all a young person needs is for someone to believe in them. Purpose can transform, and discipline can rebuild lives.

For me, the Impact Trip was more than just a gym visit. It was a reminder that impact doesn’t always come from grand projects or million-dollar investments. Sometimes, it starts with a punch, a kick, and a safe place to sleep.

Thank you, Discover Muaythai Gym, for the experience and for showing us that impact can be as raw, real, and powerful as the sound of a glove hitting a pad.

-Redza-