THE RED CORNER

NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE NORTH STAR ACADEMY OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

WEEK OF MARCH 17th, 2025

 

Happy Monday Team!

We are doing double-duty today by celebrating both St Patrick as well as Nai Khanom Tom, a legendary Thai folk hero!

Interestingly, these two figures share a common theme: snakes!  St Patrick chased them out of Ireland and Nai Khanom Tom was said to be “blessed with their venom.”  Yes, it’s a stretch, but there you go.

For more information on Nai Khanom Tom and his legend, check out our Monday Mindset article this week.

In short, today is a day in the Thai tradition to honor legacy — a way to reflect upon those who came before you and laid the path on which you have walked.  The “Wai Kru” in Muay Thai is an aspect of Thai kickboxing that performs a similar function — “Wai” translates to respect and “Kru” to teacher.  Through the Wai Kru we honor our teachers, and the teachers that came before them as well.  We find that this respect for legacy is a core concept in the Thai boxing culture, with Nai Khanom Tom day being a day specifically to honor the Thai folk hero as well as his legacy, which is generally the entire art of Muay Thai.

 

Before we look forward into our upcoming events in April and beyond, let’s reflect on a jam packed weekend of activity here at the academy.

First, congratulations to our athlete Gianna Vadino on her performance this weekend at the USA Muay Thai Nationals.  Unfortunately we had to call the fight between the second and third rounds due to an eye injury sustained from an elbow — Gianna is ok, but never a fun to lose.  Gianna has been fighting and competing at the highest national and international level for the past couple of years so there are just simply no more easy fights left!  We’ll see her back in action ASAP I’m sure!

Our Fight Night event was a blast as well — thank you to everyone who came out to watch the fights on Saturday evening.  We will definitely do it again!  But next up on our social calendar will be another happy hour event in early May sometime.

 

At the beginning of April, we welcome international Jiu Jitsu celebrity and online coach Jonathan Thomas to the academy for a deep dive into a philosophy of guard passing.  Jon will share his approach to passing then open up for a Q&A later on.  The cost for this workshop is $70 and is an absolute steal for what you will receive.  If you’d like to register ahead of time, please let me know (i.e. shoot a reply).  More information as we approach the date

REGISTER HERE FOR THE JON THOMAS WORKSHOP

 

Lastly, our Spring Level 2 Shorts Test is right around the corner on Thursday, April 10th!  This test is open to all striking students with 3+ months experience or Coaches’ permission.  The test itself is free, but the shorts are $45 (you can opt out of the shorts at checkout).

REGISTER HERE FOR THE LEVEL 2 SHORTS TEST

 

–Coach Jackson

You can find this week’s Monday Mindset HERE

You can find this week’s Junior Samurai Stripe Challenge HERE