Tihipuke Muaythai (TMT) started as a Highschool sports club in Hamilton. After one year of competing for gym space alongside other sporting codes it was decided to move the gym to the trainers personal gym in his garage in Hamilton East. The garage days were primarily based on developing young fighters but a growing number of people started to join the club for fun or fitness. It was decided after a couple of years  to move to a larger premises, and the current building in Collingwood Street became our new home. For competitive athletes TMT is now one of New Zealand's biggest and most active gyms (over 100 fights and 5 titles in 2017 alone).

The training at TMT is progressive and students work at their own speed. Safety is of utmost importance and the chance of sustaining an injury during training is less than that during a Rugby or Netball game.

At TMT students of any age, ability or fitness level can train in a safe, supportive learning environment. Students that have done other Martial Arts classes are also welcome to come and extend their abilities. The students are grouped into 4 levels based on their ability;
Beginners - focus on skill development and all the basic punches, kicks and movement techniques
Intermediate - continue to develop their skills, grapple, knees, countering techniques, and build their fitness base
Advanced - practice and build on their skills, including throws, elbows and fighting strategy all whilst attaining a high level of fitness. They also develop their fighting abilities via sparing (light contact, structured or partial, controlled fighting practice).
Fighters - do advanced training plus; running and other additional training (6 days per week) with an optional morning training too. A high level of commitment to training and behavioral conduct is required of all TMT fighters.

All classes are designed using a fusion of traditional and contemporary training methods, and modern sport science. Each class is designed to target specific areas of fitness and skill development.

The methods of training utilised include traditional methods such as Thai pads, focus pads, bag work and skipping, as well as circuit style fitness work aimed at developing either anaerobic fitness, muscular endurance, strength, or power and speed. Partner work plays a big role in training and includes defensive or counter attacking drills, and sparring for the more experienced students. Only the fighters are expected to run but many other students choose to join them.

TMT Gym has a wide range of functional fitness equipment for you to build muscle, tone up or improve your health in general. Our fully qualified instructors can give you a personalised exercise plan that can be updated at anytime with no cost. We can also provide rehabilitation plans in conjunction with your physio or GP to get you back in shape after injury or illness.

If you would prefer an alternative form of exercise we have a variety of fitness circuits, or  you could try a Muaythai class. Muaythai is a fun way to get in shape, improve self-esteem, confidence, fitness, and general health and well-being. It is also is a very effective form of self-defense and helps the student develop mentally, spiritually, socially and physically, as well as developing the student’s concentration, awareness and self-discipline. The morning, lunchtime, and 'nuts & bolts' classes are suitable for people of any age, fitness level or ability.