Three Thai boxers from South Leeds have returned as medal winners from an international Muay Thai championship in Bangkok. Schoolboy Fabian Monit, 16, and veteran fighter Pyotr Janusz, 47, won gold in their respective categories, while Kamil Fornalski, 25, took silver. All three train at Beeston's Master Sken Academy (MSA) under coach Rafal Wrzeszcz.
Fabian Monit's First Trip to Thailand
Fabian, a student at Oulton Academy, shared his experience: "This was my first time in Thailand. I've been training at MSA in Beeston for two years, and there I was at an international tournament in the country that's the cradle of our sport." He explained that while they all represented Team England, in his second bout he fought for Team Poland and won gold. "I lost my first fight against a French fighter my age, but then found myself in the final at a lower 54kg weight against a Japanese fighter four years my senior." Fabian noted that dropping weight was easy in the Bangkok heat and that he was allowed to use elbows despite wearing more protection than usual.
What Makes Muay Thai Unique
Fabian highlighted the difference from regular boxing: "What's great about Muay Thai is you can punch, but also kick and use your knees and elbows to defeat your opponent. The full panoply, apparently. Just couldn't use knees to the head. Using elbows also makes a fight more intense. You must be constantly aware. Muay Thai's brutal and violent, but all fighters in the ring love it." He was proud of his performance, especially when he landed a powerful high head kick and a few big knee body shots. "I was aggressive throughout. My opponent had good boxing skills. I took a few hard head shots and got my badge of honour with my first nosebleed."
Pyotr Janusz's Veteran Victory
Beeston's Pyotr Janusz took gold in the veterans' category. Coach Rafal Wrzeszcz said: "Pyotr has been with me since we set up our MSA academy in 2015. Muay Thai senior grandmaster Sken introduced Muay Thai to Western countries over forty years ago and then established a chain of MSA academies." For Pyotr, this was also a first visit to Thailand. He said: "I had a boxing and kickboxing background in Poland and started Muay Thai in Leeds with my first fight, aged 40. This sport's instilled in me the three Ds: discipline, determination and dedication. That's how I was able to get the win over an experienced English fighter aged 45. I'll hopefully keep thriving in competition for quite a few years yet."
Kamil Fornalski's Silver Success
Armley's Kamil Fornalski, who began Thai boxing in 2021, said: "This was my second time in Thailand. I won two fights to get to the final and am delighted that I came home with the silver. I'd been injured on a show in Manchester in February, so this win was particularly welcome. All athletes know that your main opponent can be yourself, so I do everything I can to prepare, which includes diet, and then I feel confident. I've now won six amateur bouts, and spending time training and sparring at some of the best Bangkok gyms has made me physically and mentally stronger."
Coach's Pride
Coach Wrzeszcz said: "This was our second time in Bangkok for the World Muay Thai Federation championships. We're proud and delighted with our fighters' achievements." MSA Leeds is at Sugar Mills Business Park, LS11 7HL. For more information, text 07963 599436 or visit @msa_leeds on Instagram.
