Testimonials

I practiced martial arts in my younger years. I’m now over 50. I have always wanted to get back into it and Muay Thai was my preferred martial art to join. I’ve been training at FMT for about 6 weeks possibly more I’ve lost track. Brian is a very kind and gentle natured person and it shows in his instructions. the work outs aren’t soft but well worth the effort. after a three class day I was sore for 3 of 4 days, my fault I over did it. but no regrets o loved it. I look forward to every day I can go. I lift weights and mountain bike regularly. the training I’ve received has made me a stronger rider. the trails I ride aren’t easy. I look forward to my progress I hope you’ll give FMT a try. I’m sure you’ll love it as well.
Yanuario Arias - Google Reviews

When I first decide that I wanted to learn Muay Thai I tried the free classes offered at a couple of different gyms. My first class at Freestyle prompted me to sign up on the spot. Brian is an amazing instructor with all the patience in the world, which is needed when I continuously do the same technique wrong! He is more than generous with his time and knowledge and the overall environment of the gym is welcoming and friendly.

I attend classes as much as possible and in just 7 months I have seen the positive changes to my body physically and I have noticed the progress I have made with learning Muay Thai. The conditioning, technical drills, and sparring are all a great workout and I leave class feeling like I made even more progress and learned something new.

Stephanie Phillips - Google Reviews

If you are looking for authentic Muay Thai training…this is the place!!! I had to leave due to a conflict in my schedule but will be returning soon. Kru Brian is very professional and takes the time to show you right technique. Everybody is very friendly. This isn’t a bro-ish type of atmosphere. I highly recommend this gym.
Rob P - Google Reviews

I have let myself go the last few years and gained a considerable amount of weight. I tried to lose some of the pounds by lifting weights for a few months but progress was very slow. I decided to look at some Muay Thai gyms around my area since I have a few years experience practicing the martial art. I remember it being a great cardio exercise. I searched on google and found Freestyle Muay Thai. I decided, what the heck I’ll give it a shot!

My first visit, I had a little trouble looking for Freestyle Muay Thai as I wasn’t familiar with the area. As I stepped into the gym, I found it to be fairly large, complete with heavy bags, speed bags and a boxing ring. You know you’re in a good gym if they have all the equipments for training. Bryan introduced himself as the head trainer. Super ripped and very friendly. I was a little bit early for the training so no one has arrived yet. We chatted for a little bit and he told me that he trained professionally in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Pictures of his training and fights could be seen hanging on the wall of his office. I was impressed and assured that I am going to be trained by someone who knows what he was doing.

As soon as all the other gym members arrived, we started the training. I noticed that there wasn’t too many people training. I realized that Bryan keeps the class small, between 4 to 8 people at a time so that he could give enough attention to everyone. The structure of the training was pretty standard. We started with skipping and jumping on tires as a warm up, techniques, shadow boxing, heavy bag work and finally pad work. I worked up quite a sweat, but it wasn’t as intense as I thought it would be. Bryan knew how to pace the workout well. I didn’t feel like dying at the end and went out of the gym feeling great.

As the months progressed, training became more and more intense as I got fitter. Bryan would teach new techniques during every session so it never gets boring. He would periodically have tests to see where we are at in terms of our techniques and fitness. I think its great that he has tests as it ensures that we stay hungry to improve ourselves.

Summary:

In just 4 months of training,

  1. I lost 15% body fat
  2. Gained 10 pounds of muscle
  3. Lost 16 pounds of weight
  4. Fine tuned my Muay Thai skills
  5. Made a lot of awesome friends

I highly recommend this place, be it for weight loss or to train to be a fighter one day. Positive environment and a fun place to be. No one can ask more from a Muay Thai gym!

Ismail Didih - Google Reviews

Awesome place to train. Positive, friendly, and hard working environment. Brian is the man!
Benjamin Prescott - Google Reviews

I started training at Freestyle Muay Thai back in July of 2012 and have no regretted it one bit. From affordable rates to one on one training unlike some of the other facilities that seem to be only after your money. Kru Brian has been a practitioner of this martial arts for years and has traveled to Thailand for training where the sport originated. Needless to say, Kru Brian knows what he is doing when instructing the class. With numerous heavy bags, speed bags, and a ring, this facility is perfect for training.
Steven Tran - Google Reviews

I found Freestyle Muay Thai via a Google search several months ago.

Brian, the trainer at the school, is a down to earth nice guy, who is very serious and passionate about what he teaches. He has a no nonsense approach to Muay Thai and stresses intensity and consistency. The classes provide, not only Muay Thai technique, but sports conditioning as well. Thanks to Brian and Freestyle Muay Thai, I’ve never been in better shape!

Ashley Everett

Having absolutely no previous experience, I just started Muay Thai a few weeks ago with the head trainer, Brian! He is so professional, down- to- earth, and really knows his Muay Thai. He’s trained professionally in Thailand and has a passion both for the art and the culture as well. He makes sure that you are not only learning and practicing the moves properly, but are also getting a great workout! Even after the first session, I immediately felt comfortable working with him, especially knowing that I would be getting the best and most authentic training possible in Tampa! Definitely choose Freestyle Muay Thai over any other location, you won’t regret it!
Hannah Hong - Google Reviews

Freestyle Muay Thai is the REAL DEAL! Owner Brian Cleary is a certified personal trainer who has lived, trained, fought, and won in Thailand. Don’t be fooled by some BJJ guy who has taken a block of striking classes at the local MMA gym or worst yet some 1980s point-Karate tournament guy who has learned to aim his roundhouse kick to the leg and calls it Muay Thai. This is NOT Rex-Kwon-Do, learn Muay Thai from a MAN who understands the techniques, history, and cultural significance of the art.
Lang M - Google Reviews

Personally, I really enjoy my time at FMT. I only wish that I could go more often. The instructors, Brian and Scott, are great and create a great environment to learn and have fun in. If your desire is to learn Muay Thai or get in shape this is the place for you.
Jeff Powers - Google Reviews

Whether your goal is to learn self-defense, get in shape, or both, I highly recommend Freestyle Muay Thai. I never finish a session without feeling like I’ve learned something new, and gotten an incredible workout in the process. Thanks FMT!
Jay Taylor

Freestyle Muay Thai is the place to go if you want to learn authentic Muay Thai. I’ve been training here for about a year and am always improving everytime I train. The instructors are very technical and the environment is welcoming for beginners. Check it out!
Devin Tran - Google Reviews

Freestyle Muay Thai is more than a gym – it’s a community of friends working to support one another towards any goal, from losing weight to fighting. I am proud and honored to be a part of this amazing community that only continues to grow and strengthen. Out incredibly diverse members truly make FMT a fun and unique training experience. For this reason, we would like to celebrate the awesome members at FMT with a monthly member highlight.

Thanks for reading!

– Stephanie

 

Q: Why did you decide to start learning Muay Thai?
A: It was a split between self-defense and weight loss. I just moved to another city and wanted to know a little about hand-to-hand combat just in case I get into a situation where having those skills could mean saving my life. Also, I have started my weight loss journey not long before I moved, so I thought it would be a good idea to do it for exercise too. I was looking for something that I know could lead into a lifestyle change and not just a trend to join, leave a few months in, then start something new.

I logged on to one of my social media platforms and just basically asked what martial art was fun to learn and Muay Thai was one of the suggestions. Honestly, it was a random pick that worked out perfectly.

Q: How long have you been training?
A: I have been training for about a year and three months now.
Q: What are your goals for Muay Thai?
A: I would want to have a few amateur fights soon. Pro? Maybe? Long term goal would be for me to just continue training and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Q: What is your favorite part about training?
A: Seeing friends! My favorite part is seeing myself improve in multiple aspects such as punches, kicks, sparring techniques, and overall cardio condition.
Q: Why did you choose Freestyle Muay Thai?
A: Before I signed up at Freestyle Muay Thai, I took an introductory class from another Muay Thai gym that’s five minutes away from where I live. I was 90% sure I was signing up there but decided to try FMT out before making the decision. FMT’s intro class surprised me because I thought I already knew what to expect. However, it was completely different. Brian and everyone training that day made me feel welcome and comfortable, and I knew then that I wanted to train at FMT.
Q: Who is your favorite fighter and why?
A: I don’t have a favorite fighter because I wasn’t a fan of the sport until I decided to start training a year ago. I rarely watch fights, and when I do, it’s mostly just looking at the fighters’ technique and combos. My favorite fighter is Ognjen Topic because he is very technical. He is accurate with his hits and uses technique over strength. Being in a male-dominated gym, this is very important for me because my current strength is far less than other trainees at the gym. After a year of training, I have decided to use tactics rather than brute force to overcome opponents.
Q: When you’re not in the gym, where can we find you?
A: I have an equal balance between home, work, leisure, and training. Right now, I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be but the gym. Unfortunately, I can’t be there all day every day. I’m either at home sleeping to be able to train the next day, at work to be able to pay for the membership and awesome equipment and its accessories, or taking a vacation to give myself time to crave training and give my 110% again.
Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?
A: If I had a superpower, it would be the ability to heal. People don’t deserve to suffer from physical, mental, or psychological diseases. Also, it would allow me to recover from any injury I take from training and be perfectly fine the next day 😉
Q: How do you feel as you prepare for your first fight?
A: I’m very excited for my first fight, which makes preparing for it enjoyable. I like to push myself, both physically and mentally, to the limit. Knowing that I may have a fight soon also allows me to focus on increasing my fight IQ, which means knowing when to go offensive or defensive, reacting to opponent’s counters, and reading the opponent’s fighting style and body language.

BECOME AN FMT BOXER

To be a boxer, one must not lack courage. It is important to make oneself accustomed to pain and danger without any fear.