During the late 1970s and 1980s, an exciting and explosive martial art began gaining recognition in England. Originating in Thailand, Muay Thai more commonly known in the UK as Thai boxing. 

In the early 1990s, two brothers from Balsall Heath, Yunis and Yusaf Khan, walked into a little known club and began training under Kru Noel Gayle. Kru Noel had learned the art from the legendary Master Sken Kaewpadong of Camp Sitnarong. 

Both brothers excelled, representing Sitnarong in full contact competitions locally and nationally. Yunis competed in the SIMTA British Championships before winning a WKA Area Title and achieving a number-two ranking in his weight category. As the years passed, competition became only part of their journey. Teaching and passing the art on to future generations became their greater purpose. 

In 2015, Yunis and Yusaf founded Ronin Muay Thai. They wanted to return Thai boxing to its roots: hard training, camaraderie, discipline and determination, while making it accessible to people from all backgrounds particularly those with natural talent  but limited opportunities. 

The name reflects this philosophy. The Ronin were masterless samurai who lived without the luxury of shining armour, yet were known as some of the most gifted, determined and feared warriors of their time. That same fighting spirit became the foundation of Ronin Thai.

Ronin has always been a family club at its heart. Today, new Head Instructor Idris Khan, son of former Head Coach Yunis Khan, continues the club’s proud legacy. 

It is a story that began decades ago passed from teacher to students, father to sons and one generation to the next. It continues to evolve with every student who walks through our doors.