Master Lek began muay thai when he was 7 years old.  In Thailand everyone does muay thai.  However, some take it more seriously than others.  Lek was one of those youngsters who had muay thai in his blood. He would tell his father he was going to play soccer (a more respectable sport).   For the next ten years, Lek would fight at any opportunity he had.  He had three instructors through his muay thai career, each teaching Lek their specialty.  Each instructor taught not only muay thai, but pride in the sport, the importance of sportsmanship, humbleness, self respect and many other traits Lek still practices and has continued to teach his students.

Master Lek came to Ohio over 30 years ago.  He spoke very little English on arrival and has since become a successful and well respected community mentor.  He has managed several businesses and been a consultant for other  ventures.   While Lek’s professional career has been wide-ranging, muay thai has always been the focus.   It wasn’t strange to have students visit Master Lek (at work) seeking guidance about techniques, footwork or life in general.

Three of Master Lek’s students, Hope and Jane and Tony Mosley visited Thailand in 2001.  Master Lek, unfortunately, could not travel with them; but through many of his friends over in Thailand, he made sure their stay there was both, fun and educational.  He was extremely proud that his students would want to learn more about his country and customs.  The trip for the three of them also reinforced the gentle and helpful nature of the Thais that Master Lek had always boasted about.  Master Lek, even after being in Ohio over half his life, still held onto the Thailand inner spirit.

While adjusting to the “American” rules of business, Master Lek has held true to the “old school” rules of muay thai.  This may be why he is one of the most sought after muay thai instructors.  He is extremely proud of the history and culture and strives to preserve the traditional thinking.  This is difficult with sports becoming more and more commercialized.  However, it doesn’t take long while talking to Master Lek to see that it is his heart, not his wallet, that belongs to muay thai.