In 1993, Ajarn Khan opened his own Muay Thai gym. With over seventy-five students, he was soon forced to move into a bigger facility. Along with the help of his brothers, he trained several young hardworking men who have gone on to become champions.
In 1998, the sport of Muay Thai boxing was in a provincial court case. Some individuals in the sport were charged under criminal code section 83, “Prize fighting”. As such, Muay Thai was considered a prize fighting sport, which is illegal in Ontario. Ajarn Khan and his colleagues, under the direction of Ontario Athletic Commissioner Ken Hyashi, proceeded to research and implement what was necessary in order to legalize this magnificent sport. Therefore, in 1998, they formed the Canadian Amateur Muay Thai Association of Ontario (CAMTAO).
On January 23, 2003, amateur Muay Thai was the newest sport to have received official recognition from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation by the Honorable Minister Frank Klees. Ajarn Khan is currently serving as President of CAMTAO.
Since CAMTAO received official recognition, Ajarn Khan has been very busy. He's been holding safe and fair competitions for athletes from as far away as Romania. He has also sent athletes to the World Championships in Thailand , as well as other countries.
He now runs a highly successful Muay Thai club located in Cambridge, Ontario.
Ajarn hopes that Muay Thai kickboxing will be a positive influence on today's youth, and for future generations to come.
“Dreams do come true if you pray and work hard for it.”
- Ajarn Khan Phady
