"My journey to my rite of passage began when my father, Kevin, introduced me to Core Combat Gym in Chiang Mai. At first, I expected strict, intimidating coaches like those in movies, but instead, I found a welcoming, ego-free environment led by Coach Sakan, someone I deeply admire.

Training taught me discipline through consistency, self-control through learning from mistakes, and diligence through constructive feedback. These lessons extended beyond the gym, shaping how I view life's challenges. Before this journey, I was a lazy, screen-absorbed kid, indifferent to growth.

My father’s insistence on push-ups was a turning point. Though I struggled at first, the effort lit a spark within me. Over time, I grew stronger, transforming small victories into lasting change. This entire experience became my rite of passage, teaching me that pain and struggle are the foundations of growth.

Life is not easy, nor is it sunshine or rainbows. It throws you into sudden tragic situations at times. But that doesn't mean we should back down. Move forward, regardless of whatever personal or emotional things are keeping you down. It is painful, but pain makes us grow. I believe that all this is my rite of passage."

"I was a kid who spent all day playing video games until one day my family visited Core Combat Chiang Mai. My father had planned the visit, and that’s where I met Coach Sakan, marking the beginning of my martial arts journey.

A week later, without telling me, my dad enrolled me. He took me and my brother to a park where Coach Sakan and his gym members were holding a kali class. I wasn’t interested at first, sitting on a bench, scrolling through my phone. My dad encouraged me, saying, “Come on, anak, it’ll be fun. You’re just on your phone anyway.” Reluctantly, I joined. Though shy and unfamiliar with martial arts, I found kali fascinating, with its sticks, swords, and hand-to-hand combat—it reminded me of the games I loved. Slowly, session after session, I grew to enjoy it.

I switched to learning Muay Thai and choose to train for a fight despite being new. On fight day, I stood ringside, feeling excitement instead of fear. I lasted five rounds and lost, but I was proud to have stepped into the ring. I returned to training, determined to improve. Later that year, after months of hard work, I fought again. This time, I won by KO in just 47 seconds of the first round. It was a moment of triumph, and I felt my efforts had paid off.Martial arts transformed me, building my confidence, discipline, and mental strength. Core Combat became a place of community, growth, and shared journeys. What started as a reluctant step became a life-changing path, shaping me into a more mature and motivated person."

"When I started my journey in combat sports, I was hesitant at first. I was nervous, and I wasn't confident at all. I just thought of it as an exercise to get fit and lose weight. It has actually been helpful for me to get into shape and lose weight. It's not easy for me, but with the help and guidance of our coaches, especially Coach Sakan, it boosts my confidence and discipline not only in the sport itself but also in myself as a whole. As a father, I can't always be there to protect my kids whenever they need me, so we decided to introduce them to Core Combat and Kali as their first combat sports. I never regret introducing them to Core Combat.

It's a game changer for them and for me as well. I cannot just allow them to spend the rest of their time in front of a screen, playing and not engaging in any physical activities. I can see a lot of development not only in their physiques but also in their confidence and discipline. From just typical kids, I can now call them modern warriors in this digital age.

Core Combat is not just a place where you can train; it is a place where you can feel at home. The coaches are friendly, your classmates are nice, and the receptionists are very accommodating."