How an Exeter gym helped local kickboxing champion overcome addiction

FSC Muay Thai, a thriving Exeter kickboxing gym known for its inclusive and community-focused approach, has doubled its size and is now ready to welcome new members interested in learning the traditional martial art of Muay Thai.

Located under the St Thomas Railway Arches off Cowick Street, the newly expanded facility boasts twice the capacity of its previous venue while maintaining the gym’s signature friendly ethos. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, develop new skills, or find a supportive community, FSC offers a warm welcome to all, complete with free taster sessions to help beginners get started.

Among the gym’s many success stories is Chris Melhuish, a former national and European Muay Thai champion. For Chris, 36, training at FSC has been life-changing. Recently diagnosed with ADHD and autism, he has openly shared his struggles with compulsive behaviours, including an addiction to online poker and slot machines. Muay Thai, he says, has provided him with focus, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

“It can be really scary to take that first step,” Chris admits, “but everyone here supports each other. Because of my ADHD and autism, I’ve always found it hard to make friends, but FSC has made me feel at home.”

Chris’s journey began at age 21 in Torquay, where he was drawn to the adrenaline and discipline of the sport. His first fight ended in a loss - an experience he initially found 'embarrassing'.

“There’s no shame in losing,” he reflects. “But I knew I could do better. At the time, I was smoking 30 cigarettes a day. I quit and threw myself into training, and I loved the journey of improvement.”

Chris’s perseverance paid off. Today, his record includes 28 wins, eight losses, and two draws. He has held national and European titles and was ranked 2nd in the UK and 20th globally by the World Boxing Council in 2019.

“When I’m training for a fight, I feel clarity, focus, and purpose,” he says. “From what I eat to how I train, I’m constantly working to be better. I’m so grateful to the trainers at FSC Muay Thai for their support.”

Coach Sonny Perez, the gym’s founder, is thrilled by FSC’s growth.

“Since I was a teenager, it’s been my dream to run my own Muay Thai gym,” Sonny shares. “I’m delighted that it’s proving so popular that we’ve had to double our capacity.”

Sonny runs the gym alongside Thai trainer Komsun Sukkum, who began his fighting career at the age of five in Thailand. Together, they’ve created a welcoming space where everyone, from seasoned fighters to complete beginners, can thrive.

“Some people are intimidated before they arrive,” says Sonny. “But they quickly realise we’re a friendly community. We’ve had members improve their mental health, lose weight, or simply enjoy the adrenaline rush and fun of learning something new. Chris is a fantastic example of how Muay Thai can change your life, and we’re so proud of his hard work and commitment.”

With its new space and expanded schedule, FSC Muay Thai offers flexible class times and plenty of room for new members. Muay Thai, often called the “art of eight limbs,” involves punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, providing a full-body workout that is both challenging and rewarding.

If you’ve been curious about kickboxing, now is the perfect time to give it a try. For more information about classes, pricing, and booking, visit the  FSC Muay Thai website.