Daosawan Muay Thai Club was founded in the spring of 2004 by Kru Leo.
Kru Leo dedicated the name of his Club to his first authentic Muay Thai instructor Ajaan Sisomphou, a former professional, East Thailand Muay Thai champion in the early 70’s.
Ajaan Sisomphou (better known to his friends and students as Kru “Peter”) moved to Montreal in the early 80’s at a time when American kickboxing and many other traditional martial arts were extremely popular!
At that time, real Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) was still very much unknown in North America, specially when compared to Europe, in particular Holland and France, where it had already greatly influenced the training of famous fighters such as Ramon Dekker and Rob Kaman, some of the first Europeans to ever train and fight successfully in Thailand.
Aware of the kicking power of Thai boxers and their training regimen, many north american kickboxers (just like the europeans and japanese had done 15 years earlier!) were now looking for thai trainers to improve their skills and give them an edge over the local and international competition!
With little English but lots of heart, power and fighting experience (at 5’5”, 180 lbs, over 250 pro fights), Kru Peter started teaching Muay Thai part-time at different martial arts gyms and kickboxing gyms throughout the Montreal area! In fact many of Quebec’s kickboxing champions of those days, either trained with and/or became champions with the help of Kru Peter, in the background!
Even without leg kicks, knees and elbows, the addition of the devastating Muay Thai style round kick to the body or head (with shin) was enough for the “long-pants- kick-above- the-waist” Quebec and American kickboxers of the time to take notice! And notice they did!
As Muay Thai became more and more popular, (also through the work of Ajaan Chai Sirisute in the USA, Ajaan Songlith in Vancouver and Ajaan Suchart in Toronto, (both Kru Peter’s close friends), Ajaan Mike Miles in Calgary and the seminars of Pud Pad Noy (Golden Leg) Worawoot and Ajaan Vut Kamnark in the USA) Kru Peter’s class size increased rapidly and contributed greatly to the success and popularity of many of Montreal’s martial arts gyms!
It is to pay respect to Kru Peter, to honor his work and show gratitude that Daosawan Muay Thai Club and this website is dedicated!
“Myself, his student for many years, his friend and in a way “one of his family ”, I am forever grateful! He helped me discover Muay Thai, its power and its beauty! He helped me not only with skill but most importantly with his confidence, heart and friendship! He also encouraged me to go to Thailand and continue my training!
And that’s what I did! In Thailand I trained with many famous trainers and experienced pro fighters! But I will always remember Kru Peter and the strong foundation he instilled in me and in all his close students and fighters:
Heart, hard work and respect!
I still remember throwing up during one of my very first intensive pad training workouts with Kru Peter, and wanting to give up, at which time Kru Peter shouted:
“You give up now? You give up forever! Swallow it and keep going! The bell hasn’t rang yet!”
That was just the beginning!…”
On behalf of all his true students and friends in Quebec and at Daosawan Muay Thai, we shall not forget! Muay Thai will someday get the recognition and understanding it deserves!
For the good of all old and new Muay Thai fans! For the good of Muay Thai and to Kru Peter (Daosawan) Sisomphou, the first, real Muay Thai instructor in Quebec:
Thank you for everything! Khaap khun maak krup!
But “The bell hasn’t rang yet!!…
Sincerely,
Kru Leo (Daosawan)
Owner and Chief-Instructor
Daosawan Muay Thai Club, Montreal,
January 2007
THE CLUB’S LOGO:
The Daosawan (Star from Heaven) logo, one of Kru Peter’s former ring names, is a star made of 2 identical squares in 3 colors: red, white and blue, the colors of the Thai national flag.
As Muaythai is commonly known in Thailand as being the “Science of Eight Limbs”, or the “Eight-Pointed-Star Boxing Art“, so is the Daosawan star represented by 8 points symbolizing the strongest bones of the human body: fists, elbows, knees, and (shins) feet.
It is a strong, hard, impenetrable shape. As sharp and effective in defense as in offense, in every direction, but with always at its center the pure mind, the calm heart, the brave and wise spirit.
This Daosawan Muaythai Club logo hopes to protect, illuminate and guide those who look up for it with pride and respect. A bridge between the past, present and future: The teachers, Muay Thai, and the students.
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