Kaisuedee Khathasit, commonly known as “Ta,” coaches both Muay Thai and Boxing at Southpaw Gym. Originally from Thailand, he honed his skills and competed at Bangkok’s renowned Keatkhamtor gym, earning accolades in Thailand’s top national stadiums, Rajadamnern and Lumpinee.
Since his arrival in Hong Kong in 2019, Ta has introduced an innovative coaching strategy built by his experience in Thailand and his previous coaching roles in Japan and Portugal. His competitive background enriches his coaching style, enabling him to train a diverse range of athletes and students.
Ta advocates for a personalised and adaptable training philosophy. He rejects a one-size-fits-all approach, focusing instead on customising training to meet individual goals and needs. This tailored method ensures that each trainee, whether a complete novice or a professional fighter, receives instruction that aligns with their personal journey and aspirations.
At Southpaw, Ta is committed to assisting every boxer and Muay Thai practitioner in developing their skills, refining their techniques, and reaching their maximum potential. Whether you are taking your first class or preparing for a professional bout, Ta’s expert guidance is designed to enhance your performance, both in the ring and in everyday life.
Southpaw’s Founder: James is the director of Southpaw and has built up the gym with the primary goal to make elite level training accessible to all.
Born in England, but of half Hong Kong-Chinese descent, James has been coaching in Hong Kong since 2013. Although James is better known as a boxing coach, he has competed as both a boxer and in kickboxing. He is also a NASM certified Personal Trainer and a PICP Level 2 Strength Coach.
With a blend of hands-on Boxing experience and a keen eye for coaching, James delivers a well structured training program with a fine eye for detail. James coaches everyone from absolute beginners all the way up to professional boxers.
Qualifications:
Southpaw Founder & Director
HKBA Boxing Coach
PICP Strength Coach Level 1 & 2
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Quantum HFE Level 1 Olympic Weightlifting Instructor
Southpaw’s Muay Thai Head Coach:Originally from Thailand, Samkor is one of the all time greats in the sport of Muay Thai. One of the most decorated Muay Thai boxers of all time, Samkor is a 3 weight division Champion at Lumpinee Stadium as well as a WMC World Champion. Considering winning a Lumpinee Stadium Championship is regarded as the highest achievement in the sport, that’s quite an achievement.
Samkor competed during the ‘golden era’ of Muay Thai, where he picked up impressive wins over other legends, such as Saenchai Sor Kingstar, Namsaknoi, Attachai and Sangtiennoi. Famously known for his devastating left kick, Samkor brings a wealth of fighting and coaching experience to his sessions. As a coach Samkor is a big advocate of perfecting the fundamentals and progressing boxers systematically.
Titles and Accomplishments:
Professional Record.
220 Fights. 187 Wins. 30 Losses. 3 Draws
Lumpinee Stadium
1995 Lumpinee Stadium 122 lbs Champion
1997 Lumpinee Stadium 135 lbs Champion
2000 Lumpinee Stadium 130 lbs Champion
Professional Boxing Association of Thailand (PAT)
1997 Thailand 135 lbs Champion
All Japan Kickboxing Federation
2004 AJKF Lightweight Tournament Runner-Up
Toyota Marathon
2005 Toyota Marathon 154 lbs Tournament Winner
World Muay Thai Council
2011 World Muay Thai Council 154 lbs World Champion
Southpaw’s Boxing Head Coach: Ralf Tso won the Hong Kong Boxing Association Championship for four consecutive years (2007-2010) and is one of the few boxers to represent Hong Kong internationally at the World Amatuer Boxing Championships. With over 18 years of coaching experience, Ralf has twice received the ‘Best Trainer Award’ by the Hong Kong Boxing Association.
As a coach Ralf brings a unique blend of creative footwork drills, fast paced pad combinations and intense fitness workouts.
Owing to his extensive expertise as both a former Boxing Champion and as a coach, Ralf was invited to be an official commentator for boxing at the 2012 Beijing Olympics and 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Titles and Accomplishments:
Hong Kong Boxing Championship: Winner 2007
Hong Kong Boxing Championship: Winner 2008
Hong Kong Boxing Championship: Winner 2009
Hong Kong Boxing Championship: Winner 2010
Qualifications
HKBA Registered Boxing Coach
Southpaw Muay Thai Coach: Originally from Thailand, Singmanee Kaewsamrit stands among GOATs in Muay Thai history. His storied career is crowned with multiple world championships, including the Rajadamnern Stadium title – considered to be the most prestigious title alongside the Lumpinee Stadium Championship.
Singmanee is known for his impeccable technique and devastating left hand power. He has notable wins over fellow legends, including Superbon Banchamek, Andrew Kuelbin, Sudsakorn and Saiyok Pumpanmuang.
Transitioning from combat to coaching, Singmanee now shapes future champions inside and outside the ring, imparting the strategies and mental toughness that have been the hallmark of his decorated career.
Titles and Accomplishments:
Rajadamnern Stadium Champion
Thai Fight World Champion
WMC World Champion
WPMF World Champion
Isuzu Cup Champion
EM Legend Tournament Champion
Faith Fight Champion
Channel 3 TV Champion
Phaniang is the famed former professional boxer and boxing coach of Thai superstars such as Buakaw Banchamek, Sittichai Sitsongpenong and IBF World Champion Amnat Ruenroeng.
Phaniang’s incredible wealth of boxing skills and expertise come from training under former Cuban Head Coach and future Hall Of Fame trainer, Ismael Salas in Japan. Under Salas’ guidance he compiled an impressive professional boxing record of 28 wins to only 1 loss. His professional career culminated in winning the PABA Title (Asian Boxing Champion).
Following the end of his professional career, Phaniang became a coach for the Thai National Boxing Team during the 2007 World Championships and 2008 Olympic Games. Since then, Phaniang has worked in some of the most elite boxing gyms in Bangkok and Japan, and has trained everyone from absolute beginners to elite World Champions.
Titles and Accomplishments:
Professional Record.
29 Fights. 28 Wins. 1 Loss. 0 Draws
PABA Light Flyweight Title
Ricky is a familiar face on reception and is responsible for the daily operations of the gym. If you have any questions, just speak to Ricky and he’ll be happy to help.
In addition to running and managing the gym, Ricky is a registered coach and referee for both the Hong Kong Boxing Association and Hong Kong Muay Thai Association, giving him a great insight into the ins and outs of both sports.
He also teaches our Muay Thai Outreach Programme at Hong Kong University, responsible for encouraging the next generation to take up the discipline.
Referee and judge
Qualifications:
HKBA Boxing Coach
HKMTA Muay Thai Coach
HKBA Boxing Referee
HKMTA Referee