KUCHING: What looked like a routine visit quickly turned into an eye-opening experience for Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Mordi Bimol as he stepped into Rentap Muay Thai Gym.
Watching from the sidelines was one thing, but trying it out himself was another. Guided by coaches and fighters, including members of the Ghazali family, Mordi got a firsthand feel of the sport’s intensity.
“Everything looks simple when you watch it, but when you try it yourself, you realise the level of skill, timing and energy required. The coaching here is truly next-level,” he shared in a Facebook post today (Apr 13).
The gym, widely regarded as one of Sarawak’s key combat sports hubs, has produced a string of international fighters such as Johan Ghazali, Miki Ghazali, Elias Ghazali, Mia Ghazali and Kabilan Jelevan.
But beyond the accolades, what stood out most was its focus on building talent from a young age. With programmes starting as early as five years old, the gym blends technical training with discipline and character development.
Mordi also spent time with participants of the DMT Muay Thai programme, which focuses on personal growth alongside physical performance, something he found particularly meaningful.
“What impressed me most is not just how early they start, but how structured and disciplined everything is. This is how champions are built,” he said.
The visit ended on a lighter note, with Mordi receiving a quick lesson from Miki, a session that highlighted just how demanding the sport is despite its apparent simplicity.
“Once you step into the gym and try it yourself, you definitely want to come back,” he added.
