I filmed a quick video yesterday — just me, two glasses, and a bottle of Fruitavitals.
Simple setup. One take. No fancy edit.

And it hit me…

You don’t need a studio to tell a good story.
You don’t need a team or a production truck.
You just need something real to say — and the guts to say it.

That’s what LeapFrog’s about.
Raw moments. Fighters who haven’t had their stories told.
And people willing to press “record” anyway.

💬 What’s a story from the fight world that stuck with you? Drop a comment. Share a name.
Let’s start building the library, one post at a time.

Why UK Muay Thai Hits Different

Ask anyone who's fought under Thai rules in the UK, and they'll tell you — it's not quite the same. But that's not always a bad thing.

UK Muay Thai has its own rhythm.

Our venues are loud, gritty, intimate. The fighters are hungry. The pacing is faster, the clinch gets broken sooner, and when a KO happens — the whole room erupts.

We might not have the sarama music or the slow builds of Thailand stadiums...
But we’ve got spirit, and we’ve got stories.

It’s a different flavour — same 8 limbs.

💬 What makes UK Muay Thai special to you?

Let’s hear from the fighters, coaches, and fans who know.

🥊 Muay Thai vs Thai Boxing — What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever trained, watched ONE Championship, or hung around fight fans, you’ve heard both terms: Muay Thai and Thai Boxing.

But what’s the actual difference?
Is ONE doing real Muay Thai… or something else?
Let’s break it down 👇

🔥 The Traditional Muay Thai Roots

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand.
It’s not just a ruleset—it’s a cultural martial art.

Here’s what you’ll find in traditional Muay Thai:

• Wai Kru Ram Muay (pre-fight ritual)

• Live music during rounds (sarama rhythm)

• Strategic pace: early rounds = feel-out, later = fireworks

• Deep clinch game, sweeps, elbows, and kicks

• Strong ties to camp culture and Thai tradition

It’s a slower build, but when it goes… it goes.

🥊 So What’s “Thai Boxing” Then?

In the UK and most Western countries, we often say Thai Boxing to describe fights under Muay Thai rules—but without the tradition.

You might see:

• No Wai Kru or music

• 3-round fights

• Faster pacing from Round 1

• Reduced clinch time (depending on the promotion)

• More emphasis on scoring aggression and damage

Still 8 limbs. Still vicious.
Just streamlined for modern, Western-style fans.

💥 What About ONE Championship?

Now this is where it gets spicy.

ONE Championship has brought Muay Thai to a global stage…
But they’ve tweaked it:

• Fought in a cage, not a ring

• 4oz MMA gloves (more KOs, less defense)

• No rituals, no music, just straight to business

• Clinch and elbows allowed, but minimal time in the clinch

• Crazy fast pacing—often round 1 finishes

So… is it Muay Thai?

Technically, it’s more like Thai Boxing—the “entertainment ruleset” version of Muay Thai.

Still beautiful. Still brutal. Just different.

🤔 Does It Matter?

That’s where you come in.

Is ONE helping Muay Thai grow—or watering it down?

• Should we protect traditional Muay Thai?

• Or is this evolution just part of the sport’s global rise?

• Does the label matter… if the violence is still beautiful?

💬 Drop your thoughts below –
Are you #TeamTradition or #Team4ozCarnage?

On 12th October we return with another installment of LeapFrog Fight Night. Watch this sneak peak trailer. 

Watch the fights from our last show and tell us which fight was your favourite.

We will pick one winner randomly. 

They will get £100 cash, a T-Shirt and two free tickets to our October show.

Get involved.

I love watching Daniella fight, she comes to scrap every single time. Today at Oran Mor will be no different. Watch it live today on 7th April but if you miss it it will be available for playback the next day.

Tyler Hogan fights today on Oran Mor. The card is tacked and it's going to be one of those Muay Thai nights you will not want to forget.

The Reflex Ball Revolution: Unveiling the Effectiveness of Boxing Reflex Balls

If you're a boxing enthusiast or just someone looking to level up their fitness game, you've probably heard of the buzz surrounding boxing reflex balls. These small, bouncy wonders have taken the boxing world by storm, promising improved reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and an engaging workout. But are they the real deal, or just another passing fad? Let's dive deep into the world of boxing reflex balls to uncover their true effectiveness.

Round 1: What Is a Boxing Reflex Ball?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's understand what a boxing reflex ball is. It's a small, lightweight ball attached to a headband. The idea is simple: you bounce the ball off your forehead, and it comes back at you unpredictably. Your task is to react quickly and hit it again.

Round 2: Reflexes and Hand-Eye Coordination

Effectiveness Rating: 9/10

Boxing reflex balls are like boot camp for your reflexes and hand-eye coordination. The constant movement of the ball forces your brain to react swiftly. Your eyes lock onto the target, and your hands follow suit. Over time, this repetitive exercise can significantly enhance your reflexes and coordination, whether you're a boxer, MMA fighter, or just someone looking to sharpen their mental agility.

Round 3: Cardiovascular Conditioning

Effectiveness Rating: 7/10

Believe it or not, boxing reflex balls can also give your cardiovascular system a run for its money. Trying to keep up with that bouncing ball can send your heart rate soaring. While it's not a substitute for traditional cardio workouts, it's a fun and engaging way to get your blood pumping and improve your endurance.

Round 4: Focus and Concentration

Effectiveness Rating: 8/10

In the world of boxing, focus and concentration are non-negotiable. Boxing reflex balls demand your undivided attention. Your gaze remains locked on that tiny target, blocking out distractions. This level of mental engagement can spill over into other areas of your life, helping you stay sharp and focused.

Round 5: Hand Speed and Accuracy

Effectiveness Rating: 9/10

Boxing reflex balls are like a personal speed bag. As you practice, your hand speed and accuracy improve. Your strikes become more precise, and you develop the ability to hit a moving target. This skill isn't just for show; it can translate into faster and more accurate punches in the ring.

Round 6: Stress Relief and Fun

Effectiveness Rating: 10/10

Who said training can't be fun? Boxing reflex balls are an absolute blast. The joy of seeing that ball bounce back at you and successfully hitting it is incredibly satisfying. Plus, it's an excellent stress reliever. After a tough day, few things beat letting off steam by knocking that ball around.

Round 7: Portability and Convenience

Effectiveness Rating: 10/10

Boxing reflex balls are the ultimate portable gym. You can take them anywhere, whether you're traveling, at the office, or just at home. No bulky equipment, no gym fees, just a small ball and a headband, ready to turn any space into your personal training arena.

The Verdict: A Knockout Training Tool

In the world of boxing and combat sports, where every millisecond counts, boxing reflex balls are a valuable training tool. They deliver on their promises, enhancing your reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and overall focus. Whether you're a seasoned fighter looking to up your game or someone seeking a fun way to stay fit and sharp, the effectiveness of boxing reflex balls is undeniable. So, lace up your gloves, strap on that headband, and get ready for a workout that packs a punch both mentally and physically!

Muay Thai gloves and boxing gloves may look similar at first glance, but they serve different purposes and have some key differences in design and function. Let's break down the main distinctions between Muay Thai gloves and boxing gloves:

1. Shape and Padding Distribution:

- Muay Thai Gloves: Muay Thai gloves are typically more streamlined and have a slimmer profile compared to boxing gloves. They are designed to allow fighters to grasp and control their opponents during clinching and grappling, which are integral parts of Muay Thai. Muay Thai gloves have less padding on the front knuckle area but offer additional padding on the back of the hand for blocking kicks.

- Boxing Gloves: Boxing gloves, on the other hand, have more padding around the front knuckle area. The extra padding is designed to protect boxers' hands while delivering punches to the head and body. Boxing gloves have a more rounded and cushioned shape, providing maximum hand protection during punches.

2. Thumb Attachment:

- Muay Thai Gloves: Muay Thai gloves typically have an open thumb design, allowing for better thumb movement. This design facilitates clinching and grappling techniques and enables fighters to grip their opponents more effectively.

- Boxing Gloves: Boxing gloves usually have a thumb attachment, securing the thumb in place to prevent it from getting caught or injured during punches. The thumb attachment offers added stability and protection but limits thumb movement compared to Muay Thai gloves.

3. Versatility:

- Muay Thai Gloves: Muay Thai gloves are versatile and suitable for various striking and clinching techniques used in Muay Thai, including punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. They are the preferred choice for Muay Thai practitioners.

- Boxing Gloves: Boxing gloves are designed specifically for boxing and are primarily suited for punches. While they can be used for other striking arts, their thumb attachment and padded design make them less versatile for techniques like clinching and elbow strikes.

4. Weight and Padding:

- Muay Thai Gloves: Muay Thai gloves come in various weights, typically ranging from 8 oz to 16 oz or more. The choice of weight depends on the fighter's weight class and personal preference. Muay Thai gloves have less padding on the front to allow for better grip and clinching, but they offer additional padding on the back of the hand and wrist for blocking kicks and providing wrist support.

- Boxing Gloves: Boxing gloves also come in various weights, but they tend to have more uniform padding distribution, with extra cushioning around the front knuckle area. Boxing gloves provide excellent hand protection during punches, making them essential for boxing competitions and training.

In summary, while both Muay Thai gloves and boxing gloves share the fundamental goal of hand protection, their design differences cater to the unique demands of their respective sports. Muay Thai gloves prioritize versatility, clinching, and control, while boxing gloves emphasize hand protection during punches. When choosing between the two, it's essential to consider the specific requirements of your sport or training style.

Muay Thai vs. Thai Boxing: Unwrapping the Differences in the Striking World

When it comes to the world of striking martial arts, two terms often pop up: Muay Thai and Thai Boxing. To the uninitiated, they might seem like two peas in a pod, but in reality, there are nuances that set them apart. Today, we're going to unravel the differences between Muay Thai and Thai Boxing, providing you with the inside scoop on these exciting combat sports.

Round 1: The Basics

Muay Thai: Let's kick things off with Muay Thai, the renowned "Art of Eight Limbs" hailing from Thailand. Muay Thai is an ancient martial art with a rich history deeply ingrained in Thai culture. It incorporates punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, making use of, you guessed it, eight striking points. Muay Thai isn't just a sport; it's a way of life in Thailand.

Thai Boxing: Now, let's talk Thai Boxing. Surprisingly, Thai Boxing is often used interchangeably with Muay Thai, especially outside of Thailand. However, it's essential to note that the term "Thai Boxing" can be more generic and may refer to various forms of boxing or combat sports originating in Thailand.

Round 2: Rules and Techniques

Muay Thai: Muay Thai fighters are known for their versatility, and this extends to their striking techniques. In Muay Thai, you'll witness the use of elbows and clinching, both of which are pivotal aspects of the art. The clinch work allows fighters to control their opponents and set up devastating strikes.

Thai Boxing: The term "Thai Boxing" may encompass different styles and rule sets. Some forms of Thai Boxing might emphasize punches and kicks, akin to what you'd see in Western-style boxing or kickboxing, while others may include elbow strikes and clinching.

Round 3: Scoring and Strategy

Muay Thai: In Muay Thai, scoring revolves around showcasing control and dominance. Fighters aim for clean and effective techniques that display technical skill. Points are awarded for strikes that demonstrate technique and power. The use of clinching is tactical and used to wear down the opponent and set up strikes.

Thai Boxing: Scoring in Thai Boxing varies depending on the specific rule set being followed. Some forms may prioritize aggressive, hard-hitting strikes that cause damage, while others may favor precision and technique. Strategy can differ accordingly.

Round 4: Attire and Traditions

Muay Thai: Muay Thai fighters often wear traditional shorts and may adorn themselves with a mongkol (headband) and prajioud (armbands) as a sign of respect and tradition. The Wai Kru Ram Muay, a pre-fight ritual, is commonly performed to pay homage to teachers and ancestors.

Thai Boxing: Attire and traditions in Thai Boxing can vary widely depending on the specific style or rule set being practiced. There may not be the same emphasis on traditional attire and rituals as seen in Muay Thai.

The Verdict: Unwrapping the Terms

In summary, Muay Thai is a specific martial art with a rich history, firmly rooted in Thailand's culture. It's known for its use of eight striking points and incorporates techniques like elbow strikes and clinching. On the other hand, "Thai Boxing" can be a more generic term that encompasses various forms of boxing or combat sports originating in Thailand. It may or may not include the distinctive elements of Muay Thai.

So, there you have it! The next time you hear the terms Muay Thai and Thai Boxing, you'll know that while they share a common heritage, Muay Thai is the "Art of Eight Limbs" with its unique set of techniques and traditions, whereas Thai Boxing can encompass a broader range of striking styles. Whichever you choose to explore, you're in for an exciting journey into the world of striking martial arts!