PHADY's HISTORY

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Khan Phady was born in Vientiane, Laos, and moved to Thailand in 1974. Later, in 1980, he settled in Canada, where he discovered his lifelong passion for sharing Muay Thai with others. Since founding Phady’s Muay Thai in 1987 in Cambridge, Ontario, Khan has dedicated over 35 years to promoting the art of Muay Thai and its cultural heritage in Ontario. His gym quickly grew to over seventy-five students, requiring a move to a larger space. With the support of his brothers, Khan trained many dedicated young fighters, many of whom went on to become champions.

Khan’s leadership in Muay Thai was further demonstrated when he co-founded the Canadian Amateur Muay Thai Association Ontario (CAMTAO) in 2003. This organization became Ontario’s first recognized Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) by the Ministry of Culture and Recreation, marking a historic milestone for amateur Muay Thai in Canada. Khan served as CAMTAO’s president from 2003 to 2008, playing a key role in shaping Ontario’s amateur Muay Thai landscape. In 2009, he continued his commitment to the sport by establishing the World Amateur Muay Thai Association Canada (WAMTAC) and served as its president for four years. His dedication to Muay Thai also extends globally, as he remains actively involved with international organizations like the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the World Muaythai Council (WMC).

Khan hopes to foster stronger ties between Canada and Laos by creating opportunities for Canadian athletes to visit Laos, promoting cultural exchange and unity through Muay Thai.

Kru Ahmed Phady: From Fighter to Role Model – The Legacy Continues

Kru Ahmed Phady’s journey in Muay Thai began at the tender age of three, following in the footsteps of his father, Khan Phady. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the sport, with his older brother and sister both successful athletes in the Muay Thai arena, Kru Ahmed was immersed in the discipline and competition from a very young age. By the time he was six, he had already begun competing, marking the beginning of his lifelong dedication to the art.

As a child, Kru Ahmed didn’t just focus on competitive Muay Thai; he also trained in the ancient and foundational art of **Muay Boran**, alongside his siblings. For five years, they studied the traditional aspects of Muay Thai, learning its deeper cultural and historical roots while still engaging in competitive Muay Thai. This dual training in both the modern sport and the ancient art gave Kru Ahmed a unique perspective and understanding of Muay Thai’s evolution and significance.

Throughout his formative years, Kru Ahmed also had the privilege of being under the **guidance of Ajarn Burklerk Pinsinchai**, a renowned figure in the Muay Thai world. Training under Ajarn Burklerk at a young age further refined his skills and deepened his understanding of the sport. In addition to this, Kru Ahmed continues to be mentored by his father, **Ajarn Khan Phady**, who remains an influential figure in his Muay Thai journey. The combined wisdom of both his father and Ajarn Burklerk has played a significant role in shaping Kru Ahmed into the dedicated instructor and role model he is today.

The Phady family became a powerhouse in the Muay Thai world, with each sibling excelling in their own right. While his brother and sister achieved success on their own paths, Kru Ahmed eventually made the decision to step away from active competition at the age of 18. This break allowed him to reflect on his role in the sport and his broader commitment to the Muay Thai community.

Kru Ahmed’s fighting career spanned three prominent organizations: CAMTAO (Canadian Amateur Muay Thai Association Ontario), WAMTAC (World Amateur Muay Thai Association Canada), and WKF (World Kickboxing Federation). He also had the honor of competing in the first legally sanctioned Muay Thai event in Ontario, a historic moment for the sport in the province. These experiences in top-level organizations shaped Kru Ahmed’s skills as a fighter and broadened his understanding of Muay Thai at its highest levels.

After a ten-year hiatus, Kru Ahmed returned to reignite the Phady legacy. With his father, Khan Phady, stepping back from the Muay Thai community, Kru Ahmed took the reins, embracing the responsibility of continuing the family’s tradition. As the new owner of Phady’s Muay Thai, he focused on rebuilding the name with a renewed vision—one that balanced the competitive nature of the sport with the goal of fostering a positive, supportive community for both athletes and future leaders.

In 2016, Kru Ahmed reached a significant milestone in his journey: he was officially certified as a **KRU** (Muay Thai instructor). This certification marked his transition from fighter to mentor, affirming his dedication to teaching the next generation of Muay Thai athletes.

Kru Ahmed’s commitment to developing and promoting Muay Thai extends beyond his own gym. He is a registered coach through Muay Thai Ontario (MTO) and a registered cornerman in Muay Thai Ontario.  He has also served as a registered coach for the Ontario Provincials for Muay Thai, where he has been coaching provincial athletes for four consecutive years—with plans to continue for as long as he is able.

Under his leadership, Phady’s Muay Thai continues to build competitive fighters while also developing strong role models and coaches within the community. The mission remains to produce skilled fighters who excel in the ring, while also nurturing individuals who exemplify the core values of Muay Thai—respect, discipline, and humility—in all aspects of their lives.

Kru Ahmed is committed to maintaining the balance between competition and culture, ensuring that students not only achieve success in the ring but also grow as mentors, leaders, and positive forces within their communities. Through his leadership, the Phady legacy continues to thrive, empowering the next generation to carry the torch of Muay Thai forward with honor and integrity.

Ajarn Khan Phady’s most dedicated students, 

Christian Navarro returned to continue his training and help reignite the Phady name. Like a son to Khan, Christian was invited to play a key role in rebuilding and expanding the legacy of Phady’s Muay Thai. Growing up, Christian was highly competitive, participating in various sports that fueled his discipline and drive. In 2007, he began training in Taekwondo and Muay Thai, initially competing in Taekwondo but ultimately finding it too restrictive. This led him to pursue Muay Thai, where he competed for five years under the World Amateur Muay Thai Association Canada (WAMTAC) and the World Kickboxing Federation (WKF). Today, he is a registered coach with Muay Thai Ontario (MTO).

In 2016, Christian shifted his focus to developing athletes and giving back to the community. Recognizing the transformative power of Muay Thai, he sought to help others gain the same discipline, confidence, and resilience that he experienced. Christian began dedicating himself to coaching, not only teaching technical skills but also instilling mental strength and sportsmanship in aspiring fighters. Beyond the gym, he has actively engaged in community outreach, using Muay Thai as a platform to reach and positively impact youth.

In October 2023, Christian ushered in a new era for Phady’s Muay Thai by taking ownership of the Guelph branch. As the owner and head instructor, he remains deeply committed to preserving the heritage, traditions, and culture of authentic Muay Thai, ensuring that Phady’s legacy is passed down to future generations. Today, he continues to foster new talent and support his community, contributing to the growth and ongoing success of Phady’s Muay Thai.