Finding the perfect gym in a city as vast as Miami can be overwhelming, with large fitness chains dominating the scene with flashy ads and endless franchises. However, Lucky’s Muay Thai offers an alternative for those seeking to blend exercise with self-defense classes. Located on NE 21st Ave in North Miami, Lucky’s Gym is just 2 miles from the Florida International University Biscayne Bay Campus.
Anthony Whiteman, a student at FIU, reflects on his journey to find the right gym.
“I looked everywhere. I tried weightlifting but it was not for me. When I discovered Lucky’s Muay Thai, I felt at home,” said Whiteman, who has been training and exercising at Lucky’s for the past 18 months or so.
Muay Thai is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Thailand. It is known as the “Art of Eight Limbs” due to its characteristic use of fists, elbows, knees and shins. It offers a comprehensive workout that boosts cardiovascular endurance, strength and flexibility while fostering discipline and mental resilience.
“What we offer is not what you think,” said Lucky. “Many people often associate Muay Thai with kickboxing but Lucky’s Muay Thai offers a safe space where the people are compassionate. We care about you. We care about your learning and growth as a human being.”
The gym offers two separate classes, for beginners and advanced learners. Members of both classes have access to one-on-one training sessions. The 5-star rated gym is open six days a week at varying times to meet customer needs.
The Muay Thai for Beginners class introduces fundamentals, focusing on punching, kicking, and using knees and elbows. Most beginner classes use heavy bags and pads to ensure safety.
Advanced Muay Thai classes are available with coaches’ approval or as a natural progression from the beginner class. The class explores sparring, pad holding, conditioning and combat theory, among other fight preparation lessons.
Lucky insisted that his martial arts classes are designed for self-defense and not bullying. Beyond exercise and kickboxing, Lucky says that his gym is “offering love and empathy.”
“It doesn’t matter to me how hard you can punch or kick, it matters to me that you know that there is someplace you can go where you are loved,” Lucky added.
Starting a business requires commitment and dedication, and Lucky vividly remembers his path to opening the gym. Although Lucky had been a lifelong martial arts enthusiast, he began training sessions after a nudge from his girlfriend.
“Once I kicked the bag, I knew this was what I was supposed to be doing and from that moment on, my focus was learning how to do this to the point where I could open a gym,” said Lucky.
Lucky worked in fitness for over 20 years before entering business ownership.
Like many businesses, Lucky’s Muay Thai faced a rough start for the first 4 years. However, over the 7-year lifespan, the gym has developed a loyal customer base, thus growing the business.
Lucky is passionate about fitness. He encourages everyone to “do something” to stay in shape.
