Contact: james@oldschoolmuaythai.com | 416-436-0226   
Old School Muay Thai is now offering Fundamental "Boot Camp" classes. Click here for details!   

Testimonials

Master Suchart Yodkeripauprai

  • Former Muay Thai Champion
  • Ajarn, and head instructor
  • Siam No 1 Muay Thai Club

"James Hines is my very first student. He has shown dedication in Muay Thai and has built himself to become an instructor in Muay Thai. He is now a qualified instructor, by me. With his lengthy experience both training and fighting and good understaning of Muay Thai, James is a very good teacher. I support his practice and his school and look forward to seeing his students develop in Muay Thai.."



Walter Palaroan (Student)

"Thank you ... Sawadeekrhup, Kru James. I wanted to thank you for all the time, support and effort you give to your students at Old School Muay Thai. Each one of us have our own different goals and challenges when we first entered your gym, but I believe all of us did not expect a club to become an extended family and to some of us grow into our second home.

What you continue to share (which was shared to you by Ajahn) with those with an open mind, willingness to improve and a challenge is to believe in ourselves and become better people in every aspect of our lives.

I still remember the first day I walked in and I am very grateful that you have accepted me as one of your students. And that moment you shared with Ajahn (at the Club's blessing) showed everyone that you remember your first day, too.

Kru James, from all of us, khup kun khrup!"


 

Laura Del Farra (Student, MyMuayThai.com)

"James creates an environment that is condusive to growth. He is passionate about what he does and it is evident in the way he approaches each class. If you put in the effort, each day, your weapons will become sharper and your body will become stronger. He will push and support you, but never ego trip and degrade you. I've trained with James for approximately four months now - I'm thankful to have found his gym."

An excerpt from Laura's article: "Creating Change -- Kru James Hines"
"Shortly after dropping into a class with James, I made the switch ... James provided something that I had been searching for – a positive, tough environment sans personal politics.  He’s direct, passionate about muay thai and facilitated growth in this students."



James Sharman

"Kru James told me a while back there was fit, and then there was fighting fit. After three months at Old School Muay Thai I now know what he meant! Crazy workouts, followed by the best Muay Thai instruction I could hope for. I have tried some other schools in Toronto, but none can offer the intensity, and detail of Old School. There is nothing like after a tough day at work, a 90-minute class that basically reaches into the recesses of my body and mind, and rips the stress out. I have just begun my Muay Thai journey, and have a long way to go, but I am very much at the right place, and look forward to reaching new heights of fitness and discipline."


 

Matt Lefave  275lbs clean

I wanted to express how much I have thoroughly enjoyed the Muay Thai training and how much it has helped my overall conditioning. I look forward to returning to the club when the crossfit competition training is behind me. Here is a clip of a challenge I did last weekend. I am getting very excited about the upcoming competion. I am indebted to you and the club and have nothing but glowing reviews."


 

Hamza Humayun (student)

"I just want to thank you for running such a great school in Toronto. I really enjoyed it and I think you are so very passionate about Muay Thai and about sharing your knowledge of it with your students. I might be wrong but I doubt money is your main motivation for running the school. Anyways just wanted to thank you. Hopefully I'll see you again in the near future when I return to Toronto."


 

Ajarn Mike Miles Mike Miles Muay Thai & Kickboxing, Calgary

Thank you for supporting the fight event. Nice to have you in Calgary. Justin Damphouse and Yvonne Thich are great representatives of you. Classy people.



Kob Cassette Red Gloves

The training at Old School Muay Thai is traditional and a fine representation of Thai training. I wish you and your fighters continued success.


 

Amanda Walsh

  • Star of "Sons and Daughters"
  • "These Girls"
  • Former MuchMusic V-J

"Through intense full body workouts incorporating Muay Thai training, James helped me get stronger and build lean muscle. His sessions were fun and challenging. James is personable and constantly changes things up. Plus he's really tall."


 

Stephanie Symonds (Current student)

"I wanted to let you know that I went to class last night and it was awesome. I nearly threw up, and I couldn't remember my name by the end of it, but it's definitely what I'm looking for -- I realized "best body bootcamp" is a waste of time since I could do those classes with no issues and they left me unprepared for Muay Thai.  Last night's instructor was great -- he did not let me slack off."


 

Lights (Juno award-winning singer-songwriter) www.iamlights.com

"Training with James rules for a number of reasons. 1) He whipped me into shape mercilessly (but in the nicest possible way) within the first few sessions I had with him; 2) I never laughed so much and had as much fun training as I did with him; and, 3) James is just super epic."


 

Jovan Stojanovski (Muay Thai fighter) www.chayyaigym.com/Jovanstojanovski.html

"I have trained and fought in gyms the world over Canada, USA, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and all over Thailand and I can honesty say Old School Muay Thai is one of the best gyms I've ever been in. The students and teachers showed a positive and great attitude towards learning the art of Muay Thai, fitness and generally becoming better members of their community which is one of the building blocks of genuine Muay Thai in Thailand (e.g. good grades and behaviour are required to train at a camp, no drugs, alcohol or nonsense are allowed). So it was my very great pleasure to work at Old School Muay Thai and visit one of the very few places outside of Thailand run in the genuine muay thai tradition. I would also like to say that the students are very fortunate to have Kru James and Master Suchart instructing them as they teach in the genuine muay thai tradition."


 

Gary Mullen

  • Program Manager - Royal Bank of Canada

"Throughout the years, I have always tried to stay in shape by regularly going to a traditional gym and working out, but had increasingly begun to find it difficult to motivate myself to go through the same routines I had for years. I felt myself sinking into a rut and I was making little or no progress. Within the first few weeks of attending James's classes, I realized I had found something which would take my fitness and endurance to a level of intensity I had never experienced before.

What I find especially enjoyable is that you can benefit from an intense full body workout in a fun and sociable environment that caters for both men and women of all ages and backgrounds. James has a very personable style about him that really puts you at ease and classes are very open and friendly. In addition, James's years of experience as both a personal trainer and combat arts expert means he is able to gear his training sessions to the needs of each individual in the group. I have been training at the Old School Muay Thai kickboxing class for approximately one year now and I am in the best shape I have ever been.

I lost 35 pounds within the first 9 months of joining and now have the six-pack I could never seem to build through traditional workout regimes alone. As an added benefit because the class is held in the very conveniently located King West club gym right downtown I am able to easily get there after work and also take advantage of the traditional facilities that the gym offers to build both strength and conditioning.

If you are looking for a fantastic and fun way to cut the extra pounds while taking your fitness and endurance to a completely new level, then I highly recommend the experience you will enjoy at James's Old School Muay Thai class."


 

Eric Balfour

  • Star of "Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2"
  • Star of Clemont Virgo's "Lie With Me"
  • Star of the TV show "Six Feet Under"

"James is the most bad-ass trainer I've ever worked with!"


 

Ryan Hindmarsh (co-owner The Urban Athlete "Athletes treating Athletes") www.theurbanathlete.ca

"Old School Muay Thai offers the best classes in city. OSMT is a one stop shop for hard hitting group classes that will shed pounds off of you. Their qualified instructors keep classes moving fast and keep them creative and fun. They know how to kick your butt while keeping it safe for all ranges of fitness. Exercises are modified for your fitness level, so everyone can join in. They care about your form, not just your sweat. Plus they offer an inside environment you don't have to worry about working out in the rain, having ants crawl on you while you do crunches or stepping in dog doo while you lunge walk.  We full heartedly recommend and endorse OSMT's program to clients."


 

Jenn Gouveia

  • Ford Model

"Old School Muay Thai is simply amazing!! I had been interested in learning kick boxing for a while, but I was a little apprehensive about it because I wasn't sure if I would fit in since I had never trained before and thought it would be very intimidating. On the contrary, I was welcomed from the very beginning by the trainers, James and Rick, as well as my fellow gym members including men and women of all shapes and sizes. It is truly a great group. I have found Muay Thai to be an excellent intensive workout and fascinating skill to learn. Moreover, they allow you to work at your own pace training alongside some of the best amateur fighters, as well as new beginners, and everyone in between. A definite must!!!"


 

Donna Toews

  • Director, Advisor Support
  • GMP Private Client L.P.

"I hate working out, but Muay Thai Kickboxing is fun and it's great cardio & strength training at the same time. I see results fast in not only me, but others in my class too. The teachers are a lot of fun as well."


 

Clifton Brown 

  • 2009 WMC Super Light Heavyweight World Champion
  • 2007 WMC Super Light Heavyweight World Champion
  • 2004 IKKC World Cruiserweight Champion
  • 2003 WMC Intercontinental Super Light Heavyweight Champion
  • 2001 IMTF World Champion
  • 1999 CMTA North American Light Heavyweight Champion
  • 1998 Canadian Amateur Champion

"I'd like to thank James Hines (Big Bird) for his help in preparation for this fight. He has a unique ability to study other fighters and mimic their moves and combinations. Sparring with James was a great help in preparing for this fight against Manson Gibson who had 101 fights, 64 knockouts, and only 9 losses. Thanks for everything you have done for me, and Muay Thai.


 

Cohen (Current Student)

"Heya, James. So I just got home from class and I wanted you to know that I thought tonight's class was totally awesome -- I know I sounded sarcastic when I said that to you, but I wasn't kidding. My body feels like mush and I think it's GREAT!!"


 

Reed Clare (Current Student) www.reedclare.com

  • Star of "Kingdom Come"
  • Actor in "Macbeth" at the Met Opera NYC

I've been training with James Hines at Old School Muay Thai for about six months. I recommend James as a personal trainer and a Muay Thai instructor. He is excellent, very personable and fun while being professional and constantly challenging me to improve. I've reaped great rewards from my training thus far including: weight loss, increased endurance, strength and muscle, greater mental focus and discipline, along with a sense of spiritual well being. James has taught me the basics in technique, form and function of this amazing martial art through the constant introduction of new techniques and drills while mixing up my workouts so I do not become complacent while always challenging me to realize my potential. His boot camps and studio classes are taught by excellent instructors including himself and are hardcore, kickass and exhausting!


 

Ray Litvak www.martialartsclubdirectory.com

"Your work with at-risk youth in Toronto is to be commended!
It’s always inspiring to see positive role models in the Martial Arts community mentoring and giving back, especially one of the top Muay Thai instructors in the city! 
Keep up the good work my friend... "


 

Jacqueline Gradish (Personal Trainer) www.babybumpfitness.com

"I met James Hines about six years ago as we were training at a common location. I was quickly struck by his knowledge of Muay Thai and his personality when dealing with clients. I started to refer personal training clients to James to help accelerate their fat loss results and prevent fitness plateau. James’s Muay Thai program is fun, exciting and yields fast fitness results. It’s a great way to reduce boredom, learn a new skill from an educated professional and accelerate your fitness to the next level."


 

Roland Semprie www.rolandsemprie.com

"You can do things your way and get nowhere or you can do it the Old School Boot Camp way and get what you deserve!"


 

Chris Lopez, CSCS www.fitandbusydadblog.com

"I started training with James and the crew at Old School Muay Thai just after my wife gave birth to our third daughter. Initially, I came to James so that he could show me how to kick some ass to fight off the my daughter's boy friends as they came knocking at the door. Little did I know that what he teaches and how he trains not only gave me more self-confidence, but it allowed me to have more energy and just a greater sense of well-being. Old School Muay Thai workouts are the real deal. They're an integral part to my training regimen now and have helped me to become leaner, stronger and fitter. Train hard and be dedicated and Old School Muay Thai will get you to your goal and beyond!"



Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved | Contact: james@oldschoolmuaythai.com | 416-436-0226