In a quiet training hall somewhere in Inanam, Sabah, the sounds of leather gloves striking pads echo through the morning air. For most, it’s just another training session — but for these 16 young men and women, it’s much more. It’s a second chance at life.
Welcome to Discover Muay Thai (DMT) — a social enterprise with a mission that goes beyond the ring. Founded to help underprivileged and wayward youth rebuild their lives through discipline, purpose, and community, DMT is where lost potential finds direction again.
A Pathway to Redemption
Each DMT batch brings together 15–16 youths from across Malaysia — school dropouts, unemployed teens, or those who’ve lost their way. Through a careful selection process, the team looks beyond their troubled pasts and sees who they can become.
Once accepted, the participants live together for four months in a boarding setup — a structured environment designed to break old habits and build new ones. They cook their own meals, wake before dawn for physical training, and live by routines that teach accountability and teamwork.
Muay Thai is the heartbeat of this transformation. It teaches them self-control, focus, and resilience. But the program goes far deeper. Academic lessons in English and mathematics complement the training, while volunteering in resorts, eateries, craft workshops, and sports events instills values of discipline, time management, and humility.
“It’s not just about building fighters, It’s about rebuilding lives.”– Imran Harith ( co-founder of DMT )
Sabah’s Journey — From Struggles to Success
In Sabah, DMT‘s batch 12 just graduated in OCT 2025. This is the third batch for Sabah, a milestone that marks steady growth since the program’s introduction in the state. Between two to three batches in different states of Malaysia are conducted each year, depending on available resources.
Through Muay Thai and daily routines that include counselling sessions, sports science, English classes, religious and moral education, volunteer work, industrial training, and more, the participants experience significant personal growth and transformation.
After graduation, the Sabah edition graduates are channelled into four main pathways:
- Employment at 5-star hotels and resorts in Kota Kinabalu through DMT’s long-standing partnership (in guest services, housekeeping, water activities, F&B, maintenance, etc.).
- Becoming trainers at gyms across Sabah.
- Continuing as part-time or full-time athletes.
- Furthering their studies at local colleges.
What makes the graduation day even more meaningful is the presence of alumni from previous batches who return to support the new graduates. They are living proof of DMT’s success — each thriving in their own way, and most importantly, giving back to their communities.
Training in Muaythai is lead by headcoach Marc Marcellinus ( Borneo Tiger MMA ) Moulding these youth through repetitions of techniques to build a discipline & unbreakable spirit. Teaching them techniques & how to fight smart, sharpening the mind & developing positive mindset.
What makes Sabah’s Batch 12 unique is the addition of a new training component — Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) — guided by Coach Andy Bartholomew . The inclusion of MMA not only diversifies their combat skills but also opens more opportunities for the youths to pursue a career in martial arts and sports.
One of the biggest lessons learned from previous batches, says Imran, is the importance of post-academy monitoring. “We realized that transformation doesn’t end after four months. We must continue guiding them — to secure jobs, pursue studies, and stay on the right path.”
From Fighters to Leaders
Over the years, the results speak for themselves. Some of the positive story that has change the life of Sabahan youth.
- Iman Adley, from Sabah’s 2nd batch, now competes actively in the state — appearing in events such as SAGA Games and D1 Championship.
- Wan Asran secured full-time employment at Bunga Raya Resort, a testament to the discipline and work ethic he developed during the program.
- And then there’s Raziman, a proud graduate from DMT’s 3rd batch (Kuala Lumpur). Originally from Kota Kinabalu, he joined the academy seven years ago. Today, he’s a successful entrepreneur — the owner of Karya Trans Car Rental Sdn Bhd.
These are not isolated stories. They’re proof that with the right structure, mentorship, and purpose — even the most troubled youths can rise, rebuild, and lead.
Upholding Integrity in the Face of Controversy
When asked about the recent Warzone (WWC) fiasco that sparked debate across the combat sports community, the team at DMT took a firm, reflective stance.
“Muay Thai has always been about respect, humility, and discipline. Those are values we must protect,” – Imran
While they acknowledge the growing popularity of combat sports and welcome innovation, they also stress the need for responsibility and integrity. “It’s good to see new promotions and events emerging, but they must operate with structure, legality, and respect for the sport. Displaying children fighting or trash-talking for publicity is dangerous — it sends the wrong message.”
DMT’s philosophy remains clear: innovation must walk hand in hand with integrity. The sport can evolve, modernize, and attract new audiences — but it should never lose sight of what makes it meaningful.
Fighting for a Better Tomorrow
At its core, Discover Muay Thai isn’t about creating champions in the ring — it’s about creating champions in life.
For many of these youths, the academy is their first experience of brotherhood, mentorship, and purpose. They enter with uncertainty but leave with strength — not just physical, but emotional and moral.
In every punch, every drill, and every early morning wake-up call, a transformation unfolds — proving that Muay Thai is more than just a sport. It’s a lifeline.
As DMT continues to shape lives in Sabah and beyond, their message remains simple yet powerful:
Muay Thai gives people hope. It teaches respect, builds discipline, and offers a second chance. That’s what we fight for.
Story by Warriors.asia
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