Shane Strauch: A Decade of Muay Thai by Harriett Wells

Strauch keeps an eye on the timer as the class spars. They wore belly pads, gloves, shin guards, and mouth guards to avoid injuries, with each round lasting 3 minutes. April 9, 2025., Somerville, MA. © Harriett Wells

In 2016, at just 14 years old, Shane Strauch entered a Muay Thai gym as a way to defend himself from bullies at school. His instructors welcomed him with open arms and turned self-protection into a lifelong passion.

Muay Thai, also known as "The Art of Eight Limbs," is a martial art and stand-up combat sport with two competitors in the ring throwing punches, elbows, knees and kicks at each other.

Strauch warms up before teaching his first Monday class, one he’d been looking forward to all weekend. It brought positive energy to his busy week ahead. March 27, 2025, Somerville, MA. © Harriett Wells.

In 2019, Strauch took a trip to Thailand, the birthplace of Muay Thai, eager to train with locals and learn more about the sport in its native land. What was meant to be a six-week trip turned into nine months when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down borders. He was far from home, “stuck in the land of smiles”, as he would say. He embraced his circumstances and trained daily, absorbed the traditions, and fell in love all over again, not just with the sport, but with the heart and beauty behind Muay Thai.

(Left image) Strauch speaks with his colleague, Harishr Ajaram, before class begins. Ajaram is more than just a friend, he’s family, both inside and outside the gym. (Right image) A look inside Strauch's locker. "I can never have enough gloves. Each day I use a different pair to mix it up," Strauch. March 27, 2025, Somerville, MA. © Harriett Wells

Now 25 years old, Strauch is back home working as a Muay Thai instructor at Boston’s Sityodtong Muay Thai Academy and Redline Fight Sports. For over a decade, the sport has grounded his life. Through every block and punch, he’s found discipline, confidence, and community.

Strauch watches the class, giving tips and encouragement as they train. He has worked at Sityodtong for four years and is a huge part of the family. Strauch is a Phuket Top Team Certified Padholder and a NESTA Certified Muay Thai Fitness Instructor. March 27, 2025, Somerville, MA. © Harriett Wells

He teaches with intensity and care. The gym is more than a training space; it’s where he shares the lessons he’s learned, helps others grow stronger, and builds connections through movement and mutual respect.

Strauch takes Ben through one of the many Muay Thai combos of the night. Many of the students, like Ben, were training for the first time, so Strauch focused on the fundamentals, making sure everyone felt supported and confident in each step. April 9, 2025, Somerville, MA. © Harriett Wells
“I love training with Shane. I don’t think I would have continued Muay Thai without him. Its a tough sport, but Shane is a great teacher," Ben
The class hits the boxing bags before training with a partner. The class lasted one hour with multiple rounds of shadow boxing, heavy bagwork, padwork, strength training and conditioning exercises. March 27 2025, Somerville, MA. © Harriett Wells

What Strauch values most is the way Muay Thai brings people together. No matter where someone comes from or what language they speak, the shared rhythm of training breaks down barriers. In Thailand, many of the men he sparred with didn’t speak English, but they shared a common love for the sport.

Strauch and Leo finish the round with smiles. Strauch joined the sparring sessions to guide and teach the class through hands-on practice. He also took part in the intense cardio session at the end, offering motivation and support. April 9, 2025, Somerville, MA. © Harriett Wells

Now in Boston, he witnesses how Muay Tai creates deep relationships, not only through physical effort, but through trust, resilience, and a common goal to be better.

Strauch writes the new Muay Thai combos on the mirror. Strauch designed each sequence not just to train the body, but to build resilience, sharpen focus, and develop emotional control. March 27, 2025, Somerville, MA. © Harriett Wells
"Who would have thought a fight gym is where I’d learn true strength is helping others and making them feel stronger," Strauch
Strauch jokes around with the class, bringing smiles during the tough workouts. Strauch told stories of Thailand and past fighting experiences, some special moments of his life. April 9, 2025, Somerville, MA. © Harriett Wells

What started as a way to protect himself has become part of his life's purpose and a way to connect to people from all walks of life.