Kru Simon was first introduced to Muay Thai by a friend nearly 20 years ago. They would regularly attend sessions at a Thai Boxing Gym known as the ‘Mega Gym’ which was run by Kru Jimmy Mills, based in Whitechapel in the heart of the East End of London. At the time ‘Mega Gym’ was one of only a few Thai Boxing gyms based in the East End. Kru Jimmy Mills later retired from teaching Muay Thai.

In time, he went on to train under the guidance of Arjarn Terry Butwell at the ‘Original Bulldog Gym’, who was the first Instructor of Muay Thai and Kickboxing in the East End in the early 1980’s. It was here that Kru Simon was introduced to a whole new concept of teaching and training in the fighting art of Muay Thai. Arjarn Terry Butwell now lives and teaches in Thailand.

Kru Simon has since been pro-active in the training, competing, teaching and study of Muay Thai (Thai Boxing as it is known in the West). Having successfully fought in the ring in his early years, Kru Simon now strives to perfect his teaching skills to a wider audience of people.

In 2010 he attained his official Instructor/Kru Qualification, under the guidance of Grand Master Kevin Lloyd (E.M.F Chairman & Siam Camp Founder).

East London Muay Thai Academy is registered with the England Muay Thai Federation (E.M.F) incorporating the Association Institute of Thai Martial Arts (A.I.T.M.A) and Kru Muay Thai Association (K.M.T.A) - official International register of trainers, whose Vice President and registrar is Mr Chinawut Sirisompan (Senior Grand Master Woody).

Kru Simon has also made a positive impact within his local community (schools, youth organisations, charities etc.) by teaching less fortunate young people the benefits of what Muay Thai can bring to their daily lives. This has been achieved by offering instruction in non- contact Thai-Boxing, increasing physical activity within the London Borough of Newham, deterring young people from anti social behaviour, drug & alcohol abuse and by promoting enjoyment of the sport in a non aggressive manner.

He has been honoured and privileged to train and teach with some of the best trainers and fighters from both the United Kingdom and Thailand. Having helped corner Southern Area, British, European and World champions in various disciplines including Muay Thai, K1, Full Contact Kickboxing (kicks above the waist) and Free Style Kickboxing (low kicks allowed).

He continues to maintain, improve and broaden his knowledge and skills and is fortunate enough to train and be assessed under the guidance of Grand Master Kevin Lloyd; he regularly attends various Muay Thai seminars around the country. He believes he has a commitment to his students in being professional, keeping up to date and continuously seeking to improve in all areas of the Thai Martial Arts disciplines.

Other disciplines studied include: Muay Boran, Mae Mai, Look Mai, Krabi Krabong, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing.