Instructor Spotlight: Meet Paul Bossman

21st January

Says it all in the name, really. From sign-ins, to knock outs, there's no stopping Paul Bossman. Starting behind Holborn's reception, to now training in it's ring with top UK Muay Thai Team @teamtieuofficial , there's no stopping him. And on top of winning fights, he's showing our Members the ropes in PT sessions and combat classes too. There's nothing quite like a Gymbox success story. Our blogger Kat caught up with Elephant & Castle's real life ninja to find out what's next on the boss-it list...

Paul, you started off working on reception at Gymbox but have come a long way since! Can you tell me more about how you transitioned from working Front of House to training Gymbox members?

I worked on Front of House in Gymbox Holborn for almost 2 years and I had a real interest in also becoming an instructor and a coach. From working Front of House it seemed like an easy transition as I had built great rapport with a lot of the members through the years I was there.

I was offered an amazing opportunity by Gymbox where they paid for my Level 2 and Level 3 PT course. I jumped at the opportunity and the rest is history!

You’ve been heavily involved with Muay Thai for a while now. How did you first get into the sport?

I have always been interested in martial arts and as a young kid I used to watch a lot of martial arts movies and try to imitate what they were doing. I started with Wushu and boxing and then transitioned to Jiu Jitsu and MMA, which involved a little bit of Muay Thai, and Taekwondo. I eventually ended up sticking with Muay Thai when I joined Gymbox and I fell in love with it.

I started off fighting in the White Collar Fight Club. After a few fights [with them] I ended up training with the pros in preparation for my first fight on the Muay Thai Grand Prix. I won and ever since then I have been training with Team Tieu.

For the uninitiated, what does being part of Team Tieu involve?

Team Tieu is one of the best Muay Thai teams in the UK. Phil Tieu is our head trainer, he trains all the pro fighters who are usually getting ready for fights. Training is intense but you learn so much. It is very much the deep-end, but eventually you adapt!

We all train at a high level and Phil’s knowledge of Muay Thai technique, the fight game and all the tiny details is invaluable which is why we are one of the best Muay Thai teams in the UK.

Being a part of Team Tieu means training hard and pushing yourself because it really is an elite team full of elite fighters, and my aim when I train is to always give that little bit extra. Team Tieu is also like a family and we support and help each other reach that next level.

What are the major differences you can see between now and when you started training in Muay Thai?

I have found major differences between now and when I started training. I feel fitter than I have ever felt in my life and my fighting IQ keeps growing and growing.

When I started coaching, I started to understand a lot more about the intricate little details and adjustments you need to make when throwing a strike or even moving and it’s quite enlightening.

Training has always been a release and my way of relieving stress and keeping my mental health in check. I would recommend anybody to give it a try.

You recently fought (and won) a fight on 13th December, your first fight without shin guards. Can you describe your emotions during this fight and how it felt to win?

Yes, I had my first fight without shin pads recently and it was a great experience! I felt like it had been a long time coming. I was weary about kicking too hard and hurting my shins, but once you’re in [the ring] that’s definitely the least of your worries. And of course, coming out with the win is always the best feeling ever!

On to the next one!

What are your goals in Muay Thai moving forward, do you have any other fights on the horizon?

My goals in Muay Thai are to get as far as I can and hopefully win a few titles on the way. I’m really enjoying training at the moment and I’m improving every day both mentally and physically. I’m hoping to fight later in the year and I possibly want to get three fights in before the year is over.

You're now a PT and teach combat classes at our Elephant & Castle and Ealing clubs. What can members expect from a class with you?

When doing a class with me you can expect to learn everything from the basics, like form and footwork, to more dynamic techniques like spinning elbows and spinning back kicks.

Also, be ready to put in that work because I’m coming with the energy!

And finally, what would you say to those people who want to try out a combat sport like Muay Thai but are feeling nervous?

There’s no perfect time to start anything. If you are even thinking about trying combat sports or even Muay Thai/boxing specifically, my advice would be to go for it. You will not regret it and you will level up as a person! Just make sure you find the right coach that is going to motivate you and be patient with you.

Follow both Paul and our blogger Kat on Instagram: @iampaulbossman and @kathletix .