What I Learned from Living with Muay Thai Legend Lerdsila

This past month I had an experience I’ll never forget. Lerdsila, a three-time Rajadamnern Stadium champion and one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters of all time, lived with me and my family here in St. Louis while he prepared for his final fight.

As a gym owner, fighter, and lifelong student of Muay Thai, I thought I knew what to expect. But what I actually learned went far beyond technique or fight strategy. Living alongside him gave me a front-row seat to humility, discipline, and the pure love of Muay Thai.

Humility from a Champion

Lerdsila is one of the most famous fighters in Muay Thai history. Yet, every day he showed me what true humility looks like. He was so polite and respectful... even asking if it was okay to use the shower before stepping in every single time lol even after me telling him to treat as his own house and he doesnt need to ask! Around the house, he was easy going and fun. We watched Muay Thai together, ate Thai food, and even shared a Heineken or 6

When people called him the GOAT, he would just smile and say, “No, there are many who are better than me.” That kind of humility from a living legend really stuck with me. It made me want to be a better person and to treat people the way he treated me... with kindness and respect, no matter what you’ve achieved.

The Energy in the Gym

When he walked into Maryville Muay Thai or All Saints Muay Thai, the whole atmosphere changed. The energy was electric. Members of all levels lit up because they were training alongside one of the sport’s greatest.

One of my favorite moments came when Thai Prakit, one of our rising fighters, was sparring with Lerdsila. Thai said, “I can’t land any leg or body kicks on you. How can I do that? Any tips?” Lerdsila laughed and replied, “Brother, I’m Mr. Lightning! You can’t land a kick on me!” The whole gym cracked up. It was a perfect mix of skill, humor, and joy.

But more than the laughs, it opened people’s eyes to what commitment really looks like. He’s been fighting for 38 years, and yet he still runs twice a day, does his ab work, trains hard, and spars like he’s just getting started.

A Love for Muay Thai

What impressed me most is that Lerdsila simply loves Muay Thai. He doesn’t just see it as competition. He sees it as joy.

I remember him telling a member in class, “I love your style. I can tell you love Muay Thai because you’re having so much fun.” Not everyone will be a champion, but in his eyes, everyone who trains can experience the same passion he feels. That mindset reinforced for me that our gyms aren’t just about building fighters, they’re about helping people fall in love with Muay Thai, wherever they’re at.

Gratitude and Perspective

When I asked Lerdsila about living in a small room with ten other fighters for 16 years, he admitted it was hard. But he also said it was worth it, because it made him famous and allowed him to support his family. His gratitude and positive outlook really struck me.

He also spoke often about how important it was to take care of his parents. That devotion and sense of responsibility is something I’ll never forget.

Final Thoughts

Having Lerdsila in my home and in our gyms was more than just an honor, it was a lesson. I learned that true greatness isn’t about titles or belts. It’s about humility, discipline, gratitude, and love for the art.

At Maryville Muay Thai and All Saints Muay Thai, that’s what we strive to pass on. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first class or an experienced fighter chasing your next win, Muay Thai can teach you the same lessons I learned from living with one of the best to ever do it.