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The TBA-SA (Thai Boxing
Association-Sanctioning Authority) began its development in 2006 at the
request of Ajarn Surachai “Chai” Sirisute, the president of the TBA-USA
(Thai Boxing Association of the USA).
The TBA-USA was established in 1968, by Ajarn Chai,
and is the largest organization teaching Muay Thai worldwide with branches
in 16 countries. Ajarn Chai has touched the lives of hundreds of
thousands of individuals through the years with his endless commitment and
dedication to spreading the word of Muay Thai. His name has become
well known within the Muay Thai community and he is highly respected for his
unselfish efforts and contributions so that we may learn the sport of his
homeland.
Ajarn Chai requested the formation of the TBA-SA to
sanction amateur and professional Muay Thai (and “modified” Muay Thai) in
the United States. The goals of the TBA-SA are to help build
consistency in the rules and equipment in Muay Thai sporting events and to
ensure they are promoted in a professional manner and fighters are treated
with respect and supplied adequate medical coverage, just to name a
few of the more important goals.
Currently, the TBA-SA is working on certifying regional
promoters within the US and training judges, reps, and all other officials
associated with an event to make sure all rules and regulations are being
carried out in accordance of the TBA-SA and the governing state in which the
event is taking place.
The TBA-SA is a Non Profit organization focused on the
growth and exposure of Muay Thai in the United States. Board members
include Mr. Dean Lessei, TBA-USA Director, State of Iowa; Mr. Samuel Adams,
TBA-USA Director, State of Oklahoma; Mr. Pete Peterson, TBA-USA Associate
Director, State of Iowa; Mr. Ryan Blackorby, TBA-USA Director, State of
Illinois, and Ms. Diana Rathborn, TBA Associate Director, State of
Minnesota. All board members are actively involved in training and/or
promoting kickboxing and own or operate a Muay Thai facility. Each
member is committed to the rules and requirements of the TBA-SA and agree to
the importance of positive supervision of amateur and professional
kickboxing events.
Along with sanctioning events, the TBA-SA has
established a Membership Association for fighters in which they are included
in a group accident insurance policy and is also in the process of putting
into place Self Confidence programs for At Risk kids as well as securing
funding for Rape Prevention Workshops.
Below is a list of the benefits we are working on pulling together for
TBA-SA members:
- Fighter's Group Accident
Insurance to cover injuries at events.
- Discounts on a TBA-SA
promoter's Liability insurance.
- Group Health Insurance for gym
owners.
- Lower rates on Gym/School
insurance.
- Group Discounts on Hotels,
Airlines, and other travel for all TBA-SA members.
- Event Travel Assistance to
aide in securing better matched fights, no matter where the opponent
resides.
- Pro Purse assistance to help
promoters provide more opportunities for Pro's fighters.
- Tuition/Gym Membership
Assistance for lower income fighters.
- College Scholarships for
fighters excelling in their communities and gyms.
- Equipment assistance for low
income fighters to purchase their own equipment.
- A full time Marketing Director
to aide event promoters in securing event sponsors and assist with
marketing strategies to help with ticket sales.
- Discounted printing costs for
TBA-SA sanctioned events.
- Certified, trained officials
that have met full requirements of the TBA-SA.
- Consistency in Rules and
regulations for Muay Thai across the states and countries.
- More accurate records:
Consistency in recording fighters records.
Next year, 2008, will mark the
40th Anniversary for the TBA in the USA. The "Muay Thai Classic"
will take place on July 12 & 13, mark your calendars!!! For more
information on participating in the Classic, please contact us.
ALL T.B.A. directors,
please
contact me
for a password to access the forum.
Here is the link for the Advisory Board forum we will be using:
http://www.defend.net/deluxeforums/forumdisplay.php?f=83
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