Strength, fitness and controlled aggression are attributes soldiers need in spades. And they're also key components of the Army’s latest official martial art, Muay Thai.
After a long-running campaign to get the sport recognised by the Service’s governing body, a 12-month trial is now under way, thanks in large part to the hard graft of two determined individuals.
Sgt Aiden Webster (RAPTC) and Cpl Ben Nicholson (Para), both experienced fighters, were convinced the camaraderie and discipline that underpin the format made it a natural fit for the military.
Not only that, but the widespread popularity of MMA — or mixed martial arts — among troops suggested that the appetite for combat sports was not limited to the six already certified: karate, judo, jiu-jitsu, taekwondo and kendo.
However, the road to recognition has been a long one, with Cpl Nicholson first attempting to get Muay Thai’s status formalised in 2016 while serving as a private soldier in 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment.
Having failed to gain traction, despite the fact the Royal Navy had an official outfit, he and other Army devotees had to content themselves with fighting off-duty on the civvy circuit until Sgt Webster reignited the campaign in 2023.
And with their combined efforts now bearing fruit, the coming months will see the pair focusing on developing grassroots-level engagement across the Service.
A keen practitioner since the age of 15, Sgt Webster explained why he hopes the discipline will catch on.
“Muay Thai is great for what we do first and foremost as soldiers — any form of hand-to-hand combat is going to be helpful in our core role,” said the NCO, a PTI at the Defence School of Logistics and Administration in Worthy Down.
“On top of that there’s the fitness element — a lot of balance and coordination is required, which is an underworked aspect of PT.
“And then there’s the high level of discipline involved — maintaining yourself for competition is really hard work. I think Muay Thai will help mould and shape Service personnel in that respect too.”
For the sport to become a permanent fixture, the trial will need to show that demand exists among the ranks — so the fact that some 450 troops have expressed an interest is a promising start.
A series of introductory sessions are planned throughout 2025 and an inaugural Army championship tournament for 2026, with hopes for a wider Armed Forces competition later on.
Safety is also a concern and participants will fight in the sport’s lower three categories — where more protection is worn — throughout the probationary period.
However, Cpl Nicholson was keen to dispel the notion the discipline is inherently dangerous.
“I played rugby for eight months and in that time I was airlifted to hospital with a dislocated shoulder and got knocked out twice,” he said.
“I’ve been doing Muay Thai for 16 years and I’ve never had a serious injury. There are many other sports that are more risky.”
Another goal is securing sponsorship to offset the cost to fighters since the format is not currently eligible for military funding.
Dave Campey (ex-RE), ops manager for Army martial arts, said official certification was by no means a given, but he remains optimistic for a positive outcome.
“We have a strategy in place and I think that it will be a success,” said the retired lieutenant colonel.
“Martial arts has its origins in the military and is what the Services are about — camaraderie, aggression, rough and tumble.
“Being in the ring gets the adrenalin going because if you don’t perform you could get hurt. Then there’s the cognitive element and hand-eye coordination. There are lots of benefits.
"If we can prove we have the participation, as well as the safety and assurance, I’m confident we can achieve category two status, which will make Muay Thai eligible for public funding.”
Having finally got the green light, it seems the future is bright for the Army’s first new combat sport in ten years.
In another positive sign, several soldiers are actively competing on the UK scene.
Sgt Sam Cooney (RAPTC) was taking part in an off-duty bout at the Leapfrog Fight Night in London as this issue hit shelves, while Spr Michael Teece (RE) and Sgt Steve Palmer (Int Corps) will be representing the Service at amateur level as part of a World Boxing Council event in Leeds at the end of this month.
With talented fighters establishing themselves on the national scene and a grassroots recruitment drive under way, the martial arts fraternity will be hoping to keep up momentum and secure Muay Thai’s long-term future in the Army’s sporting arena.
Part of the trial will see Muay Thai taster events organised around the country, including some aimed specifically at Servicewomen.
AirTpr Francesca Woods (AAC) recently attended a mixed session at Worthy Down and said novices should not hesitate to join the fold.
Having previously sampled boxing, the 31-year-old described “jumping at the chance” to get involved.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from — it’s honestly so inclusive,” the soldier added.
“I think close combat sports can be a bit intimidating for women, but we were all just there to learn a new skill and made to feel welcome.
“It builds strength and confidence, along with practical self-defence techniques.”
Sgt Aiden Webster
NAME: Sgt Aiden Webster
AGE: 29
YEAR ENLISTED: 2013
CAP BADGE: RAPTC, formerly Coldstream Guards
FIGHTING FACTS: Fought his first professional bout — for the ISKA Muay Thai British title — in April 2024 at the O2 Arena, before challenging for the UK number six spot last November. Has posted seven wins, zero draws and two losses.
Cpl Ben Nicholson
NAME: Cpl Ben Nicholson
AGE: 30
YEAR ENLISTED: 2013
CAP BADGE: 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment
FIGHTING FACTS: Fought for UK ranked spots and titles in 2019, as well as other high-profile bouts. Has notched up eight wins, zero draws and three losses. Also helped coach close combat techniques to soldiers from the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team.
