Today we’d like to introduce you to Kou Lee.
Hi Kou, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I was introduced to Muaythai in 2008 at a local Judo gym in North Minneapolis, MN. My goal at the time was to find an outlet to allow me to make better life choices that would enable me to quit smoking and reduce the consumption of alcohol. The day I began, I stopped smoking cold turkey and never looked back. The excessive drinking came to a halt and it became normal to have it in moderation, if that. After training in Judo, I was introduced to (my then and now) coach, Steven Wright, who taught Muaythai. Late training became a routine, and shortly after, I felt the urge to challenge myself by competing in amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) and Muaythai. Little did I know, that competing in Muaythai would instantly change my life. I fell in love with the sport, the culture of its sportsmanship, and its nature of competitiveness.
In 2010, both my Muaythai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach joined forces and partnered up to open a training facility of their own. After just committing to their newfound journey, Steve received a life-changing offer of becoming one of the very few striking coaches, teaching in Texas at a high-level MMA gym. All this happened even before stepping foot in his gym. With such short notice, I decided I would seize the opportunity to take his place in becoming a Muay Thai instructor myself. Since, then, I’ve learned, taught, and competed repeatedly. In 2012, it was decided that the gym would close, and I would be able to focus on my career path as a fighter, all the while, dedicating to still training a handful of fighters under me. My team was and is built to train alongside me, who now compete at all levels, both nationally and internationally.
2019 was the year I decided I would commit and open up a gym to the public, specifically, adults, to share my love for Muay Thai. We started in a tiny 1,200-square-foot studio based in Little Canada, MN. Because of how much my coach, Steve, was a positive influence and inspiration to me, I undoubtedly named my gym after his fight name, “Warman.” After a year of opening, members continued to enroll, and attendance was constant; it forced my upper hand to leave the tiny facility and move to a new location that would be about 3,000 square feet. The community and members were always gesturing about a kid’s program and how they would love to have their children participate and learn something new. I was extremely hesitant at first but fully committed to the idea.
That completely took a 180 turn for the better. We tripled, probably quadrupled in members instantly, and once again, forcing us to move to our new 5,000-square foot facility. Warman Muaythai is now in North St Paul, offering kids, teens, and adult classes, focusing on form, training techniques, and more. We also have an ever-growing competition program that consists of fighters of all ages, who’ve become champions competing all over the countries. For many years, I’ve got to use Muay Thai as a platform to help out the community when possible, specifically geared toward youths. As a first-generation immigrant, I was a very troubled teenager who was involved in gang activities and more. Poor decisions lead to poor choices, which result in heavy consequences. That was the wake-up call I needed.
Now that Warman has become fully established and grounded, I was able to focus on a program that would help teens make wise decisions based on positive influence, something I didn’t have growing up. This means the program I aimed to create would include experiences such as teen camping, team-building activities, hosting holiday events, providing support for mental health awareness, and even having the most basic necessity; friendship. My vision was easily shifted in how I now run Warman Muaythai. Our kids and teen classes have become an integral part of who we are today.
I have never been more proud of how far I’ve come as an individual, but am truly grateful that what once was my outlet to be the change has now become my profession. I am never at work, and I enjoy my days surrounded by kids, teens, and adults from all over. As my coach, Steve, would say, “When I eat, we all eat.” I plan to follow that very same mindset as long as I can.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been tough but very rewarding. I would have to focus on teaching and organizing my curriculum for classes, be management to the staff and coaches, and balancing the business aspect of the gym. At the same time, there are kids, teens, and adults who look at me as a mentor in some way. On top of that, I have a family of my own with my wife of 4 kids and 2 grandsons.
My youngest son and daughter also trained and were competing in Muay Thai, so I would have to play Father and Coach at the same time. I would also have to find time to serve and volunteer my time to the community as well. I would say the balance in this sport and business was the biggest struggle, and still something I am battling to figure out as Warman Muay Thai continues to grow.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In 2018, after many fights, I reached one of my goals of being signed as a fighter under the renowned Kickboxing organization Glory Kickboxing. I am no different from many people. I grew up as a first-generation immigrant as a refugee, as a very troubled teenager, and was not good in academics, but found my passion for something that kept me wanting to live.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I believe there was no good or bad luck in this career I chose. Everything was trusting the process and working hard for it. Mistakes and downfalls happened, but I learned from them and made the situation as best I could.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.warmanmuaythai.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warmanmuaythai/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warmanmuaythai/
