Robert de Leth – Founder and Head Coach of Leth's Muay Thai Gym
A Lifelong Journey in Muay Thai
At the age of eighteen, Robert de Leth faced an important choice: continue playing football or fully dedicate himself to martial arts. His passion was already moving toward combat sports, and shortly after his birthday he joined Mejiro Gym in Amsterdam, where he trained for two years under the guidance of Andre Mannaart.
During this period, Robert discovered Muay Thai. The Thai martial art immediately attracted him because of its completeness, technical depth, and the unique connection between body and mind.
Muay Thai is not just a sport. It is the Art of Eight Limbs, where punches, elbows, knees, and shins come together, with technique, timing, discipline, and control at its core.
What began as an interest developed into a lifelong passion—not only for the techniques, but also for the culture, traditions, and philosophy behind Muay Thai.
Deepening His Knowledge in Thailand
This passion brought Robert to Thailand, the birthplace of Muay Thai. There, he lived, trained, and fought for several years, including time at Sityodtong in Pattaya.
In Thailand, he experienced Muay Thai as it is truly practiced—not only as a combat sport, but as part of a culture built around respect, discipline, dedication, and continuous development.
The years he spent in Thailand shaped his vision of Muay Thai. He learned that mastering the art is not based on physical strength alone, but on building a strong foundation, endless repetition, technical refinement, and understanding the principles behind every movement.
Continuing to Learn and Pass On Knowledge
After his time in Thailand, Robert returned to the Netherlands. He remained active in the sport, taught at several gyms in Amsterdam, and continued developing as a practitioner and instructor.
For many years, Robert returned to Thailand annually for several months of intensive training at different gyms with experienced trainers. These periods allowed him to refine his techniques, gain new insights, and continue deepening his understanding of Muay Thai.
Today, Robert has built over 20 years of experience in Muay Thai. This lifelong dedication forms the foundation of his coaching philosophy:
Quality begins with knowledge, a strong foundation, and the commitment to always keep developing.
The Mission Behind Leth's Muay Thai Gym
During his years in the Netherlands, Robert noticed that the name Muay Thai was becoming increasingly popular, while the original culture, traditions, and philosophy behind this Thai martial art were not always fully represented.
This created the desire to build a place where Muay Thai is taught with respect for its origins and Thai heritage. A gym where students don't only learn techniques, but also understand where those techniques come from and which values are behind the art.
"Muay Thai has given me so much. It has shaped me, taught me discipline, and helped me grow as a person. I want to share that knowledge, experience, and passion with others."
This is the reason Leth's Muay Thai Gym exists: to preserve and pass on the knowledge and traditions of Muay Thai to the next generation of practitioners.
The Creation of Leth's Muay Thai Gym
During the COVID period, the development of the gym accelerated. When training facilities were closed, Robert continued searching for ways to keep his students active. He purchased the last available boxing dummy in the Netherlands and organized outdoor training sessions along the Amstel River.
Images of Robert, his boxing dummy, and his students gained significant attention on social media. What started as a solution during a difficult period revealed something much greater: the strong connection, dedication, and passion within the Muay Thai community.
After this period, the next step followed: creating his own gym.
Leth's Muay Thai Gym was founded with one clear vision:
Preserve Muay Thai. Develop Muay Thai. Pass on Muay Thai.
A place where students are guided step by step, knowledge is shared, and respect for Thai martial arts remains at the center of everything.
Muay Thai for Everyone
For Robert, Muay Thai is not only for competitive fighters. The art is accessible to anyone who wants to develop themselves.
Tall, short, young, old, beginner, or experienced—everyone can grow through Muay Thai. The sport develops not only the body, but also focus, discipline, confidence, and mental strength.
At Leth's Muay Thai Gym, students are guided through a structured level system. From the first fundamentals to advanced techniques, every step is focused on development, understanding, and mastery of the Art of Eight Limbs.
Leth's Muay Thai Gym – Where knowledge is passed on, Thai culture is respected, and authentic Muay Thai is taught.