Intructors

Howard Hughes

Founder/Chief Instructor

Full Instructor certified by Master Sken

British Super lightweight Thai Boxing Champion (1998)

British Lightweight Thai boxing Champion (1999)

MMA

Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW) Level 1 Instructor under Erik Paulson (World Shooto Champion) Fullerton, USA.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue belt under Roberto Atalla, 6 x BJJ World Champion.

Brief History

Howard began Martial Arts aged 10 beginning with Judo, but quickly moved to Shotokan Karate, studying constantly until his late teens.

His fascination with Bruce Lee since a young boy lead Howard into Jeet Kune do (JKD) which was a fusion of different arts developed by Lee during his short life. Howard enjoyed the arts such as Wing Chun, Kali, Silat, Travelling to the US to train with the best of the best, attempting to get as close to his idol as he humanly could.

He took instruction from Bruce’s best friend and training partner, Dan Inosanto, and had the good fortune to train with Brandon, Bruce’s son, before his untimely death also.

Part of the JKD syllabus was Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) to which Howard took a particular shine to. “I was not sure what it was, it came very naturally to me, I fell in love with Thai Boxing as soon as I saw it, the raw power, yet beautiful moves of the art had me bowled over, I will practice it for the rest of my days!” On return to the UK Howard had to find the best Thai Boxing trainer possible to continue his study. There was only one man that fitted the bill, Master Sken Kaewpadung.

Howard’s day to day training was under the instruction of Master Sken’s most senior Instructor, Kru Sandy Holt (Bolton Thai Boxing Club) training with the Master as often as possible, or when Howard was brave enough!

After spending 5 years travelling the 600 mile round trip from his Devon home he was awarded full World wide Instructor certification from the Master himself.

During his study Howard competed many times in full contact Thai Boxing, becoming 2 x British Champion in the lightweight division.

Teaching the art to others was a natural move to Howard and he took on the name of his Master’s gym, Sitnarong. The club that Howard ran from various locations was a success from the start, with Sandy and the Master himself visiting Howard at his club on a regular basis.

Howard took on his own identity heading up Sukhothai Gym in the late nineties and trained many top students and Thai Boxing Champions, the most impressive being 3 x World Champion, partner of 17 years, Karen “9mm” Ousey, who is also a full Instructor under Master Sken.

Full time Gym’s set up by Howard and Karen followed the success of the classes with the present Gym being located in Parkside Rd, in the town centre of his home town, Paignton in South Devon.

Constantly evolving his training and teaching methods, Howard became involved in the grappling arts as well as the striking arts, studying Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu. Howard has been involved in the revolution of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) since it’s birth in 1993, training, and working for the best in the business. Howard is currently one of only 4 British judges for the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC)

The third re- incarnation of the gym has now seen Planet Combat come to the fore, a true Ultimate training centre.

The future is bright, the future is Planet Combat! 

Gallery

Karen “9mm” Ousey

Senior Instructor

Full Instructor under Master Sken

3 x World Thai Boxing Champion

Fully Qualified Fitness Instructor(WABBA)

Les Mills Bodypump certified Instructor (fitpro)

Founder of K-BOX

Brief History

Karen began her training in Thai Boxing in 1991, initially for fitness and self defence. She soon became addicted to the training, and after attending her first Thai Boxing show watching her instructor (Howard) fight, quickly deciding that was what she wanted to do also. She trained at every lesson and within 12 months was competing herself. Karen dominated the female division, never losing a fight, picking up Area, and British titles along the way.

3 World title chances came Karen´s way during her fight career with Karen winning them all, fighting girls from the UK, France and the USA. Karen also became the Quest Kickboxing Champion and the Golden Belt Thai Champion, beating 2 opponents on the same night on both tournaments!

Karen´s skills as a fighter made her an inspiration to many other females and a natural transition to teaching became apparent.

Karen is the senior Instructor at Planet Combat teaching male, female and childrens classes. She has founded and developed her own unique Thai Boxing moves to music entitled K-BOX and is a certified Bodypump Instructor.

Gallery

Mike O´Shea

Black Grade Thai Boxing

Assistant Instructor

Over 10 years experience

Mike 0´Shea is the most dedicated student that Howard has had the pleasure to teach. Since a small boy Mike has trained and grown up at the gym, and has , as a result of this, become a highly talented Thai Boxer.

Mike helps by teaching on behalf of Howard and Karen when away on business and has an excellent teaching manner. Mike was one of the first to receive his Black grade at the Academy.

As well as his talent for Thai Boxing, Mike´s grappling skills are quickly becoming apparent, look out for him in the future.

Tim Ryder

Black Grade Thai Boxing

Assistant Instructor

Over 10 years experience

Tim Ryder has been a loyal and constant student at the gym since it´s early days with previous experience in Martial Arts (Judo) before joining.

His dedication earned him his Black grade in Thai Boxing alongside Mike 0´Shea.

Tim fought numerous times in Thai Boxing and in Pro MMA fighting on prestigious shows such as the XFC and Ultimate Combat.

Tim was instrumental helping develop the MMA at Planet Combat, using his knowledge of the grappling arts to full effect.

Tim Ryder is a trained Paramedic and recently qualified as a Doctor after years of training. This highly important role means that Tim can no longer dedicate as much time as he would like to the gym, training and teaching as and when his time allows.

Jim Short

Black Grade Thai Boxing

Over 15 years experience

Jim Short, a professional business man, with a passion for sports and fitness has trained almost as long as any other student in the gyms history. Jim will help teach classes when needed in a friendly and professional manner.

Emma Bowers

Black Grade Thai Boxing

10 years experience

Emma Bowers is Karen’s most successful female student / fighter, becoming an Area and British Champion during her fight career. Emma will conduct the female Thai Boxing classes on Karen´s behalf when called for.