Five Points Academy: Muay Thai & Fitness

In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, Swire Ho speaks with Steve Milles, co-founder of Five Points Academy in New York City, Arjan under Grandmaster Chansadeth Chantanao, former USMF Team USA Coach, WKA USA Team Coach, and StrongFirst Certified Senior Instructor.

Steve shares his journey from discovering Muay Thai in New York, to training in Thailand, stepping into professional fights, becoming a coach, and later using strength training to help fighters move better, hit harder, and stay healthy.

This conversation explores Muay Thai, professional fighter mindset, coaching, strength training for combat sports, and why kettlebells can support martial artists without taking away from speed, timing, or skill.

Steve also shares why fighting is not only about toughness. It is about preparation, team culture, technical basics, pressure, recovery, and knowing how to train for the fight — not for ego in the weight room.

*Link in bio

This Saturday! Come out to support Kanaan in his Muay Thai Exhibition match!

Happy Birthday to the real MVP of Five Points, Miguel! 🛠️💛

Before Five Points was even on the map, you were already here looking out for all of us. You are our star maintenance guy, our favorite jokester, and an incredibly special part of this community. Thank you for your endless hard work, your giant heart, and for always being a best friend to everyone. We are so incredibly lucky to have you! ✨

A huge congratulations to one of our own, Alberto “Junior” Flores, on his graduation! 🎉🎓

Watching him grow from a young kid in our Junior Muay Thai program to a strong, dedicated athlete competing in the youth MDL has been an absolute privilege. He has been a true part of the family for years, a friend to everyone, a fun sparring partner and supportive teammate.He is an incredibly special young man who brings so much positive energy to this community.

While he steps into his next chapter, we truly hope to keep seeing his familiar face around the gym just as much as always (hopefully more 🤞).

We wish him nothing but the absolute best in whatever path he chooses next. 🥊👏

Happy Birthday to Arjan Steve Milles! Thank you for being the ultimate blueprint of what a martial artist, coach, and leader should be. For over 35 years, your dedication to the sport has shaped countless lives, and your work at Five Points Academy has built a true community. Thank you for always putting your fighters’ best interests first and for leading with the strength and integrity of a true StrongFirst Senior Instructor. You are a profound role model to us all. Wishing you a powerful year ahead!

May 9-10, 2026: Join Pete Peterson, TBA-SA and WBC USA Head Official, for this deep dive into Muay Thai judging and scoring. Invaluable for fighters and coaches looking for a clearer understanding of what wins in Muay thai, and for those interested in learning how to properly officiate and judge. This is the only offering of this event scheduled for the East Coast this year. Additional information and registration at muaythaiofficialsusa.com.

Congratulations to and 👊. Both made their ring debut at smoker event yesterday. Excellent work from both Five Points fighters and their opponents: solid technique and high work rate. Thx to everyone who came out in the cold to support!

Happy Birthday to everyone’s favorite trainer and friend…Sensei Kevin McGrath. He doesn’t look a day over 58; how does he do it?!?

Thank you for another great year! We appreciate each and every one of you for being part of our Five Points Family!

Wishing everyone a strong, healthy, and happy new year!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Five Points Academy ♥️✨