Two strong communities passionate about martial arts and women in combat sports joined forces this August for a special Muay Thai class.
It was a dream come true for Hit House to work with Samantha Capello, the owner of Athena Fightwear. Athena Fightwear is female owned and designed with the female fighter experience and needs in mind. The mission of Athena Fightwear is to "create female fight fashion - stylish activewear and apparel reimagined specifically for warrior women who want to train in style and embrace their dangerous femininity." Athena Fightwear is based in Singapore and the event at Hit House was the brand's first activation in the United States (in New York City, none of the less)!
What makes Athena Fightwear different from any other activewear?
Everything they design is made with females in combat sports in mind. "We're talking about the little things, like wardrobe malfunctions during sparring or rolling, the need for support in certain places, the kinds of cuts and colors that would match our gis, shin guards and Muay Thai shorts."
They make it a point to include little details that represent who women, as fighters, are and the community they create and represent. "For the longest time, the only gym wear that had any printed connection to combat sports was for men or were designed by men."
Muay Thai was traditionally a male-only sport, with women not allowed to compete - or even touch the ring. So, with so much of Muay Thai's history being male-dominated, it would only be natural that the gear made for the sport was made for the ones practicing and competing - men.
In 2019, ONE Championship was the first major organization to offer a world title for women in Muay Thai (between Stamp Fairtex and Janet Todd). The oldest Muay Thai venue in Thailand, Rajadamnern Stadium, began allowing women’s fights in 2021. (Yes, 2021.)
This all female class was co-taught by Hit House's female instructors. Each fighter was able to showcase their Muay Thai and teaching style, each demonstrating two rounds. (Spinning elbows by Elora? Insanely challenging core by Noelle? Pushing the cardio pace with Chrissy? You guessed it!)
This was one of our favorite "takeovers" and special events of all time. Thank you, Athena Fightwear!
Check out all of Athena Fightwear's Muay Thai gear online here.
All photos courtesy of Mariana Osorio.
Check out all the photos from the event online here.
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