written by Jose Velasco
USA Muaythai took a large leap this year with eight medals at the World Games- the most of any country. USA Muaythai is taking steps in making sure that the momentum is not just a flash in the pan but can continue for years to come. With the growth of the sport, USA Muaythai is proud to introduce Ryan Hodges and Rafael Mendoza to the Youth Selection Committee.
Ryan Hodges has been a part of Muaythai in the United States for some time.
“I have had the honor of being a part of the International Kickboxing Federation sanctioning body for the past decade and more,” said Hodges. Hodges has helped revitalize IKF Point Muaythai competitions that were once forgotten in the scene.
“My brother, Daniel, and I decided to kickstart the IKF Point Muaythai events and bring them back to California,” said Hodges.
“This came with its challenges because no one really knew about the tournaments, let alone Muaythai. We started with a few goals in mind. We wanted an avenue for athletes to showcase their talents and skills in a safe and sanctioned event.”
With great risks comes great rewards. The USA Muaythai unsanctioned fight scene was filled with uncertainty and risks but paid off with determination of the two brothers.
“We wanted to eliminate unfair and dangerous smokers,” said Hodges. It was a sport that showed growth, but didn’t have the popularity of mainstream sports in the USA.
“To promote the events, Daniel, my girlfriend Jaqueline and I would drive around our beater cars to every gym in California that we could go to, personally educating them and introducing them to our events. Our very first event had only eight competitors.”
Now the events draw in 100 or more athletes. It was a risk that paid off not just for Hodges, but for the sport.
“We just brought the events to Texas and Nevada as well, and our team continues to grow. The greatest part is seeing the athletes grow their careers as well. We have had numerous athletes compete for the first time ever in our events, who are now signed professionals with big promotions like UFC, Bellator, and even internationally! It’s really such an honor and leaves us so grateful for it all.”
Rafael Mendoza, like most in the US, is a late bloomer into the world of Muaythai.
“Throughout my life I was involved in sports (soccer and cross country),” said Mendoza, “I found Muaythai later on and it changed my life.”
Once Rafael found the sport, he was hooked.
“I came heavily into training, participated in several fight camps… and got involved with the IFK/Point Muaythai Technical competition circuit where I acted as judge, referee, promoter and California representative.”
Like Hodges, Mendoza wanted to provide a safe environment for athletes to grow.
“Our mission statement is to provide professional and safe settings for Muaythai athletes to develop. Safety for our participants is our number one priority.”
The goal remains the same for both- to develop the roots of USA Muaythai promoting growth. They both want to advance the sport of Muaythai in the United States through education while providing opportunities to develop high caliber athletes that can successfully compete at the elite level.
“I truly believe we can achieve this… As a community we can work together and grow as one.”
It is community first for both Hodges and Mendoza.
“Regardless of what organization we are dealing with, we are putting the athletes first,” said Hodges.
“As a community, we can work together and grow as one,” said Mendoza.
Thank you Ryan and Rafael for accepting the position and being a part of USA Muaythai. The roots and foundation of the sport are in great hands!