Does The Union allow drop-ins for tourists in Playa del Carmen?

Yes! The Union welcomes travelers and tourists visiting Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya. We offer day passes and weekly rates for those looking for authentic old-school training while on vacation.

Who is the Head Coach at The Union Muay Thai?

The gym is led by Head Coach Miguel 'Big Mike' Valdez, fought alongside Goldern Era Muay Thai legends, helped build the Fairtex brand in the USA alongside Philip Wong, and trained under the legendary Bunkerd Faphimai.

Is The Union Gym beginner-friendly?

Absolutely. While we are home to professional 'Loco Fighters,' we provide expert instruction for beginners and kids, focusing on proper 'Golden Era' technique and conditioning in a family-style environment.

Old-school Muay Thai and Boxing training floor at The Union Gym in Playa del Carmen, featuring authentic Golden Era training environment with professional boxing cage

THE UNION MUAY THAI
& BOXING GYM

Old-School Training in Playa del Carmen

Book A Session

5-Stars by 450+ Fighters

We're legit, ese!

GOOGLE TRIPADVISOR FACEBOOK YELP

Spectators watching Muay Thai smoker fights at The Union Gym in Playa del Carmen, showcasing authentic fight culture and community engagement at the gym

Niam Patel

"Great gym. Big Mike fought out of Fairtex gym for 14 years under Philip Wong ..."

GOOGLE

AYE-1 DV

"The Union is the Muay Thai HOT SPOT in Playa Del Carmen!!! Big Mike is a SUPER LEGIT Trainer!"

GOOGLE

Brenda V.

"The Union! El Mejor Gym! Vine a mexico buscando mejorar ... Mike es un excelente coach!🖤"

TRIPADVISOR

Brandon L.

"I am very grateful to be training at this academy and I am very grateful to Mike because he is an excellent coach! 🖤"

TRIPADVISOR

Antonine M.

"Muy buen lugar para aprender el Muay Thai en Playa del Carmen 👌🏼"

GOOGLE

Niam Patel

"Great gym. Big Mike fought out of Fairtex gym for 14 years under Philip Wong ..."

GOOGLE

AYE-1 DV

"The Union is the Muay Thai HOT SPOT in Playa Del Carmen!!! Big Mike is a SUPER LEGIT Trainer!"

GOOGLE

Brenda V.

"The Union! El Mejor Gym! Vine a mexico buscando mejorar ... Mike es un excelente coach!🖤"

TRIPADVISOR

Brandon L.

"I am very grateful to be training at this academy and I am very grateful to Mike because he is an excellent coach! 🖤"

TRIPADVISOR

Antonine M.

"Muy buen lugar para aprender el Muay Thai en Playa del Carmen 👌🏼"

GOOGLE

Niam Patel

"Great gym. Big Mike fought out of Fairtex gym for 14 years under Philip Wong ..."

GOOGLE

AYE-1 DV

"The Union is the Muay Thai HOT SPOT in Playa Del Carmen!!! Big Mike is a SUPER LEGIT Trainer!"

GOOGLE

Brenda V.

"The Union! El Mejor Gym! Vine a mexico buscando mejorar ... Mike es un excelente coach!🖤"

TRIPADVISOR

Brandon L.

"I am very grateful to be training at this academy and I am very grateful to Mike because he is an excellent coach! 🖤"

TRIPADVISOR

Antonine M.

"Muy buen lugar para aprender el Muay Thai en Playa del Carmen 👌🏼"

GOOGLE

Niam Patel

"Great gym. Big Mike fought out of Fairtex gym for 14 years under Philip Wong ..."

GOOGLE

AYE-1 DV

"The Union is the Muay Thai HOT SPOT in Playa Del Carmen!!! Big Mike is a SUPER LEGIT Trainer!"

GOOGLE

Brenda V.

"The Union! El Mejor Gym! Vine a mexico buscando mejorar ... Mike es un excelente coach!🖤"

TRIPADVISOR

Brandon L.

"I am very grateful to be training at this academy and I am very grateful to Mike because he is an excellent coach! 🖤"

TRIPADVISOR

Antonine M.

"Muy buen lugar para aprender el Muay Thai en Playa del Carmen 👌🏼"

GOOGLE

Welcome to THE UNION home of the LOCO FIGHTERS and PEPE'S FIGHTING TEAM

Traditional Muay Thai, Boxing, & Conditioning in the Riviera Maya

The only old-school gym in the Riviera Maya. In the heart of Playa, we offer a raw, authentic environment that stands in contrast to the commercial centers in the area.

Open to locals and visitors from Tulum or Cancun. We specialize in 'Golden Era' Muay Thai and Boxing — real technique and fight IQ, not cardio-kickboxing routines.

Led by Coach Miguel 'Big Mike' Valdez, we train everyone — from pro fighters to beginners looking for a family-style fight culture in paradise.

Coach Miguel 'Big Mike' Valdez

Check out The Gym

Experience the Loco Fighters Culture.

From morning technical sessions to technical sparring in the evening heat. This is where the work gets done. Come train hard in paradise.

Muay Thai clinch technique training at The Union Gym, showing fighters practicing close-range combat and traditional clinch work in Playa del Carmen

The Clinch

Front sweep technique demonstration at The Union Muay Thai & Boxing Gym, showcasing authentic Golden Era Muay Thai fighting techniques

Technical Sweeps

Mixed-level Muay Thai and Boxing class at The Union Gym, featuring authentic old-school training environment with fighters of all skill levels

Evening Mixed Class

Training mats and floor at The Union Muay Thai & Boxing Gym in Playa del Carmen, showing the authentic training space where technique and conditioning are developed

The Training Floor

Traditional pre-fight Kru blessing ceremony at The Union Gym, featuring Muay Thai Mongkol headgear and authentic Thai boxing rituals

Traditional Blessing

Fighters bowing before training at The Union Gym, demonstrating respect and honor in traditional Muay Thai and Boxing culture

Respect & Honor

Wai Kru Ceremony

Professional Muay Thai and Boxing protective gear at The Union Gym, including Booster headgear and training equipment for safe sparring

Booster Gear

Boxing ring view from training mats at The Union Gym, showing the professional fight arena where authentic Muay Thai and Boxing training occurs

Ringside View

Fighter's Corner

Coach Big Mike with legendary Lumpinee Champion Bunkerd Faphimai at The Union Gym, representing authentic Fairtex Muay Thai lineage and expertise

Legends of the Game

Spectators watching Muay Thai smoker fights at The Union Gym, showcasing the authentic fight culture and community engagement in Playa del Carmen

Combat Community

The Clinch

Technical Sweeps

Evening Mixed Class

The Training Floor

Traditional Blessing

Respect & Honor

Wai Kru Ceremony

Booster Gear

Ringside View

Fighter's Corner

Legends of the Game

Combat Community

Work Hard Stay Humble

Training

All levels welcome. Authentic old-school fight culture. No ego, just work.

Gym Hours

Open Gym: 9 AM - 4 PM (M-F)
Classes: 5 PM - 9 PM (M-F)
Open Gym: 9 AM - 2 PM (SAT)
Sun: Closed

Class Schedule

Boxing: 5 PM (MWF)
Muay Thai: 6 PM / 8 PM (M-F)
S&C: 7 PM (TTh)
Kids Muay Thai: 5 PM (TTh)

Technique

M/W: Partner Drills & Pads(Muay Mat/Muay Femur/Muay Tae)
Tuesday: Elbow & Pressure(Muay Sok/Muay Bok)
Thursday: Clinch & Knee(Muay Khao)

Sparring

Wednesday: Boxing Sparring
Friday: Muay Thai Sparring
Headgear/Shin Guards required
Mouthguards recommended

Drop In For Class

THE UNION MUAY THAI & BOXING GYM

Mza 144 Lte 12, 10 Avenida Nte., Zazil-ha, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. On 10th Avenue between 42nd and 44th Street. Just 1 block West of the famous 5th Avenue strip.

The Union Muay Thai & Boxing Gym exterior entrance on 10th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, featuring iconic tiger mural street art and authentic old-school gym facade in Zazil-ha neighborhood

Front entrance on 10th Avenue

Drop In For Class

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Built by and for Loco Fighters - Jefferson G. Sanchez.