Fight for Peace’s Head Muay Thai Coach Star Joyce is known for her dynamic personality and dedication to excellence, qualities that were on full display this year. A true testament to her passion for the sport and the community she serves, Star recently traveled to Thailand to further master the art of muay thai. Her achievements there not only highlight her unwavering determination and unmatched integrity but also exemplify the caliber of internationally recognised martial arts experts who provide the very best coaching at Fight for Peace. In May, Coach Star gained two momentous awards that further enhanced her expertise.
The first was her official muay thai organisation’s judge and referee badge – an internationally recognised qualification that was attained after officiating at the international games in Thailand. Being awarded this badge is no easy feat, with the examination process involving a rigorous four days of observing over 50 fights.
The second of these victories lay a few weeks later, where Star was awarded her 13th Khan rank from the Kru Muaythai Association, achieving the title of Kru Yai – which translates to Assistant Master. To qualify for the honorary title of Kru Yai, a rank that is extremely challenging to achieve worldwide, an individual must have over 15 years of experience in the sport, demonstrate a deep commitment to its development, and possess in-depth knowledge of its history and techniques.
Star’s promotion to this title marks an incredible milestone, but as she reflects, achieving this rank wasn’t without its challenges. She admitted to moments of self-doubt prior to her final exam, where the fear of failure almost outweighed the confidence she had in her own ability. But perseverance won.
It was her commitment to the community she teaches and her philosophy of leading by example that drove Star to overcome these obstacles. As she puts it, “how can you tell your students to try, when you didn’t try yourself?” This authenticity and integrity not only led to her success, but also deeply resonates with the Fight for Peace value of Champion, where we dedicate ourselves to being the best we can be in everything we do. Star’s journey shows her commitment to excelling not only in this sporting discipline but also in her character.
The true source of Coach Star’s drive, however, is the community she serves. As she puts it, “the reason I’m here is because of you guys. Every person coming in is another reason for me to come back.” Following her wins in Thailand, Star’s return to the UK brought a more personal celebration to the forefront: her 10-year coaching anniversary at Fight for Peace.
It was a warm occasion that saw students, new and old, honor the remarkable legacy she continues to build upon. A deep sense of community and belonging is woven into the supportive culture we build at Fight for Peace, a place where, as Star says, “everyone’s here to help… you just feel like it’s family.”
Looking to the future, Star’s journey of mastery is far from over. She now speaks of going for the rank of master and bringing a formal muay thai grading system to the UK – a vision that will further shape the next generation of athletes.
Star’s achievements this year are brilliant milestones that, when framed within her values of integrity, community, and resilience, speak to her lasting impact. She is not simply a martial arts expert, but a champion of both sport and character.
