In the context of 21st-century education, preparing knowledge workers and lifelong learners requires developing both hard skills and soft skills to navigate rapid societal changes. The Faculty of Sports Science at Burapha University recognizes that quality graduate preparation extends beyond classroom knowledge to encompass practical experience in real-world settings. Muay Thai, as Thailand’s national sport and cultural heritage, represents an important area where students can develop professional competencies in coaching and sports event management. This project addresses the need for practical training opportunities that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge from their coursework in authentic professional environments. By providing coaching training and competition management services for beginner Muay Thai athletes through the “First Fight” event, the project creates a learning platform where students gain hands-on experience while serving external organizations. This initiative aligns with the university’s mission to develop graduates with professional expertise, social responsibility, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to sports development in Thailand. The project also promotes physical health and well-being in the community while preserving and advancing Thailand’s traditional martial arts heritage.
This project encompasses three interconnected objectives aimed at advancing both student development and community sports engagement. First, to provide professional competition management services for the beginner-level Muay Thai “First Fight” tournament, ensuring high-quality event operations that meet national sports standards. Second, to create authentic professional experiences for students through practical engagement in real competition settings, allowing them to apply classroom learning in professional contexts and develop competencies essential for careers in sports management and coaching. Third, to promote learning, skill development, and enhanced coaching experiences while providing opportunities for novice Muay Thai athletes to gain competition experience in professionally managed tournaments that adhere to official Muay Thai competition standards. These objectives collectively support the development of comprehensive professional capabilities in students while advancing Muay Thai sports development in the community and demonstrating the faculty’s commitment to academic service excellence.
The project was executed through a systematic approach following the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) management cycle over a three-month period. The planning phase involved stakeholder meetings to develop operational frameworks and incorporate lessons learned from previous initiatives. Implementation included project proposal development, approval processes, committee appointments, and coordination meetings to clarify roles and responsibilities. Student recruitment began 1-2 months in advance to ensure adequate participation numbers. The project featured two main components conducted on November 22, 2568 BE. The first component, held from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Faculty of Sports Science, comprised a Muay Thai coaching masterclass for 50 interested students, delivered by expert instructors including Mr. Somrak Khamsing, Mr. Manas Boonchamanong, and Assistant Professor Dr. Nakin Khamsri. The second component, conducted from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at The Park In Bangsaen, involved the actual “First Fight” Muay Thai competition for novice athletes. Thirty-seven students served as competition management staff, performing duties including venue coordination, technical operations, communication management, and competition oversight. The project integrated theoretical knowledge with practical application, enabling students to develop professional competencies through authentic work experience in both coaching education and sports event management contexts.
The project generated substantial multidimensional impacts across student development, community sports engagement, and organizational advancement. Students acquired comprehensive practical experience in competition management, venue operations, coordination, communication, responsibility execution, and teamwork dynamics. Through the coaching masterclass, 50 students gained specialized knowledge and skills in Muay Thai coaching methodologies, techniques, and athlete development principles. The hands-on competition management experience enabled students to develop professional competencies transferable to future careers in sports administration and event management. Over 80% of registered participants completed the training program, demonstrating strong engagement and commitment. For the community, the project provided novice Muay Thai athletes with valuable competition experience in a professionally managed tournament environment that adhered to official standards, promoting sports participation and athlete development. The Faculty of Sports Science successfully fulfilled its academic service mission to external organizations, generating revenue of 21,600 baht while establishing collaborative partnerships with the Sports Authority of Thailand and Kru Dam Gym Company Limited. The initiative enhanced the faculty’s public reputation as a provider of professional sports services and demonstrated its capacity to integrate education with community engagement. The project preserved and promoted Thailand’s traditional martial arts heritage while advancing contemporary sports science applications, creating a sustainable model for future academic service initiatives that benefit students, athletes, and community stakeholders.
Project Team: Asst. Prof. Dr. Nakin Khamsri, Associate Dean for Academic Service and Alumni Relations (Principal Investigator) Ms. Sasiprapa Limpakdee and Mr. Attaporn Sowat
