The Heart Behind Encore Muay Thai

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Born in Bangkok, Thailand, Vivian Phumkasem Chan grew up knowing what it felt like to be different.

As a young Thai-Chinese girl, she and her mother were often bullied because of their petite frames and language barriers.

She knew what it felt like to be underestimated. To be judged before being understood. To feel small in a world that sometimes seemed determined to make her feel even smaller.

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But instead of allowing those experiences to break her, she grew through them.

And somewhere along the way, she learned something that would shape the rest of her life.

Being small doesn't mean being weak. And being strong doesn't mean you have to hurt someone else.

Sometimes, the greatest strength is simply finding the courage to keep going.

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At just 24 years old, Vivian had already founded three businesses from scratch, with her entrepreneurial journey featured across various media platforms.

But behind the achievements was a young woman who never forgot what it felt like to be vulnerable.

She understood that strength wasn't always about how powerful someone appeared on the outside.

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Sometimes, the strongest people were the ones carrying battles nobody knew about.

The women who showed up every day despite being exhausted.

The mothers who gave everything to their families and left little for themselves.

The women who quietly struggled with their confidence, their emotions and the expectations placed upon them.

Vivian wanted to create something for these women.

Not another place where they had to prove themselves.

But somewhere they could finally be themselves.

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In 2016, Encore Muay Thai Was Born.

Encore was never meant to be just another Muay Thai gym.

It was built on a belief that every woman deserves to feel strong, safe, respected and accepted, regardless of her size, background, fitness level or experience.

Vivian wanted to create the kind of environment she wished she had known growing up.

A place where being petite didn't mean being powerless.

Where being a beginner didn't mean being inadequate.

Where nobody was made to feel less worthy because she was different.

And most importantly, a place where women could lift one another up instead of tearing one another down.

Because she knew how painful it was to be made to feel small. And she never wanted another woman to feel that way at Encore.

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We Are All Fighters. Just Not Necessarily in the Ring.

Unlike many traditional Muay Thai gyms, Encore does not send its members into competitive fights.

This was a conscious decision from the very beginning.

Because to us, every woman is precious.

Someone's daughter. Someone's mother. Someone's wife. Someone's partner. Someone's friend.

And beyond all those roles, a person whose well-being matters.

We don't believe you need to step into a ring, take a punch or win a championship to prove that you are strong.

Life already gives us enough battles to fight.

Some women are fighting to rebuild their confidence.

Some are fighting through heartbreak.

Some are fighting stress, anxiety or the overwhelming pressures of everyday life.

And some are simply fighting to find themselves again.

At Encore, we believe those battles deserve just as much respect.

You don't need a championship belt to be a fighter.

Sometimes, getting out of bed, showing up and refusing to give up on yourself is already an incredible act of courage.

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This Is Not Just a Workout. This Is Emotional Medicine in Motion.

There is something beautiful about what happens when a woman puts on her gloves.

For that one hour, she doesn't have to be everything to everyone.

She doesn't have to answer another email.

She doesn't have to worry about the expectations waiting for her outside.

She can simply be herself.

She can punch away the frustration of a difficult day.

Kick through the tension she's been holding.

Laugh when she makes a mistake.

Celebrate when she finally masters something she once thought was impossible.

And slowly, she begins to discover a strength that was inside her all along.

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At Encore, we use the art and discipline of Muay Thai to help women move their bodies, release everyday stress, build confidence and reconnect with themselves.

Because sometimes, what we need isn't another reminder to stay strong.

Sometimes, we just need a place where it's okay to let everything out.

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With Gratitude. With a Fighter's Heart.

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