From 2008 to 2026: A Muay Thai Welcome That Spans Generations at Southside

ELITE FIGHT CLUB CANADA · COMMUNITY

Eighteen years after Kru Yai Mikey Perez welcomed me at the first Southside location, my students are receiving that same warmth.

By Kru Christopher “The Professor” Williams · October 15, 2026

Looking back at pictures from 2008 at the first Southside location brings back a lot of memories. I was at a different stage of my Muay Thai journey then, but one thing I remember clearly is how I was treated. From the day the gym opened, Kru Yai Mikey Perez welcomed me with open arms.

Fast forward to 2026, and that welcome has not changed. What makes it especially meaningful now is seeing my own students experience it.

2008: At the first Southside location, where Kru Yai Mikey made me feel welcome from the beginning.

The people you remember along the way

Muay Thai gives us plenty of moments to look back on. We remember the training, the fights and the lessons that stayed with us. We also remember the people who opened their doors and made us feel comfortable walking through them.

Kru Yai Mikey is one of those people for me. Eighteen years later, I still appreciate that kindness. Having a place where you feel welcome, and people who are happy to see you, is something you never take for granted.

Now my students share that connection

Seeing Anthony “The Bulgar” Georgieff and Denys “The Burya” Maherovskyi at Southside brings that history into the present. They are building their own experiences in Muay Thai, and now they are being welcomed by Kru Yai Mikey and Team Southside with the same warmth I have known for years.

Anthony and Denys at Southside, building their own connections within the Muay Thai community.

As their coach, that makes me proud. I want my students to keep learning, meet people with different experiences and understand the community they are becoming part of. These visits give them an opportunity to build relationships beyond our own gym and appreciate the people who have helped shape Canadian Muay Thai.

It means a lot to share this part of my journey with them. A relationship that began during my own years of training is now becoming part of their story too.

With Canadian legend Kru Yai Mikey Perez

Denys, Kru Yai Mikey Perez and Anthony together at Southside in 2026.

This picture with Canadian Muay Thai legend Kru Yai Mikey Perez is one I will appreciate for a long time. It connects the memories in that old 2008 photo with the students I have the privilege of coaching today.

Thank you, Kru Yai Mikey and everyone at Team Southside, for continuing to welcome us. Thank you for extending that same kindness to Anthony and Denys, and for making my students feel at home.

From the first Southside location to today, the welcome has stayed the same. Much love and respect from me and Team Elite.

RESPECT IS EARNED. GRATITUDE IS FREE. LEGACY IS BUILT.

Elite Fight Club Canada

Muay Thai, kickboxing, fitness and personal training for the Markham community and surrounding area.

3480 Pharmacy Avenue, 2nd Floor, Scarborough, ON M1W 2S7 Phone: 437-449-3246 Website: www.elitefightclub.ca Instagram: @elitefightclub.ca

Kru Christopher “The Professor” Williams Elite Fight Club Canada