Under the fluorescent lights of the Physical Education Building (PED)’s North Gym, gloves snapped against pads, the air buzzing with anticipation. On Sunday, February 16, the gym became an electrifying battleground as fighters gathered for the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) Point Muay Thai (PMT) tournament, a competitive showcase that emphasizes speed, skill and strategy over knockouts.
Organized by Rafael Mendoza, an official for Southern and Northern California PMT tournaments, the event offered a safe yet intense platform for athletes ranging from seasoned competitors to first-timers, including several USC students eager to test their abilities.
IKF Point Muay Thai is a semi-contact version of the traditional full-contact Muay Thai martial art sport. Traditional Muay Thai is usually full contact with elbows and knees to the head and body, emphasizing technique and precision rather than sheer power. Fighters aim to outscore their opponents with controlled strikes rather than going for a knockout, making it an ideal gateway for newcomers while still challenging experienced martial artists.
Mendoza explained its appeal, saying that “IKF PMT gives athletes a platform where they can compete without worrying about getting knocked out. They can test the waters and see their level of competition.”
The tournament at USC drew a diverse crowd, from local martial artists to fighters who traveled from as far as Las Vegas. The eclectic mix of participants underscored the growing appeal of Muay Thai within the amateur combat sports community. For USC students, the event offered more than just entertainment; it provided a firsthand look at the technical aspects of striking and movement, fostering curiosity and respect for the discipline.
Among those stepping into the ring were USC students Sean Wang and Tyler Pak. Both driven by a passion for martial arts, they saw the tournament as a chance to push themselves beyond their comfort zones.
Wang, a graduate student, had long dreamed of competing. “I’ve trained kickboxing on and off for a while, so the idea of fighting had possessed me for a long time. I’ve always felt deep down that my training wouldn’t have any legitimacy until I actually competed,” he said.
Their preparation was unconventional. Without professional coaching, they relied on each other and fellow members of the USC MMA Club.
“We pretty much just sparred with each other and the other guys from our club, then had my friend Matt coach us during the fight. It was a very DIY approach, but that’s what made it so fun,” Wang said.
For Pak, a JD candidate at the USC Gould School of Law, the experience was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
“I was so nervous,” he said. “My hands were shaking, and I was zoning out while singing an ABBA song to myself. But as soon as the ref signaled the start, everything else zoned out. It felt just like sparring, which I’ve done plenty of.”
The fights were intense — each bout a display of fast footwork, calculated strikes and strategic movement. Despite losing his match, Wang remained positive.
“I was a bit disappointed about losing, but I landed a bunch of kicks and knees that I’ll definitely be showing to my grandkids in like 40-50 years, so I can’t complain,” he said.
Tyler, on the other hand, learned a valuable lesson about the rules of the competition. “I ate a knee to the gut and didn’t know that kneeling under this ruleset was an automatic win for my opponent. But I guess that’s part of the process—gaining more experience,” he said.
Beyond the punches and kicks, the sense of camaraderie stood out the most. Pak expressed gratitude for his teammates who supported him through the entire journey.
“Having my teammates there who knew my tendencies and who have more experience than me really gave me comfort,” he shared.
Their training sessions were not just about sharpening skills, but also about building friendships.
“A few of us would meet up at night on the Village lawn to spar and practice techniques. This time only two of us competed, but it’d be so much fun to get more of our team involved. Hopefully, they learn from my mistake and next time we show up, we’ll get a few wins,” he added.
The event was more than just a tournament—it was a celebration of growth, resilience, and community. For Pak, the experience was transformative.
“Even though I didn’t get the outcome I wanted, it was an amazing experience. The crowd, my friends cheering for me, making a new friend in my opponent—it was unforgettable. This event really made me fall in love with the competition process, and I definitely plan to compete again in the near future,” he said.
Given the success of the tournament, Rafael Mendoza is optimistic about bringing IKF PMT back to USC.
“We’re already talking about coming back,” he said. “The venue was great, and we got a lot of positive feedback from people who competed and attended.”