With each of its collections adorned with sexy, muscled hunks—illustrated by none other than cult
bara artist Jiraiya—MASSIVE inspires us to get to the gym like no other clothing line. So, we figured the time was right to have real-life ripped humans show us how to wear our new
MASSIVE for Opening Ceremony collection.
Enter the fighters and trainers at
Five Points Academy in Soho. The training center focuses on teaching New Yorkers the art of Muay Thai fighting, a technique that Five Points owner Steve Milles discovered over 25 years ago. After a co-worker introduced him to the art, Milles soon found himself on a train in Thailand en route to a
kai muay (a Muay Thai camp). After rigorous training sessions, Milles was presented with an opportunity few foreigners are offered: to compete in a fight at Chaweng Stadium in Koh Samui. “[The fight] was the most fun I had ever had in my life,” says Milles. “I lost a decision to a vastly more experienced Thai opponent, but I was greeted with smiles and congratulations when I returned to the camp because I had fought well and with heart.”
After going pro and touring the world to compete in fight championships, Milles opened up Five Points Academy, which quickly became a second home for many New Yorkers. “I tried one class and fell in love,” says fighter Gianna Smith, who sports a
MASSIVE for OC tee illustrated with a buff Kendo fighter in the editorial. Five Points Academy trainer Emily Bearden, meanwhile, turned to Muay Thai after she was attacked by two men when heading home late at night. “I knew I needed to toughen up and I wanted to learn how to defend myself,” she said, “so I asked one of the guys at my gym to show me some self-defense lessons. That guy was Simon Burgess [a Partner at Five Points] and 17 years later he's still my trainer.”
And yes, it’s a rigorous workout. “I wouldn't consider any part of Muay Thai to be easy,” says amateur competitor Brandice Peltier, who paired the
Shinjuku Tank with her own dragon-embroidered shorts. “Fight preparation for me is the most challenging. You are usually pretty sore, your muscles are tight, you are cutting weight on a calorie-restricted diet, and you have to get up every day and train, regardless of how you are feeling.” Despite the hardships, most fighters stick it out for the love of the sport. “I love that Muay Thai is a rich cultural art form that places a strong emphasis on honoring your teachers,” says worker Chanel Matsunami Govreau, who also wears the
Shinjuku Tank. “It's like meditation for me. You have to empty your mind of distractions.”
Whether or not you plan to wear your MASSIVE for Opening Ceremony pieces in the ring, Five Points’ positive, kick-ass attitude is the perfect accessory.
View the editorial here
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