Our Story: A Legacy of Muay Thai

Morakot was built on a foundation of passion, family, and the rich traditions of Muay Thai. It all began in 1988 with George Castro, who started his own Muay Thai journey, determined to improve his health and embrace the discipline of the sport. As a dedicated fighter throughout the 1990s, George’s love for Muay Thai quickly became a way of life, shaping not only his future but also that of his family.

Growing up surrounded by his father’s commitment to the sport, Jason Castro, George’s son, was immersed in the world of Muay Thai from an early age. Inspired by his father’s dedication, Jason naturally followed in George’s footsteps, not only training but also discovering a deep passion for coaching. Together, father and son trained fighters at home and in gyms, building a strong bond around their shared love for Muay Thai.

As their community of students grew, the Castros decided to take the next step—opening their own gym. Morakot was born, named after a Thai word symbolising strength and resilience. The gym became a place where both George’s legacy and Jason’s coaching could flourish.

At Morakot, we honor the traditions of Thai culture, which George and Jason experienced firsthand during their travels to Thailand. Respect, endurance, and discipline form the foundation of our training. These values are instilled in every student, whether they are here to compete or simply to improve themselves.

Our logo—a diamond with a castle at the top—symbolises the Castro family legacy and the strength of the Morakot community. What began with George’s vision continues to grow, as we build a lasting legacy of Muay Thai, one fighter at a time.

muay thai expert trainers - morakot muay thai gym - jason castro and george castro

THE MORAKOT DIFFERENCE

We stand behind our reputation as the home of Melbourne Muay Thai with the most experienced instructors. If you demand the very best in life, then Morakot is for you. Morakot is a different kind of school because our entire focus is on you and how we can help you to achieve your goals in a safe, fun and supportive environment.

As a Morakot member, you become part of the Morakot Family. Our culture is one where we all help each other and look out for each other. We have world-class facilities, top-notch instructors, comprehensive course offerings, and convenient schedules. Equally important, all of our programs are 100% authentic. At Morakot, everything is about you and how we can help you to Unleash Your Potential.

WHY US

The most experienced instructor team available anywhere in Australia.

A team of instructors with over 500 fights experience

The largest, most convenient class schedules in Australia WITH 40+ CLASSES PER WEEK

A state-of-the-art, award-winning modern facility

Won multiple world-class Muay Thai championships

WHY YOU’LL LOVE
TRAINING WITH US

DIFFERENCE​

If you demand the very best in life, then Morakot is for you. Morakot is a different kind of school because our entire focus is on you and how we can help you to achieve your goals in a safe, fun and supportive environment. As a Morakot member, you become part of the Morakot Family.

MISSION

Our mission is to unleash potential in everyone through authentic martial arts under our highly experienced coaches. By creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment, Morakot enables everyone to enjoy the benefits of martial arts, fitness and good health, confidence, mental strength and discipline and self-defense for the real world.

Specialised High-Level Coaching Every Session

Our professionally trained and expert trainers actively coach each class that you attend. Personal coaching like this would normally cost a fortune in traditional gyms, but here at Morakot Muaythai Gym, the coaching session is included in all our memberships.

STRUCTURED PROGRAM

We offer programs for complete beginners (who have never done any type of exercise at all) to advanced competitors (who want to raise the level of their game). All age groups, genders, skill levels, and fitness levels are welcome. Each course at Morakot has been carefully developed in order to maximize your learning in the least amount of time.

Friendship & Accountability

At Morakot Muaythai Gym, our community is our greatest strength. You’ll make lifelong friends to help inspire, challenge and motivate you. We train together, socialise together, and inspire each other to do our best and achieve our best!​

Free Health & Training Resources

As a member of our gym, you’ll have access to exclusive free resources, including nutrition and training information, plus regularly updated video and blog content to help you get the best results from your training.

Quality Capped Class Sizes

You’re more than a number to us! We want you to get the attention you deserve every session and that’s why all our classes are limited to 24 students at a time.

Free Mobile App

View class schedules, sign-up for classes, view ongoing promotions, as well as view the gym’s location and contact information. Optimise your time and maximize the convenience of signing up for classes from your mobile!

PRO SHOP

Grab your gear at our in-house Pro Shop! Our Pro Shop offers all the gear you need, including clothing, protective equipment, energy drinks and Muay Thai accessories. Stock up on supplies to support your workout before, during and after.

Our Team

Jason Castro

Trainer, Muaythai
Jason is a Trainer at Morakot Muaythai Gym in Melbourne. He brings more than 10 years of martial arts experience. Jason began his training in Muay Thai under his fathers guidance achieving the highest level after training for 4 years. Jason’s passion was always in coaching and training others, he began holding pads and coaching fighters alongside his father. Jason has coached, trained, and/or cornered amateur and professional fighters. Jason has been named as the Top Youth Trainer in Australia by AMT (Australian Muay Thai Awards). Jason’s favourite techniques are the middle roundhouse body kick, the teep (push kick) and the uppercut.

Kru Pao

Kru, Muaythai
Amassing more than 200 Muay Thai fights, from the renowned Chuwattana Muay Thai gym in Bangkok for 11 years. Kru Pao received recognition from Rajadamnern Stadium for Excellent Thai Boxing etiquette, Best of Muay Thai Boxer and winning K1 International Tournament in Tokyo, Japan. After concluding his professional fight career, he started teaching Muay Thai at Tiger Muay Thai, Phuket for 5 years instructing and teaching in the Fighter Program working alongside Lamsongkram Chuwattana and Master Yod. Kru Pao worked across numerous gyms in Thailand and also China, solidifying his reputation as a skilled instructor and mentor. Kru Pao is a very humble and caring person and he applies these qualities to his teaching. He uses his vast experience in Muay Thai and his technical skills as a Muay Femur, to help his students make rapid progress and improvement.

Kru Ongree

Trainer, Muaythai
Kru Ongree boasts a remarkable professional fighting career that spans over 200 Muay Thai bouts. His opponents included renowned names like Panpayak Jitmuangnon, Rungnarai, Kiatmuu9, Sathanmuanglek, Jomhod Eminent Air, and Khiao Pranchai. His journey in the world of Muay Thai culminated in multiple prestigious titles at Thailand’s most iconic Muay Thai stadiums. He became a two-time Lumpinee Stadium Champion, Rajadamnern Stadium Champion, and Channel 7 Stadium Champion. Following his retirement from professional fighting, Kru Ongree transitioned into the role of a Muay Thai instructor, initially teaching at gyms in Thailand. His exceptional coaching abilities didn’t go unnoticed, and he was soon recognised by Evolve MMA in Singapore. This move solidified his reputation as a skilled trainer and mentor. Kru Ongree is not only a seasoned Muay Thai expert but also a person of great humility and compassion. He channels these virtues into his teaching methodology, leveraging his extensive experience to facilitate rapid progress and improvement for his students.

Suzie

Trainer, Muaythai
Suzie Halabi is a Trainer at Morakot Muaythai Gym in Melbourne. She is a Muay Thai Australian Champion, IFMA (International Federation Muay Thai Amateur) rank third in the World. Known for her technical style and complex feints, she has fought some of the greatest females in Muay Thai. Suzie was born in Australia and has Portuguese/Lebanese heritage. Fighting since the age of 12.

Jess Lucic

Trainer, Muaythai
Jess Lucic is an enthusiastic and dedicated Muaythai trainer at Morakot Muaythai Gym, known for her high-energy coaching style, passion for the sport, and ability to connect with students of all ages. With a focus on technical precision, fitness, and personal development, Jess creates an environment where students can thrive, build confidence, and push their limits. Jess’s Muaythai journey began with a desire to challenge herself physically and mentally. What started as a way to stay fit quickly turned into a deep passion for the art of Muaythai. Over time, Jess transitioned from student to trainer, driven by her love for sharing knowledge and empowering others to achieve their goals.

James Manalastas

Trainer, Muaythai
James is an enthusiastic and dedicated Muaythai trainer at Morakot Muaythai Gym, bringing over seven years of training experience and 3-4 years of coaching expertise to every session. His journey into Muaythai began unexpectedly—what started as a search for boxing training quickly transformed into a deep passion for the art of Muaythai. Initially drawn to boxing, James joined Morakot Gym and soon ventured into Muaythai classes to improve his fitness. It didn’t take long for him to fall in love with the sport’s unique blend of strategy, discipline, and physical intensity. From that point on, James committed himself to the craft, evolving from student to coach.

Cruz Ciarma

Assistant Muaythai Trainer
Cruz Ciarma is an energetic and passionate Muaythai trainer at Morakot Muaythai Gym, bringing a youthful perspective, dedication, and a strong connection to the next generation of fighters. With over two years of consistent training and six months of coaching experience, Cruz has quickly become an inspiring figure for young athletes at the gym. Cruz’s Muaythai journey began when his father encouraged him to join Morakot Muaythai Gym. After spending time in other sports, Cruz rediscovered his passion for Muaythai and never looked back. The structure, discipline, and excitement of the sport immediately resonated with him, setting him on a path to become both a skilled athlete and a dedicated trainer.

Adam

Assistant Muaythai Trainer
Adam is a dedicated and experienced Muaythai trainer at Morakot Muaythai Gym, bringing 9 years of training experience and 4 years of coaching expertise to every class. Known for his focus on technical precision, discipline, and individualised coaching, Adam is passionate about helping students reach their full potential, both physically and mentally. Adam’s Muaythai journey began with a desire to challenge himself physically and improve his fitness. From the moment he joined Morakot, he developed a deep passion for the discipline, structure, and technical skill of the sport. Over the years, that passion transformed into a commitment to share his knowledge and experience with others through coaching.