Big Foot Gym

If there’s anything Big Foot Gym has no shortage of, it’s character. A small, dingy garage space with blue mats covered in black sharpie scrawl envelop the main training area. Worn, beat up heavy bags (some coming apart at the stitching, held together with duct tape) hang by chain from the splintered supports above and old Thai boxing flyers adorn the walls. A large mirror occupies a majority of front wall, while above, portraits of Thai Ajarns gaze downward. To the side, a rack exhibits rusty krabi (sword) and krabong (staff) among a small fleet of aged cardio machines that any Goodwill would be envious of. The rear door leads to an outdoor covered area where a small boxing ring lies. It’s hardcore, old-​school, not for everyone, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ajarn Mike Walrath is an eccentric. He’ll be the first to tell you, and he definitely won’t be the last. He’s kind, quirky, and a damned good teacher who is passionate about the learning and well-​being of his students. But don’t take my word for it; the belts and trophies that stand in plain view are testament his students’ success.
What really makes this gym special are the people. All the other instructors are also students of the Ajarn, and are equally kind and helpful. The gym has such a positive, nurturing atmosphere, and anyone approaching the gym with trepidation immediately feels at home after spending their first hour training here. No one ever has the «I’m going to f*** you up» mentality, or has anything to prove; everyone just wants to help each other get better and have fun training. Its an amazing thing; beautiful, even. As such, the gym caters to everyone, from complete newbies to competitive fighters, and everyone in between looking for a killer workout.
But what amazes me the most about this place isn’t the thorough instruction, reverence of Thai culture, quirky atmosphere and strong comraderie, but rather, the whole that supersedes the sum of its parts. Big Foot Gym is a quintessential embodiment of Eugenian culture, quietly tucked away in the corner among a few automotive businesses. Easily overlooked by most, but never taken for granted by those who recognize the gym’s true value. The gym didn’t just teach me how to fight; the gym represents a conduit from which I was able to grow and develop in an existential manner. This gym has changed the lives of many of its patrons, myself included, and comes with the highest of recommendations.

Honestly I can’t say enough good things about Big Foot Gym.
I started training Thai Boxing here when I was 16 years old (eons ago)! In fact many Muay Thai instructors in Eugene, and throughout Oregon, began their training here. Ajarn (Master) Mike Walrath treats his students like family, while teaching the pure martial art of Muay Thai.
I’ve trained many other places through out the US since starting here, but getting to train with Ajarn Mike and the rest of my Big Foot peeps, is always the best thing about being in Eugene!