It is a beautiful Spring morning when I arrive at the Kingdom Muay Thai gym in Parkhurst, Johannesburg. 

Passionately engaged in a match of Muay Thai, Mohamed Bhyat kindly steps away from his friendly opponent to attend to me. 

We exchange greetings and he gives me the warmest of welcomes. He asks me to make myself at home. I remove my shoes and proceed to sit on the far end of the gym with my legs crossed. I observe him concluding his match…a beautiful balance of softness, passion, discipline and respectful aggression. 

It is not long until he comes to join me and to tell me more about himself. Our conversation would be an interesting one, touching on his journey in the textile industry, his passion for Muay Thai and everything else that makes him tick. 

Muay Thai – a sport for the soul…and so much more

Born and bred in the West Rand, sport has always been a part of Bhyat’s life. He used to play high-level football and high-level golf. 

Twelve years ago, his journey with Muay Thai began. Bhyat was going through a hard time and felt as though he had reached a dead-end. 

“The sport reminded me of the essence of life, and the fact that I have the power to change,” he shared.  

Muay Thai, sometimes referred to as Thai boxing, is a Thai martial art and contact combat sport that uses stand-up striking and various clinching techniques. 

“It’s a hard sport, but it is done in a playful manner. It is probably the hardest martial art form but it is done with a sense of respect and softness,” elaborated Bhyat.  

Unlike other sporting codes, Muay Thai is closely linked to the workings of one’s inner-being. 

“It’s a form of meditation, specifically when you’re with the right people and you’re in the right gym. There’s a sense of peace that comes with it. When you train MuayThai, it is important to enjoy it.” 

As the founder of Kingdom Muay Thai, Bhyat coaches different individuals who become bolder, more confident and more disciplined with each session. 

“I wasn’t clued up on any form of martial arts prior to MuayThai. There’s so much structure and discipline, but there’s also room for you to make it your own.”

Moreover, he strives to always make the gym a space where people can let loose, while also growing in self-awareness. 

“The headspace that you’re in when you’re in a Muay Thai gym is very different to when you’re in a normal gym. 

I personally become more of a child when I’m in a MuayThai gym. I love that, and I see it in a lot of my clients. You learn a lot about yourself in this sport,” he said. 

SF Exclusive – a journey in entrepreneurship and textile 

Bhyat is also an entrepreneur and the leader of SF Exclusive; a textile business that elevates upholstery to an art form. It serves retail, trade and wholesale industries and is committed to bringing a touch of sophistication to indoor and outdoor realms. 

As someone who grew up in an entrepreneurial family, Bhyat shared that the world of textiles is not foreign to him. 

“In 1995, I joined my dad’s textile business. I was his driver. 

By 2002, we were slowly starting to venture into other products within textile.” 

His entrepreneurial background, as well as his upbringing, have contributed to his journey, as well as his business approach. 

“I’m truly from humble beginnings, and that has helped me to understand the value of money.” 

Additionally, being raised in a community with strong values continues to shape his style of leadership, as well as the culture of his organisation. He believes in leading by encouraging people and through example, as well as motivating people to do what they need to do rather than demanding it.

“I don’t like the term ‘boss’. It has a weird connotation to it. I view myself as part of a team. My staff at my textile business are family.

“Where I do lose my temper with my staff is when they’re not warm to people. I get really angry because everyone needs respect,” he shared. 

Family time and the waves of life 

When he is not at a Muay Thai gym or at his textile business, Bhyat can be found enjoying a good game of golf or spending time with his wife and their three children. 

“My lifestyle revolves around family, work and gym. We try to keep a balanced and healthy life in that regard,” he expressed. 

To all who feel like they have reached a dead-end the same way he felt 12 years ago when he first chose Muay Thai, Bhyat recommends doing things that nurture your inner being and which equip you to deal with the waves of life.

“Life is a wave. Ride it when it’s up. Try and stay afloat when it’s down. Don’t allow it to take you down.”

As I thank him for welcoming me into his space and for the lovely conversation, he shares one of his most favourite quotes. 
It is a quote by Chris Williamson which truly had me thinking about the path to growth and transformation… “the magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding”.