Here's our review of Xianglong Martial Arts Academy.Rooted in Taipei, this is the ultimate martial arts academy, bringing Thai Grandmaster Saenchai's unique techniques to the world.

DFA Xianglong Combat Center is conveniently located near Shandao Temple MRT Station, just a three-minute walk from Exit 4 or 5. This venue offers a comprehensive curriculum in various global combat techniques, including Muay Thai, Taipei Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and wrestling, allowing students to master the essence of diverse martial arts right here in Taipei. Each discipline has its unique strengths: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes counter-attacks and ground control, Muay Thai focuses on comprehensive striking techniques and footwork, while MMA aims for all-around proficiency. Through a diverse range of classes and expert coaching, students can effectively learn the exciting nuances of different martial arts.

Venue owner Wang Yi-Tian places great importance on the mental well-being of martial arts practitioners. He emphasizes that the name DFA Xianglong Combat Center reflects the hope that everyone can "subdue the dragon within." An uncontrolled mind cannot unleash its full power; the goal is to remain unaffected by mood swings, consistently do what needs to be done, and stay on the right path.

DFA Xianglong Combat Center specializes in Muay Thai and MMA, offering a wide range of popular classes suitable for all ages. They also provide other courses like wrestling and Bajiquan, and even a special "Saenchai Gate" class to teach the new techniques of Muay Thai legend Saenchai.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, learning martial arts can be both enjoyable and frustrating. DFA Xianglong Combat Center aims to guide and demonstrate through words and actions, helping students understand that these feelings are a normal part of the process. The coaching team helps students release negative emotions, build experience, and face challenges without fear. This approach stems from decades of accumulated wisdom and experience from the gym owner and team, incorporating unique training methods like meditation to enhance mental fortitude.

The class was led by venue owner Wang Yi-tian, who broke down each movement and body application, from warm-ups and footwork to striking techniques. Rather than focusing on power output from the start, the owner emphasized building foundational concepts like distance, weight transfer, breathing rhythm, and maintaining stability while moving.

The owner explained that Saenchai's boxing style is that of a true champion. It's not about building a body that can withstand heavy blows, but rather a rigorous and effective method developed from a mindset of longevity in a professional career, family responsibilities, and gratitude for team support. This philosophy, executed through a complete system, allowed him to sustain a professional career for over two decades without major injury, cementing his status as a Muay Thai legend.

The Taipei Boxing class starts with a progressive warm-up: light jogging, then shuttle runs to get everyone moving. Next, the instructor guides students through basic footwork, step by step. The owner spends a good amount of time on movement and positioning, explaining in detail how to face an opponent, create space by stepping back, dodge attacks, or pivot. Footwork isn't just about the feet; it integrates the entire body and breath, teaching you how to use your whole self for agile movement.

Only then does the striking technique instruction begin. You learn how to use your fists, elbows, knees, and feet for both offense and defense, with demonstrations of timing, technique, and how to leverage your body's momentum. This part also requires practicing with the footwork learned earlier, so you understand how to generate momentum in your body as you advance and retreat, and then channel that power into your strikes.