Creative French Baker with a Passion for Thai Boxing, Alex Matar travelled three continents, from the coast of Brittany to Santa Monica Bay, before calling Los Angeles home.
Alex’s First Boxing Fight in Spain: Walking down the Aisle towards the Ring, his Coach following
Dynamic coach of Thai boxing, Alex Matar gently takes you through “The Art of 8 Limbs”, the poetic name given to Thai boxing, also known as “MuayThai”. Under his guidance, students learn to master emotions and remain focused, all while kicking and jabbing !
Driven and nomadic Alex Matar expresses his originality working in high-end boulangerie (bakery) and teaching the agility of Thai boxing. His students learn self-mastery and how to adopt a winning mentality, while practicing quick moves and body strengthening.
A Modern Mindset: Following your Passion and Defying the Odds
Alex pursues his dreams and opportunities. Leaving behind family, friends, and familiar surroundings, armed with goals, acquired skills and thirst for knowledge, exciting adventures and experiences opened. Alex was driven to explore new horizons pushed by the lack of opportunities and more traditional prevalent mindset in the city where he worked in France. This jumpstarted his new life: discovering foreign countries, meeting different people and cultures.
Dreaming in front of Ciabatta breads, made in Australia, with a French touch!
His trajectory is full of challenges. World traveler, Alex left the scenic views of the Cotes d’Armores, in Brittany, at 21 years old, to land his final stop in L.A. a few years later, where he now practices and coaches Thai boxing in the very first club built in the US. His daytime work as a French baker took him under the sun of Spain and Australia, before arriving in NYC, during the covid pandemic. After, Alex moved down to Miami, and then permanently settled on the West coast less than a year ago.
As a baker, Alex is a highly sought out professional. His expertise is large: he trained in France and expanded his knowledge while working with famous names in the bakery industry, in Spain, in Melbourne (Australia), and finally the US (New York, Miami, Los Angeles).
Spain, Saragossa, was Alex’s first stop outside France.
During the two years he spent in Spain, Alex fought his first Thai boxing competitions, found lasting love, and built lifelong friendships... before crossing the Ocean to another continent, Australia.
A childhood under the signs of travel
A dynamic personality, 28 years old Alex Matar stepped on four different continents before making Los Angeles his permanent home. He grew up playing semi-professional rugby and loving to work in bakery. His fondest memory goes back to kindergarten, when a professional Boulanger (baker of viennoiseries, croissants, bread, …) visited students and showed the kids how to make croissants with all ten fingers kneading the dough. The feeling of that memory still resonates with him to this day, and the sense of touch and smell never left the little boy he once was.
Playing with flower: the fantasies of the little boy left place to an ambitious baker
Alex came from a small town in French Brittany, Trebeurden, animated during the summer and a popular travel destination. The region is known for majestic ocean and cliffs views, along with the famous crepes and cider. Alex grew up travelling to Lebanon every year, during school breaks and Christmas, along with his older sister. His dad being Lebanese and mother from Brittany, he was born with two passports and grew up enjoying both cultures.
““I didn’t speak the language, I knew no one there, I went to work for a high-end bakery that favored my French savoir-faire. How was I going to fit in and stay in this new country?””
In 2006, he arrived in Lebanon with his sister, one day before the conflict with Israel spread to Beirut, right before the war started. They became stranded over there, not knowing when they would return to safety in France. To protect themselves, they moved to the mountains to escape the dangers of bombardments and explosion blasts in the city. It took a couple of months before flying back home; they continued to visit family in Lebanon after the war. Only the covid pandemic put a stop to Alex’s trips to Beirut after that.
Overall, it was a peaceful and happy childhood, enriched with travels and family time in both countries. Alex continued his adventures until he decided to quit everything and leave France, to move to Saragossa, Spain, a country where he did not speak the language, did not have a job, and knew no one!
FIRST BOXING STEPS IN SPAIN
Relaxing before a fight, in Australia- the coach in the center holding the Mascotte! Alex on the right, and his teammate on the left.
Practicing his love of baking, he also shares his passion of Thai boxing with his community and students. Learning Thai boxing allowed him to integrate in his Spanish city of adoption, Saragossa. Snow and cold temperatures outside did not allow for comfortable rugby practice, so Alex decided to step into the Thai boxing club, next door to his home, one night. And then everything changed… Two years spent in Spain gave Alex the level he needed to master the rules and moves of Thai boxing, and soon enough he was able to battle his first fights on the ring.
“Staying committed and just trying, has its rewards, enrichment, and success is living life in your own terms.”
A Winner’s Mentality means never giving up, no matter what challenges life throws at you. Years of rugby practice in high school, and a father who always encouraged him to follow his dreams, made it possible for Alex to keep on putting one foot in front of the other, without ever pausing. This way of thinking influenced his life, and he was able to also help others by encouraging and bringing motivation to friends and colleagues during difficult times.
Sharing his passion of Thai boxing with his students, it is about having fun for some, burning calories for others, or learning the basics of MuayThai. boxing is an art, the Art of the 8 Limbs. Before the combat, there is a traditional ritual, with music and dancing in traditional clothing.
The link below beautifully displays the different rituals before the fight, and one can see the art of dominating by controlling emotions with a strong mental.
Mindset matters. Passion drives him, but also the desire to learn more and share his knowledge with others.
The world is changing, along the concept of work life balance; giving an important space for one’s passions matters. It can make a difference in the direction your life takes. When Alex was moving countries, he would first search for the location of the best boxing club in town, and then he’d look for a place to live next to the boxing club.
BOXING AS EXERCISE AND MEDITATION
The focused state-of-mind that boxing generates helps create brain skills that will make it easier to cope with challenges, manage stress, and handle any difficulties coming our way. You can practice as a professional, as a child learning new moves, or as a work-out, the benefits are countless.
I, (writer of this article) started my journey with boxing this year, as I met original challenges. Initially hesitant, I discovered the fun and active side of it, and quickly developed a stronger mindset, as I regularly trained. As a result, mental strength and positivity became more natural.
No free running feelings of fear, anxiety, but a calm feeling of controlled intensity and new courage. The body listens to the collected mind. You learn to master feelings; you must lead life with a peaceful mind.
“The mind learns to tame the emotions. The body remains calm and controlled. That’s the winner mentality.”
Boxing is an allegory of life, that takes us through the ups and downs, and only the strong mind and focused thinking come out victorious of difficult situations. Everyone should try boxing, at least once in their life. Aside from calorie burning and cardio, it is super playful, and a meditative trip!
Alex warmly and gently introduces his students to a slow, or faster pace practice, and explains the cultural elements of Thai boxing. It is a popular sport in France and here in the US. He practices in the very first boxing Club that opened its doors in America, in Los Angeles, where Alex put his boxing gloves down.
THE FRENCH ROYAL CONNECTION
In France, Thai boxing made its entrance through the intellectual world. The first mention of Muay Thai can be traced all the way back to the 16th century, when a member of the Academie francaise, Simon de La Loubere, was given the mission to report all about his travel to Siam (modern Thailand), by the king Louis XIV (in 1687). He later published a book, Du Royaume de Siam, in which he observed the art of Thai boxing as martial art practiced during peace time, for entertainment, by the soldiers of the King; as well as being a practical fighting technique, for use in actual warfare. Muay Thai gradually became an integral part of local festivals and celebrations, especially those held at temples.
Who practices Thai Boxing today?
Everyone, athletes, mothers, kids, combat sports passionate, all share the learning experience and the positive impact on the body and mind. Incorporating Thai boxing in our daily activities could be the answer to our some of our daily challenges. It’s the martial art where we stay the most complete; “the boxing of the 8 members”.
““Empathy, patience, perseverance are all components of a sometimes difficult and challenging path.””
Muay Thai, which translates to “Thai Boxing”, is the national sport of Thailand. It is a martial art with roots originating from military use dating back to around the 13th century. Muay Thai is known as the “Art of 8 limbs” because it makes use of 8 points of contact namely, punches, elbows, knees, and kicks.
FROM THE SOUNDS OF SPANISH FLAMENCO TO BOXING WITH AUSTRALIAN KANGOUROUS
Bouncing the World before landing in Los Angeles.
Spain was the first country where Alex started his boxing journey. In Saragossa, he was baker by day, boxer by night. Boxing allowed him to channel his energy and thirst for knowledge, into a practical and impactful sport.
“It is scary to find oneself alone in the middle of the box. You need to face you fears, you become courageous.”
Having played rugby for years, he knew the discipline and physical dedication necessary as he approached this new sport. Through boxing, Alex learned the Spanish language, bonded with boxing partners, and built a strong support system. His athletic background helped him improve quickly, and soon enough he was competing in the ring. This gave him tons of confidence and a newfound identity.
Australia came, after living for two and a half years in Spain where he met the woman of his dreams (also a world traveler). He simply followed her to Australia. They settled in Melbourne, where he was quickly coveted by the finest bakeries, as the French bakery style and techniques are highly respected and admired.
Before flying out there, he researched online, from Spain, where boxing clubs were located. First. Then, he looked for a place to live nearby. So in Melbourne, his apartment was located right next to his boxing club.😊
He was a natural at boxing, and volunteered coaching as training partner during the club’s competitions, helping with the boxers. He quickly became part of a very tight group of coaches and students practicing Thai boxing; lifelong friendships grew from that.
Competition rules are different in each country. Spain was closer to the Thai Muay style, while Australia had more stringent regulations; for example, it does not allow for elbow hitting.
Warming up before the Fight: Alone in the Ring, but Teaming up with the Coach
After Australia, and a quick return to France, it was destination New York in August 2020! Still following his lovely lady… There is always a place for love when the heart is open, and the mind adventurous. In NY, he worked with renowned bakery Maison Kaiser, and while boxing he met Coban L., famous fighter from the Golden Era of MuayThai (the eighties and nineties). Coban became Alex’s training coach. Unfortunately, as Covid hit, the club shut its doors, and Coban decided to move to LA to pursue boxing.
When Alex moved to L.A., both men reconnected by pure chance, as they found each other going to the same boxing club… Sometimes, life as its ways of bringing people back together.
Alex left New York during covid, as the bakery closed. To find work, he flew to Miami where most businesses were still open; it was a different world. Miami was a brief passage though, as Alex flew again to the other side of the US, coast to coast, meeting up with his traveling girlfriend. Now hopefully L.A. is his last stop. But the Pacific Ocean remains to be crossed!
PHILOSOPHY OF BOXING: CONVERSATIONS WITH ALEX
Reflections on the meaning of boxing
As a young student in France, Alex practiced a lot of rugby. He is the first one in his family to show boxer genes. As he explained to me, boxing has many benefits: it can help you gain self-confidence and become less introverted. While learning a craft, you learn to control your emotions, bringing calm and focus to your inner-being.
One learns self-defense, even if not used. You become strong and confident.
It teaches you to move away from confrontation. Aggressivity is never the answer.
What matters in boxing is speed, agility, focus. One needs to fully control the body and mind. Channel your energy and look for precision.
This sport is about practicing self-control: if you lose focus, you lower your attention level. As in the day-to-day world, living well is living smart. One should constantly be fighting against letting our guards down. We should always build up our character and abilities, so that we’re ready for any unknown danger.
It might be uncomfortable initially to adopt, it’s true. It’s like the boxer, fighting in the middle of the ring for the first time:
“The mind becomes stronger as the brain learns new ways to fight. You face new difficulties and challenges. That’s what matters. Getting out of your comfort zone. With sports, you can practice that philosophy daily!”
Boxing helps acquire a practical wisdom: disciplined in execution but also in the mind, a visualization of the real life, to better interpret and respond in the most adapted way and with courage.
Patience and modesty
It takes time to improve and respect your opponent.
The ring is an allegory of life. It can be violent, create suffering, but also give birth to beauty in the relationships, elegance in the moves, and strength of soul. Popular British sportswriter and journalist Pierce Egan (19th century) described boxing as “the sweet science of bruising” (la douce science des coups).
ALEX’S PERSONNAL EXPERIENCE: THE FIGHTER
Thai boxing could seem like an impossible task for an outsider. To show us that anyone can reach their goals, Alex takes us inside the story of two compelling fighters, in Spain and in Australia.
Ismael, a smart and driven young Thai boxing student, chose to pause school to pursue his passion of Muay Thai. Ismael was sixteen years old when he started training. It took him countless hours of learning moves, kicking, boxing, sweating, repeating, until he reached a combat fighter level. That’s when Alex met Ismael, while training at the same club.
“Always approach Thai boxing with a learning mentality, cultivating patience, persistence along with passion. It is all about the progress, incorporating new techniques and mental ability, step by step. You can practice for fun, for mental greatness, or become more professional if your passion drives you to it!”
Alex learned from Ismael as both men started training together. The relationship between them quickly developed into a powerful exchange of trust, motivation, and support.
Duality of Boxing: Lonely and Collaborative
The role of a training partner is crucial. Boxing is a solitary endeavor, because when standing in the boxing ring, the fighter is alone against the other opponent. But boxing is impossible without the full collaboration and support from the coach, and training partner.
Ismael began teaching new techniques to Alex, they worked out every day, after classes. Ismael coached Alex, who quickly improved. Ismael then traveled to Thailand, for a few months, to learn about the details, nuances, with the goal of becoming a master. Ismael came back in Saragossa and continued getting better. Now, he is the new Champion of Spain and may well become the European Champion! Alex met with him again recently when he visited back his old club, in Saragossa. They keep in touch via social media. Their bonding during Ismael’s early boxing years remains a special memory to this day.
Alex worked with another young student later, Howard, when in Miami. Alex shared his knowledge and passion for the sport. Howard started boxing for fun, kicking his energy out. Alex showed him easy moves, lighter training, and then little by little, Howard developed agility, speed and was thirsty for more. They kept on training together. Alex helped him during sparring fights simulation and warmed up with him before his combats.
Howard went on to play bigger fights and won several championships. To this day, Howard remains undefeated.
The guiding and teaching nature Alex coaches his students with reflects in his calm moves and confident voice.
WHAT IS THE CRAZY THING ABOUT BOXING IN THE RING?
After the fight, the team celebrating the CHAMPION! (With the flowers)
To access the ring, you need to walk down the steps from the back of the room, where all spectators are sitting. You have all eyes riveted on you, starring at you, following you down the aisle until you reach the ring and take your first steps on it. Then for a second you think: This is crazy, what am I doing here?
Alone, in front of danger, facing the unknown…
It is stressful. But I couldn’t back down, all my friends and family were there, I invited them!
I ended with the same score as my opponent, who had been fighting and winning for five years. I did okay for my first fight! It’s a solitary sport and team sport at the same time. The coach and partners are extremely important.
“The student needs to enjoy the process first, learn and be wanting to discover more. Then, the technique kicks in, additional details, more learning. It is important is to go with the flow.”
THAI BOXING IN THE OLYMPICS?
YES! Not for Paris 2024, as scheduling conflicts and more recent entrance in the Olympic Team made it too soon for 2024. But it will have its place in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028! In 2020, there are more than 3,800 Thai boxing gyms overseas. It took from 1992, when the National Fed of Muaythai Associations was founded, to 2021 to gain recognition as an Olympic category.
1992: National Federation of Muaythai Associations founded
2017: Muaythai is included in the World Games
2021: Full endorsement General Assembly in Tokyo
PERSONAL CHALLENGES AND A FEW WORDS OF WISDOM:
The Fighting Crew (and my Coach in the front) in Australia !
What are the Sacrifices?
Dedication to sports, two to three hours a day, in addition to exercising before and after training.
Good hygiene of life, a strict nutrition regimen and great health condition.
If you have a supportive environment, it is easier to follow a rigorous diet and healthier lifestyle.
The Fun!
Boxing helps you keep cool and self-control, it’s relaxing, the mind is free.
The stress goes away, it is your time to tune into yourself.
Learn good basics with your coach to feel comfortable when practicing.
“I didn’t know anyone when I moved to Spain. I didn’t speak the language. I left my friends and loved ones behind for a new life. Then I joined a language center to learn Spanish and I met some people; joined the boxing club. And you just read the rest of the story…”
Personal Challenges
Leaving family behind, Moving to new country.
Facing the unknown, adversity and all sorts of challenges.
Between his older sister and him, he was the most introverted and she was the shy one. But he is the one who left and travelled! His sister stayed, happily, in the same village. It surprised everybody.
Alex decided to leave on a whim, it was very difficult, but also a need.
One Last Thing. Try one more time… it might be the one that will change your life!
A final story, to my story. Always give an extra push, some advice, offer positive support. The impact on the other person may be huge!
After one year in Spain, a new colleague, Matt, joined the bakery. I took him under my wing and showed him a few things. As he left his family and country, he quickly felt discouraged, and sadness started taking over. He couldn’t see how things would improve. I shared my experience and wanted to encourage him.
“Just continue to make it, a little bit more, one step in front of the other. Then after a while, if you still want to return home, that’s ok. At least you will have tried.”
Shortly after our talk, Matt decided to extend his stay to give it one more chance. During that extended time, an opportunity came up: he was offered to enroll in an international bakery competition, as a young trainee alongside famous pastry chef Yohan Ferrant, renowned French baker in Barcelona. They finished in the top three!
This experience shifted Matt’s life, and he started to closely work with the chef. They have done more competitions since and haven’t lost one to this day. Today, Matt is one of the best bakers in Barcelona, and thanks to some boosting and support from Alex, he was able to fulfill his dreams, and stayed in Spain! It takes One more Step, one Small Change, to achieve Big Results! Try Thai Boxing!
Your Life might turn around, Alex will initiate you in Thai boxing. Speaking in French, English, or Spanish! You don’t need any specific athletic skills, other than the Desire and Curiosity of learning something new, with an Awesome Coach!! We may meet in the Ring! :)
Contact Coach ALEX at:
C (323) 617-0217
Article and interview by Isa Simon, Los Angeles.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/isa33simon