Sexual Abuse in Martial Arts: What You Need To Know | Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast Ep. 239
In Episode 239 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu sits down in person at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, Arizona with amateur Muay Thai fighter Calie Patrick for one of the most important conversations ever featured on the podcast.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual abuse, grooming, trauma, and predatory behavior inside martial arts spaces.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Calie shares her personal story of getting involved in martial arts as a teenager, transitioning from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into Muay Thai, and eventually becoming the victim of grooming and sexual abuse by a coach while she was still a minor.
This episode explores not only what happened, but also the deeper issues surrounding:
- Grooming and abuse in martial arts gyms
- Warning signs parents, coaches, and students should recognize
- The psychological impact of trauma and PTSD
- Boundaries, mentorship, and power dynamics in combat sports
- Why safe gym culture matters
- Recovery, therapy, and healing through martial arts
- How Muay Thai helped Calie rebuild confidence and identity
- The importance of empowering women in combat sports
Jonathan and Calie also discuss how martial arts gyms can create safer environments through better communication, awareness, supervision, and accountability.
While difficult at times, this conversation is ultimately about resilience, healing, and helping protect future generations of martial artists.
If you are involved in martial arts as a student, parent, coach, or gym owner, this is an important episode to hear.
Follow Calie Patrick:
- Instagram: @riseoftherebels_
- Personal Instagram: @thegoldengirl_az
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