Phil rose rapidly through the ranks of Muay Thai and kickboxing during the 1980s and 1990s, compiling a professional Muay Thai record of 32‑3 with 15 knockouts and holding multiple titles including:
European Light Welterweight Champion
Double British Champion
British All Styles Super Light Welterweight Champion
with successful title defences in both European and British divisions.
In addition to his striking accolades, Phil also ventured into professional boxing, achieving a UK national ranking as high as #11 with a 14‑3 record during his three‑year stint in the sport.
From World‑Class Athlete to Influential Coach & Gym Founder
Phil’s impact on Muay Thai extends far beyond his competitive accomplishments. Under the tutelage of Grand Master Sken Kaewpadung — a pioneer credited with bringing authentic Muay Thai to the UK — he earned the title of Kru, and later, in 2015, was honoured with the Thai title Ajarn (Master) by Grand Master Surachai “Chai” Sirisute — a rare distinction in the art.
In 1995, Phil opened his first full‑time gym in New York City after noticing a demand for authentic Muay Thai training in the city. Starting as Lug Sit Narong (meaning “Student of Narong”) Thai Boxing Gym, it eventually grew into The Wat — a premier Muay Thai and boxing temple in Manhattan’s Chinatown that continues to attract fighters from around the world.
At The Wat, Phil has coached elite athletes across striking disciplines, including some of the most iconic names in MMA history — Georges St‑Pierre, Jon Jones, Rashad Evans, Frankie Edgar, Urijah Faber, Jorge Masvidal and Sara McMann, among many others. His coaching blends traditional Muay Thai fundamentals with strategic adaptations for MMA striking, clinch work, counters and fight IQ in high‑pressure environments.
Beyond the professional ring, Phil’s reach as a coach and seminar leader spans continents, and he continues to travel for workshops, high‑performance training and specialized one‑on‑one instruction.
Instructional Content on Warrior Collective
Phil’s first full‑length instructional on Warrior Collective, My Kru Philosophy — The Muay Thai Striking System, distils his elite coaching systems into clear, practical training content that helps both fighters and coaches improve their striking and fight strategy.
📘 My Kru Philosophy – The Muay Thai Striking System with Ajarn Phil Nurse
In this comprehensive instructional, Phil shares decades of fight‑tested knowledge, covering:
Counter Fighting Systems — effective defence‑into‑attack frameworks rooted in timing, reading opponents and defensive anticipation.
Low Kick Framework — structured methods to employ low kicks strategically to disrupt balance and set up follow‑ups.
Feints & Angles — layered feints and angle creation used to break rhythm and increase striking success.
Clinch Control — practical drills to dominate in the clinch and use it to control range and attack.
Pad Work & Drills — coordination, explosiveness and flow training designed to enhance speed, precision and fight‑readiness.
This volume is ideal for those seeking to refine their striking mechanics, improve tactical awareness, and adopt the systems that have helped elite fighters thrive in both Muay Thai and MMA contexts.
