Grand opening for kickboxing studio in Niwot

On Saturday, April 23, Niwot celebrated the post-Covid ribbon-cutting ceremony at Kru Scott Meier's Haystack Muay Thai & Kickboxing studio on the north end of the former Excel Electric building in Niwot. Niwot Business Association Economic Development Director Catherine McHale and NBA President Eric Bergeson were on hand to officially welcome the business to Niwot, in a ceremony conducted long after the business opened, due to previous gathering restrictions.

Meier explained that the Haystack name came from a place north of Fort Collins that was important to his family, as well as the view of Haystack Mountain to the west. He holds Black Belts in multiple styles of martial arts and has experience in Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, and wrestling.

Meier developed the Haystack program to incorporate the best from these varied martial arts disciplines into a well-rounded curriculum that emphasizes self-defense, physical fitness and personal growth. This is a family martial art program that has been built for all ages and all skill levels.

It was apparent from the supportive and committed crowd standing behind Meier as he cut the red ribbon for his third venture in Niwot, that this is a practice embraced by all and a Kru beloved by his students.

Betty Kuester started with Kru Meier when she was 4 years old. After 7 years of dedicated practice, she says that she is now "better at self-defense and has quicker reaction time." She also credits Muay Thai for increasing her confidence.

"Kids should definitely start because it is a great way to protect yourself," she advises.

Maui Thai, sometimes referred to as Thai Boxing, is a martial art and combat sport that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. The discipline is known as the "art of eight limbs," and is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.

Muay Thai became a sport in which the opponents fought in front of spectators for entertainment. Muay Thai contests gradually became an integral part of local festivals and celebrations, especially those held at temples. Eventually, the previously bare-fisted fighters started wearing lengths of hemp rope around their hands and forearms.

Muay Thai became widespread internationally in the late 20th and early 21st century as practitioners from Thailand began competing in Western kickboxing and mixed rules matches.

Haystack's Muay Thai classes for 4-13 year-olds focus on developing leadership skills, self-confidence, self-discipline and age-appropriate self-defense.

This is also a life skills martial arts class that teams up with parents to emphasize respect and listening skills. For adults (14+), Meier believes Muay Thai is one of the best Martial Arts for improving physical fitness, core strengthening, and self-defense.

Personally, Meier initially discovered martial arts for the sheer physicality of the sport. He combines the physical and mental for a whole-body experience. Students can learn Muay Thai and work towards a black belt in the sport at Haystack. Niwotians can join regular coaching sessions for personal fitness, take kickboxing lessons, or attend boot camps.

Scott has coached many students during his career as a trainer and is warmly welcomed back to Niwot for his third venture. The environment at Haystack is a very supportive and encouraging one, and where students progress at their own pace.

Additional information and class times can be found on Haystack's website, http://www.haystackmuaythai.com, or by calling Haystack at 970-214-4065. Haystack Muay Thai & Kickboxing is located at 201 Murray St., Unit C, Niwot.