2025 was extraordinary for Kao Sok Muay Thai. World titles, national recognition, personal breakthroughs and hard-fought battles all in one year. It reflects what the gym stands for: dedication, resilience and heart.
We are proud to acknowledge every fighter, coach and member who stepped forward, represented the gym, and pushed themselves beyond limits.
Leadership and legacy
At the heart of Kao Sok Muay Thai is Darren Curovic, founder and owner. His contribution to the sport continues to shape Muay Thai in Western Australia and beyond.
In February 2025, Darren was inducted into the inaugural WA Muay Thai Hall of Fame, a well-deserved recognition of decades of dedication. Alongside Blair Smith, he was also awarded Promotion of the Year for Domination, highlighting nearly 20 years of promoting amateur and professional fighters.
Kao Sok itself continues to rise, earning Australian Muay Thai Gym of the Year nominations in both 2024 and 2025, placing us among the top gyms in the country.
20 years of Jordan "Wolf" Godtfredsen
Some people are part of a gym, and then there are those who help build it. Jordan "Wolf" Godtfredsen is one of those people.
2025 marks 20 years with Kao Sok. Two decades of commitment, growth, loyalty and contribution to the gym and its fighters.
Professional record: 44 fights, 33 wins, 11 losses. Jordan built a reputation as a tough, skilled and respected competitor.
Career highlights
WKA South Pacific Lightweight Champion. WBC Welterweight Australian Champion. WMC Intercontinental Super Lightweight Champion. WBC Super Lightweight Champion. 4-Man Tournament Winner at the 4War Fight Series. Competed on the global stage in ONE Championship.
Since retiring he hasn't stepped away. He's stepped up in a different way. Consistent presence at the gym, giving time, knowledge and experience to the next generation. Helping fighters prepare, sharing insight, supporting the team. His impact remains strong.
Jordan represents what Kao Sok is all about: not just success in the ring, but loyalty, respect and long-term commitment. 20 years is more than a milestone. It's a legacy.
World champions
Coach Nott "Kongthailand"
A standout year on the world stage. Crowned WBC Middleweight World Champion after defeating Joe Ryan at MSS in February. Strong win at RWS in Bangkok in June. Continued to test himself against elite international competition throughout the year.
Shannon Gardiner
A phenomenal year that cemented Shannon as one of Australia's best.
Muay Thai Australia Fighter of the Year. Most Active Fighter Award. Multiple RWS victories in Bangkok including a stoppage win. Defeated Claire Rankine to become WBC Super Featherweight World Champion. Recognised at the WBC Convention in Thailand. Awarded Australian Female Fighter of the Year.
Champions rising
Coach Job "Prabsuek"
Multiple strong wins through the year. Crowned Garrison Super Lightweight Champion.
Jasmine Rolfe
Silver medalist at the WMF World Championships in Thailand. Awarded Best Fight of the Tournament and the Australian Belt. Continued success across Thailand and Australia. Nominated for Female Rising Star.
Coach Payak "Payak Samui"
Fought for the SCC Australian Welterweight Title (draw). Represented Muay Thai culture at the Thailand Fun Fair. Competed in an 8-man tournament on short notice.
Fighters making their mark
Trent Hodgkinson: WBC Lightweight State Champion. Fighter of the Night at Domination. Gabriel Ronuillo also took the WBC Lightweight State Champion title.
Xavier Phillips: continued development with multiple bouts and a strong win late in the year. Ayn "Ayu" Bingham: resilience with key victories and tough matchups. Coach Nid "Pet Sam Rit": strong performances all year.
Kye Christie, Melanie Jones, Kristian Monreal-Durham, Jan Javier, Matthew McKay and Harry Miguel all stepped up with wins and strong performances throughout the year.
Emerging talent
Atom Kihiadsong
Competed at Nationals (1 win, 1 loss). Awarded Youth Male Rising Star (Australia). Represented Muay Thai culture internationally.
Youth development
The younger team continues to grow through competition and sparring days. The future of Kao Sok is strong. Juniors took part in MTAWA Kids Sparring Days and Kickass development sessions across the year.
Special mention to all juniors including Atom, Ryan, Tommy, Lorenz, Xavier, Isaac, Finn, Remi, Lucas, Cary, Eva, Tinnapat, Laila, Jovan, Harry, Sophia, Luca and many more.
The fighters who stepped up
Not every fight ends in victory. Every bout builds character. We recognise and respect all fighters who stepped into the ring in 2025: Raniera Heap, Noah Jones, Isaac Embia, Lucia McStavick, Maggie Godehart, Cooper Buswell, Josh Dutsome, Jhai Wheeler, Gershom Rowland and others who showed courage and commitment every time they competed.
What 2025 represents
This year wasn't just about titles. It was about showing up, representing the gym with pride, supporting teammates, growing through wins and losses. Every fighter, coach and member has contributed to building something special.
Looking ahead
Kao Sok Muay Thai continues to grow as one of Australia's leading gyms. Not just in results but in culture, respect and community. 2026 is already in sight, and we're just getting started.
Thank you to every fighter, coach, member and supporter who made 2025 unforgettable.
