Riva Harsiani | Team Warwick Muay Thai
Pull through page title
Pull through abstract and format in bold and large font
Can you tell us about your journey into your sport and what inspired you to get involved with Team Warwick?
I’ve always wanted to stay active, but I hadn’t quite found the right outlet. After 14 years of ballet, I was keen to explore a new discipline - something equally demanding, but different.
It was during a family trip to Thailand, in Chiang Mai, that I saw my first live Muay Thai fight. Right then and there, I knew I had found my next discipline. I met the Warwick Thai boxing exec at some open days and they were all very welcoming and encouraging when it came to trying out the sport.
Following my acceptance into Warwick, I wasted no time signing up to my first session in the combat room, where I fell deeper in love with the martial art and grew to love the smell of Thai oil.
What does your typical week look like as part of Team Warwick?
With daily sessions, I’m usually in the combat room at least 6/7 times a week. This includes a mix of drilling, sparring, and fitness - plus a weekly 5k warmup before Fight Team that sets the tone for a sweaty session. I’m equal parts nervous and excited about our new 9am Strength & Conditioning sessions for the fight team this year. Maybe I’ll start taking a rest day…
How do you balance your academic commitments with training and competitions?
My calendar is my saving grace, but I don’t plan to the minute. I fit in my studying around my training and competitive schedule as I work best when I’m balanced. Knowing that I’ll be doing something I love every day, such as training, means I’m far more motivated to get work done so I can unwind and reward myself later.
My Pro-tip is to get as much work done in the day before training, because after a hard session the last thing I want to do is work. Hit the books THEN the pads.
What kind of support have you received through Team Warwick and what difference has it made to your experience?
The Team Warwick staff have been amazing - always ready to answer questions and support us however they can. I’ve worked closely with the Club Development team and SU staff to discuss exciting events, increase engagement, and accommodate our growing membership.
I look forward to working with the Performance Staff for this next year as we enter the first year of our 2 Year Performance Cycle - it’s going to be a phenomenal experience for this year’s new Fight Team!
What has been the biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome it?
I would say my biggest challenge was being too hard on myself, especially at the start when I was still learning. It’s easy to expect your best after your top performance, but achieving that every time is unrealistic. Some days you're tired, sore, or just not at your best, and it can feel frustrating when you can’t give it your all.
I’ve learned that "giving your all" looks different every day. Listening to my body and allowing myself to rest when needed has helped me stay consistent long-term. Our captains also create a supportive environment that pushes us in the right way - helping me stay motivated even when it’s tough.
How has Team Warwick helped you develop professionally and what opportunities has it given you?
The executive team is made up entirely of students, so we take full ownership of running the club. As President, I’ve learned how to manage multiple operations at once, delegate responsibilities effectively, and most importantly, trust my executive team rather than micromanage.
Everyone on the team takes on a different responsibility, whether it’s managing finances, organising events, or leading training. Making sure everything runs smoothly has pushed me to stay organised and work with intention, but also to adapt quickly when things don’t go to plan.
Overseeing these roles had developed my time management and leadership skills as well as improving the quality of my decision-making under pressure. These are skills I’ve already found valuable in both corporate settings and my personal development.
What role have your teammates, coaches, or support staff played in your journey?
My exec are a group of wonderful people that share the love I have for the club. They push me to become a better fighter and more resilient version of myself. They help the club run smoothly so that we have consistently well-led sessions, entertaining socials, and charity opportunities such as volunteering at schools or at local community soup kitchens.
Our coach, Pindi, consistently delivers fantastic sessions to our members. Behind the scenes the staff also work hard to ensure everything runs smoothly from the Club development and SU administrative end. The final club and all its glory is owed to the joint effort of everyone who contributes their time to support it.
How has your sporting experience shaped your wellbeing and sense of belonging at the University of Warwick?
It has been absolutely transformative in shaping my university experience. Warwick Thai Boxing has helped me build healthy habits by staying active which has in turn made me feel more confident and comfortable in my body.
I’ve also found a great group of people who share a passion for the sport, which has made training feel less like a chore and more like something I look forward to. I have found a community where we all share a deep passionate love for Thai Boxing.
Since the sport has its roots in respect, discipline and determination, it has meant I have a community built on a solid and shared foundation.
What are your current sporting goals and how are you being supported in reaching them?
This year, I’m aiming to step into the ring for a few more N-class fights and keep pushing myself to train consistently. I want to build both technical skill and ring confidence which only comes with time and getting tough rounds in.
Luckily, our coach is always on hand to guide us and provide fight opportunities, while our captains are constantly on the lookout for local interclubs.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining a club, performance team, or applying for a scholarship at Warwick?
Don’t be nervous! It can be daunting approaching a brand-new sport when everyone there seems like they know exactly what they’re doing. At first it might feel awkward and uncomfortable but learning how to move past that builds a resilience that can’t be taught.
No one’s expecting you to be perfect right away. If you’re thinking of applying for a sports scholarship, reach out to your club’s exec or the Team Warwick staff for more details - the support system is solid, and it offers some genuinely helpful benefits.
Did Team Warwick influence your decision to study at the University of Warwick? If so, how?
It definitely played a part. When I first saw Warwick Thai Boxing at an open day, the exec were welcoming and made the sport feel accessible - even for complete beginners like me at the time. I remember walking past a session in the combat room before I started at Warwick, and was immediately drawn to the high-energy sessions and the friendly environment.
The club really stood out to me; it was popular and for good reason. It gave me something to look forward to beyond academics, which helped me picture a balanced university life.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience as part of Team Warwick?
Joining the club has been one of the most unexpected but rewarding parts of my time at Warwick. I started as a fresher, just looking to try something new - now, as a third year and President of the club, it’s surreal to look back and see how much both the club and I have grown.
Having an executive role to play in the running of the club hasn’t killed my love for it - it’s given me a deeper appreciation behind the community, the business and the culture behind the sport.
It’s been a huge part of my university journey, and I’m excited for what’s still to come.
Charlie Nova Content Contributor, Warwick Sport
Charlie is passionate about fitness, health, and wellbeing. He enjoys climbing, lifting, running, football, and is always eager to try new sports.
Please note: if you are using the information provided in any Content Core article, please read the terms & conditions.
Latest articles
Title
Title
Title