SAUGUS — The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the opening of DS Muay Thai Squad, a Muay Thai studio, at 184 Broadway #11.

Owner David Silva, in a letter to the board, said that he looks “forward to the possibility of collaborating with” the community “in promoting well-being and martial-arts excellence.”

Silva explained to the board that he opened the gym a year and a half ago, but has been sharing the space with another martial-arts business. He said that now, however, interest in Muay Thai has grown so fast that he has rented a space just for himself in order to accommodate interested practitioners.

“It sounds very interesting,” Chair Debra Panetta said. “It sounds different than anything I’ve ever heard before.”

Silva’s Muay Thai studio will be one of many martial-arts studios in town, but it will likely be the first of its kind. Muay Thai, a style of kickboxing that allows practitioners to strike with their elbows and knees, originated in Thailand.

Board of Selectmen Vice Chair read a letter submitted by a resident who testified to Silva’s character, saying “we need more David Silvas in this world.”

Silva said that he is also looking to give back to the community by offering emergency responders at least two classes at his studio for free.

DS Muay Thai Squad will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day except Sunday, when it will be closed.