Though we may seem new, King Muay Thai has a history.
It is the continuation of the Muay Thai program established in Charlotte in 1992 by Dan and Ying King. The Kings are Thai and have been living in the US for much of their lives. Their martial arts academy Black Belt USA offered both Muay Thai, as it was part of their cultural heritage, and Taekwondo, a martial art Dan King discovered in college. For many years, Black Belt USA was considered one of the best striking schools in Charlotte, and the culture there is what set it apart from so many other martial arts gyms. It was never a gym, it was always a school, and Thai culture was the defining hallmark of the school. In their training, the King’s emphasized respect for others (no matter a person’s skill level) and discipline, and they created a genuine family atmosphere that fostered growth. The growth of each student and each student fulfilling their potential was always the King’s aim. Black Belt USA trained everyone from successful pro fighters to people just wanting to lose weight or develop more confidence. All types have came through our doors. In July 2024, Black Belt USA closed as the Kings retired to travel and spend more time together, but the Muay Thai program was reborn as King Muay Thai. It is operated by a small group of the King’s Instructors and Senior Students. The Kings are still very much involved with the program, but in a retired parents sort of way.
Muay Thai, also called the Art of 8 Limbs in Thailand, is an upright, striking art that utilizes punches (two hands), kicks (two legs), elbow strikes (two of those), and knee strikes (you’ve got two of those as well). I often explain it to those with no background as dirty kickboxing because we throw elbows, grab each other by the head/neck for some knee strikes (also called clinch), are allowed to kick anywhere except the groin, and can kick legs out from under our opponents. It is the official sport of Thailand. Unlike martial arts here in the Americas and inside most Western cultures, respect is paramount in traditional Muay Thai. Opponents don’t trash talk; they perform a cultural dance of respect and thanks before each fight called the Ram Muay, Wai Kru. “Kru” means “teacher” in Thai. “Wai” is the traditional Thai way of showing respect. In Thailand, wai is used day in and out as a greeting and part of every personal interaction. Our training approach is very Thai and very different from most MMA schools, though students who train with us can be very successful in that arena.
The King Muay Thai family is dedicated to continue providing a welcoming space where anyone can come, learn, and transform themselves. As is fitting for any martial art, the teachers’ legacy lives on in their students.
