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Richmond, California · Since the 1970s

Providing Authentic
Muay Thai to the World

Train the art of eight limbs under Master Cheetah: 30 years of experience, one family. All levels, from your first jab to the ring.

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The Science of Eight Limbs

What is Muay Thai?

Muay Thai is the martial art of Thailand, the art of eight limbs: fists, elbows, knees and kicks, plus the ninth that can't be taught. Nak Sou, the Soul.

We provide private one-on-one training at the academy. Master Cheetah personally designs a program that meets your needs and goals, whether you're a hardcore athlete or a total beginner, training you at a pace that fits your fitness level.

Master Cheetah Chanthanao
Master "Cheetah" Chanthanao
Meet Your Master

Chansadeth
"Cheetah" Chanthanao

To say that Cheetah lives for Muay Thai would be an understatement. With three decades as a fighter and then a trainer, he has spent his life sharing the art in America.

He began his commitment as just a boy. After years of grueling training in Thailand's Muay Thai camps, he became a professional fighter, competing in Chiang Mai, Udon Thani and Bangkok, amassing over 150 fights before coming to America, and fighting in both the U.S. and Australia.

"He brought Muay Thai to the Bay Area. The original Bay Area Muay Thai master."
Train With Cheetah
Why Train

The Benefits of
Muay Thai

Most people walk in for the workout. Here's what they stay for.

  • Self Confidence
  • Discipline
  • Self-Awareness
  • Healthy Weight
  • Endurance
  • Self-Defense
  • Patience
  • Body & Mind Therapy
See the Schedule
Pad work in the Chaiyo Muay Thai ring
Classes & Schedule

Find Your Class

Muay Thai fitness class training together Mon · Wed · Fri

Muay Thai Fitness (All Levels)

Strictly a fitness class built on Muay Thai, for anyone looking to get in shape using martial arts as the foundation.

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Pad work in the Chaiyo ring Mon · Wed · Fri

Boxing & Muay Thai Fitness

Hands, pads, and conditioning. A sweat-heavy hour that mixes western boxing with Muay Thai fundamentals.

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Young student performing the wai at a Chaiyo ceremony Weekdays

Junior Muay Thai

Technique and discipline for young students, split into two levels, with sparring tracks on Friday and Saturday.

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Two young students with their medals Tue · Thu · Sat

Muay Kids

For our future warriors: ages 5 and up train Muay Thai along with teamwork, life skills, and responsibility.

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Pad and clinch work in the Chaiyo gym Tue · Thu

Muay Thai Self Defense

Practical Muay Thai for protecting yourself: distance, timing, and simple techniques that hold up under pressure.

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Coach wrapping a student's hands Mon · Wed

Kettlebell Training

Functional strength for your striking: swings, carries, and core work. No fight experience required.

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Fighter kneeling in the ring Tue · Thu

Strength & Conditioning

For losing weight and building lean muscle. Fighters take it too, to build strength, stamina, and endurance.

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Muay Boran practitioners in traditional dress Mon · Wed · Fri

Muay Thai Boran

The unarmed martial arts of Thailand as practiced before the modern rules of the 1930s.

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Sparring in the ring on fight night Fri · Sat

Sparring

Apply what you've learned in a closely supervised setting. When you're ready, this class can propose you for a competition.

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Your Teachers & Team

Meet the Kru

"Kru" is Thai for "teacher".

Master Cheetah Chanthanao

Master "Cheetah" Chanthanao

Founder & Head Kru

Three decades as a fighter and teacher, from the camps of Thailand to the Bay Area.

Deffiny Soungpanya

Deffiny "Mrs. Cheetah" Soungpanya

Co-Founder

Found Muay Thai in 2010 and helped build the academy from the ground up. She has trained and taught alongside Master Cheetah ever since.

Grand Master Surachai Chanmanee

Grand Master Surachai "Jud" Chanmanee

Grand Master

Born in Thailand and known as Buakaw's godfather, he raised and trained him to a K-1 world title, along with champions worldwide.

Alejandro Hernandez

Alejandro "Alex" Hernandez

Kru

Started under Master Cheetah at 14 and competed into his twenties. He teaches that technique always overcomes brute force.

Jesus Sosa

Jesus Sosa

Kru

Walked in off San Pablo Ave at 18 and never left. Muay Thai helped him drop 50 pounds and quit drinking, and he went on to win an amateur title.

What Students Say

Come Join the Family

★★★★★

"I started training at an older age, 49, and I wish I had found this gym in my 20s! I am now 55 and still going strong. Master Cheetah, Mrs. Cheetah and the Krus are top notch. No egos, we all work as a team. If you are looking for a traditional setting with a true family feel, come join us... we'll be waiting!"

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Howard M.Google Review
★★★★★

"I cried the day I had to cancel my membership because of school and work. This is a safe gym, spoken from a woman, where everyone looks out for one another's well-being and progress. I got stronger, more confident and more energized. Always left with a smile on my face!"

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Shae P.Google Review
★★★★★

"This place saved my life."

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Anayeli G.Google Review
★★★★★

"The coaches teach the basics clearly and help everyone improve. The training is challenging, but the environment is welcoming and supportive. It's a great gym for beginners, and many people even call it their second home."

E
Ernesto V.Google Review
★★★★★

"Walked in one day, never left."

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Ulisses R.Google Review
★★★★★

"Pretty intense, but so much fun! Mr. and Mrs. Cheetah are the kindest and have been very accommodating and helpful. Thanks Chaiyo!"

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Ana H.Google Review
★★★★★

"I bring my son, he is 16 and struggling with confidence and socializing, and this is a very good place with a discipline model plus the art of Muay Thai. The teachers are really focused on teaching. This is really good for all ages."

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Edgar B.Google Review
★★★★★

"Best academy ever, totally recommend!!"

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Ally N.Google Review
★★★★★

"Master Cheetah is awesome!!! Amazing training atmosphere and so many gems learned in just an hour and a half of training. Highly recommend!!"

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Michael B.Google Review
★★★★★

"The coaches are highly skilled, patient, and dedicated to helping students improve, whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced fighter. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, or competition, this is the spot."

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Octavio M.Google Review
★★★★★

"Master Cheetah welcomed me with a smile and made me feel very comfortable. For just one class, I learned to round-house kick and throw punches confidently, and he was there to guide me through it."

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Christiana S.Yelp Review
★★★★★

"I've checked out many gyms in the Bay Area in search of an authentic Muay Thai gym, and Chaiyo is the one for me. The most non-ego-driven, respectful gym I've ever been to. Don't be shy if you're a beginner."

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Matt B.Yelp Review
★★★★★

"Good people, good coaches, come join the family. No matter what level you are, no experience or hella experience, you will have a blast."

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Gregory O.Yelp Review
★★★★★

"Master Cheetah called me back within a couple of hours, was friendly, and answered all of my questions. He even set me up to check out a class the very next day. Talking to him for less than 10 minutes, I knew he was a great guy!"

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Leonora S.Yelp Review

Your First Class
Is Free

Leave your info and we'll get you set up. No pressure, no ego. Just authentic Muay Thai.

We'll only use this to set up your first class.