Coach John Arends

Coach John began his martial arts journey in 2003 in Souix Falls South Dakota. He has trained in Thailand at the famed Tor. Sangtien Noi Gym in Bangkok. John has coached athletes in competition around the world from Costa Rica to Holland. He has competed in both Muay Thai and MMA at the amateur level. Dedicated to showing and passing on his passion for Muay Thai and fitness to each one of his students, Coach John is also one of the main pad trainers for many of the Academy’s pro Muay Thai and MMA fighters. He was also the Head Striking Coach to WWE wrestler & UFC athlete Shayana “Queen of Spades” Bazler. He was also head striking coach to UFC athlete Ben Nguyen.