Coach Katie Vogel

Coach Katie began studying martial arts under Sifu Rick Faye and Diana Rathborne in December of 2001, practicing Muay Thai, Kali, Jeet Kune Do, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Her martial arts training thereafter included traveling to Thailand to train for months at a time with multiple Thai masters, studying Muay Thai directly under Ajarn Chai Sirisute, the founder of the Thai Boxing Association USA, attending numerous seminars in Minnesota, and participating in annual camps in Oregon. Coming to The Minnesota Martial Arts Academy in 2003 and training under Ajarn Greg Nelson, she is now the lead instructor for many of the Muay Thai classes here – she completed her beginning instructor certification in 2006 and associate level instructor certification in 2009. Coach Katie also earned her personal trainer certificate in 2006 and has worked as a personal trainer at Gold’s Gym and Custom Fitness. She is an avid BJJ competitor in both gi & no-gi with multiple tournament gold medals in weight and open weight at black belt. Apart from her martial arts and fitness qualifications, Katie holds a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Western Michigan University, a Master’s degree in mathematics education from the University of Minnesota, and is a fluent Spanish speaker. When she isn’t training, Katie works in computer programming.

Muay Thai Competition:  Katie has fought in several amateur Thai boxing events and grappling tournaments. Currently (2013), her Muay Thai record is 5-3-0, including 5 additional exhibitions. She also won the 2010 Ladies Lightweight TBA-SA National Tournament tournament belt.