Chaiyo Muay Thai
Chaiyo Muay Thai Academy, 12260 San Pablo Ave, Suite B, Richmond, CA 94805
About
Chaiyo Muay Thai offers Muay Thai, Junior Muay Thai, Muay Kids, Muay Thai Fitness, Boxing & Muay Thai Fitness, Muay Thai Self Defense, Muay Thai Boran, Kettlebell Training, Strength & Conditioning, sparring, and private one-on-one training at the academy. Classes include options for future warriors ages 5 and up, where students train Muay Thai along with teamwork, life skills, and responsibility. Sparring classes can propose students for a competition when they are ready.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Classes are offered Monday through Saturday with options in the late morning, afternoon, and evening, and private training is available by appointment Monday through Sunday.
Chaiyo Muay Thai has been active since the 1970s. The program is led by Master “Cheetah” Chanthanao (Founder & Head Kru), Deffiny “Mrs. Cheetah” Soungpanya (Co-Founder), Grand Master Surachai “Jud” Chanmanee (Grand Master), Alejandro “Alex” Hernandez (Kru), and Jesus Sosa (Kru). Master Cheetah has 30 years of experience, including over 150 professional fights in Thailand, the U.S., and Australia, and three decades as a fighter and then a trainer. Grand Master Surachai “Jud” Chanmanee is known as Buakaw’s godfather and raised and trained him to a K-1 world title, along with other champions worldwide. Alejandro “Alex” Hernandez began training under Master Cheetah at 14 and competed into his twenties, and Jesus Sosa began training at 18, used Muay Thai to drop 50 pounds and quit drinking, and went on to win an amateur title.
Reviews from parents and students describe the coaches as highly skilled, patient, and focused on teaching, and mention that the training is challenging, intense, and fun. Several reviewers note starting as beginners, including at older ages, and say they continued training for years. One parent specifically mentions bringing a 16-year-old son and describes the program as very good for all ages. Multiple reviewers refer to the gym as welcoming, non-ego-driven, and even a second home, and some say they recommend the academy or that it is the right fit after trying other gyms.
Last updated August 8, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Classes are offered Monday through Saturday with options in the late morning, afternoon, and evening, and private training is available by appointment Monday through Sunday.
Chaiyo Muay Thai has been active since the 1970s. The program is led by Master “Cheetah” Chanthanao (Founder & Head Kru), Deffiny “Mrs. Cheetah” Soungpanya (Co-Founder), Grand Master Surachai “Jud” Chanmanee (Grand Master), Alejandro “Alex” Hernandez (Kru), and Jesus Sosa (Kru). Master Cheetah has 30 years of experience, including over 150 professional fights in Thailand, the U.S., and Australia, and three decades as a fighter and then a trainer. Grand Master Surachai “Jud” Chanmanee is known as Buakaw’s godfather and raised and trained him to a K-1 world title, along with other champions worldwide. Alejandro “Alex” Hernandez began training under Master Cheetah at 14 and competed into his twenties, and Jesus Sosa began training at 18, used Muay Thai to drop 50 pounds and quit drinking, and went on to win an amateur title.
Reviews from parents and students describe the coaches as highly skilled, patient, and focused on teaching, and mention that the training is challenging, intense, and fun. Several reviewers note starting as beginners, including at older ages, and say they continued training for years. One parent specifically mentions bringing a 16-year-old son and describes the program as very good for all ages. Multiple reviewers refer to the gym as welcoming, non-ego-driven, and even a second home, and some say they recommend the academy or that it is the right fit after trying other gyms.
Last updated August 8, 2026.
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