Trainers

Mike Swick

AKA Thailand Head Coach & Program Director

15 career UFC fights Featured on season 1 of the Ultimate Fighter TV Show Featured In Esquire Magazine as a Rising Fitness CEO In Asia Nicknamed Quick after finishing 4 UFC fights in a combined 5:10 One of the original members of Team AKA Has trained in Thailand since ’00 Official trainer on The UFC’s …

Dillon Croushorn

MMA / BJJ Instructor

Dillon Croushorn is one of AKA Thailand’s most sought after striking for MMA coaches. Dillon began training in kickboxing at age 6 in 1991 and has been a professional fighter since 2002. With over 270 fights as an amateur and over 125 as a professional, Dillon is a 4x champion in Kickboxing and a 5x champion in Muay Thai. Dillon is also on the educational development team for the MMA Conditioning Association and is a TRX Qualified Trainer. He was awarded his BJJ Brown Belt in 2021 and is on the path to earning his Black Belt. Dillon now lives, trains, coaches, and fights out of AKA Thailand.

Kru James – Head Trainer

Kru James speaks very good English, has over 10 years experience as a Muay Thai trainer, and has competed in 110 fights in Thailand. At only 15 years old he moved from Chumphon to Koh Tao to live in a Muay Thai camp where he trained himself and students for fitness and fights seven days a week. He is Fairtex certified and was a guest trainer in the UK in 2016. While Kru James is disciplined, he is also a dedicated husband and father with a great sense of humor.

Kru Son

Kru Son has been involved with Muay Thai for 29 years and has over 260 fights to his name. In his fight career, his proudest moment was becoming the 128 lb. champion of The Southern Siam Muay Thai Organization. As a trainer, he feels that Muay Thai is good exercise that makes you stronger, and is a good tool for self-defense. He also feels that it teaches discipline and responsibility for your actions. Kru Son is married with three children.

Kru Oop

Kru Oop has more than 7 years of Muay Thai experience and over 60 fights to his name. He moved from Ranong to Phuket to join our team here at AKA Thailand, and to provide for his family. He loves interacting with people from around the world and firmly believes that Muay Thai not only improves your fitness and meditation, but most importantly can be used in the real world for self-defense. When he’s not at the gym, Kru Oop can usually be found at Karon Beach, or making music. 

Kru Dit

At only 24 years old, Kru Dit already has 10 years of Muay Thai experience, and over 200 fights to his name. He loves Muay Thai not only because it keeps him healthy and is great for self defense, but also because it has enabled him to earn a living. His favorite technique is a well-placed kick to the base of the neck. Kru Dit prides himself on being able to share his knowledge and experience with people from all over the world here at AKA Thailand. In his spare time he can be found at Khao Rang Viewpoint, one of his favorite spots in Phuket.

Kru Chai

Kru Chai’s first fight was a decision win at Lumpinee Stadium when he was just ten years old, and he has since had over 200 fights. He loves to teach the culture, traditions, and techniques of Muay Thai to all of his students. Aside from teaching the history of the sport, Chai is also a big advocate of learning Muay Thai as a way of self-defense.

Kru Kai

Kru Kai was born and raised in the mountains of Surat Thani. He began fighting at 9 when his friends told him he should give it a try. After turning 22 with around 170 fights, he stopped with a new desire to teach his knowledge. Specializing in Muay Thai techniques, he has taught in Australia and Hong Kong but has made AKA Thailand his new home. Kru Kai has a calm demeanor and believes respect and Muay Thai is the foundation of a happy life. In his free time, he enjoys gardening and taking care of his two children.

Kru Pond

Inspired at the age of 5, Kru Pond began his Muay Thai journey after seeing his friends compete. He describes himself as a counter-striker, exposing his opponents with long reaching punches and finds satisfaction when he lands a clean elbow or kick. After racking up almost 100 fights he opened a gym and began teaching for a year before coming to AKA Thailand. He has a relaxed style of teaching emphasizing a stress free atmosphere. His future goals are clear as he wishes to start a family open a cow farm.

Kru Tum

At the age of 6, Kru Tum found his love for Muay Thai after seeing his friends compete. He developed an aggressive fighting style, utilizing knees and absolute determination that set him on the path to becoming a 2 time athlete of the year in 2 different provinces. Kru Tum has fought almost 300 times, at least 20 of them in the prestigious Lumphini Stadium. In university, he was ranked 3rd in Thailand in Karate. He traveled to Phuket to compete in a Wai Kru Championship and won. He has also traveled around Asia to teach his art and finds himself here at AKA Thailand. Kru Tum sees Muay Thai not only as a means of self defense but an art form that could benefit anyone from any background. To round off his legacy, Kru Tum believes the security of his family will be his biggest achievement.

Nitikarn Thachina (Niti)

Niti is from Phayao and moved to Phuket 8 years ago. She graduated with a diploma in Yoga Education at Nashik, India and is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYS 200). She has taught yoga around the world from France to the Caribbean Islands and to China. Niti specializes in meditation and relaxation. She focuses on making sure her clients are in the right mindset to have the best experience. She is spiritual and has a positive mental attitude. She can teach anyone from beginner to advanced, from toddlers to seniors. She is always keen to learn about philosophy and makes most of her biggest life decisions around the practice of yoga.