USMTA OFFICE DIRECTORY-1

The Official Officers badge of the USMTA

This is the Official USMTA Officers, Directors and Representatives and International representatives badge of the association.

 All Officers are required to show and or display the official badge at all functions and events pertaining to his or her duties.

All USMTA officers should contact the National  Headquarters for further information.

STATE DIRECTORS: 
Arjarn Tong Trithara : Missouri State: Email: usmta@usmta.com

Arjarn Tong Trithara has fought a few times in Central and Southern Thailand accumulating around 22 fights. On May 5th 1971 at the age of eighteen, Tong traveled to the United States of America. He began to train at the Thai Boxing Academy (The first Thai Boxing school in the United States) and was under the instruction of another famous Muay Thai and western style boxing champion champion named "Niyom Prasertsom" at the The Thai Boxing Academy in Hollywood, California. 1979 Tong decided to move to Springfield, Missouri and began teaching and promoting small Muay Thai events until 1985. He has worked as coach and corner-man in many Thai Champion's corner who came to America to compete in International events.

  He became the Thai Interpreter and advisor for the International Thai Teams that came to the United States, in the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma (twice), the City of Los Angeles, California and the City of Phoenix, in Arizona. He became the founder of the the Muay Thai Academy in Springfield Missouri in 1989 and formed the Muay Thai U.S.A. Association in the same year. In 1991 Tong was appointed as a State Athletic Inspector, and finally as  a State Athletic Advisor for the State of Missouri. Over the 20 years Tong has trained hundreds of American and European Muay Thai Fighter and  several Thai Champion Muay Thai fighters: Arjarn Tong  became a USMTA Director and technical advisor in 2008.

Kru James  Pruitt : Oklahoma State: Email: samingdum@hotmail.com 

Throughout his career he has studied with various people, including five time World Kickboxing Champion Dale "Apollo" Cook. He became U.K.F. Mid West Champion in 1992 while under the direction and management of Dale Cook. In 1994 he also became the M.T.K. USA Muay Thai Kickboxing champ He joined the USMTA and became TX State Rep., before relocating  to OK where he  continues to promote the art of Muay Thai as a USMTA representative.

 Tennessee State Director: Rick Caudle Email: tnjkd@yahoo.com

Rick Caudle has 32 years of Martial Arts experience and has trained with several of the top instructors including: Sifu Paul Vunak, Sijo James DeMile, Sifu Kevin Seaman, Master Will Higginbotham, Guro Chuck Gauss, & Kru Muay Suwat Sidthilaw of Thailand. He has also attended seminars with: Dan Inosanto, Larry Hartsell, Francis Fong, Tim Tackett, and Chai Sirisute.

In 2006 Rick became USMTA State Director for Tennessee.In 1990, Rick had the unique experience of living and training with a native Thai instructor, Suwat Sidthilaw. Kruu Sidthilaw was raised in the jungle area of Northern Thailand called Chieng Mai, where his father was the local Muay Thai champion. Often times they would challenge their neighbor and meet to fight in the dirt roads that connected their villages.This resulted in the development of a lethal style of Muay Thai that goes beyond what you see in the ring. Chosen for his experience in Traditional Muay Thai, Kruu Rick is the Tennessee State Director for the United States Muay Thai Association. 

Maryland, DC and Virginia State Director: Brooks Miller  Email: khun.kao@verizon.net

Kru Brooks Miller, aka “Khun Kao Charuad” - King of Rocket Knees  has been involved in the sport of MuayThai for the last 15 years.  He has won 3 U.S. East Coast MuayThai Championship Titles in 3 different weight classes. He was a founding member of Master K’s (Ajarn Kumron Vaitayanon) SuriyaSak Fight Team, and was awarded the title of "Kru" by Master K in 1998. Kru Brooks has taught MuayThai in a number of locations throughout the Washington Metropolitan area,

 including Lloyd Irvin's main branch in Camp Springs, MD and at CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA.  In addition to coaching and managing fighters, Kru Brooks is the Kickboxing Forum moderator on MMA.TV (the world's leading Mixed Martial Arts website!), and is a world-renowned author of MuayThai tutorials, having his work published in 147 countries worldwide! Most recently, Brooks has founded "Khun Kao Promotions" in an effort to promote novice MuayThai events in Maryland, DC, & Virginia.  For more information about Kru Brooks & Khun Kao Promotions, visit his website at:   http://khunkao.com   (see US instructors for more info)

Arkansas State Director: David Oudthone  Email: oudieman@hotmail.com

Arjarn Uhtit "David" Oudthone Born 1970 Udon, Thailand. 38 years old. Mr. Oudthone began training at the age of 10 in Tucson Arizona in TKD, and Karate Do from instructor Master Lion Park. Throughout the years Mr. Oudthone traveled to California and earned his 2nd Degree black belt in Tehachapi California. Mr. Oudthone relocated to Arkansas to start a family of his own and had taken a break from martial arts. He then met and trained with 4 time Korean Muay Thai Champion Pan Ahrang Lee. Years later after receiving Master Lee's blessing Mr. Oudthone started his own school in Jacksonville

Arkansas and name it "Prathet Thai" Muay Thai Gym.  He has since retired in 2006 from competition with an amateur record of 12 wins 8 losses and 3 K0's. His professional record is 2 win 1 loss and 1 ko. He has trained many champions since 2002 and continues to train the traditional ways of Muay Thai.
Arjarn Clint Heyliger: New York State: Email:  clint@usmta.com 

Arjarn Clint Heyliger,  the founder of the USMTA, AMTJRA and the AMTO, has been a veteran of martial arts for over 38 years. He has studied several martial arts disciplines including Shotokan, Judo, Kendo, Kung-Fu (Black Tiger system), Muay Thai and Chao Cherk. He is credited with pushing the USMTA to the forefront of American Muay Thai, became a founding member of the WMTC, WMTF,  AMTAT, WAMTO. He has been the State director for New York for over 14 years.
Kru Mikhal Caldwell: Michigan State:  Email: mikhals@sbcglobal.net

Kru Suuan Mikhal Caldwell is one of the founding members of the USMTA,  A four time Golden Glove Champion a former PKA ranked No.1 and undefeated Kickboxing Champion He is also a Michigan Muay Thai State Champion and East Coast Regional Champion,  he has trained with Arjarn Tony Moore of the British Thai Boxing Council and members of the British Thai Boxing team....to be updated ....
 Paul Kimball: South Dakota: State Director Email:  paul@pkmuaythai.com

Kru Suuan Paul Kimball of PK  Muay Thai, has trained in Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and also studied kali at the Minnesota Kali.  Paul has studied Muay Thai under instructor Dennis (DJ) Phalen of SD.  Paul is also a noted budding Muay Thai  fighter, and looks forward to continuing his career in both fields as a fighter and as a representative of the sport in the States of South Dakota.  Currently Paul runs PK Muay Thai, is a full time ISSA certified Personal Trainer, and fighter developer www.pkmuaythai.com

Kru D J Phalen:  South Dakota: State Representative Email: dphalen2001@yahoo.com

Kru DJ Phalen  (former South Dakota State Director) Current California & South Dakota State Representative, has trained in Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Combat Hapkido, Knife Fighting Systems, Krav Maga, and others.  However, it is his love of the beautiful simplicity in Muay Thai which makes it his favorite pursuit.  No other art can be so devastatingly effective with such a small (but refined) arsenal.  He continues to train and promote Muay Thai in South Dakota.

  • He is active in bringing Muay Thai to South Dakota on a larger scale, forming a brutally effective State Team, and hoping to send fighters to national and international bouts. 
  • He is also involved in promoting Muay Thai to the community
  • Promoting training opportunities to local & state law enforcement
  • & is actively looking for ways to bring the ability to train and compete to low income families, as well as engage the Native American population in this tremendous sport.

Kru DJ is the owner & operator of SD Muay Thai, SoCalSD, FYU Fightgear, and Soldier Fightgear.  Among his other hobbies is the study of Sports Psychology, particularly as it applies to fighting, fear, and survival instincts and managing those responses.  You can contact him at dphalen2001@yahoo.com  or through www.PKMuayThai.com

Kru  Nick Blomgren : Nevada State Representative:        Email:  NOneKick@aol.com

1989 Nick started training in the art of Muay Thai Boxing at the Fairtex gym in Arizona, he  trained with some of the worlds best instructors such as, Pud Pad Noy, the late Gerard Finot, Rob Kamon, Mijiro Gym Holland.  Nick only had 13 pro kickboxing fights and 54 Boxing and numerous TKD & Karate fights!.  In 1993 that  founded One Kicks Gym! His own style of fighting which is a combination of TKD, Karate, Boxing, Thai Boxing, and Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling.

Nick began promoting  the art of  Muay Thai in Las Vegas Nevada in 1994 and has promoted the sport till this day, he will help keep the sport growing as well as develop Champions and has trained over 10 world champions in all styles of fighting.  In 1995 he became the  Nevada State rep for the USMTA and has promoted only for the USMTA till this time, he sends his fighters to  Thailand to the Sasiprapa Gym in Bangkok where his fighters stay and train in the camp for several  months at a time.

Kru  Charlie Ward : Arizona State: Email: mmaprofessor@msn.com
Speedbag_05

Chief Master Instructor/Trainer and Kru, Charlie Ward is a highly respected martial artist, fighter and coach.  He has studied martial arts for 33 years, and is ranked, with teaching certifications, in multiple art forms.  Charlie specializes in Muay Thai, Boxing, and Tai'kor CQC (Close Quarter Combat).  He also has a strong background in Pankration, Tactical Grappling and Arnis/Escrima Stick Fighting.  Known as the MMA Professor, Charlie teaches accredited MMA and Muay Thai classes at Arizona State University.  Currently, his is the only program in the country where students can receive college credits for studying Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai. 

 The friends and colleagues that Charlie has trained and fought with over the years were practicing MMA before MMA was ever a technical term. He has witnessed, and been a part of, the evolution of this sport and training style since its inception.  in 2007 he became the United States Muay Thai Association, Arizona State Director.

Kru  Bob Karmel : Arizona State: Email: MasterBob1956@aol.com

Robert Karmel first began his Muay Thai training under Arjarn Surichai Sirisute, of California. he has also trained in Thailand and  became  the State Representative for PA, and began  promoting Muay Thai in 1991, before moving to AZ where he became the manager of the Famous Fairtex Muay Thai Camp. After promoting several well known International events in Philadelphia and Arizona, with  British, Dutch and American fighters. He retired in 1996 due to medical reasons.

 He has since returned to the  Promotion and training scene, and became State Representative for AZ in 1998. He continues to promote the sport, and is training Thai fighters at his camp in Tempe Arizona.

Kru  Nirmlaya Bhowmick :  California State: Email: bhomick@best.com 

email: bhowmick@mtai-iipep.com

Nirmalya began his professional circuit career in the ICKBA In 1983 traveling through India, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Myanmar, Nirmalya earned the ring name of "Wildcat" for his fierce speed and aggressive knee and elbow 'close quarter' fighting style, while establishing a record of 87 fights, 82 wins, 5 losses with 46 knock outs. Nirmalya was one of the very few who trained in the more

 military forms of combat from Muay Thai to Boar Bando, he was invited to become an instructor in the Combat and Commando Systems Divisions of the National training Camps of the ICKBA. He has Judged and Refereed over 120 fights in the ICKBA He specialized in training advanced combat and concepts to "Special Military Forces", Anti Terrorist's Team" and Special Police Forces he was also employed as a 'professional bodyguard'. One of his assignments was to the Royal Family of Nepal and the Royal A. D. C. to his Majesty the King of Nepal.  He is also a veteran of Hatha Yoga and is licensed instructor from the International Yoga Temple of Calcutta, India.

Kru David Cummings :  Florida State:  Email:  davekicks2003@yahoo.com

David began martial arts in 1972 under the instruction of Mr. Jim Butin and Tommy Williams.  David quickly moved into the karate tournament scene and won numerous state and national championships.  His amateur boxing career started at age 7 under Heath boxing club and won the Oklahoma State amateur title in the novice division.  At the age of 16 David was offered a shot at the WKA US professional title on Dale Apollo Cooks show against Kirk Stingle in which he suffered his first loss in kickboxing. Soon after he moved to Colorado Springs and trained at the Air Force Academy and 3D Boxing under Dick Wood he continued his quest to become a world champion winning his next 24

fights. David then moved to Albuquerque and was managed and trained by Mr. Bill Packer and the Bad Company team.  David won his first world title 1990 by defeating Felipe Garcia in Denver Colorado for KICK title.  David has competed in 43 countries and has won titles in the following organizations.

ISKA World Champ, IKBO World Champ, WPKL World Champ, USMTA World Champ WKA World Champ, WSBA World Champ, KICK World Champ, WKC World Champ WKBA World Champ, IMTA Continental Champ. David has a true passion for Muay Thai and hopes to continue help the sport grow throughout the world.  Dave Cummings has  been a USMTA State Representative for Florida since 2001.    Dave's motto is “Train hard and the fight is easy”

 Douglas Owens:    Hawaii State :  Email: tiger_muay_thai@hotmail.com

Doug Owens has trained in several martial arts: Isshen Ryu Karate, American Kickboxing, and Muay Thai.  Of all three Muay Thai is the sport he loves..  Doug wants to continue promoting the art of Muay Thai in Hawaii.   With the help of the Muay Thai community Doug wants to promote Muay Thai and hold proper controlled and sanctioned events.  The  Island  of Oahu is known as the gathering place, this is where Doug has envisioned gathering competitors from around the globe for Muay Thai world championship quality competitions. Doug held his the first Muay Thai Seminar in Hawaii under the  instruction of Arjarn Tong Trithara.  He plans to have more seminars to educate the competitors in Hawaii and invite those around the world.

Doug  became the USMTA Director for the State of Hawaii  in 2008  He  is a  member of the United States Muay Thai Association (USMTA).Doug trained under Kru Anthony K. Mills and Arjarn Tong Trithara.

REGIONAL  DIRECTORS:
  REGION-1
  
 
  REGION -2
  
 
  REGION-3

Kru Rick Caudle has 32 years of Martial Arts experience and has trained with several of the top instructors including: Sifu Paul Vunak, Sijo James DeMile, Sifu Kevin Seaman, Master Will Higginbotham, Guro Chuck Gauss, & Kru Muay Suwat Sidthilaw of Thailand. He has also attended seminars with: Dan Inosanto, and the  late Larry Hartsell, Francis Fong, Tim Tackett, and Chai Sirisute.

In 2006 Rick became USMTA State Director for Tennessee. In 1990, Rick had the unique experience of living and training with a native Thai instructor, Suwat Sidthilaw. Kru Sidthilaw was raised in the jungle area of Northern Thailand called Chiang Mai, where his father was the local Muay Thai champion. Often times they would challenge their neighbor and meet to fight in the dirt roads that connected their villages. This resulted in the development of a lethal style of Muay Thai that goes beyond what you see in the ring. Chosen for his experience in Traditional Muay Thai. In 2008 Kru Rick became the Regional-3 Director for the USMTA.

  REGION-4
  
  REGION-5
  
 
REGION-6
  
 
REGION-7
Doug Owens has trained in several martial arts: Isshen Ryu Karate, American Kickboxing, and Muay Thai.  Of all three Muay Thai is the sport he loves..  Doug wants to continue promoting the art of Muay Thai in Hawaii.   With the help of the Muay Thai community Doug wants to promote Muay Thai and hold proper controlled and sanctioned events.  The  Island  of Oahu is known as the gathering place, this is where Doug has envisioned gathering competitors from around the globe for Muay Thai world championship quality competitions. Doug held his the first Muay Thai Seminar in Hawaii under the  instruction of Arjarn Tong Trithara.  He plans to have more seminars to educate the competitors in Hawaii and invite those around the world.

Doug  became the USMTA Director for the State of Hawaii  in 2008  He  is a  member of the United States Muay Thai Association (USMTA).Doug trained under Kru Anthony K. Mills and Arjarn Tong Trithara.

STATE REPRESENTATIVES:
 John Harris: California State Representative:           Email:   jjharris0001@hotmail.com

Kru John Harris Was the operations manager  and Senior instructor for Institute of Professional Executive Protection based in San Jose under Kru Suuan Nirmalya Bhowmick. He was also a Corrections Officer for Bernalillo County Corrections facility. A Professional Muay Thai Fighter. Kru John became a certified  Protection Specialist for Institute of Professional Executive Protection, and also a team member for IIPEP.  Is also an

 Instructor for S.C.Q.C (Simultaneous Close Quarter Combat) and Old Style Muay Thai (Chao Cherk) or  "Military Muay Thai". Kru John has  a Military back round (Army, Armor Division) and has received The Army Achievement Medal, and  also The California Commendation Medal. Kru John Harris became a USMTA Representative for Sacramento in 2003 

Kru Paulo Tocha : Hollywood-CA Rep. : Email: tochamuaythai@aol.com   

paulo-tocha.

Paulo Tocha was given the fighting name of "Lemb", which means a thick piece of bamboo cut very sharply at an angle. It's commonly used in traps and for hunting. When a fighter receives a name, it just kind of happens, with the trainer choosing the name and it sticks to the fighter throughout his career. So, "Lemb" had a very respectable career as a fighter with many of his fights being underground matches which

   are truly brutal and separate the boys from the men. From Thailand, Paulo traveled to the People's Republic of China where he was once again the first foreigner to fight and win. The fight was an International event with many Thais, Brits and Canadians competing.   Paulo tries to encourage the proper promotion of Muay Thai in America and to eventually show the rest of the World that the United States can be a competitive force in Thai Boxing.

Kru Carlos Silva : Utah State Representative:   pending...

Carlos Silva

Carlos Silva is currently working on promoting the sport of Kickboxing and Thai Boxing in Brazil. Mr. Silva has an extensive background in Kickboxing and the martial arts. He is a 7th Dan in Full Contact Kickboxing, 4th Dan in Okinawa's Shorei Ryu Karate Do, 1st Dan in Tae Kwon Do, 1st Dan in Ninjutsu Togakure Ryu, Muay Thai Instructor, Vin Tsu Kung Fu Instructor and a Boxing Coach. Mr. Silva is also a Full Contact Kickboxing Champion and a Representative of the USMTA for the State of Utah.
Kru Paul Barry : Delaware State Representative:  blackfeathe@aol.com   
Kru Paul Barry, has been practicing martial arts for many years. he has studied  Wing Chun Aikido for three years under instructor Clarence Butcher. He also studied Dragon Kung-Fu for four  years in Wilmington, Delaware under Sensei Anthony Carter. Kru Paul Barry studied western boxing for over fifteen years, two years in Germany, seven years in  Detroit, Michigan and five  years in Philadelphia. Kru Paul Barry studied American Kickboxing. he studied eight years at Ira Kendrick's and six years training with other  martial arts. While he was in Detroit,  he studied Muay Thai with Kru Suuan Mikhal

Caldwell at the Black-feather Muay Thai Camp as well as training in other martial arts. Kru Paul Barry has recently been  practicing Muay Boran , Muay Chao Cherk. Paul became a representative for the USMTA in 2005. His addition to the team makes a great asset to Muay Thai in the State of Delaware.

Kru John Henken : Tennessee State Representative: 

 Information  pending..... 

 
Kru Kevin Lynn : Maryland State Representative: klynn@kevinlynn.com
 

 Information  pending..... 

 
Kru  Connell Kerr:        Texas State Representative: connellkerr@aol.com
Kru Connell Kerr  has been training in Martial arts since 1973 under instructors Tony Moore of England and Kenny Lundy in N. Ireland  He has also trained  under Sensei Ray Coates In Newcastle Upon Tyne 1976 earning 2nd Dan Wado Ryu. Has trained under Keji Atoka Shotokan Instructor for the Saudi National team and had first Thai fight in Saudi Arabia in 19983. He has instructed in Karate and kick boxing in Qatar. Has instructed & fought full contact Karate & Muay Thai in Scotland under guidance of Arjarn Tony Moore as  British Full Contact Open - competitor Retired due to serious head trauma sustained in training. In 1994 Set up UAE Muay Thai Association. Became a Founder
Member of World Muay Thai Council 1995 In 1999 began teaching Muay Thai in Ohio USA. Became USMTA State Director for Ohio in 2002. Became  International Representative for Norway in 2007,  Moved back to the  USA and became State Representative to  Texas, 2008.
 Naomi Owens:    Hawaii State Representative  :  Email: tiger_muay_thai@hotmail.com

Naomi Owens has trained in  Muay Thai.  Muay Thai is the sport she loves..  Like  her  husband Naomi wants to continue promoting the art of Muay Thai in Hawaii.   With the help of the Muay Thai community and her husband Doug, they both want to promote Muay Thai and hold proper controlled and sanctioned events.  The  Island  of Oahu is known as the gathering place, this is where Naomi and Doug have envisioned gathering competitors from around the globe for Muay Thai world championship quality competitions. Naomi  became the USMTA Representative for the State of Hawaii  in 2008 and  is a member of the United States Muay Thai Association (USMTA). Naomi trained under Arjarn Tong Trithara.
 
Mike  Pereira:   Colorado State Representative:  Email:

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 ...information  pending....

 

Jeff Strickland: Colorado State Representative:  Email:

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Kru Jeff Strickland

 ...information  pending....

 

 

    

              Copyright © 1998 USMTA Inc.   All rights reserved. Revised: August 17, 2008