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Coach Dave is fantastic! Our son is more disciplined, stronger, and much more confident. He's learned a lot and looks forward to every class. I can't recommend NAK enough.
Bottom Line: Try the free trial, which is a great deal. Coach Dave is a great instructor; he leaves it all out there for us in class. It's then up to us to master it and he's there for us.
I am an adult student of Muay Thai with Coach Dave. I am a woman. I started with him late last year. I wanted to increase my sense of strength and vitality (okay, so, I also love punching and kicking). I've done some kickboxing. Having lived in Thailand for a few years, I was super excited to see that Murfreesboro now has a Muay Thai studio.
When I originally signed up for the free trial, Coach Dave responded right away and we had an opportunity to chat. I was right away impressed with his knowledge of Muay Thai, Thailand, and the Thai culture. We have since continued sharing stories about Thailand.
Coach Dave is trained in Muay Thai by one of the Golden Age Muay Thai fighters. Coach Dave fought professionally. He holds a blackbelt in Karate. He's traveled the world extensively. He also knows a lot of stuff! Just try him!
He is a patient, attentive instructor. It is clear to me that he loves to teach. He gives me confidence that I have the potential to do more, kick higher, strike harder. He's watchful of my energy level, balance, and technique and gives me constructive in-the-moment feedback (not negative criticism).
I am typically in a full body sweat by the time I have completed a full hour class. I go to class 3 times/week. The only limit is me. I could go 6 times if I could hack it! Working on that. I love the smell of cortisol on the floor when I'm done (did you know you can actually sweat out cortisol - I only recently discovered this - so many things in life that have taken far too long to learn!)
I get to spar with my classmates who are a good bunch of lads and also learn good Muay Thai sportsmanship in the process.
I'd love to see more women in class. When I started, there were two other women in my class who kicked super hard, like horses!
I'm in town visiting my dad and dropped in for a class. I'm 39 and have been training Muay Thai in Indianapolis for 2 months. I reached out online to check in about classes and Dave got back to me right away. The class went so well I'm hoping to go back tomorrow. I loved the structure of his class and some of the details and tips in his class may be overlooked but when you've trained elsewhere, you realize how many golden teaching nuggets he's dropping. We had a first day student in class and Dave was very attentive with him. He also did a great job giving me tips throughout, which I REALLY respected, because he knows I won't be an ongoing student. The space is small and the school is pretty new. I hope Murfreesboro stands up and supports Dave and his school. In talking with him, he's run other schools for about 20 years so don't feel like just because the school is new there will be kinks in the process so an inexperienced instructor. Every time I come back, I'll be dropping in at Nak.
Coach Dave has been amazing with working with our two boys. Not only are they learning self defense but he has been spending extra time helping them focus and being more responsible at home. We have tried other martial arts programs around town. We’ve found them to be very repetitive and boring. Every time we attend a class at NAK they are learning a new skill and working on improving beyond there age level. Thanks Dave for the extra time and skill you are passing to our community!
If you’re on the fence, come give it a try. I’m a member of the adult class and joining is one of the better choices I’ve made in years. I’m a total newcomer to martial arts. I began in arguably the worst shape of my life — and I’m hooked. Coach Dave is awesome. He’s been a great steward of both his gym and the sport. I’ve never felt as though he’s taking it too easy on me nor have I felt pushed too far. My goals are lofty but I feel they’re well within reach with coach Dave at NAK. Don’t talk yourself out of it. See you there!
What makes this gym different from other gyms is that coach David has an individual plan for each of his students. From self confidence or discipline issues, he holds everyone accountable. Every week each student has something they need to work on. It's not just moves they are learning but life skills too!
Absolutely love NAK. My little has been going there for a year and has developed SO many wonderful qualities from Coach Dave's training. He's more independent and confident, listens better, and I feel like he can better handle himself should he ever be in a situation where he needs to protect himself or someone else. 5 stars isn't enough !
If I could give NAK more stars i would! They deserve it. We have been with them since September 2023 and we have loved it ever since. I've seen my kids grow in such a great way, not just knowing how to defend themselves, but in their confidence, strength,abilities, determination and just how they tell me " dad, I'm so proud of myself" coach Dave is such a great instructor and a friend. Love how he teaches them to be better at everything and always reminds them to never give up and they can do anything they set their minds to. I've seen the growth that both my kids have made since they started and it's so awesome
Absolutely love NAK. My little has been going there for a year and has developed SO many wonderful qualities from Coach Dave's training. He's more independent and confident, listens better, and I feel like he can better handle himself should he ever be in a situation where he needs to protect himself or someone else. 5 stars isn't enough !
Martial arts training isn’t just about learning kicks and punches—it’s about shaping young minds and bodies for a lifetime of success. With over 5.5 million children enrolled in martial arts programs worldwide—and growing by 15% each year—it’s clear that parents are seeing the powerful benefits that come from this type of training. At NAK Martial […]
At NAK Martial Arts, we do things differently. We don’t believe in outdated forms, rigid traditions, or one-size-fits-all self-defense classes. Instead, we take a battle-tested approach to training—rooted in Muay Thai, forged in real-world application, and backed by expert-driven child development strategies. We’re not just teaching kids and adults how to throw punches and kicks. […]
Imagine this: a young girl at the dining table, her homework spread out. She’s easily distracted by the chirping birds outside, the ticking clock, or even the aroma of freshly baked cookies. It’s not uncommon. A tip for parents? Create a ‘focus zone’ at home. This is a special area, devoid of distractions, where your […]
As the new school year approaches, give your child the tools for success with martial arts! Martial arts builds confidence, enhances focus and discipline, promotes healthy social skills, and instills resilience—everything your child needs to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Plus, it keeps them physically active and stress-free. Set your child up for a strong start this school year with the power of martial arts!
The “Summer Brain Drain” poses a threat to children’s intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development during the summer break. Martial arts programs offer structured activities that combat this decline by promoting physical activity, cognitive stimulation, emotional growth, and social interaction. Engaging in martial arts over the summer can mitigate the negative effects of the brain drain, fostering holistic development and setting children up for success in the new school year.
Seven to nine-year-olds are what most people consider “the golden age.” They are proficient in their vocabulary and problem-solving skills, yet they are not at the age where they want complete independence from adults. This makes the teacher-student relationship stronger than ever.
At NAK Martial Arts, we believe in the power of commitment, not just for our young martial artists, but for their parents too. Children don’t quit martial arts, parents do. Your dedication shapes their journey toward discipline, confidence, and success. Over the 35 years I have been teaching martial arts I get tons of adults […]
Introducing the Internationally Acclaimed Youth Muay Thai Program! Ten to fourteen-year-olds are the smartest students in the school. Yes, they are smarter than most adults! They are also physically competent and can excel in most physical challenges that are presented to them. The problem we discovered is they are so focused on what is socially […]
In the dynamic world of martial arts, Muay Thai emerges as a superior choice for kids, surpassing the traditional appeal of Karate. Here’s why Muay Thai takes the lead in shaping young warriors: In conclusion, Muay Thai emerges as a holistic and practical martial arts over karate for kids, providing not only […]
Murfreesboro Parents, are you gearing up for a thrilling round of trick-or-treating with your little goblins this year? Before you embark on your Halloween adventure, let’s make sure you’re armed with the best Halloween safety tips to ensure a safe and joyous holiday. More Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips from safekids.org
Summertime is coming to an end, and with that comes all of the back-to-school anxiety and jitters that are common among children. Your child may experience common physical effects of anxiety associated with back-to-school time including symptoms from stomachaches to sleeping problems. They will also experience emotional stress from the fear of making new friends, […]
Unlock your child’s potential with age-appropriate kids martial arts training. Discover the revolutionary Muay Thai KIDZ program, tailored to specific age groups. Engaging curriculum, active learning, and game-based drills stimulate growth and skill acquisition. Empower your child with self-defense skills while promoting discipline, focus, and confidence. Enroll in NAK Martial Arts today and unlock their true potential!
A mom is trying to work from home while her son is spinning in circles, full of endless energy. Instead of letting frustration creep in, she gives him a mission – to become the best ‘Indoor Explorer.’ His task is to go on a scavenger hunt, and find five objects in the house that start […]
Why Muay Thai is the Best Martial Art for your kids When it comes to choosing a martial art for your child, the options can be overwhelming. Two popular choices are Muay Thai and Karate (and similar arts like TKD, Kempo, etc), which offer unique approaches to self-defense and personal development. However, Muay […]
Have you ever wondered how martial arts can positively impact your child’s physical and mental development? Look no further than Muay Thai, a dynamic combat sport originating from Thailand. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous advantages of Muay Thai training for kids, highlighting its ability to foster both physical and mental growth. […]
IF YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED?! It’s important to take action to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some steps you can take to help your child deal with bullying: Listen to your child: Encourage your child to talk about what’s happening and listen carefully to their concerns. Let them know that you take […]
Obviously learning how to protect yourself, makes you surer of yourself and makes you not worried that what you say to someone might get you punched in your face; because you know you can handle it. But more importantly, from the first day of lessons, when kids come into a martial art school they’re developing […]
We know that when you are looking for a martial arts school for you or your child, it can be confusing: karate, TKD, BJJ, judo, or kung-fu. Which style to choose? May I suggest Muay Thai. The reason you or your child should be training Muay Thai instead of karate is for many reasons. […]
Based on all of over a 2 decades working with a child development specialist. I was taught that children show developmental milestones based on specific age groups. For Martial arts ages, especially Muay Thai, I Believe the best age groups are: 4 to 6 7 to 9,10 to 14.15-17This was unheard of (And still unfortunately today) […]
Bullying is a significant concern for many parents and educators. It can have long-lasting effects on a child’s self-esteem, mental health, and overall well-being. Martial arts can be a powerful tool in combating bullying, providing children with the skills and confidence they need to handle difficult situations effectively. Here’s how martial arts helps address the […]
Children derive immense joy from engaging in repetitive activities, finding great value in the process. Repetition aids their cognitive development by enhancing their ability to anticipate upcoming events. It also builds a foundation for embracing novelty without feeling overwhelmed. This is why I train NAK Coaches to follow a consistent format when running drills – […]