In the early 1990s, Muay Thai was still relatively unknown in the United States. My introduction to this art began in Dallas, Texas, through an unexpected invitation from Steve Sosa, owner of Texas Martial Arts Supply. Steve frequently encouraged me and my training partner, Eddie Wilkerson, to explore Muay Thai, emphasizing its effectiveness compared to other martial arts. At the time, Eddie and I were seasoned American kickboxers, accustomed to delivering kicks above the waist. Intrigued yet skeptical, we finally accepted Steve’s invitation to attend a smoker—an informal fight event—hosted by his son, Kru John Sosa, in his backyard camp in South Oak Cliff.
John’s setup was impressive: a pavilion with seating and a ring, creating an authentic atmosphere for our first Muay Thai experience. Given our lack of experience with Muay Thai’s distinctive techniques, John modified the rules for our matches, excluding elbows and knees but incorporating leg kicks—a stark contrast to our traditional American kickboxing bouts.
Eddie was up first, facing a tall, lanky opponent. Despite nearly knocking him out in the first round, Eddie was taken aback by the relentless leg kicks. Between rounds, he confided in me, expressing uncertainty about enduring more leg kicks and signaling me to throw in the towel if necessary. Fortunately, Eddie persevered and completed the fight.
Next, I faced a shorter, stockier fighter. Relying on my signature side and turn kicks, I knocked him down three times in the first round. To my astonishment, he rose each time, undeterred, and continued to target my legs with powerful kicks. Midway through the third round, a well-placed cut kick to my thigh left me unable to continue. The following morning, Eddie and I discovered our legs bruised black and blue—a testament to the effectiveness of Muay Thai’s leg strikes. Despite the physical toll, we were eager to train under John Sosa, determined to master the art that had so profoundly challenged us.
Unfortunately, our training with John was short-lived due to unforeseen circumstances. However, upon relocating to Oklahoma a few years later, I connected with Ajarn Michael Parker through mutual friends.

Oklahoma: The Journey Continues
When I moved to Oklahoma, my Muay Thai journey continued under Ajarn Michael Parker, a dedicated student of Ajarn Chai Sirisute. Ajarn Parker met Ajarn Chai while training at Sifu Terry Gibson’s school, where he spent significant time learning directly from him. His dedication to Muay Thai and his connection to Ajarn Chai were evident in every aspect of his teaching.
For three years, I trained with Ajarn Parker every Wednesday night at a local Kung Fu school near my house. He brought the authentic techniques and principles of Ajarn Chai’s Muay Thai to every session, helping me deepen my understanding of the art.
When the Kung Fu school relocated and Ajarn Parker could no longer teach there, I invited him to teach at my school. He graciously accepted and continued to share his knowledge and passion for Muay Thai with my students and me for several years.
Ajarn Parker’s direct lineage to Ajarn Chai, his dedication to the art, and his willingness to share that knowledge with others have left a lasting impression on me and on the Muay Thai community in Oklahoma.

Ajarn Chai: A Pioneer and a Legend
Born on October 16, 1948, in Bangkok, Thailand, Ajarn Chai Sirisute began his Muay Thai training at the age of four. By the age of twelve, he had earned a black belt in Shorin-ryu karate and commenced his professional Muay Thai fighting career. In 1968, Ajarn Chai moved to the United States and became the first to actively teach Muay Thai in the country. He founded the Thai Boxing Association of the USA (TBA-USA), which now has affiliates in over 18 countries, spreading the art of Muay Thai worldwide.
Ajarn Chai has held annual seminars in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for over 30 years. Initially hosted by Sifu Terry Gibson, the seminars are now carried on by Ajarn Brandon Bennett at Relentless Martial Arts, ensuring that Ajarn Chai’s teachings continue to thrive in the region.
My first encounter with Ajarn Chai was in the mid-2000s at a seminar in Tulsa. The seminar was grueling, but I was enthralled by Ajarn Chai’s passion for Muay Thai, his dedication to perfection, and his infectious humor. That day, I gained not only a deeper respect for the art but also for the man himself.

The Teacher and the Human Being
As remarkable a martial artist as Ajarn Chai is, he is equally extraordinary as a human being. He has an undeniable love for people, especially children. After seminars, when we’d go out to dinner, he would always have some kind of puzzle or magic trick to show the kids, capturing their attention and lighting up their faces with wonder.
Ajarn Chai also has a mischievous side that never fails to bring laughter. He loved to trick people into eating hot peppers, just to get their reactions. Sometimes, if someone left the table during dinner, he’d rub a little hot pepper on their food and sit back, waiting for them to return. Watching their faces light up with surprise and fire was one of the funniest things! Those were some of the most entertaining times, and they showed how much he enjoyed connecting with others through humor and playfulness.

A Legacy of Gratitude
At Pride Mixed Martial Arts, we are deeply thankful for Ajarn Chai’s continued dedication, support, and guidance. His teachings have shaped not only my own Muay Thai journey but also the paths of countless others who have trained under him or his lineage.
Several of my students have become certified instructors under Ajarn Chai, and as I write this article, two of my students are currently in Thailand, training directly with Ajarn Chai himself. This is a full-circle moment and a testament to the enduring legacy of his teachings.
Ajarn Chai’s legacy is one of passion, perseverance, kindness, and generosity. Through his work, Muay Thai has grown from an obscure art in the United States to a globally respected discipline. For me, and for everyone at Pride, his influence is a reminder of the importance of honoring our roots while striving for excellence.
Stay tuned for future installments of the Know Your Roots series, where we’ll explore the impact of figures like Sifu Terry Gibson, Ajarn Michael Parker, and others who have shaped the martial arts landscape.
Check out Our Roots Part One: HERE