Coaches and Team - Bangtao Muay Thai and MMA, Thailand

MEET THE BANGTAO coaches and TEAM

HEAD COACHES

Andrew Wood

Head S&C Coach

Andrew Wood

Head S&C Coach

Better known as Woody throughout the industry, Woody has worked within fitness for over a decade and is proud to be considered a high level strength and conditioning coach having trained elite athletes around the globe. He has been fortunate to work with elite level athletes in their respected fields; many of these winning significant competitions and highly acclaimed medals. He has developed leading combat sports training programs, which have been utilised by some of the world’s elite fighters from the world’s best organisations. Including UFC Champions Alex Volkanovski and Petr Yan, PFL Champion Brendan Loughnane and MMA Standout fighters – Brad Riddell, Rafael Fiziev, Darren Till, Mohammed Mokaev, and Loma Lookboonme. He was recently nominated for ‘Trainer of the Year’ in the Fighters Only – World MMA Awards. He appeared on The Ultimate Fighter Season 29 TV show as the S&C Coach for Team Volkanovski – Aired on ESPN and UFC Fight Pass. He also accompanied the Azerbaijan Olympic Wrestling Squad in Rio, helping to coach them through their final preparations for the 2016 Games. He also appeared as a guest Coach on Malaysian’s TV series ‘Malaysian Invasion’ aired on STAR SPORTS ASIA in both 2014 and 2015. Currently based at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, Phuket, Thailand as the Head Of S&C personally coaching some of the world’s best fighters that are based in Thailand and pass through for fight camps.

Alex Schild

Head BJJ Coach

Alex Schild

Head BJJ Coach

Alex is a jiu jitsu blackbelt under world champion Josh Hinger. Alex has been living, fighting, and coaching in Phuket for the last 10 years. During this time he has spent an extensive amount of time developing and teaching a fundamentals BJJ program for beginners. He has also worked with some of the highest level fighters from all over the world including Petr Yan and Valentina Schevchenko. Alex has fought and competed in jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA. In addition to coaching and fighting, he also owns and operates one of the largest jiu jitsu tournaments in Thailand and SE Asia; Siam Sub Series.

George Hickman

Head MMA Coach

George Hickman

Head MMA Coach

George started his combat sports journey at the age of 5 in his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. He had a decorated high school wrestling career becoming a 3x State Champion. After high school, he went on to wrestle Division 1 at Bloomsburg University where he was a nationally ranked wrestler. He later made the transition to MMA and has fought all over the world competing against some of the best fighters in the world. George retired from MMA to pursue a career in coaching. George has been living in Phuket for over 7 years and was formerly the Head MMA coach at the famed Tiger Muay Thai where he built the team from fighting on local shows to fighting in the biggest organizations in the world including the UFC, Bellator, Rizin and One Championship. George has worked directly with some of the best fighters in the world; Alex Volkanovski, Petr Yan, Brad Riddell, Loma Lookboonmee, and Tai Tuviasa, just to name a few.

Frank Hickman

Head Wrestling Coach

Frank Hickman

Head Wrestling Coach

Alongside his brother, Frank also began his wrestling journey at age 5. Following in his brother’s footsteps, he also had a decorated high school wrestling career and went on to wrestle at the collegiate level at Bloomsburg University. While there, he was a 3x Division 1 National Qualifier and ranked in the top 10, and a Freestyle wrestling All-American. After he graduated, he went on to coach wrestling at Appalachian State University. It was then that his older brother George convinced him to move to Thailand to coach alongside him at Tiger Muay Thai. There the Hickman Brothers help build the wrestling and MMA program into one of the best in the world. Frank has also played a key role in coaching the top fighters in the world, including UFC Champions Israel Adesanya and Alex Volkanovski.

FITNESS COACHES

Peter Forneck

Kettlebell Coach

Anwar

Mobility Coach

Anwar

Mobility Coach

Anwar is a dedicated and dynamic fitness coach and trainer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. His expertise lies in training high-profile athletes to achieve elite performance levels. With a relentless commitment to continuous learning, he has studied under renowned coaches and performance specialists worldwide, incorporating their cutting-edge techniques into his training programs. He has a strong emphasis on injury prevention and rehabilitation, seamlessly integrating manual therapy with movement to ensure clients not only reach their performance goals but also maintain optimal physical well-being. By combining his extensive knowledge of biomechanics and sports-specific training with a deep understanding of manual therapy techniques, he provides a comprehensive approach that enhances performance, prevents injuries, and expedites the rehabilitation process, allowing athletes to perform at their best, on and off the field.

Tiwa

Yoga Coach

Yoga instructor Bangtao Muay Thai and MMA Phuket Thailand

Tiwa

Yoga Coach

Tiwa’s journey in yoga began eight years as a hobby, starting with Acroyoga. However, in 2022, she became a certified yoga instructor through a 200-hour training program accredited by Yoga Alliance at Ananda Yoga Detox Center in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Tiwa’s preferred yoga styles include Vinyasa and Ashtanga, and she excels in various challenging poses. She has established her own venture, “TheLittleYogaMonkey,” on Instagram, where she offers small group classes. Tiwa’s teachings aim to enhance flexibility, strengthen muscles, and improve posture. Through deep breathing and mindful practice, yoga reduces stress and promotes relaxation, leaving you feeling centered, rejuvenated, and calm. Tiwa’s aspires to embrace the path of yoga, meditation, and self-growth, using yoga as a means of self-development. Her mission is to promote peace, health, and joy, all of which can be attained through the practice of yoga

MUAY THAI COACHES

Ajarn Wat

Muay Thai Coach

Ajarn Wat

Muay Thai Coach

World Class Muay Thai coach Ajarn Wat has knowledge and experience spanning over decades of the sport. With a deep understanding of traditional techniques, he has guided several top fighters to world titles such as Savvas Michael (former WBC Muay Thai World Lightweight Champion)

Sam-A

Muay Thai Coach

Sam-A

Muay Thai Coach

Legendary Muay Thai fighter Sam A is known for his lightning-speed kicks and extensive achievements in the sport. Sam A's experience in the ring makes him an exceptional coach, providing invaluable insights to his students. His former titles include: ONE Flyweight and Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion, ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion, WBC Muaythai International Super Featherweight Champion Plus several more Lumpinee Stadium, PAT, Toyota Marathon, and Sports Authority of Thailand titles.

Lerdsila

Muay Thai Coach

Lerdsila

Muay Thai Coach

Lerdsila, aka The Eel on a Skateboard, earned his nickname from his mastery of speed and evasion. Often having to face larger opponents, he has battle tested his techniques in distance management and defensive evasion over the years. His resume includes: Multiple-time Muay Thai World champion in the WMC, WBC, WLF, WPMF, and WCK. Three-time Rajadamnern Stadium champion across three weight classes.