08/05/2026
🥊 Meet our Muay Thai Coach, Thomas “Tex” Grissom!
His journey began with martial arts at just 6 years old with Taekwondo. Within a few years, he had earned his Junior Black Belt and was already drawn to the deeper discipline and challenge martial arts offered. Inspired by the UFC, he began exploring other fighting styles and eventually trained under respected coaches like Juan Martinez (jiu-jitsu/judo) and the late Leon Aragon, who coached numerous professional fighters including Paul Buentello.
Before launching his professional career, Tex competed in sanda, kickboxing, grappling, as well as smokers, in preparation for the cage. His professional MMA journey began at just 20 years old. He earned a “Submission of the Night” in his debut fight. He went on to compete in ten fights, finishing with a 7–3 record. At the height of his momentum, he was being groomed for the UFC. But after a series of injuries and five surgeries, his fighting career was halted. Doctors told him he’d never fight or even train again. Still, despite the odds, he eventually found his way back to the sport that had shaped his identity.
In 2017, after a long hiatus, he re-entered the world of martial arts in Lubbock, TX, training under Coach Anselmo Martinez. He soon found himself teaching, mentoring fighters, and even competing again in grappling and kickboxing matches.
Tex credits his growth not only to victories but especially to his losses calling them his most valuable fights.
Now living in Guyton, GA Tex serves as a firefighter for Effingham County Fire Rescue and coaches Muay Thai at Pooler Karate. For him, martial arts isn’t just a sport it’s a lifelong path that has shaped his character, his resilience, and his purpose.
Disciplines Tex has trained: Taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, boxing, judo, Muay Thai, wrestling, and kickboxing.
Come train with Coach Tex and experience the art of Muay Thai!