Muay Thai Academy International

10/11/2024

Remembering on this day when you left us.But your always with us. We miss your presence everyday.

12/24/2023

Remembering Instructor Shaun Dexter Smith (Kid Lightning) on his 56th Birthday today.

We lost him 3 years ago. One of the most talented, energetic and enigmatic person that we have had the honor of knowing.

09/12/2023

We never forget. #9/11

05/18/2023

Only in our Academy this happens!! That’s why we don’t have nice things!! Seriously!

12/16/2022

12/16/2022

10/23/2022

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View Derek Robert Cleveland's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

10/17/2022

We are heartbroken to announce the untimely passing of one of our nearest and dearest, Mr. Derek Cleveland on Tuesday October 11, 2022. Mr. Cleveland was a member of the Muay Thai Academy since 1994. He was certified Senior Muay Thai Instructor and a certified Close Quarter Combat Tactics instructor. He developed numerous short courses for the advanced training program of our academy and was in the process of codeveloping many more. He also worked closely with the Akribis Group on several sensitive security related projects in the past few years as one of the Directors of Training Programs and Specialty Projects.

Mr. Derek Cleveland, a Defensive Tactics, Personal Protection, Counter-Terrorism and Close Quarter Combat specialist was a career professional who specialized in combative training. Mr. Cleveland taught Old Style Muay Thai (Muay Chao Chur), Military Style Muay Thai (Lerdrit), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Pekiti Tersia Kali along with a complete platform of unarmed combat, bladed weapons, impact weapons and fi****ms training programs for civilian, law enforcement and military personnel.

His passion for the Arts and teaching was unprecedented and his passing leaves a huge void in the world of martial arts, law enforcement, security, his Academy, Iron Lion Academy in Coeur D’Alene, our Academy in Santa Clara and the world at large. He had a heart of gold and always thought about others before he took care of himself. We will forever be indebted to his contribution and miss his endearing personality, his dry sense of humor and his familiar laughter! Mr. Cleveland's absence from this world is not replaceable. Our sincere condolences to his entire family and his extended martial arts, law enforcement and security family.

Mr. Derek Cleveland, a patriot, an operator, a teacher, a mentor, an advisor, a student and a dear
friend… may he rest in peace.

03/01/2022

Fate whispers to The Warrior - "You cannot withstand the storm!" The Warrior whispers back - "I AM THE STORM!" - Unknown

To our friends and students in Ukraine, We see you, We hear and We are praying for you. 🇺🇦

03/09/2021

We are heartbroken to announce that we have lost one of our nearest and dearest on February 19, 2021, Mr. Shaun Dexter Smith.

Rest in peace “Kid Lighting”.