Ron Smith Muay Thai Academy Introduce
Welcome to Ron Smith Muay Thai Academy, a unique martial arts gym located in St. Louis, Missouri. We are not a place for "fancy" amenities or competitive pressure; instead, we are a genuine community built on the principles of learning, personal growth, and mutual respect. At our core, we believe that the art of Muay Thai is for everyone, regardless of their background or experience. We have cultivated an environment that is supportive, welcoming, and focused on helping each student reach their full potential. Here, you will find a place where you can not only learn a powerful martial art but also make lasting friendships and become part of a close-knit family.
The foundation of our academy is our head instructor, Ron Smith, who is praised by members as a "true master of his craft and even better human." Ron's teaching philosophy is what truly sets us apart. He is committed to meeting you "where you're at" and building your skills from the ground up. This approach is perfect for beginners who might feel a little reluctant to try a combat sport, as one long-term member shared. They appreciated that Ron made everyone feel valued, and the training environment was always safe and encouraging. For example, sparring is optional and never forced, and when it is done, it's approached as a learning experience rather than a fight, with a focus on technique and control. This supportive and non-intimidating atmosphere is what has helped so many of our students feel at home and stay committed to their training for years.
Our community is the heart of our gym. We have a wonderful group of members who are friendly and supportive, and training partners are a key part of our classes. As a member shared, they "became really great friends with people from there," and they loved how they would pair up with others for training. Ron's ability to utilize the skills of more experienced students to help new ones reinforces this sense of community and ensures everyone feels valued. We are truly a "home away from home" for many in the St. Louis area, and we are proud to offer a high-quality, authentic training experience without the pressure or rigid structure of a corporate gym.
Ron Smith Muay Thai Academy is located at 8416 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA. Our convenient location on Olive Boulevard makes us easily accessible to residents in St. Louis and the surrounding areas. We believe that a great training experience starts with accessibility, and our facility features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This ensures that everyone in our community has the opportunity to experience the benefits of martial arts training. Our commitment to a straightforward and simple experience is reflected in our no-frills, purpose-built facility. We focus on what truly matters: quality instruction and a supportive training environment.
Our gym is dedicated to teaching the art of Muay Thai, also known as the "art of eight limbs," which utilizes fists, feet, elbows, and knees. Our services are focused on providing a comprehensive and authentic learning experience for all levels.
Services Offered:
Muay Thai Instruction: Led by the highly knowledgeable Mr. Ron Smith, our classes teach the fundamentals and advanced techniques of Muay Thai. From proper stance and footwork to powerful strikes, we focus on helping you understand not just the 'how' but also the 'why' behind each movement.
Training for All Levels: We are a "come as you are" gym. Whether you have never put on a glove before or are an experienced martial artist, Ron meets you at your level and helps you build up your skills progressively. There is no pressure to spar until you are ready, and even then, it is done in a controlled and safe manner.
Community-Based Training: Our classes often involve partner work, where you team up with a fellow student to practice drills and techniques. This method fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and provides an opportunity for members to learn from each other.
Focused on Fundamentals: We pride ourselves on building a strong foundation. Our instruction ensures that every student masters the basics before moving on to more complex techniques, which is key to long-term success and injury prevention.
Ron Smith Muay Thai Academy offers several key features that make it a standout choice for those seeking a martial arts gym in St. Louis.
Features and Highlights:
Masterful Instruction: The primary highlight is our lead instructor, Ron Smith, who is widely regarded as a superb teacher. His ability to break down complex techniques and his genuine care for his students are what make the training experience so effective and enjoyable.
Supportive and Safe Environment: Our gym prioritizes safety and respect. The culture is one of collaboration, not competition, making it an ideal place for individuals who might be new to combat sports.
Flexible and Affordable: As a member noted, our training is "super affordable" with no long-term contracts. Membership is required, but there are no automatic payments taken out of your bank account, giving you financial flexibility and peace of mind. Memberships are priced around $70 a month, which is very reasonable for the quality of training provided.
Strong Community: The camaraderie among members is a huge benefit. Our gym is a place to make genuine friends and find a supportive network that will encourage you to show up and give your best.
Restroom Facilities: We provide clean restroom facilities for the convenience of our members.
For more information or to inquire about joining our community, please contact us.
Address: 8416 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
Phone: (314) 889-1444 (NOTE: This phone number is for the previous listed business Dunham. There is no phone number associated to Ron Smith's Muay Thai listed anywhere online.)
What is Worth Choosing?
In a fitness landscape filled with impersonal gyms and rigid contracts, Ron Smith Muay Thai Academy offers a refreshing and valuable alternative that is truly worth choosing. Our value lies in the authenticity of our instruction, the affordability of our membership, and the genuine warmth of our community. For those in the St. Louis area looking to learn a martial art, get in shape, and become part of a welcoming family, this is the place for you. We are the perfect fit for "dedicated students who want to learn not only 'how' but also 'why'." The fact that Ron meets every student at their individual level and builds them up with personalized attention is a rare and invaluable asset.
Our commitment to affordability and no long-term contracts removes the financial pressure that often comes with gym memberships. This allows you to focus on your training and personal growth without feeling tied down. The genuine friendships formed here and the supportive nature of both Ron and the members create a "home away from home" where you can feel confident and motivated. If you are a St. Louis resident who wants to get a great workout, learn a respected martial art, and join a community that truly cares about your success, Ron Smith Muay Thai Academy is an excellent choice.
Ron Smith Muay Thai Academy Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Amenities
- Restroom
Planning
- Membership required
Payments
- Credit cards
Ron Smith Muay Thai Academy Photos

Ron Smith Muay Thai Academy Location
Ron Smith Muay Thai Academy
8416 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
Ron Smith Muay Thai Academy Reviews
craft
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Unfortunately, life got too busy for me to make that commute anymore. One of my best friends was a fighter and kept trying to get me to go. I was a little reluctant to go at first because I had no boxing or kickboxing experience and I didn’t want to embarrass myself. I finally agreed to check it out and 5 years later I was still training. Ron is a true master of his craft and even better human. He meets you where you’re at and sparring wasn’t even an option until my skillset was decent enough. Even then, it was optional and not forced. What I loved about his idea of sparring was how it wasn’t a fight. We would start off only going 50%. After that, we could speed it up a little, but he was quick to interrupt if we needed to slow it down. I really enjoyed the wonderful community from everyone there as well. I became really great friends with people from there. I also really enjoyed how you would pair up with someone for training. On a couple of occasions, Ron utilized my skills as a teacher to work with someone who was brand new and needed to start from the basics. He made everyone feel valued there. It was a home away from home for sure. Most importantly, it was super affordable and there were no contracts that you were committed to. No automatic payments taken out of your bank account.
December 27 · Matthew MuellerIf you're looking for fancy, this is not your place. This place is for dedicated students who want to learn not only 'how' but also 'why'. The lead instructor, Mr. Smith, is superb at his craft, but most importantly, he knows to teach! He meets you at your level and builds you up. Grateful to have found this academy.
September 13 · Thomas Begush-CookSifu Smith is the truth. Where can you get teaching here in the states from a master who was taught by Muay Thai masters from Thailand. He pushes you and give you sound spiritual and physical teaching of the art. LOVE IT.
February 29 · Innovative TransportI trained here years ago and about to go back. Mr Smith is an amazing guy. Very good approach at their training. No nonsense approach
June 19 · Freedom1One of the best and humble instructors I've ever had.
December 25 · Stacy Baker
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