Our Team

Always active and adventurous, Johan’s trajectory towards physical, mental, and spiritual development was inevitable – and his journey started with Muay Thai. Within nine years of practice, Johan had trained in Thailand, competed internationally, fought 36 times (earning a few titles along the way), and began teaching – before succumbing to a number of injuries.

“This is where I learned the importance of a proper training program. My injuries not only left me unable to compete, I was truly afraid for my ability to lead an active, happy life,” says Johan. This is where he turned to yoga and found his next passion.

Johan’s local yoga practice inspired his travel to India for more intensive study. With his injuries behind him, a new fire was lit, and he pursued further study in India in Ashtanga and Prana Vashya yoga, along with an intensive back-bending program.

During his full-on dive into all things yoga, Johan also learned the art of boxing. “Not only did yoga help me be physically, mentally and spiritually able to compete again, I surpassed my previous fitness level,” he says.

Although he is no longer competing, Johan still enjoys practicing yoga and Muay Thai and, most of all, sharing all of the things he has learned to stay sharp.

Growing up, Brett was always active in competitive sports at a high level. But, after a decade of working behind a desk and starting a family, his fitness had declined.

Looking for a way to get back into shape and learn something new, Brett tried kickboxing and immediately fell in love with the sport. Soon after, Brett joined Exceed Muay Thai as one of the club’s founding members.

Brett’s dedication and passion for Muay Thai helped him progress quickly, including some successful amateur fights. He looks forward to future fights to build on his experience.

Brett’s favorite thing about Muay Thai is its deep-rooted tradition and culture of respect that’s unique and refreshing in the world of combat sports. Today, while Brett continues his practice, his focus is on fostering the collective success of the gym and supporting its amazing students!

Kayla was always very active from a young age. Her passion for competitive sport led her to play NCAA
Division I hockey at the University of Maine for 4 years while completing her degree in biochemistry.
Following university, she spent years trying to heal and recover from the injuries and health challenges
sustained during hockey before deciding to start a family.

After having two children in two years, Kayla knew that she needed to find a way to reclaim her body
and sense of self and decided to try Muay Thai. During this year, she not only found an intense passion
for Muay Thai, but also discovered a love for the physical, mental, and spiritual balance that practicing
yoga has taught her. Her health and fitness has never been better!

Exactly one year after joining the Exceed team, Kayla stepped into the ring and won her first amateur
fight. She is continuing to train hard in both yoga and Muay Thai and is excited for the opportunity
to compete again and to teach others what she has learned!

Mariela is known for always pushing herself and taking up challenges. In her pursuit to become the best version of herself, Mariela focuses on continually evolving and learning new things in the world, while maintaining her individuality and compassion. Practicing Muay Thai, she has gained greater confidence and become much stronger physically and mentally.

A major goal of Mariela’s is to help others. With this conviction in mind, she excels in her Muay Thai practice to help her grow individually, and develop her skills as a coach.

Ali was always a naturally active and happy kid – that is, until the COVID-19 pandemic hit. During that difficult period, Ali was unable to be social or active and his mental and physical health was significantly impacted. After the pandemic, Ali found it difficult to socialize at school. He experienced relentless bullying and developed insecurities around the extra weight he had gained during lockdown.

Ali then decided to be proactive about his situation and started to look for a positive environment to regain his health. His mother, who had practiced Dutch-style kickboxing, encouraged him to do something similar. After looking into Muay Thai, Ali knew he found the sport for him.

Ali found Exceed Muay Thai with a Google search and booked his free trial class. He was hooked from the first class and has since competed in local tournaments and his first amateur fight. Most important Ali, has found his health and confidence again. As an assistant coach, he is excited to help other kids build their strength and confidence as well.