Authentic Muay Thai in San Antonio | Built on Legacy, Faith & Purpose
In 2016, Charles and Daisy Johnson—husband and wife, parents, and professional fighters—made a life-changing decision. With three children, limited resources, and a shared vision burning in their hearts, they left behind everything familiar and moved their entire family to Thailand.
This wasn’t a vacation or a sabbatical—it was a commitment. A decision to train, live, and grow in the birthplace of Muay Thai. They immersed themselves fully: training in authentic Thai camps, waking up before sunrise to run, learning the language, embracing the culture, and understanding Muay Thai not just as a sport—but as a way of life.
For years, they poured themselves into the art—competing, coaching, and building relationships across Thailand. But even in the midst of their own transformation, they carried something even greater: a vision to one day bring this knowledge, this discipline, and this spirit back home to the United States.
More Than a Gym. A Sanctuary. A Movement.
That vision became Kingdom Martial Arts Academy (KMA)—founded in 2020 upon their return to San Antonio, Texas.
In March 2020, Kingdom Martial Arts Academy opened its doors in San Antonio. But just four days later, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a mandatory shutdown.
Most would have seen that as a sign to quit. But the Johnsons knew the Kingdom was bigger than timing. They leaned into their faith and relied on perseverance to carry the vision forward.
With the academy closed to the public, they turned their home into a training camp. That’s when their sons, Tito and Marcus, began their own martial arts journeys. Tito began training with more seriousness, sharpening his mindset and skillset. Marcus, who had never trained before, quietly committed to the process that would change his life – forever!
Those hidden months became the foundation of everything KMA would later stand for: discipline, family, faith, and transformation.
Passing the Torch – From Student to Owner
One powerful story to emerge from the Kingdom is that of Marcus Garza—the son of Charles and Daisy, and now the Owner of Kingdom Martial Arts Academy.
In 2025, when Charles and Daisy returned to Thailand to support Tito’s international fighting career and continue growing the brand globally, they entrusted Marcus with the future of the Kingdom.
Now, as full Owner and Leader of KMA, Marcus carries the torch forward—training the next generation of Nak Muays holding the standard of authentic Muay Thai, and helping every student discover that the real fight is the one within.
Marcus is living proof that the Kingdom is not inherited—it’s built. And now, he leads others to build their own.
Tito Johnson – Living the Dream
At just 14 years old, Tito Johnson is already a professional Muay Thai fighter living and training in Thailand. Sponsored by the prestigious Petchyindee Academy, Tito’s journey reflects the values of Kingdom Martial Arts Academy—discipline, belief, and purpose.
His rise on the international stage is proof that when the right training and mindset come together, the Kingdom truly is within.
What We Stand For
Our Mission: Real Muay Thai. Real Results. Real Community.
At KMA, we teach authentic Muay Thai—the way it was taught to us!
We serve:
- Beginners looking to get in shape or build confidence
- Kids and teens who need structure, discipline, and focus
- Women learning self-defense in a safe, empowering environment
- Fighters preparing for the ring
We are not a commercial gym. We are a sanctuary for growth. A place where people come to strengthen the body, sharpen the mind, and awaken the spirit.
Because here at Kingdom Martial Arts Academy, we believe: “The Kingdom is Within.”
Our Promise to You
At Kingdom Martial Arts Academy (KMA), we believe that true strength doesn’t just come from punches and kicks—it comes from within. Our guiding mantra, “The Kingdom is within,” shapes everything we do. It’s more than words on a wall; it’s the heartbeat of our academy, our fighters, and our community.
KMA Academy 