Thai Boxing Institute

It has been a year now that I have been coming to TBI and to be frank I couldn’t imagine not coming here. Coach Vik has created a community environment where people of very varied ability can come train and challenge themselves and each other to improve.
I have seen seemingly uncoordinated people get tack sharp at TBI. All the coaches are actually damn good and genuinely excited to help other people improve.
Whatever you express any interest in — any coach will take the time to show you and explain as many times as you need.
The classes are never boring. There is a weekly technique and we have drills and instruction based on the weekly theme.
And the best thing — the thing that had me hooked my first week– is that everyone is nice. There is zero attitude and everybody helps everybody.
pros summary
–Everyone learns to hold pads
–there are weights (all bumper plates — which is a big thumbs up)
–there are plenty of pads and new sets are constantly being cycled in
–gloves and wraps are available
–parking never an issue
–muay thai will make you more athletic at everything physical
–quality coaches
–day classes– thank god
–boxing only classes
–summer beach classes
–sense of community
–Coach Vik the man maker– or fierce warrior woman maker– whichever you feel fits.

This place is badass. Kru Vik is very knowledgeable and pushes you to your limit without going overboard. The workout is hard. I’ve never sweat so much in my life. And I felt I pushed further than I ever had in any other physical activity. Also, at the end of the workout you feel powerful, and the better you get at it the more you feel you could actually defend yourself should you ever need to in real life.
The other awesome thing is everyone is really nice. No one looks you up and down like at most other gyms… You can tell they feel like they’re part of a family/​team.

Coach Vic is great. He has a wealth of knowledge and is very good at communicating it to his students. You will never leave this gym without being physically and technically improved.

I cannot say enough good things about The Thai boxing Institute, Kru Vic & team are extremely welcoming and very knowledgeable of the sport. very dedicated to insuring everyone is practicing proper form & technic which is a plus in my book, not one person is left out of reviewing what was learned that day (That’s a Thumbs-​UP).
Workouts can be intense which they should be so If you love Muay Thai and want a good work out, this is the place no doubt… would also like to mention the comradery and the sense of good sportsmanship with this gym– no attitudes no egos, weather you’re a beginner or advanced you will gain from this gym.
–Pros–
GYM– this Gym is awesome and something to really appreciate «A true Muay Thai Gym» which Is why I love this place, Reminds me of the small Thai gyms in Thailand– Nothing special– just here to learn Muay Thai.
Training-​Hard
Attention to Detail– a plus
Parking– Plenty
Showers– No– but that’s why I have a shower at home.
Free Weights & gear– yes
Restroom– yes
–Cons–
None– check out the pro’s– that’s all you need
If you love Muay Thai definitely try this place out– great GYM, you won’t be disappointed.
Would like thank you Kru Vic, Nick & Drew for being supportive and encouraging I’ve learned allot in the short time I’ve been here.

Update for my original review:
So many years later I am still training with Coach Victor and am still extremely happy with not only my own progress, but also the growth of the facility and its members. The work out (s) still feel fresh and is what keeps me going all the time. This is definitely not your typical mundane work out that you’d find at other ‘corporate-​ey’ places, but rather a unique experience that is tailored to all of the individuals. The culture here that Victor has created, and that I’ve been fortunate enough to witness, is truly a one of a kind experience.
Since my start here the facility has had many improvements to its equipment, flooring, along with expanding and making efficient use of the space. Victor is also constantly evolving his approach to his training by doing a lot of his own research as well as training with other top level athletes and incorporating other methods to really provide the best workout.
I see nothing but constant growth and limitless potential for Victor and the Thai Boxing Institute and I look forward to being a part of it all. If you’re curious at all about trying the gym out definitely get in there and I promise you that you will feel more than welcome by Victor and all of the members here as we operate as one big family at TBI. All egos are left outside the door :)

Came here on a whim via Class Pass and fell in love that I joined the very next day (without the pushy sales pitch). It’s a small gym with awesome people and a great instructor! I was a little intimidated at first mainly because I felt that Muay Thai was a male dominated sport. However everyone makes you feel welcome and is really helpful during the class. Coach Victor is an awesome instructor. He really has a passion for teaching the sport and tries to make sure your technique is safe and proper. If you want a good workout, learn Muay Thai in a non douchey environment, this is the place to be. Plus there is a parking lot in the back!

Awesome environment from coach vic to the people that attend regularly. This fun atmosphere really helps take muay thai from a hobby to a life style. From begginers to the more experienced, there is something for all ranges of levels and experience to take away. Highly recommend this gym to anyone looking to improve their technique or just looking to get a good workout in. Defenitely a gym that feels like what a gym should feel like and not like one of those big chain gyms looking to make money on anyone that walks through its doors.

Been training with coach Victor since 2012… Prior I trained with a few other gyms and also at fairtex in SF… I didn’t think after spending 5 years training with Thai champions in SF I’d be able to find a gym that would give me the same level of training in Los Angeles… When I say the same level I’m talking about more than just a hard workout. Coach Vic shares the same mentality with the Thais … He’s very welcoming, he treats all his students like family and himself is a very humble person. Not like the gyms where everyone is vining on who can beat who up… But with the humble attitude coach Vic is highly skilled… His technique is a hi-​bred model of what you would learn in Thailand and he trains Thai style. It was exactly what I was looking for in a gym. On top of hi-​level Muay Thai training Coach Vic also is a great boxing and strength training coach. I’d recommend it to anyone that wants the real deal thaiboxing experience!

I’ve been attending classes here for a little over a year and a half.
If you’ve ever been interested in muay thai /​martial arts this is a really great place for beginners. The atmosphere is very welcoming and beginner friendly. And lady friendly!
The only reason why I gave 4 stars is the class times can be a little limiting (only in the evenings and Saturday morning unless you want private lessons). Other than that this is a really great gym and absolutely worth the membership fee.
Victor is a great coach and he puts a lot of effort into making sure his students get individual attention and critique even in the group classes. He is incredibly knowledgable and experienced and takes the time to not only explain technique but WHY you would throw a kick or a punch one way versus another.
So seriously, you’re going to get a great workout and meet a bunch of cool people in a super chill gym. What’s not to like?

I would train here again. I liked coming here because you learn new techniques every week even for a guy like me doing Muay Thai on and off the past 5 years. Great cardio workouts and workout/​sparring partners. Place is really clean too.

Coach Vik is an awesome instructor and does an excellent job of creating a relaxed vibe in the gym. The class is a great combination of technique driven drills and intense conditioning. One of the big pluses for me was Coach Vik would hold pads for each student for at least a round or two each class.
Unfortunately, I no longer train at TBI because of my schedule and commute. Several months ago when I started at TBI, Coach Vik actually recommended that I try a muay thai gym that he knew that was closer to my home. I just joined that gym thanks to his recommendation.
If you live in the area and have any interest in training Muay Thai or have experience and want to take it to the next level, I would highly recommend the Thai Boxing Institute.

I live down in Torrance, and give TBI a five star rating because I tried almost every gym between the Southbay and West LA before checking out Coach’s class. Most gyms either were a) too expensive, b) Instructors that were un-​interested in spending time with new students, or c) douchey students that made a point of showing how tough they were.
Thai Boxing Institute has none of those. Coach Vik has created a family-​like environment. Most of the students introduced themselves to me when I first arrived, and everyone is friendly, but focused on improving. I would recommend this to someone that wanted to check out Muay Thai but felt too intimidated at other gyms. I’d also recommend it to someone that wanted to spar with experienced people that have respect.

It’s a small, fun and very friendly gym. 5 stars or more for the exceptionally good trainer (s) and the very supportive advanced students. The chill, no ego and non pretentious people here are definitely the main appeal of taking classes here. You’ll feel comfortable and won’t feel intimidated even if you are new to this kind of sport.
the progress of the students here are different for each person and also depends on their motivation and how hard they train. I have seen people with no experience at all becomes really impressive in just a few months training with coach Victor.
the private lessons are highly recommended if you are interested in advancing your muay thai technique, your progress will move forward exponentially after each private lesson.
If you wonder why I rate 4 instead of 5 stars despite all my praises, my rating on Unilocal for non-​restaurant also taking consideration of the venue.
The facility here isn’t a fancy high end gym, it’s quite modest but it has all the basic amenities you need, (no shower). I don’t think this should deter anyone from trying out this place considering it is very minor and it isn’t necessarily a bad thing at all.
They also provide pads, gloves even arm wraps. Those loaners are fine if you just started out, but once you train more regularly, I would recommend to get your own gloves and arm wraps at least.
I have no complain about the price either, what you pay per class is definitely worth the awesome workout you get. It is a very good deal if you take the unlimited plan and able to come to as many classes as you can.
Another good thing about this place is the no pressure or gimmicks to make you pay for things you dont want to. No mandatory uniform or anything like that, they do sell tshirt and shorts but it’s all up to you if you want to buy it or not.
As far as I know, the people here are pretty cool and respectful of other members of the class. I’m not worried about who’s clicking with who as long as I got a good workout from the class. I had a few friends tryout the class here and all of them have nothing but positive things to say about coach Victor.

Go to TBI if you like:
– training hard
– a small gym with a sense of community
– attention to technique and detail
– a fun Spotify playlist with more hipsterish music than you’d expect at a MT gym
and particularly go to TBI if you like the above things but get tired of aggro-​ish weird dudes with something to prove.
TBI is a really unusual balance of a gym where you can spar hard and train hard but without the usual weird trappings of macho oddity that can come with that. It’s good.

This is the best Muay Thai school, so don’t go anywhere else. Victor is the best, I’ve been training with him for about 6 months now and my Muay Thai skills have made a quantum leap, thanks to Vic’s diligent instruction. The classes are perfectly structured to get both a fun group atmosphere and the personal attention you need to improve. The classes are a great workout, but Vic also emphasizes technique which is super important. This isn’t just a workout (although it is one of the best workouts I’ve ever had), you learn valuable self defense skills, and get in great shape.

The Thai Boxing Institute is a family friendly gym that was started by former Muay Thai fighter, Victor Acosta, who is an excellent trainer. I’ve been training with him off and on for over 10 years now, and he’s super helpful with technique and has such a passion for Muay Thai. Victor learned from one of the BEST trainers around, in Santi Sakkomkai (former pro fighter in Thailand), so rest assured you will be learning real, authentic Muay Thai, not some watered down form of kickboxing. I’ve worked with other trainers in the past, who only care about the almighty dollar. Sadly, most martial arts instructors only care about the bottom line, $$$$! There are no attitudes at this gym, so if you want to learn proper Muay Thai in a friendly non-​beefcake environment, then this is the place for you.

I guess I am the odd man out here in terms of 5 star reviews.
I would *love* to give a five star review, and probably would have, if it weren’t but for a few things, but definitive deal breakers, which explains why I gave only 3 stars.
In all fairness, having the right trainer is a very subjective thing, and in my case it didn’t work out long term. I think this is part of Victor seems a bit green in giving training in a classroom environment, but the «small business» feel is what attracted me in the first place. I don’t learn well in large groups.
Pro’s:
— Coach Vik got me into shape in 3 months of going 2 – 3 times a week including vacations. I am a busy professional, so to see results this quickly made me felt like I was getting a good value
— He was patient with me (at first)
— The group of people there are definitely passionate about Muay Thai and want to learn
— Class size is small
— People are motivated
Con’s:
— Coach Vik seemed to single me out because I wasn’t «a good partner», or «keeping up with the class», even though I bought a 10 pack of private lessons from him and took 5 of them, I guess it wasn’t enough.
— There is only one «level» of the class. So you could be grouped with someone advanced, or someone who can barely throw a punch (which is fine, i started there).
— People are clicky. The people who come to the class are generally unfriendly (Except for this one dude Matt who has better patience/​teaching ability than most people). I understand it’s Muay Thai, but we’re regular people, not professional fighters. Lighten up.
— It seems like if you aren’t in the «in crowd» (the coach and his friends) then you are ostracized.
Most importantly and what was the final straw in cancelling was:
Coach Vik seemed to ostracize me and single me out because I made mistakes, then when I sent in my cancellation, he did nothing to try and stop it or understand why and merely wished me luck in finding another instructor, which is what I shall do.
I have no ill will, nor bad feelings towards Coach Vik. He really knows the sport, and wants his students to improve — without a doubt. It may be he would be a 5 star for you, but that wasn’t the case for me.
So, can anyone recommend any good private 1 – 1 muay thai lessons? :)

Viktor is a fantastic trainer and athlete, I recommend working withk him highly!
Tony Jeffries
2008 Olympic medallist

Since I am freelance, I’ve been making my way around the Muay Thai Gyms in LA.
W. LA has been pretty hard in finding a good Muay Thai gym.
Either the schedules didn’t work out, or had ridiculous long term contracts that didn’t work for me.
For a while I had to drive from Santa Monica to Hollywood to find decent evening classes. So when the Thai Boxing Institute opened up, I was eager to try it out.
Coach Victor was friendly and knowledgeable, and scaled well to the various levels of students. The students were all friendly, no «affliction» types here.
They also have a good balance of ladies, not just us smelly guys.
They have since moved to the Palms area, and word of mouth must be spreading, every time i go back i see new faces.
I get a good traditional muay thai workout here, with a great vibe.
Work out routines follow the traditional, jump rope/​warmup, stretching, maybe a round of boxing, or technique instruction, followed by pad work, some conditioning and then cool down.
Ever since starting Muay Thai I feel great and in shape.
I feel like i can eat whatever i want, and still stay fit. Plus i learn a practical skill, that might come useful.
Strongly recommend The Thai Boxing Institute, if your looking for a fun way to kick up your exercise routine.

I trained under Kru Vic for about a year at another facility on the Westside a while ago. I finally had the chance to train with him at his new place on Centinnela Avenue. I thought highly of him back then; I still think highly of him now.
Vic’s facility has everything a fighter needs to train: great instruction, good training partners, heavy bags, pads, gloves, ropes, mirrors, and weights.
Vic is probably one of the most unpretentious muay thai trainers that you could find on the Westside. And he has credentials. Do an internet search and you can find his fight records and video clips of his matches. When it comes to muay thai, he knows what he’s talking about. The instruction is low-​keyed and friendly. Vic can quickly find the flaw in your fight game and fix it.
If you’re looking for a fancy high-​end gym this ain’t it. This is the place to train if you’re looking for a small school that has a surprising mix of students ranging from brand new to advanced. If you’re shopping around for a school check out Vic’s place. You get a lot of bang for your buck.