AKA Thailand
Phuket, Phuket Town | Muay Thai • MMA • Boxing • BJJ • Fitness
Quick Facts
Overview
AKA Thailand is the world's first combat sports luxury training resort, owned by UFC veteran Mike 'Quick' Swick, internet magnate Blair Speers, and AKA founder Javier Mendez. Voted #1 ranked Muay Thai School in Thailand by the Thailand Government four consecutive years (2021-2024), AKA combines world-class martial arts instruction with resort-level amenities. Located in Phuket Town, this premium facility offers exceptional cleanliness (cleaned 4x daily), professional coaching, and luxury accommodations in a beautiful setting.
What Makes AKA Thailand Special
- ✓#1 ranked Muay Thai School by Thailand Government (2021-2024)
- ✓Owned by UFC veteran Mike Swick and AKA founder Javier Mendez
- ✓Exceptional cleanliness - facility cleaned 4x daily
- ✓Luxury resort amenities combined with elite training
- ✓Experienced trainers: Kru Dang, Kru Wit, Kru Linglom
- ✓Premium accommodations on-site
- ✓Unlike other gyms, trainers genuinely invest in student development
- ✓Professional, organized, upscale atmosphere
History: Founded by Mike Swick (15x UFC veteran and original AKA team member), AKA Thailand brought the legendary American Kickboxing Academy brand to Thailand. Combining Mike's fighting experience with resort-level facilities, AKA Thailand created a new category: luxury martial arts training. The gym has consistently won recognition from the Thai government for excellence in Muay Thai instruction.
Who Trains Here: Affluent international students, serious martial artists willing to pay premium, UFC/MMA fighters on training camps, digital nomads with higher budgets. Mix of beginners seeking premium experience and experienced fighters. Less crowded than mega-gyms, more curated atmosphere.
Head Trainer & Credentials ⭐
Mike Swick
Credentials: 15x UFC Veteran, TUF 1 competitor, Original AKA team member, Professional MMA coach
Fight Record: UFC career: 15-6 record, notable wins over Joe Doerksen, David Loiseau, Jonathan Goulet
Specialties:
Notable Students: Various UFC and ONE Championship fighters train at AKA Thailand
Senior Trainers
Kru Dang
Senior Muay Thai instructor with extensive fight experience
Specialties: Traditional Muay Thai, Technical striking, Pad work excellence, Polite and professional teaching
Kru Wit
Experienced Muay Thai trainer
Specialties: Muay Thai fundamentals, Power development, Clinch work, Student development
Kru Linglom
Professional Muay Thai coach
Specialties: Technical refinement, Competition preparation, Traditional methods, Personal attention
Training Programs & Schedule ⭐
Daily Schedule
Morning: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Morning training sessions - Muay Thai, MMA, fitness
Afternoon: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Afternoon training across all disciplines
Program Types
Beginner Program
Very beginner-friendly with polite, professional instruction. Private 1-on-1 sessions highly recommended (800 THB) especially for beginners. Trainers patient and focused on proper technique development. Luxury environment reduces intimidation factor.
Intermediate Program
Full access to all training programs. Can mix disciplines. Professional coaching helps refine technique. Good for serious hobbyists wanting premium experience without fighter-camp intensity.
Pro Fighter Program
Elite fighter development with Mike Swick's personal involvement. Fight preparation for UFC, ONE Championship, and other major promotions. Access to world-class facilities and coaching. Premium pricing reflects premium service.
Class Structure: Small to mid-size group classes ensuring attention. Mix of group training and private sessions. Professional organization with clear scheduling. Classes structured but flexible. Emphasis on quality over quantity.
Private Training: Available. 800 THB per hour (~$22-23 USD) - excellent value for quality, highly recommended especially for beginners
Special Programs: UFC fighter training camps, Luxury training + accommodation packages, Professional fighter development, Beginner immersion programs, Corporate group training, Wellness and recovery programs
Price Breakdown ⭐
Drop-in
800 THB per session
Weekly
Contact for weekly rates
Monthly
15,000 THB+ (varies by package)
3-Month Package
Contact for long-term packages
6-Month Package
Negotiable for extended stays
What's Included
- ✓Training sessions in all disciplines
- ✓Access to luxury facilities
- ✓Professional coaching
- ✓Clean, well-maintained equipment
- ✓Facility cleaned 4x daily
- ✓Professional atmosphere
- ✓Drinking water
What Costs Extra
- +Private training (800 THB/hour - highly recommended)
- +Luxury accommodation on-site
- +Gloves and equipment (buy or rent)
- +Meals (though high-quality options available)
- +Massage and spa services
- +Fight arrangements
Accommodation & Living Options ⭐
On-Site Accommodation
Room Types: Luxury rooms, Premium suites, High-end accommodations
Pricing: Premium pricing - contact directly for rates. All-inclusive packages available.
Amenities:
Nearby Accommodation
Phuket Town has wide range of accommodation from budget to luxury. Good restaurants, cafes, and local Thai atmosphere.
Price Range: 10,000-20,000 THB/month for mid-range apartments, 20,000-40,000+ THB for upscale condos
Food & Dining Quality ⭐
On-Site Dining
Quality: High-quality restaurant with Thai and Western options
Menu Highlights: Healthy Thai cuisine, Western comfort food, Fighter nutrition options, Fresh ingredients, Professional preparation
Pricing: 150-400 THB per meal
Nearby Dining
Phuket Town excellent for food - authentic Thai restaurants, local markets, international cuisine, cafes. Less touristy pricing than beaches.
Price Range: 50-100 THB for local Thai, 150-300 THB for restaurants, 200-400 THB for upscale dining
Healthy Options: Yes, widely available
Location & Nightlife Access
Address: Phuket Town (exact address via website)
Beach
15-20 minutes to multiple beaches
Nightlife
Phuket Town has local nightlife, 20-25 minutes to Patong
Restaurants
Surrounded by Phuket Town dining options
Transportation
Area Vibe
Phuket Town is authentic Thai city - local culture, Sino-Portuguese architecture, excellent food scene, less touristy than beaches. Good for those wanting real Thai experience while training. Central location makes beaches accessible. More cultural and interesting than purely tourist areas.
What Reddit Says 💬
Most Mentioned Pros
- ✓Exceptional cleanliness - facility cleaned 4x daily
- ✓Professional, polite trainers who genuinely care
- ✓Luxury facilities and accommodations
- ✓Mike Swick ownership brings credibility and UFC connections
- ✓Less crowded than mega-gyms
- ✓Private sessions excellent value and highly effective
- ✓Government recognition (#1 rated 4 years running)
- ✓Premium experience justifies higher pricing
Most Mentioned Cons
- −Significantly more expensive than budget options
- −Location in Phuket Town, not directly on beach
- −May feel too upscale for those wanting gritty fighter camp
- −Smaller community than huge gyms
- −Premium pricing not for budget travelers
Common Themes
- • Cleanliness stands out - rare in Thailand gyms
- • Trainers genuinely invest in teaching (unlike some gyms)
- • Premium experience worth the price for many
- • Best for those who value quality over budget
- • Luxury training resort concept executed well
- • Private sessions universally praised
Direct Quotes
"The accommodations, facility and staff are top notch. AKA stands out for hygiene and cleanliness - they clean 4x a day."
"Unlike other gyms in Phuket, the trainers really take interest in teaching and developing their students. Not just going through motions."
"Muay Thai privates with Kru Dang, Kru Wit and Kru Linglom were incredible - the upmost polite and professional teachers."
"Training was intense and hands down the best. Worth the price if you want quality over quantity."
"The 1 hour private sessions (800 baht) are worth every penny, especially if you're a beginner. Learn more in one private than a week of group classes elsewhere."
⭐ Standout Praise
- • Exceptional cleanliness and hygiene
- • Professional, caring trainers
- • Luxury resort amenities
- • Mike Swick ownership and UFC connections
- • Quality over quantity approach
- • Private training value
Last Updated: November 2025
Sources: r/MuayThai, r/Thailand, r/digitalnomad
Best For & Bottom Line
✓ Perfect For
- • Students wanting luxury training resort experience
- • Those who value cleanliness and hygiene highly
- • Professionals and affluent travelers
- • Beginners willing to invest in private sessions
- • UFC/MMA fans wanting to train at AKA facility
- • Those seeking less crowded, curated atmosphere
- • Students who prefer Phuket Town over beach areas
- • People wanting serious training without gritty camp vibe
✗ Not Ideal For
- • Budget travelers (significantly more expensive)
- • Those wanting beachside training
- • Students seeking large, social community
- • People wanting traditional gritty fighter camp atmosphere
- • Backpackers and budget-conscious students
- • Those who prefer mega-gym energy
- • Students wanting to train with large groups of fighters
Overall Value Assessment
Premium pricing for premium experience. At 15,000+ THB/month, AKA is expensive, but you're paying for exceptional cleanliness, professional instruction, luxury amenities, and government-recognized quality. Private sessions at 800 THB are actually good value for what you receive. This is for students who prioritize quality, hygiene, and professional environment over budget. If you can afford it and value these factors, excellent value. If budget is concern, many cheaper alternatives offer good training. AKA is luxury tier.