Lesandro M.
“At 41 I was sure I was too old to start, but I'm beyond grateful I did. Ronnie helped me build confidence and develop step by step.”
$35 for your first class, San Diego locals
Learn Muay Thai properly,
from day one.
Small-group and private coaching with Ronnie Najjar, who has been teaching Muay Thai since 2004. Inside Self Made Training Facility on Sports Arena Blvd.
No experience or equipment needed
Classes small enough to be corrected every session
No contracts, no joining fee
Rated 5.0 across 54 Google reviews
Rated 5.0 across 54 Google reviews
Hunter A.
“He meets you at your skill level and gives the same amount of attention across the board.”
Ariana H.
“I was hesitant at first, but Ronnie made me feel 100% confident and comfortable. I never imagined I'd be training Muay Thai, but now I feel stronger, more confident, and capable of protecting myself.”
David L.
“I'm 45 and was a little intimidated at first. Since day one he has made me feel comfortable.”
Isaiah R.
“Ronnie pays exceptional attention to detail and tailors training to each individual's style and goals.”
Christopher A.
“I was very nervous walking into the gym, but my nerves were quickly calmed by Ronnie. For the first time I was honest with a trainer when I said I really enjoyed it and I was excited to come back.”
Justin
“I did a lot of research before choosing a coach. Ronnie is patient, knowledgeable, experienced, and adapts the training to your needs.”
Dakota G.
“Joined the tribe as a novice, and have enjoyed every minute of training. Whether you plan to compete or are just looking to improve yourself, this is the class for you.”
Small group, one coach
Why people train here
One class a day, so the room stays small
There is one all-levels class, Monday to Friday at 5:30 PM. That is deliberate. Small classes mean you are seen, coached and corrected throughout every session, not left to work it out at the back.
Corrected, not just counted
Most people don't improve because they repeat the same mistakes without realizing it. Ronnie coaches the detail: timing, balance, distance, posture. You leave knowing what you fixed.
Turn up in a T-shirt and shorts
You don't need experience or natural talent, only a willingness to learn. Gloves, pads and everything else are here. Buy gear later, once you know you want to keep going.
New to Muay Thai?
What you'll actually be learning
Muay Thai is a striking art from Thailand. You learn to use eight points of contact: two fists, two elbows, two knees and two shins. Here is how that gets taught.
Fundamentals first, every time
Stance, guard, balance and distance before anything flashy. Get these wrong and every technique built on top of them is wrong too.
The reason, not just the move
Ronnie teaches the principles behind every movement: timing, balance, distance, rhythm, posture and decision-making. When you understand why something works, you remember it.
Layered, one step at a time
Skills get added in sequence, never skipped. Layer and master each step one at a time. There is no rush.
Sparring comes when you're ready
Pad work, bag work and clinch come first, then controlled sparring, supervised and progressed by level. By the time you spar openly, you'll be prepared, not thrown in.
Structured coaching, not random workouts
Most people don't improve because they repeat the same mistakes without realizing it. A hard session you did wrong is a hard session you have to unlearn. Training here builds from strong fundamentals into increasingly advanced skills, so the work you put in this month still counts next year.
One group class, three ways to work one to one
Ways to train
Four real options, with the times and prices attached so you can tell straight away which one fits your week.
Muay Thai, All Levels
Mon to Fri, 5:30 to 7:00 PM. 90 minutes.
One class, all levels, every weekday evening. Technique, pad work, bag work, clinch and controlled sparring, progressed by where you actually are. Beginners train in the same room as experienced students and get coached separately within it.
Beginner Program
8 private sessions, 45 minutes each.
The full one-to-one route from zero. Eight private sessions building stance, guard, distance and the core strikes before you step into a group class. Your first $150 session is credited toward the program if you continue.
Private Training
45 minutes, one to one, by appointment.
For experienced students who want a specific detail fixed, and for anyone who would rather start without an audience. You set the focus, Ronnie corrects it.
Kids Muay Thai
Ages 8 to 13. Mon and Wed, 4:00 to 5:00 PM.
Technique, coordination and discipline taught at kids' pace. Same coaching standard as the adult class, no contact pressure. First class $35.
Inside Self Made Training Facility
Where you'll train
8Tribe Muay Thai runs inside Self Made Training Facility on Sports Arena Blvd. When you arrive, head straight to the ring. There's no reception desk. Students regularly travel in from Point Loma, Liberty Station, Ocean Beach, Bay Park, Mission Hills, Pacific Beach, Clairemont and Downtown San Diego.
Around the space
Click a photo to view it full screen
What's here
Boxing ring
The class runs in and around the ring. It is the first thing you'll see when you walk in, and where you should head.
Heavy bags
Bag work is part of most sessions, so there is space to drill power and volume without a partner.
Pads and mitts provided
Thai pads and focus mitts are here and in use every class. You don't need to buy anything to take part.
Matted training floor
Matted space for technique, clinch and controlled sparring, alongside the host gym's main floor.
Gear not needed to start
Gloves and shin guards are available to borrow, so a T-shirt and shorts is genuinely all you need on day one.
Location
Where to find us
Inside Self Made Training Facility, 4030B Sports Arena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110
A member's story
Starting from actual zero
Emily didn't arrive with a background in anything. Her own description of her first weeks is timid, out of shape and clumsy, which is roughly how most people feel walking into a room with a ring in it for the first time.
What changed wasn't her fitness first. It was having someone start from where she actually was, rather than where a beginner is supposed to be.
“When I started I was timid, out of shape, and clumsy. Ronnie met me where I was and helped me improve. His coaching is genuine, practical, and focused on getting results.”
- Emily M., started as a complete beginner
One to one with Ronnie
Every private session is with Ronnie, not an assistant coach. Forty-five minutes, by appointment, at $150. It's the fastest route if you want to start without a room watching, or if you already train and want a specific detail fixed.
- 45-minute 1-on-1 sessions, $150
- Beginner Program: 8 private sessions, $1,000, built from zero
- Your first $150 session is credited toward the Beginner Program
- Technique clean-up for students who already train
- Booked by appointment, around the weekday class schedule
Mention it when you book your first class and Ronnie will talk it through with you.
Meet the founder
Meet Ronnie
Founder and Head Coach
Ronnie Najjar
Coaching since 2004 · 22 professional fights · 30+ years in combat sports
Ronnie has coached Muay Thai since 2004 and has spent more than 30 years in combat sports. He fought 22 professional bouts across Muay Thai, kickboxing and boxing, and was ranked No. 3 cruiserweight in Australia by the World Muaythai Council. His own coaching was built at Sityodtong Academy in Australia under Jeab Sityodtong, then through three-plus years training in Thailand, seminars on five continents and training in over 30 countries.
What came out of all that isn't a fight record, it's a way of teaching. Ronnie coaches the principles behind every movement: timing, balance, distance, rhythm, posture and decision-making. When you understand why something works, you remember it, adapt it, and keep improving long after class is over.
“8 Tribe is for people who genuinely want to learn Muay Thai.”
Published rates, nothing hidden
Plans and pricing
Three ways to train, priced as published. Every route starts with the same first class.
Most people start here
Adult Membership
$300per month
Unlimited training in the weekday all-levels class.
- Unlimited training, Monday to Friday
- 90-minute all-levels classes, 5:30 to 7:00 PM
- Pad work, bag work, clinch and supervised sparring
- No contract, no joining fee, cancel anytime
Beginner Program
$1,000one-off
The full one-to-one route in, for anyone starting from zero.
- 8 private sessions, 45 minutes each
- One to one with Ronnie, from zero
- First $150 session credited toward the program
- Move into group classes when you're ready
Kids Muay Thai
$250per month
Technique, coordination and discipline at kids' pace.
- Ages 8 to 13
- Monday and Wednesday, 4:00 to 5:00 PM
- First class $35, drop-in $50
- No contract, cancel anytime
No contracts, no joining fee, cancel anytime. First class $35 for San Diego locals. Adult drop-in $50. Private sessions $150 per 45 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
The things people actually ask before booking a first class, answered straight.
Your first class
Come in and start properly.
Pick a class below. Ronnie will know you're coming.
- Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early in a T-shirt and shorts. Gloves and pads are here.
- Head straight to the ring. There's no reception desk.
- Ronnie will find out where you're starting from and coach you from there.
- 90 minutes, all levels together. You won't be thrown into sparring.
Pick a time that works for you
Choose the class, then a session. Your first class is $35 for San Diego locals.
Select a class
Upcoming Muay Thai - All Levels sessions
Or text Ronnie on (619) 793-6781
Rather ask a question first? Email info@8tribe.com