THE MAKING OF A TRIBE
A Story of Community and Passion
Every great journey begins with humble beginnings, and thestoryof Tribe Muay Thai is no different.
Our roots trace back to Orange County, where OC Muay Thai was born—founded by David Jansson, a coach who worked tirelessly to create hardworking, disciplined fighters. One of David’s fighters, Austin Ahlgren, eventually retired from the ring, but his path would cross with Kohl Laren, a young competitor eager to take his striking game to the next level.
Kohl's journey began with a desire to become one of the best. After returning from his time in Thailand, he was eager to bring the knowledge he'd gained back to a community he could call his own. He found that community at OC Muay Thai—a place that, for the first time, gave him a true sense of belonging.But when the pandemic hit and gyms were forced to close, Kohl's newfound family was scattered.
Refusing to let the connection disappear, he organized park training sessions to keep everyone together. What started as a small group of passionate enthusiasts quickly grew, drawing people in with the promise of high-energy workouts, a positive environment, and a shared love for Muay Thai. As the community grew, so did the need for a larger, more permanent home.
In January 2021, they found a tiny gym space in Long Beach, affectionately known as the "Shoe Box." It was cramped, with windows sealed off to keep the workouts hidden while it was still illegal during lockdown, but it became a hub for those who wanted to train hard, stay dedicated, and be part of something special.
One of Kohl’s closest friends and training partners, Sam Fournier, began helping out at the gym, running classes alongside him. Together, they created an environment that welcomed all—whether seasoned fighters or newcomers eager to learn. The gym buzzed with excitement, passion, and a sense of camaraderie, while a handful of dedicated fighters pushed themselves to refine their skills in that small space.Even though the space was small, the energy inside was anything but.
As word spread, more and more people joined the gym, many drawn not just by the skillful few fighters, but by the electric atmosphere that stemmed from the shared love for the art of Muay Thai. Every punch, kick, and sweat-drenched workout was a reminder that this wasn’t just about fighting—it was about passion, growth, and community.
As Tribe Muay Thai continued to grow, so did the need for a larger, more permanent space. In 2022, the team moved into a shared space in Seal Beach and later, in April 2022, found their true home in Garden Grove—an official training facility where they could continue building the community and refining the art of Muay Thai.
Pouring every cent of his fight purses into the gym, Coach Kohl slowly built and devolped our gym into the thriving hub it is today. And while the few fighters in the gym honed their craft at the highest level, the real heart of Tribe Muay Thai has always been the passionate enthusiasts who train together, grow together, and support each other every step of the way.
Now, as we stand proudly in our current space, we invite you to join the Tribe. Whether you’re a seasoned fighter or someone simply looking to challenge yourself, ourstoryis yourstory. Tribe Muay Thai is more than a gym—it’s a family. And the journey? It's just beginning.
Every great journey begins with humble beginnings, and thestoryof Tribe Muay Thai is no different.
Our roots trace back to Orange County, where OC Muay Thai was born—founded by David Jansson, a coach who worked tirelessly to create hardworking, disciplined fighters. One of David’s fighters, Austin Ahlgren, eventually retired from the ring, but his path would cross with Kohl Laren, a young competitor eager to take his striking game to the next level.
Kohl's journey began with a desire to become one of the best. After returning from his time in Thailand, he was eager to bring the knowledge he'd gained back to a community he could call his own. He found that community at OC Muay Thai—a place that, for the first time, gave him a true sense of belonging.But when the pandemic hit and gyms were forced to close, Kohl's newfound family was scattered.
Refusing to let the connection disappear, he organized park training sessions to keep everyone together. What started as a small group of passionate enthusiasts quickly grew, drawing people in with the promise of high-energy workouts, a positive environment, and a shared love for Muay Thai. As the community grew, so did the need for a larger, more permanent home.
In January 2021, they found a tiny gym space in Long Beach, affectionately known as the "Shoe Box." It was cramped, with windows sealed off to keep the workouts hidden while it was still illegal during lockdown, but it became a hub for those who wanted to train hard, stay dedicated, and be part of something special.
One of Kohl’s closest friends and training partners, Sam Fournier, began helping out at the gym, running classes alongside him. Together, they created an environment that welcomed all—whether seasoned fighters or newcomers eager to learn. The gym buzzed with excitement, passion, and a sense of camaraderie, while a handful of dedicated fighters pushed themselves to refine their skills in that small space.Even though the space was small, the energy inside was anything but.
As word spread, more and more people joined the gym, many drawn not just by the skillful few fighters, but by the electric atmosphere that stemmed from the shared love for the art of Muay Thai. Every punch, kick, and sweat-drenched workout was a reminder that this wasn’t just about fighting—it was about passion, growth, and community.
As Tribe Muay Thai continued to grow, so did the need for a larger, more permanent space. In 2022, the team moved into a shared space in Seal Beach and later, in April 2022, found their true home in Garden Grove—an official training facility where they could continue building the community and refining the art of Muay Thai.
Pouring every cent of his fight purses into the gym, Coach Kohl slowly built and devolped our gym into the thriving hub it is today. And while the few fighters in the gym honed their craft at the highest level, the real heart of Tribe Muay Thai has always been the passionate enthusiasts who train together, grow together, and support each other every step of the way.
Now, as we stand proudly in our current space, we invite you to join the Tribe. Whether you’re a seasoned fighter or someone simply looking to challenge yourself, ourstoryis yourstory. Tribe Muay Thai is more than a gym—it’s a family. And the journey? It's just beginning.
