Golden Era Muay Thai
About
Golden Era Muay Thai offers comprehensive training in MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing under the guidance of highly experienced instructors. The coaching team includes professional fighters like Damien Earley and Nick Chasteen, both state, national, and inter-continental amateur champions, as well as Ajarn Bob Karmel, a pioneer American Muay Thai fighter in Thailand with extensive martial arts background, and Kiernan Bates, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with a PhD in Psychology. This diverse expertise ensures students receive well-rounded instruction across multiple disciplines, from striking to grappling, in a structured environment that caters to all skill levels.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently describe transformative experiences at Golden Era Muay Thai, with many reporting significant improvements in physical fitness, mental health, and overall well-being within months of starting. They praise the high-caliber coaching from instructors like Damien Earley, Ajarn Bob Karmel, and Nick Chasteen, noting their expertise, attention to detail, and ability to push students beyond their limits. The gym is highlighted as particularly welcoming for women and beginners, with a supportive community atmosphere that makes training enjoyable. However, several members report frustration with membership cancellation processes, describing unprofessional communication and difficulties terminating agreements when moving away.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Joe Ko
5 months ago
Photos of my experience at GEMT from August to October. I came in not knowing how to throw a punch and without prior combat sports experience whatsoever. I work at my desk all day and I was not taking care of my self physically, mentally and emotionally at all. I was complacent, burnt out and sad that I needed a new challenge to spark life into me again. I weighed 206 lbs upon entry and got down to 192 lbs in 2 months by eating less than I normally do and tried my best to show up 5 days per week (back to back beginner classes daily). So if you're reading this and thinking about it, I say shove yourself in the gym and just do it. Don't think too much. That strategy worked for me as an overthinker. Now as far as learning Muay Thai, you'll have the privilege of working with Damien as a beginner. I like his style of teaching. It's very calm but direct. The easy part is the learning. The hard part is staying consistent with attendance, your diet and maintaining fitness outside of Golden Era. He's a pro. You'll be in great hands. Intermediate folks work with Master Bob. A legend and pioneer in the Muay Thai community. El Jefe is kinda mean looking but he's cool. He just wants you to do your best and improve because he cares. Advanced students work with Nick (who also teaches the boxing class). He's a stud also and a well seasoned fighter. Both he and his brother Damien are masters of their craft and very down to earth and respectful gentlemen. For experienced dudes, show him what you got. Sparring looks pretty cool in his class. All in all, this was a really positive and life changing experience for me. I'll continue to recommend GEMT as I progress in this newfound passion for Muay Thai. "Oowee!"
Jeremy Wood
2 months ago
Bob, the staff and the community members of Golden Era have been amazing to my teenage daughter who has been training there for about 2 years now. The staff are kind and welcoming and the culture they have created has made our experience with Golden Era so great. The facility is clean and and class schedules are convenient for all levels of experience and ages. We highly recommend Golden Era to anyone who is looking for a top notch Muy Thai gym!!
Calie Patrick
2 years ago
Golden era is a golden GEM. I started training in martial arts at 15 years old. Over the years I have traveled and trained at many gyms, with other coaches. None could ever come close to competing with the knowledge, the conditioning, and the quality of this gym. I have only been training at Golden Era for less than 5 months. My cardio, conditioning, mental health, and endurance has drastically improved. Not to mention, this gym is safe and FULL of great people. The coaches all have a high caliber of experience & skill, significant attention to detail, and will push you beyond what you think you are capable of. You are guaranteed to get the best training here. As a female, it’s important to attend a gym that has your best interest and respects you. This gym does. There are also many other women who are friendly, supportive, and fun to train with. I am blessed to be apart of the Golden Era Family.
Feras Jayyusi
8 months ago
Life changing. The coaches, mentors, and friends I've made here are absolutely incredible. My mind was in a dark place mentally for years, but that's all changed now. In a few months, I will have been training at this gym for 1 year and I don't regret a second of it. I owe Master Bob, coaches Nick & Damien, and my fellow students a lot. I've got a long way to go, but every back breaking workout has me coming back a little bit stronger and happier. If you want to turn your life around for real, sign up here.
Jack Ritter
5 months ago
The one star is a stretch. If I could give zero stars I would. I called to cancel my membership on the 24th of August and was hung up on. I called on August 27th again explaining that I moved out of state and that I needed to cancel. I was told it was canceled and no further action was necessary. Two months later I get a call saying I owe fees for September and October. I messaged Bob who was abrasive and unprofessional and I offered to show him my call logs of me calling to cancel the membership and explained I sent in the request in writing as well. He was very rude and disrespectful basically calling me a liar. I have moved more than 25 miles away as I now reside in Texas and haven’t been to the gym. They won’t allow me to cancel the membership. I highly recommend you AVOID this establishment at all costs as they won’t allow you to cancel. They are rude and disrespectful when trying to cancel. Apparently, as listed in the reviews, there are several others who have had this same experience trying to cancel. My mistake was not reading the reviews before joining. I hope this will save someone from having the opportunity of being taken advantage of as this business has a history of not honoring cancellations. Jack Ritter
paymentsMembership
Start for $99
Contact
14880 N Northsight Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Damien Earley
Muay Thai Instructor
Professional Muay Thai fighter; State, National, and Inter-Continental amateur champion
Began training at age eight. Amateur champion turned pro, fighting on Lion Fight, KLF-China, K-1, and Max Muay Thai. Known for elbow attacks and counter-striking.
Kiernan Bates
BJJ Instructor
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt (Alliance Jiu Jitsu under Thiago Ximenes); PhD in Psychology
Accomplished BJJ black belt and wrestler with over 25 years of martial arts experience. Coaches gi and no-gi BJJ, applying performance psychology to training.
Ajarn Bob Karmel
Head Muay Thai Instructor / Founder
Instructor in Wing Chun, Chinese Hawaiian Kempo, Session Jiu-Jitsu, Nei Wa Chia Kung Fu, Serrada Escrima; Pioneer American Muay Thai fighter in Thailand
Martial artist for over 40 years. Trained at Fairtex camp in Thailand during its Golden Era. Founded Fairtex Muay Thai Camp in Chandler and now Golden Era Muay Thai in Scottsdale.
Nick Chasteen
Muay Thai Instructor
Professional Muay Thai fighter; State, National, and Inter-Continental amateur champion; Signed with Glory
Started martial arts at age eight. Trained under Master Bob, becoming a top amateur and then pro fighter featured on Lion Fight, WCK-China, LFA, and Max Muay Thai.