Lake Norman Muay Thai
About
Lake Norman Muay Thai offers comprehensive training in multiple martial arts disciplines including MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing, complemented by a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program under experienced coaches. The gym features Head Kru J.T. Smith, a certified Thai Boxing Trainer with over 60 professional and amateur fights, Assistant Kru Matt Riter, an amateur US Title winner, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach Johnny Kakavitsas, a third-degree black belt. Additionally, Dawn Loftin provides specialized Parkinson's Yoga classes, creating a well-rounded training environment for all skill levels and ages.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the gym's welcoming family atmosphere where everyone feels at home, even visitors from out of state. They highlight the coaches' extensive experience, specifically mentioning Kru Smith's certification and fight record, Coach Kakavitsas' BJJ expertise with children, and the overall quality of instruction that builds competition confidence. Reviewers emphasize the supportive community that fosters both skill development and lasting friendships, with special appreciation for how coaches work with younger students. Several mention transformative experiences from special events like the Rodtang seminar, describing them as career-changing opportunities worth traveling for.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Drew Lerner
4 months ago
This is the best gym around, I’m so lucky to be a part of this family here at Lake Norman Muy Thai. I have leaned so much since I’ve started and I am now starting to compete in small events confidently. I have seen many people go very far and do great things coming out of this gym. JT and all the coaches are amazing and have great experience to make sure you get the best training possible. The jiu jitsu program is also something definitely worth taking advantage of. One of the best decisions I’ve made was coming here and not only have I gotten great training I’ve made so many close friends from here because everyone is so welcoming. I can’t wait for my son to get a little older so I can sign him up as well for the kids program. I wish I started as a kid. Thank you lkn muy Thai for having me as part of the family!
Kyle hamburgh
2 years ago
Signed up for a Rodtang seminar with Lake Norman Muay Thai. Traveling from Georgia alone made it super boring but the experience was DEFINITELY worth the trip!! The experience I had gave me a breakthrough & Kru Smith was extremely polite throughout the entire process. I am forever grateful for this experience. It was the push I was looking for to start an actual career in Combat Sports. Everyone in the North Carolina/Moresville area should train at this gym. Thank you Kru Smith & All of Lake Norman Muay Thai. All smiles from the start till the end. I love you guys❤️🙏🏼
JS
3 months ago
My boys train with Coach John Kakavitsas and are loving every bit of it. Coach Kakavitsas is wonderful with children, and undrestands the fundamentals of BJJ at a level most people will never reach. He's passionate about his art and passing his knowledge on to the next generation, and it's a joy to see my children get in great physican shape while learning such valuable skills. I highly recommend this institution!
Junior German
3 years ago
I was visiting North Carolina from south Florida and I wanted to stay sharp with my Muay Thai before my upcoming competition. Not only did everyone make me feel at home in this gym but I got to spar and work with some real talented guys. Great gym, great instructors and great overall experience.
Danny Arundell
9 months ago
Staff is friendly and creates an atmosphere of learning and discipline. Kru Smith is especially great with younger kids. Overall this is an excellent place to learn martial arts of various types with good leadership. Highly recommend.
Contact
107 Commons Dr I, Mooresville, NC 28117, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Dawn Loftin
Parkinson's Yoga Class Trainer
Clinical Yoga Therapist and Relax & Renew trainer
Leads yoga classes focused on increasing flexibility, improving breathing, posture awareness, and stress reduction for Parkinson's patients.
Matt Riter
Assistant Kru (Muay Thai Instructor)
Black Prajeed (2003), Amateur US Title winner (2003)
Began training Muay Thai in 2000 under Ajarn Rick Davis. Fought several Muay Thai and Kickboxing matches in the southeast U.S.
J.T. Smith
Head Kru (Muay Thai Instructor)
Official Thai Boxing Trainer (certified by Kingdom of Thailand's Ministry of Education), Black Belt (1987), Over 60 professional/amateur fights
Over 32 years in martial arts. Trained under Ajarn Rick Davis and Ajarn Pek. Certified defensive tactics instructor for NC law enforcement for 15+ years.
Johnny Kakavitsas
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
Third Degree Black Belt under Professor Joe Hurst
Over 23 years of experience in jiu jitsu. Over 15 years teaching. Has trained many professional MMA fighters.