Bio Coming Soon.

Hector first started training under another Sitytong affiliate. After they closed, Hector came to TMA in Oct 2017 as a student. He then went to Thailand in 2018 for a training program hosted by Paul Banasiak. In 2019 after traveling with Kru Ed to CSA coach’s clinic, he transitioned to coach in May 2019. Hector’s favorite part about teaching kids is how it taught him to become more patient, and learn how to get his point across in various ways. The bridge of communication varies between kids and adults.

Sergio first began as a student of TMA when he was just 12yrs old! After losing his first tournament fight at 17yrs old, he took a hiatus from training. At 20yrs old, Sergio was asked to come back to teach our kids program. That shift to becoming a role model and leader influenced Sergio to want to better his own lifestyle… he ended up losing 130lbs in under 2yrs! Sergio’s favorite part about teaching is seeing the kids motivated to learn!

Mr. Burns started studying Tang Soo Do karate at the age of 6 in East Hartford. He then joined the TMA team not long after Master Thornton and a handful of other master belts started their own Tang Soo Do federation, JeongShin Tang Soo Do, to focus on tradition and respect, but also innovation. Being able to train and teach karate while incorporating the other disciplines at the academy allows us to push our styles into the future by comparing our techniques with those created to stop us. In addition, Carlton has been studying Kundalini Yoga for several years and uses that discipline to train and regulate his mind and body which helps to augment the training. Mr. Burns earned his First Dan in December of 2010, under Master Dube in the Cheezic Tang Soo Do Federation. He then gained his Second Tan in 2018 under Master Thornton. Carlton’s favorite thing about being a coach is getting students to learn something without them realizing! “With any luck we can use this knowledge and pass it on to future martial artists!”

Risby Started training in martial arts at the age of seven. He began studying Shorin Ryu Karate & Koga Ryu Ninjutsu, and was ranked #9 in the state at the age of 10 in point fighting (Assembly of Fighting Arts). Western Boxing was introduced to Risby at the age 15 and later Muay Thai at 18. He became a student of Kru Ed after his previous gym unfortunately closed. Being that his previous Kru and Kru Ed were teammates of Sityodtong… Kru Ed welcomed the entire team over and they all began studying under his instruction. Once Risby began competing under Thorntons, he earned the title of AKBF 180lbs Champion. “Since joining Thornton’s in 2012, the vibe has always been the same. We are a family! When a bunch of fighters come around there can be a lot of ego. What sets us apart is the feeling… the feeling of being welcomed and at ease knowing you’re in great hands. I’ve seen it time and time again as new people join. I teach the “art” of Muay Thai… not just the kicking and punching. My students learn the how, why, and when of striking. Understanding the mindset of when and when not to apply your weapons allows the Nak Muay to have a major advantage over their opponent”.  

​Jay Womack is a lifelong student of psychological awareness, combat sports, and self-defense. With a strong admiration and respect for all martial arts, styles, and forms, Muay Thai drew his curiosity at an early age. He admitted to once being humiliated by a fellow military comrade with Muay Thai during hand-to-hand training evolution, which ended curiosity and rapidly gained his attention. Diligently training in Muay Thai eventually propelled him into various coaching positions, corner man, and referee. His love for this particular art form caused him to travel and train with many dedicated individuals, fighters, and trainers in the tri-state area. Jay is currently an Amateur competitor and a Certified Kru under Kru Ed Thornton and Kru Mark DellaGrotte. He joined TMA in 2016, after placing in a Muay Thai festival and promising Kru he’d return. 2 years had passed and he fulfilled his promise! He was aware Kru Ed had a reputation for producing solid fighters and his team demonstrated the skill level he was seeking during that time.

Ms. Burns was first influenced by martial arts when she first got her son, Carlton, into martial arts at 6yrs old – enrolling him into the East Hartford Parks n Rec Tang Soo Do classes. After watching her son become so engaged, she decided it was her turn to join in. Ms. Burns has been with the Thorntons’ through their Parks St. location and into opening the East Hartford location in 2014! She attained her treasured goal of First Dan (1st degree Black Belt) in May 2014 – it was the first Black Belt test in the new facility! In 2016 she earned her Second Dan. Bronwyn has been helping to instruct TSD as an apprentice prior to joining Thornton’s. From their opening in 2014, Ms. Burns has been the lead coach for the TSD Saturday morning class held at the academy. Her favorite aspect about being an coach is being able to spread the light and seeing her student’s become the best versions of themselves. “It’s never about holding on, it’s all about development in order to grow”. Come the end of 2020 Ms. Burns will be testing for her Third Dan!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!