Tigard's Authentic Muay Thai Academy

Battle-Tested Muay Thai. Real Results

Beginner-friendly Muay Thai in Tigard for real striking, practical defense, and calm under pressure. No experience needed.

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Beginner-friendly
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Gear provided
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20+

Years of Experience

6+

Expert Coaches

100+

5-Star Reviews
live demonstration of kali
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Muay Thai boxing demonstration
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Why It Matters

Train For
Real Life

Manage distance, stay balanced under stress, and end exchanges on your terms—without guesswork or ego.
Our Curriculum

What You'll Learn

Our training is designed to build you from the ground up, ensuring strong fundamentals and real-world effectiveness.

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01

Fundamental Striking

Learn to generate power and precision with your punches, kicks, and elbows. We focus on proper technique to build a solid foundation for both offense and defense

02

The Clinch & Control

Discover the core of Muay Thai. We teach you how to control an opponent in close quarters, using knees and positional dominance to command the fight.

03

Defensive Skills & Sparring

Safety is our priority. Learn to block, parry, and move with purpose. Our controlled, technique-focused sparring sessions are designed for learning, not injury.

04

Elite Conditioning

Muay Thai is the ultimate full-body workout. Our classes incorporate conditioning drills that will torch calories, build lean muscle, and dramatically improve your endurance.

About Us

About River City Warriors

Rooted in Tigard just minutes from downtown Portland, RCW has spent 15 + years refining a no-shortcuts approach to martial-arts instruction. Every coach is a seasoned practitioner and proven teacher, delivering small-group classes where technique, safety, and personal progress take priority. Fifteen years in business hasn't changed our neighborhood spirit—it's sharpened it.

Why Choose Us

What Makes RCW Different

We teach practical Muay Thai for real life—distance, timing, and simple if-then plans drilled safely with optional contact. Consistent coaches and capped classes keep you progressing through clear milestones. Each session pairs technique with conditioning so you get stronger now and more prepared for later.

Benefits

Become The Person You're Meant to Be

Transformation 1

A body that's ready for anything and functional strength that translates to real life. Our average members drop 15lbs in 60 days while building lean, explosive muscles.

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Transformation 2

Muay Thai rewires your stress response. What used to trigger anxiety now triggers focus. Our members report staying calm in confrontations, negotiations, and high-pressure situations that would have rattled them before.

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Transformation 3

There's something different about people who know they can defend themselves. It's not aggressive - it's the opposite. A calm assurance that changes how others perceive and interact with you. No posturing needed.

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students sparring in Muay Thai class at RCW
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Community

More Than a Gym,
We're a Tribe

Forget the intimidating "fight gym" stereotype. River City Warriors is a goal-oriented community built on respect and mutual growth. We believe martial arts is for everyone. Whether you're a complete beginner looking to get in shape or a seasoned practitioner honing your skills, you'll find a supportive and safe environment here.

students practicing Muay Thai at River City Warriors in Tigard OR
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Testimonials

Real Students, Real Results

From Portland tech workers to Tigard locals, discover why our members call RCW their second home

Great Environment and great classes

Great service, and amazing team. I told them my situation and they were very understanding to work with me. Thank you very much. Great environment and great classes. That teach for all interest wither that be for competitive, casual, or self defense. One of the few places that is a one stop shop for a lot of styles, and one of the few places in Oregon that offers kali and JKD.

Davith Thilavanh jr
Member Since 2024
If I could give 10 stars I would

This place is fantastic. Incredible instruction. By far the most inclusive and intelligent instruction in the northwest. I've been here for years and they have always been the best. If I could give 10 stars I would.

Eric Chandler
Member Since 2016
If you give it a try, you won't regret it

Excellent school, better people. The training is top notch, and there's something for everyone. Whether you want to wail on some pads with hip hop blaring in the background, or want a more gentle, approachable style of training for effective self defense, RCW has what you need. If you give it a try, you won't regret it.

Griffin Schmeltzer
Former Student
My mind and body are growing stronger with each session.

I have been training at RCW for two months and it has been an amazing and rewarding experience thus far! My mind and body are growing stronger with each session. The instructors are friendly and extremely knowledgable and skilled.

Christian Preston
Member Since 2025
I have trained at quite a few gyms and this is the best martial arts school I have ever trained at.

I have trained at quite a few gyms and this is the best martial arts school I have ever trained at. The instructors are all incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They create a fun and safe learning environment that is welcoming to everyone and I recommend this place if you are just starting out or looking for a new gym.

Tyler S
Member Since 2024
I highly recommend this location and cannot wait to continue learning

Incredibly friendly and welcoming teachers and fellow students. They have training gear so you don’t need to invest in the practice until you want to. They also provide modifications for those in law enforcement who have limitations in handling people, so the trainings are applicable for them and the everyday civilian. I highly recommend this location and cannot wait to continue learning from knowledgeable, welcoming, experienced professionals.

Shauna Calhoun
Member Since 2024
If you see this comment go give them a shot, I promise you wont be disappointed.

I have looked at dozens of martial arts studios in the greater portland area - dont look any farther than RCW. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and personable. It's an excellent place to learn. They have the required knowledge and understanding of their martial arts to teach beginners the fundamentals of an art and help experts refine what they already know. If you see this comment go give them a shot, i promise you wont be disappointed.

Austin Smith
Member Since 2023
Awesome workouts and great learning experiences!

This gym is for all ages at all levels and an opportunity to learn from the best instructors proper techniques, while getting a great workout. I attend their jiu jitsu and Muay Thai classes that are awesome workouts and great learning experiences!

Erick Franco
Member Since 2022
It's one of the best workouts you can get

RCW has a lot of great classes, I have mostly been to the Muay Thai and it's one of the best workouts you can get, especially one that combines fun and practicality. Highly recommend checking this place out if you live in the area and are looking to do Muay Thai or Jiu Jitsu

Mackenzie Larson-Weber
Member Since 2022
A safe learning environment where we can learn useful techniques that can be lethal

Love these people! Ever since day one I have felt a warm welcome and made great friendships with fellow classmates and the knowledgeable instructors. They are great teachers and create a safe learning environment where we can learn useful techniques that can be lethal. I have been a member for about 2 years on and off and they always give me a warm welcome me back.

Lydia B
Member Since 2019
Fantastic people and really great technique taught in both Jiu jitsu and Muay Thai

Have been training here for three years now and would recommend it to anyone. Fantastic people and really great technique taught in both Jiu jitsu and Muay Thai. Everyone here, members and instructors, make it a super welcoming and encouraging environment. It's a great place to train, especially if you are just starting.

Kenzie Rose
Member Since 2019
They're all passionate about teaching and helping you become your best!

I had never taken a martial arts class before and decided to try The Muay Thai class. As a beginner you often feel out of place. However, The instructors and students here are so welcoming and kind that I never felt awkward. Everyone's eager to learn and you can tell that they're all passionate about teaching and helping you become your best!!

Hope Tudela
Member in 2019
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience?

Absolutely not. Most of our members begin with zero martial arts background. Our beginner-friendly curriculum is designed to ease you in step by step. You'll learn stance, footwork, and basic strikes first, no overwhelming drills or pressure. Within a few weeks, you'll already notice improved balance, coordination, and confidence.

Is sparring required?

No. Sparring is completely optional and only introduced if and when you're ready. Many students train for fitness, stress relief, or self-defense and never spar. If you're curious about it, our coaches provide safe, supervised, and technical sparring sessions—not “fight club” chaos. You set the pace.

What should I bring to my first class?

Just water, comfortable workout clothes, and an open mind. We'll provide gloves and gear.

Am I too out of shape to start?

Not at all. Muay Thai meets you where you're at. Our coaches scale workouts so you'll be challenged, but never overwhelmed. Whether you're looking to shed pounds, build muscle, or simply feel more energetic, you'll find that progress happens faster than you expect.

Is Muay Thai safe?

Yes. Our classes are technique-first and always supervised by experienced coaches. We emphasize control, respect, and safety. This is not a reckless fight gym. Students of all skill levels train together in a positive environment where injuries are extremely rare.

How often should I train to see results?

Most beginners start with 2-3 classes per week. That's enough to notice improvements in strength, cardio, and confidence within the first month. Consistency is more important than intensity, and our flexible schedule makes it easy to build training into your routine.

Will Muay Thai help with self-defense?

Definitely. Muay Thai is one of the most practical striking arts in the world. You'll learn how to stay calm under pressure, manage distance, and use effective techniques to protect yourself if needed. Many of our students say they feel safer and more prepared in daily life after just a few weeks of training.

What age groups do you accept?

We welcome adults of all ages, and we also offer youth programs. Our kids' classes focus on discipline, confidence, and fitness while keeping training fun and age-appropriate.

Your First Class
Is On Us

Try one session, meet the coaches, and decide after. Small-group spots fill fast—reserve yours today.

See Schedule & Book Free Class