Our Coaches
Founder & Head Instructor
COMBAT
With nearly 40 years of experience in martial arts and a 12th Khan qualification in Muay Thai, Nuakai Aru, known as Kru LionHeart, is a martial arts practitioner, teacher, author and personal development coach.
Having trained under some of the world’s most respected Muay Thai masters, he brings together traditional Muay Thai, Muay Boran, functional strength and conditioning, and holistic wellbeing practices.
His approach combines authentic martial arts knowledge with modern coaching methods to develop physical capability, mental discipline, emotional resilience and self-awareness.
As the founder and Head Coach of LionHeart Muay Thai Academy and author of The Essence of Muay Thai, Nuakai is dedicated to preserving the deeper teachings of martial arts while making them relevant to modern life.
Central to his philosophy is the Path of the Noble Warrior: a journey of courage, discipline, integrity and continuous self-development. Through his teaching, he inspires students not only to become stronger and more skilful martial artists, but to develop the confidence, character and awareness needed to master themselves and navigate life’s challenges.
Combat | Functional Strength | Wellbeing
Front of house & Assistant Coach
ADMIN
Ella is here to answer any questions you have on booking a class, our training packages, and joining the academy. As a member herself, she is experienced in Muay Thai, our grading system and taking part in competitions.
Customer Relations
Customer Relations & Assistant Coach
ADMIN
David helps new students feel welcome and keeps the LionHeart community connected. With a strong background in building relationships and generating leads, he supports prospective members from their first enquiry, helping them understand our training options and get started with confidence.
Alongside customer relations and membership sales, David supports the coaching team as an assistant coach and helps deliver club communications and promotion. His work helps more people discover LionHeart’s authentic approach to martial arts, personal development and community.
Membership Sales | Assistant Coaching
Coach
COMBAT
A banking professional and dedicated Muay Thai practitioner, Spencer has trained under Kru LionHeart for 12+ years, progressing to 4th Khan while competing in interclub fights and a training camp in Thailand. He’s known for his precision coaching in functional fitness and practical technique.
Muay Thai | Athletic & Sports Fitness
Assistant Coach
COMBAT
A former professional swimmer and long-distance runner, Joe brings serious athletic pedigree and discipline to his Muay Thai training. Focused and passionate, he’s working toward full coaching qualification while assisting students as a strong, athletic martial artist in his own right.
Muay Thai | Endurance Running
Assistant Coach
COMBAT
A passionate martial artist dedicated to working with women and young people, Safa focuses on building confidence, fitness, and deeper martial ability alongside practical self-defence skills. She’s currently working toward full coaching qualification.
Muay Thai | Women’s Martial Arts | Grading
Assistant Coach
COMBAT
With nine years of dedicated Muay Thai training under Kru LionHeart, Michael brings experience, enthusiasm and a strong commitment to student development at LionHeart Academy.
Alongside his professional background in finance and digital media, Michael is passionate about helping new students build confidence, refine their technique and develop strong martial arts foundations.
Known for his positive energy and supportive approach, he helps maintain the discipline, technical standards and training philosophy at the heart of LionHeart Muay Thai.
Muay Thai | Technique | Student Development
Associate Coach
COMBAT
With over 35 years of martial arts experience, Coach Ike began training in Shotokan Karate and Lau Gar Kung Fu before discovering Muay Thai under former Lumpinee champion Kru Lek Chekwairung in 1988. He later competed in the UK and trained in Thailand.
Specialising in calisthenics, animal flow and functional movement, Ike focuses on improving strength, mobility and physical resilience. He has worked with professional boxers and MMA fighters, including heavyweights under renowned boxing coach Don Charles, supporting injury recovery and long-term performance.
Martial Arts | Functional Strength & Mobility
SENIOR COACH
COMBAT
Kru Star brings 20 years’ experience and a 12th Khan qualification to her role as Head Coach at LionHeart. She has coached students from complete beginners to a 2023 UK WMO gold medallist, helping each develop their skills, confidence and discipline.
A qualified judge, referee and Level 3 personal trainer, Star is also an experienced Fight Events Manager. Her coaching reflects LionHeart’s philosophy of self-mastery, encouraging students to grow as martial artists and as individuals.
Muay Thai | Muay Boran | Fight Coach
Coach
COMBAT
Filipino Weapons & Movement Specialist
Psychosomatic Therapist & Somatic Rehabilitation Coach
WELLBEING
With over 17 years of movement experience, Muti combines bodywork, breathwork and somatic coaching to help people manage stress, build body awareness and move with confidence. Creator of Spiral Mechanics, he draws on Thai massage, craniosacral therapy and Qi Gong to offer personalised treatments, rehabilitation support and one-to-one coaching.
Spiral Mechanics / Qi Gong and Taoist practices
Sound Bath Practitioner
WELLBEING
Tina brings a compassionate, inclusive approach to sound baths, creating space to slow down, unwind and reconnect with yourself. Using singing bowls, gongs and other instruments, her immersive sessions offer time to replenish mind and body, encouraging deep rest and relaxation to support recovery and overall wellbeing.
SOUND HEALING / GUIDED BREATHWORK / TRANSFORMATIVE COACH
Honoured Master
Honorary Master Teacher | Senior Muay Thai & Muay Boran Mentor | Master Fight Coach
Master Arjan V is a highly respected martial artist, master teacher and pioneering figure in the development of traditional Muay Thai and Muay Boran in London. Since the early 2000s, he has played an influential role in preserving, teaching and promoting authentic Thai martial arts, inspiring generations of students, fighters and coaches.
Holding the prestigious 14th Khan (Arjan), awarded in Ayutthaya, Thailand, in 2009, Arjan V has dedicated decades to martial arts mastery, drawing upon extensive training with renowned teachers and grandmasters in Thailand, Europe and the UK.
As co-founder and Head Coach of Muay Thai Masters Academy (MTMA), he has developed traditional grading systems, trained championship-winning fighters and mentored numerous instructors, including Kru Nuakai LionHeart, Kru Star and many others, empowering them to establish their own schools and carry forward the traditions and teachings of Muay Thai and Muay Boran.
LionHeart Muay Thai Academy proudly honours Arjan V as an esteemed Master Teacher and senior mentor, recognising his lasting influence on Kru Nuakai’s martial arts journey and the foundations upon which LionHeart has grown.
His legacy extends beyond fighting techniques and championship titles. Through discipline, wisdom, cultural preservation and a lifelong commitment to teaching, Arjan V continues to inspire the next generation of martial artists, coaches and community leaders.
His guiding philosophy:
“Practice Makes the Master.”