Our Coaches
Founder & Head Instructor
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With nearly 30 years in martial arts and a 12th Khan grading, Kru LionHeart trained under some of the world’s most respected coaches to build his own system blending Muay Thai, Muay Boran, and Qi Gong. He now guides students on the path of the Noble Warrior — using martial arts for total personal mastery.
Coach
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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.
Assistant Coach
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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.
Assistant Coach
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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.
SENIOR COACH
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A 12th Khan Head Kru with 15+ years’ experience, Star Joyce has coached everyone from beginners to a 2023 UK WMO Gold medalist, and holds Judge, Referee, and Level 3 PT certifications. She’s also a respected Fight Events Manager who brings a philosophy of self-mastery to every student.
Coach
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Master Barry Littlejohn is a prominent British martial artist and the Head Coach for WEKAF GB (World Eskrima-Kali-Arnis Federation Great Britain). He is a highly respected figure in the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) community, specialising in full-contact stick fighting, Kali, Eskrima, and Arnis.
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.”