Business Details
23 Years
experience
Expert Muay Thai & Boxing Training San Diego
Founded in 2003, American Boxing Mma has established itself as San Diego's premier destination for authentic Muay Thai and boxing training. Led by former Muay Thai World Champion Dave Nielsen, our family-owned academy combines elite-level expertise with a welcoming community atmosphere for all skill levels. With over 25 years of combat sports experience, Coach Dave has trained clients ranging from stay-at-home parents to Navy SEALs, maintaining a 90%+ competition win rate with our team.Our technique-focused approach prioritizes safety while delivering transformative fitness results through personalized training programs. As a non-franchise operation, we maintain strict quality control over our instruction methods, which have shaped San Diego's martial arts landscape for two decades. Our credentials include certifications from NASM, WBC, and USA Boxing, alongside proven success in producing championship athletes across multiple disciplines.
Services
Muay Thai Training
Boxing Classes
Personal Training
Kids Martial Arts
Online Training
Competition Prep
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- 20+ years developing championship athletes across martial arts disciplines
- World Champion founder with 25+ years combat sports expertise
- Personalized training programs for individual fitness and competition goals
- Proven 90%+ team competition win rate in San Diego
- Family-owned operation maintaining direct quality control over all instruction
Associations and certifications
- NASM Certified
- WBC Certified Muay Thai Official
- USA Boxing Licensed Coach
- ACSM Certified
What people say
World Champion instruction
Family-friendly environment
Proven competition success
Personalized training approach
Military/self-defense expertise
Services
Muay Thai Training
Authentic Muay Thai instruction from World Champion Coach Dave Nielsen. Technique-focused classes for all skill levels develop striking proficiency, physical conditioning, and self-defense capabilities. Students benefit from championship-tested methodologies that have produced multiple titleholders.
Personal Training
Customized one-on-one training programs tailored to individual fitness goals and learning styles. Former military and law enforcement trainer provides specialized instruction for self-defense applications, competition preparation, or general physical development with measurable progress tracking.
Kids Martial Arts
Age-appropriate martial arts curriculum for children aged 4-14 builds confidence, discipline, and physical coordination. Safety-focused instruction emphasizes character development alongside technical skills, creating bully-proof mindsets through structured goal achievement systems.
Competition Prep
Comprehensive competition preparation for amateur and professional fighters. Program includes technical refinement, strength and conditioning, fight strategy development, and access to team support for event participation across Muay Thai, boxing, and MMA platforms.
Online Training
Remote martial arts instruction through structured video programs and virtual coaching sessions. Access championship-level expertise from anywhere with personalized feedback on technique development and training progression between in-person sessions.
People
Dave Nielsen
Head Coach/Founder
7X Undefeated Muay Thai Champion with 25+ years martial arts experience. NASM-certified fitness expert and WBC-recognized Muay Thai official. Trains clients from beginners to professional athletes while maintaining active competition involvement.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Muay Thai and boxing, with supplementary grappling instruction. Our curriculum integrates traditional techniques with modern sports science.
Are beginners welcome in your classes?
Yes! Over 70% of our members started with no prior experience. Advanced students mentor newcomers in our inclusive, non-intimidating training environment.
Do you offer self-defense training?
Our programs emphasize practical self-defense applications. Coach Nielsen's background includes training military and law enforcement personnel in real-world defense scenarios.
What age groups participate in your programs?
We serve ages 4 through 74. Specialized youth programs start at age 4, with adult classes accommodating all fitness levels and experience backgrounds.
Can I try a class before committing?
We offer free introductory classes. Text 858-581-2694 to schedule your trial session and experience our training environment firsthand.
