owner, HEAD Coach

Gene Byard

Gene began training Muay Thai locally in Richmond, VA in 2007. Since transitioning to instructing and managing various Muay Thai programs in 2013, he has introduced hundreds of new people to the Art Of 8 Limbs.

Whether it's a brand new student or a seasoned fighter, he loves watching students of all levels progress and gain self-confidence over time.

When not on the mats demanding more kicks from his students, he enjoys being a dad to two wonderful kids, reading, and relaxing at any available beach.

Coach

Emily Nielsen

Emily began training Muay Thai in 2014 as a way to make friends after moving to the Richmond area with her wife. The love of Muay Thai quickly took hold, and she began fighting competitively in 2016. Emily has enjoyed success both in the states and abroad with a successful fight in Thailand and two championship titles to her name. 

Emily has a passion for all things Muay Thai, but she especially loves bringing new students into the sport. She finds enjoyment watching people use their bodies in ways they didn't think possible, and coaching them through learning the basics of this art. She's not just around for new students, though! Emily can also be found coaching the fight team throughout the year. 

As a heavyweight fighter, Emily brings a unique perspective to 10 Kicks - focusing on basic technique executed well. You may not find her smiling during roadwork days, but she's always available to give you just the right pointer to perfect your technique.

Coach

Natasha Sotnychuk

Natasha was first introduced to the art of the eight limbs by Apachai Hopachai, the childish Death God of the Muay Thai Underworld from “Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple.” After moving to Richmond in 2014, she decided to pursue Muay Thai, building upon her ten years of Tae Kwon Do experience.

She has since been both fighter and coach for the fight team. She has more than ten fights under her belt, including one in Thailand.

Embracing the playful, yet challenging, nature of Muay Thai, her more traditional coaching style will help you unlock your inner Apachai.

Coach

Daniel Friend

Daniel Friend's journey in Muay Thai began in early 2019, sparked by a friend's recommendation. The immediate connection and joy he found in the sport led him to train almost daily, finding no other activity that matched the fulfillment Muay Thai brought him. By 2022, Daniel started competing, and the exhilarating experiences solidified his love for the sport.

Daniel's passion is the community at 10 Kicks and the reputation they've built for themselves within the greater Muay Thai Community. The camaraderie and friendships he formed with his teammates are a cornerstone of his Muay Thai journey. When offered the chance to become an instructor, Daniel eagerly accepted the chance to pay forward the support and knowledge he had received.

As an instructor, Daniel is committed to delivering high-level instruction that is understandable to all, whether someone has been training for five days or five years. His goal is for everyone in his classes to gain something valuable from the experience.

Coach

Richard Thomas

Richard began his Muay Thai journey in 2009, driven by curiosity and a desire for personal transformation. He quickly fell in love with the art of eight limbs and its powerful impact. Since then, Richard has competed in three amateur fights and eagerly anticipates more.

He is particularly passionate about clinching, pushing both himself and his peers to their limits, and constantly seeking to learn and improve. As a dedicated Muay Thai coach, Richard brings enthusiasm and expertise to each session, focusing on precise pad work to help others achieve their full potential.

Outside the gym, Richard channels his creativity into his career as a hair colorist and playing guitar, seamlessly blending creativity and discipline in all areas of his life.

JUNIORS Coach

Kelli Bergmann

Kelli started her journey in combat sports through kickboxing in 2016. Drawn by the excitement of incorporating knees and elbows into her training, in 2018 she transitioned to Muay Thai. She took one class, and immediately signed up as a full-time student. She began fighting competitively in 2018, which has not only grounded her but also empowered her in all aspects of her life.

Kelli is a passionate advocate for mental health, crediting Muay Thai with helping her overcome her own mental health challenges. She is dedicated to empowering women, especially moms, and helping children discover the joy of the sport. As a former teacher and current Juniors Program coach with two children who practice Muay Thai, Kelli finds great fulfillment in watching them develop their skills and confidence.

Known for her infectious smile and love for making others laugh, Kelli brings a playful energy to each class. Her favorite technique in Muay Thai is clinching, and particularly enjoys the use of elbows and knees. Kelli is dedicated to helping her students improve their techniques and is always ready with a helpful tip or encouraging word. Whether she’s working with the juniors, new students, or coaching other fighters, Kelli’s enthusiasm and expertise make her an invaluable part of the Muay Thai community.

Coach

Ron King

After having his first smoker in Fairfax, Virginia 2011, Ron has been on a lifelong Muay Thai journey starting as an active youth competitor. Since the age of 12, Ron has competed in over 25 fights in places such as New York, DC, Italy, England, and Thailand.

He enjoys teaching all levels of classes and assisting newer competitors using a dynamic approach because he believes every student is capable of becoming a skilled practitioner which is reflected in his flexible but structured teaching method. To him, every person should be allowed the space to discover the style that suits them best no matter how long it takes.

Outside of the gym, he is a local educator and spends much of his free time reading, gardening, and studying all combat sports on a regular basis.

Coach

Chris Creech

After 8 and half years of honorable service in the United States Marine Corps, Chris began training Muay Thai in late 2015 under Coach Gene Byard. 

Chris enjoys the physical and mental challenges of Muay Thai and encourages students to cultivate their own flavor of Thai Boxing.

JUNIORS Coach

Jordan Tillman

Jordan began his Muay Thai journey in 2021, after many years of college rugby experience, he was looking for a different discipline to pursue. He came to Muay Thai with a small & varied amount of martial arts experience from his childhood, but quickly developed a passion for the sport after a few classes and began training consistently.

In October 2022 Jordan competed in his first point-based Muay Thai tournament. He has an eagerness to train and enjoys the comraderare that the gym brings. Some of his favorite parts of Muay Thai include using his kicks and teeps to keep people at range. However, he's truly learned to love the clinch, and appreciate the dynamic and intricacies that it brings to this martial art. 

He currently is an assistant coach for the Juniors program and enjoys sharing his passions for Muay Thai with the youth.