Sebastian Stec - Instructor/2nd Degree Black Belt
Sebastian started his martial arts training when he was 3 and half years old. He continued to train until he received his black belt at age 13, and his second dan at age 17. Sebastian was one of Kru Dan’s first students in Los Angeles and throughout his martial arts journey, has kept in contact and trained with him intermittently. At the start of 2021, he began his training in Muay Thai with Kru Dan at his new dojo, Mayid Martial Arts, and is currently pursuing this new style with enthusiasm. Within the same year, Sebastian also began to work under Kru Dan as his apprentice, learning how to become a professional martial arts instructor. He continues to better himself as a martial artist by keeping an open mind and heart in his pursuit of different styles of martial arts.
The Reason I enjoy teaching Martial Arts:
One thing I really enjoy about teaching is the growth I see in both students and myself. Seeing improvement in students as individual martial artists, lets me know that I’m doing my job right. However, as a teacher, I think it’s equally important to keep an open mind to new things that I could learn or improve on. By observing a student's journey into becoming a martial artist, the better I understand how to mold them into the best possible version of themselves. They, in turn, become my teachers. I believe that strong student-teacher relationships can benefit both people in a truly remarkable way. It’s something that I’ve experienced first hand with one of my first teachers, Kru Dan. As a martial artist and teacher, I want to use myself as an example for students to look up to, as Kru Dan has for me and all of his previous students.
-Sebastian has over 16 years of martial arts experience
-Is a second Degree Black belt in the style of Arjukenpo
-Is a Black sash in Kickboxing
-Has 3 years of experience in filipino Stick fighting (Eskrima)
-Is also working towards becoming fluent in Sign Language
Has over 1o years experience in multiple styles of Martial Arts. She started her journey in 2003 at the age of 8 in Karate. While training towards her black belt she branched out and started learning Muay Thai, boxing, and Filipino stick fighting. She believes all these different styles helped make her a stronger and more well-rounded martial artist.
After receiving her black belt in karate, she started competing in tournaments all around Los Angeles and even Las Vegas, receiving multiple first & second place trophies in forms & sparring. “Competing has really helped open me up and find my voice. Every tournament I did, the biggest competition was myself and I was always trying to do better than the last one!”
In 2015 she started studying Muay Thai at Muay Thai School USA under Kru Dan Mayid. Brianna’s dedication eventually led to her assisting and teaching the Jr Nak Muay program.
“What really helped bring me out of my shy shell and gave me the confidence that I have today was when I started helping on the mat and assisting classes. Something about molding and guiding the next generation felt second nature to me. I love teaching kids because it’s my passion being an influence and a mentor to the next generation of martial artists. I love seeing my students progress through their own journeys.”
- 2nd degree black belt Arjukenpo Karate ( mixed martial arts consisting of Arnis, Judo, Brazilian Jujitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Hawaiian Kenpo - 2016/2019)
- 1st degree black belt Doce Pares Eskrima (Filipino stick fighting - 2018)
Kru Brianna Davidov - Instructor/2nd Degree Black Belt
Kru Liam Tully
Instructor/Amateur Fighter
Kru Liam began his martial arts career in the 6th grade trying out for the wrestling team. Finding a natural ability in the sport unlocked a passion for competition and pushing himself both physically and mentally. By high school Liam was pursuing wrestling full time dropping all other sports and practicing off season at Doughboy Wrestling Club in Lowell Massachusetts under Michael Marshall and David Shunamon. He also spent time at Pedro’s Judo club under Olympic coach, Jimmy Pedro.
Liam relocated to Los Angeles in 2017 where he discovered Muay Thai School USA. There he was coached under Kru Dan Mayid and Kru Edward González. Falling in love with the style, ethic, and philosophy of these two coaches lead him to pursue competition and a successful Amateur Muay Thai career.
Covid brought the unfortunate end to MTSUSA’s chapter but a new one began at Mayid Martial Arts with Kru Dan. Liam has since become a great addition to the Mayid team and a fantastic instructor. “Mayid Martial Arts has become a second home for me. I love to spread what I have learned and what has been passed down to me from my lifetime of past coaches and Kru Dan. To be as ferocious in life as you are kind and gentle.” Liam Tully
Kru Bryce Greenstein
Instructor/US Marine Veteran
I started training in martial arts, Jiu-Jitsu, at age 8. I was drawn not only to learning the precise physical movements of art, but greatly benefitted from the confidence it instilled in me at that young age. After nearly three years of training, and having achieved the rank of purple belt, I would not take up martial arts again until I became a United States Marine in my early twenties.
Despite the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program being its own tailored martial art, at its core were principles of discipline, perseverance, control, and leadership. This resonated deeply with me and took me back to my first experience with martial arts as a young kid.
After leaving the Marine Corps, I still maintained an active lifestyle and decided in 2018 to add martial arts into my fitness routine. I discovered Muay Thai School USA and Kru Dan Mayid, and Muay Thai has been an integral part of my life ever since.
I fell in love with the art of Muay Thai and the community that Kru Dan fostered as my teacher. I love how a skilled practitioner of Muay Thai can be incredibly effective with only a few movements, say a well timed punch or a kick, and how another practitioner can be equally effective by employing numerous movements into their skillset. I love the energy, enthusiasm, and camaraderie of practicing the martial art. And like any endeavor worth pursuing, Kru Dan sets a standard so that your progress and accomplishments are always earned and never given.
My main goals now are to further develop my teaching skills at Mayid Martial Arts. I believe that when you dedicate yourself to learning a martial art, that enormous personal growth naturally takes place. The perseverance and humility required to learn a martial art will develop not only one's body, but their mind and character as well. A dedicated martial artist is one who leads by example in their community, exhibiting discipline, respect, and selflessness. I strive to be an effective teacher of martial arts so that others can develop these traits as well. And if I’m being completely honest, if I can get calves like Buakaw in the process, then that’s the jackpot.
Kru Sugar Vasquez
Adult Muay Thai Instructor
Kru Sugar first found their love for martial arts at 18 during their enrollment in a beginner Taekwondo class. Now 28 years old, they have spent the last 7 years as a student of Muay Thai under the instruction of Kru Dan. Kru Sugar’s passion for the Art of Eight Limbs derives from a love of community and self discipline- two key elements of Muay Thai. While they earned advanced certification status in 2018, Kru Sugar remains an eager student determined to gain as much Muay Thai knowledge as possible.
Kru Sugar attributes their personal growth, on and off of the mat, to the principles of hard work, humility and determination that are instilled within the sport of Muay Thai. When they are not training or teaching they are a full time student at the private liberal arts institution, Occidental College where they maintain Honor Roll status. Holding a GPA of 3.9 Kru Sugar will be receiving their undergraduate diploma in the Spring of 2024 as a Critical Theory & Social Justice Major, and Media Arts & Culture Minor.
As a trans individual of Native American descent
Kru Sugar identifies as Two-Spirit and uses they/them pronouns. An avid supporter of mental health awareness and supporter of social justice advocacy, Kru Sugar aims to provide an inclusive environment amongst their students on and beyond the mat. Their ultimate goal as a martial artist is to help promote physical wealth, confidence and respect for Muay Thai while leading by example. Kru Sugar aims to utilize these goals to exhibit positive wellness habits and inspire others to doing the same. Other interests of Kru Sugar are quality time with family, enjoying nature outings with friends, poetry, weightlifting and filmmaking.