GALT, CA (MPG) - A new martial arts academy has opened its doors in Galt, bringing the ancient Thai fighting art of Muay Thai to the local community. Galt Martial Arts Academy, located at 213 S. Lincoln Way, celebrated its grand opening with approximately 100 community members in attendance.

Owner Josh Washburn, a 2017 Galt High School graduate, has been involved in martial arts for over a decade.

“I started training back in 2013,” Washburn said. “I started off with karate and moved into jiu-jitsu and MMA, then transitioned to Muay Thai around 2020.”

After coaching at another gym for three years, Washburn launched his own program through the city’s parks and recreation department last October. The program quickly grew to about 40 students before expanding into the new dedicated facility.

The academy offers classes for students as young as 5 years old through adults of all ages. In addition to traditional Muay Thai, the facility provides cardio kickboxing and yoga classes.

“Being able to do something where you have free range to push yourself: I think that’s what really helps,” Washburn explained. “A lot of the kids end up pushing themselves to do things beyond what they think they can do.”

The academy is currently offering special rates for students who sign up before September, along with a free week of classes for newcomers to try out the programs. Additionally, a free women’s-only Muay Thai class is held every Saturday at 9 a.m.

Washburn is passionate about sharing the history and practical nature of Muay Thai with his students.

“It came from Thailand and was originally called Muay Boran,” he said. “It was designed as a fighting style for war when soldiers lost their weapons, so it was meant to be one of the most effective martial arts.”

Unlike other martial arts that focus on forms or display movements, Muay Thai emphasizes practical combat techniques.

“We use all body parts: elbows, knees, kicks and clinching, which is similar to wrestling,” Washburn explained. “We don’t have fancy techniques for show; it’s about real, effective fighting skills.”

The academy’s focus on this traditional yet practical martial art offers Galt residents a unique opportunity to learn self-defense while getting in shape and building confidence.

For more information about classes and enrollment, interested individuals can visit the academy at 213 S. Lincoln Way, call 916-204-9229 or take advantage of the free trial week to experience the programs firsthand.