MEET THE TEAM!
Chris Cortez
Trainer
The moment I walked out of my very first Muay Thai class I knew I was obsessed. I went on to train twice a day and started competing after 5 months of training, after a number of fights I found myself doing it in Thailand and this is where the obsession became a passion and I knew Muay Thai would be with me forever.
I have over a decade of experience between coaching and fighting. I've trained up numerous fighters from day one through to various levels of competition - ranging from semi-contact padded bouts (entry level) all the way to professional international tournaments.
I absolutely love what I do alongside people who make the experience so enjoyable - training Muay Thai is something you will never regret; you will learn new skills, overcome challenges, reach your goals and make friends. You will have so much fun and it may even be the lifestyle change you have been waiting for. I feel so blessed to wake up everyday with Muay Thai, your journey is only moments away - I can't wait to meet you!
Quang Pham
Trainer
In the beginning Muay Thai was just an outlet for fitness with friends. I was living quite an unhealthy lifestyle and didn’t play any sports as a kid. Very quickly I was hooked, all I wanted to do was train more often and keep getting better. When I started competing it lit a fire within me and I knew this is what I wanted to do.
I am currently an active fighter with over 15 professional fights. I’ve fought all around Australia and internationally.
My love for Muay Thai grows seeing others better themselves and having fun. Though it may not seem easy, you will learn that with hard work and dedication - your goals can be achieved.
Vinay Lim
Trainer
It seems just like yesterday that I walked into the gym. You name it, I felt it - I was scared, nervous, excited, the whole shebang, but I decided it couldn't hurt to at least give it a shot.
It's crazy how curiosity can turn your whole life around. Muay Thai quickly became an obsession. Within 2 years I was competing and coaching. If I wasn't already training, I would constantly be thinking of training, while working, while shopping, sometimes I even dreamt about it. Not a lot of people can train in their sleep!
During this time and in my journey so far, I have had the opportunity to learn so much about myself, meet people that I now consider family and best of all? I get to help and watch people grow through coaching. Nothing beats watching someone's eyes light up and that's what drives me everyday.
I'll forever be grateful for what this sport has given me. If you're curious and have always wanted to try something new, give it a go! You never know what it can do for you.
Angela
Trainer
I started Muay Thai right out of high school to improve my overall health and well-being and it has been a part of my life ever since. It has provided me with strength, structure, community and health.
In the past 6 years, I’ve begun my fighting career and assisted others along theirs with 3 years of coaching experience. The gym has been an outlet to lean on when times got tough and a place to celebrate wins with close friends and like-minded people. Now, as a coach, I am fortunate to help others develop and experience the same sense of growth and community. I strive to create a supportive, fun environment in my classes—encouraging teamwork, laughter, personal development and community.
This sport is rich in knowledge and continuously offers more to learn. I find true passion in developing my understanding of the sport and am excited to share that knowledge with you all. Muay Thai has renewed my life in many ways I could not have imagined and I am excited to lead you along your path in Muay Thai aswell.
Join me on the mats or for 1-on-1 personal training.
Bella Markos
Trainer
I found Muay Thai during a difficult time in my life and quickly fell in love with it. Growing up I was never athletic or into sports and struggled finding healthy outlets to express myself. I was surprised when I found myself in the gym everyday, twice a day, kicking and punching as a way to move through the complex feelings I was having. For the first time in my life, I was getting to know myself, exploring my strength and what my body is capable of.
As I started healing, I found myself becoming more serious about the sport and focused on improving my skill set and technique. It felt like I had a new direction and purpose in life and after my first year of training, I sold all my belongings and moved to Thailand.
Since January 2022 I’ve been living between Australia and Thailand, training and fighting professionally. During my time in Thailand, I was able to immerse myself in the rich cultural heritage of Muay Thai, learning the traditions of ritual, respect and heart. I have fought around rural Thailand fighting at festivals, to stadiums such as Max Muay thai and Rajadamnern. Opportunities to fight at Rajadamnern were historically exclusive to male fighters up until 2022.
Muay thai is my life. I feel grateful everyday to be here, doing what I love. I look forward to being apart of your own individual journeys and hope I can share my passion for Muay Thai and what I’ve learnt along the way with you.
Alanah
Receptionist
Strike Studio has been a huge part of my life for years, and now, as a receptionist, I get to give back to the gym that has given me so much. Beyond managing the front desk, I love being part of the gym’s welcoming atmosphere, helping create the same supportive environment that first drew me in.
I joined Strike in 2021. Coming from a ballet background, Muay Thai was new and out of my comfort zone, but like ballet, it provided structure and discipline. More importantly, Strike became a place of support, growth, and resilience. Chris and the team were vital in my journey, especially through injury and rehab, helping me stay patient and focused when all I wanted was to train again.
My passion for movement led me to pursue a Bachelor of Exercise Science at Victoria University, with plans to complete a Master’s in Physiotherapy. I’m eager to apply my knowledge to Muay Thai, helping athletes recover, train smarter, and prevent injuries. I feel incredibly privileged to now contribute to the gym that has shaped me, and I look forward to supporting this amazing community every step of the way.
Grace Tozer
Admin Manager
I really enjoy helping others and I love to chat, so I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to introduce new members to the sport, and witness their progress.
I started Muay Thai roughly a year ago during a low point in my life when I wasn’t prioritising my physical or mental wellbeing. My younger brother and I attended a trial class together and we have been obsessed ever since. I find traditional weight gyms to be quite intimidating, which is why I love being in a group environment, training alongside others who share my interests!
My favourite memories at Strike are all the laughs shared. We are very lucky to have such amazing members, they create a friendly and safe atmosphere for all.
I always look forward to meeting newcomers and welcoming them to the Strike community so if you’re searching for a new gym and have an interest in martial arts, feel free to reach out for a tour or a complimentary trial!
Adi Gupta
Junior Coach
My Muay Thai journey began during the start of 2023. I started simply for the “cool factor” that combat sports have, but as I continued to train I would find myself obsessed with the sport. The fulfillment I get after every training session is unmatched. I prefer Muay Thai to other combat sports due to the freedom it gives you. From punches and kicks to elbows and knees your arsenal is so deep and versatile.
Over my 2 years of training I have competed in several interclub and amatuer bouts allowing me to accumulate alot of valuable experience. I currently teach the Junior Classes. It is amazing to pass down the knowledge given to me and help these kids learn valuable self defense skills. My passion for teaching stems from how it allows me to understand the sport in a deeper way, as in order to teach someone something you yourself must completely understand it. I hope to grow both my teaching and fighting ability in the coming future. See you at strike!