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Our COACHES
Top-Notch Coaches Welcoming All Levels: A Premier Training Experience
Annika Kahl
Muay Thai
Annika Kahl has been immersed in the art of Muay Thai since 2013, dedicating over a decade to refining her craft as both a competitor and a coach. With more than nine years of coaching experience and 18 Muay Thai and Kickboxing bouts under her belt, Annika brings unmatched expertise, discipline, and passion to Motiv Martial Arts.
Her competitive career has taken her from local fight nights on Long Island to world-renowned training grounds in Thailand and international stages in Italy. Along the way, she has collected an impressive list of accolades that showcase her dominance as a striker, including:
- USMTO Champion (2017)
- WKA Champion (2018, 2019, 2021, 2025)
- 2nd Place, WKA World Championships (2018)
- TBA Champion (2019)
Annika’s approach to coaching is shaped by her years of firsthand experience in the ring as well as her ability to adapt training to each individual. Whether she’s working with beginners taking their first steps into Muay Thai, competitive fighters preparing for their next bout, or kids building confidence through martial arts, Annika emphasizes technical precision, mental resilience, and personal growth. Her dedication ensures that every student, regardless of background or skill level, receives the tools they need to succeed, on the mats and beyond.
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Vinny Melillo
MMA
Vinny Melillo began his martial arts journey in 2010 and has spent the past 15 years mastering the striking arts and sharing that knowledge as a coach since 2013. With 20 fights across Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kickboxing, Vinny brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of multiple combat disciplines to Motiv Martial Arts.
A three-time champion and seasoned international competitor, Vinny has fought five times in Thailand—the birthplace of Muay Thai—over the course of ten training trips abroad. His commitment to continual growth and global experience has shaped him into a well-rounded and technically refined coach, capable of guiding both beginners and seasoned fighters alike.
In addition to his striking accomplishments, Vinny is also a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under UFC Hall of Famer Matt Serra, adding a grappling dimension that makes his coaching style uniquely complete. This October, Vinny represented Team USA at the WKA World Championships in England, taking Gold in Muay Thai and Silver in Kickboxing, further cementing his reputation as a world-class martial artist and ambassador for the sport.
Whether he’s cornering a fighter, refining technique on the pads, or helping a new student throw their first punch, Vinny combines world-level experience with the patience, precision, and passion that define Motiv Martial Arts.
