About
American Boxing and Fitness | The San Diego Muay Thai Academy | Est. 2003
Men, women and children from ages 4-74 have tried their very first Boxing and Muay Thai classes with American Boxing, since 2003.
Technique focused, there is no safer or better choice for learning Muay Thai Kickboxing or Boxing.
Fitness and Self Defense seekers alike enjoy watching the competition minded put in the extra work and support them by attending competitions as a Team and Family.
Interested in Joining our Family?
Contact us now.
American Boxing currently offers outdoor, technique based fitness-intensive Classes.
*NO MASK REQUIRED!
(However, we do not pressure anyone in either direction.)
Personal Training is available for a special and customized experience to anyone with a desire to learn faster and/or has special considerations. Our diversity in past clientele is second to none, please feel free to ask for referrals.
As a local family business for nearly 2 decades, American Boxing is not a Franchise, we are a small family with a big name that loves what we do! We are proud to say that over the past 20 years, our coaches and students have helped shape the San Diego Muay Thai, MMA and Fitness scene, right here in beautiful Pacific Beach.
We are by Appointment Only.
For the fastest response please text us at 858.581.2694
American Boxing was founded and is operated by Coach/ Kru Dave Nielsen, a former Muay Thai World Champion, Master Fitness Trainer, Self Defense Specialist and Combat Sports Expert. Over the the past 25 years, Dave attended college, raised his family and became a Muay Thai World Champion right here in Pacific Beach, San Diego. Read his bio!
“First time” beginners are common in our classes along with more advanced students. Advanced students happily mentor beginners and nurture a positive relationship, making new gym friends and a training partners that you both look forward to meeting up with. American Boxing students are a family of people that find learning fun, enjoy technically improving, are good people that use their superior Boxing and Muay Thai fitness, to lead healthier and more active lifestyles.
Team Nielsen Pro and Amateur Muay Thai/Boxing/MMA/Submission Grappling Combined Competition Team Record, is second to none in San Diego with a more than 90% win rate! Coach Dave is a World Champion, that learned from World Champions and produces Champions in every major MMA discipline...will you be his next Champion?
Schedule a Consultation/Try-out today!
A message from Coach Dave:
“Thanks for your interest in training us at American Boxing!
I am personally humbled by each person who takes this journey with me 🙏🏼"
Chok Dee,
~Coach/ Kru Dave
Reviews
Carl W.
John V.
Liz L.
Daniel M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
1) Speak with the student and learn about their experience, Goals and any limitations.
2) Explain how our process will help them reach their goals
3) Set up an initial session.
4) Evaluate student to determine the best program to ensure their goals are reached.
5) Provide options that align with student budget and provide realistic expectations based on each option.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
✅ NASM & ACSM Fitness Trainer Full-Time 20 years.
✅ Former Muay Thai World Champion.
✅ Undefeated Professional.
✅ USA Boxing Coach
✅ JiuJitsu/ No Gi Black Belt Level (20 years)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing has multiple variables to allow good people with almost any budget to learn from a World Champion from World Champions that produces Champions.
How did you get started teaching?
I took one class, 23 years ago while in college and fell in love with the unity and support of everyone around me. I knew that was an environment I wanted to be involved in and nurture.
What types of students have you worked with?
Stay at home moms, Grammy award winners, USA Special Forces (SEALS, DOG, BORTAC, Green Berets & more!) San Diego radio personalities, children 4 and up, developmentally challenged persons (spina bifida ADHD autism and more.), NFL, MLB and countless college athletes, Entrepreneurs, busy Professionals (especially lawyers), special population and everyone in between.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Every few years I have someone call me to tell me how I changed their lives. Recently, one of my students who started with me as a sophomore at UCSD who had developed a narcotic addiction while partying with his Fraternity. He called me on my birthday to tell me thank you. (I have no idea how he knew my birthday.ha) He had just graduated from Law School in Seattle. It was one of my proudest moments.
Another was a young man I unfortunately couldn't help in the way I wanted, left state and ended up in prison. He was a good person at heart, with no family and no support to speak of in the world.
He called me from a hospital in NYC where he had attempted to commit suicide. (I spoke with his nurse.) I was the only person he thought he could call.
I helped him set goals and keep him accountable. He just received his GED, he's working as a pipe fitter and he looks forward to returning to San Diego to pursue his boxing goals with me.
Better than any Title I ever won 🙏🏼
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be careful of cheerleaders in coaches clothes.
Actual Experience makes Boxing and Muay Thai fun, safe and effective.
The nicest people, I have found, tend to have the least amount of success and or experience. You must decide what matters most to you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Their accomplishments and past success as a teacher.