Ajarn Bob Karmel
Ajarn Robert Karmel, better known as “Master Bob”, has been a Martial Artist for over 40 years and holds instructor levels in Wing Chun, Chinese Hawaiian Kempo, Session Jiu-Jitsu, Nei Wa Chia Kung Fu, and Serrada Escrima. Master Bob was introduced to Muay Thai in the early 80’s, were the hard hitting and harder training style stole his hart and soul.
Traveling to the Fairtex Muay Thai camp outside of Bangkok in the late 80’s in the middle of Thailand’s Golden Era, Master Bob became one of the first Americans to live, train, and fight in Thailand.
After training in Thailand, Master Bob returned to his gym in Philadelphia and taught his students the techniques and tricks he had learned. Muay Thai shows were unheard of during that time on the East Coast, so Master Bob introduced competitive Muay Thai Fighting events for both amateur and professional fighters. He brought in fighters from England, Ireland, and Holland to name a few, up and down the East Coast.
In 1992, Master Bob decided to expand Muay Thai in America and moved to Arizona to open the Fairtex Muay Thai Camp in the city of Chandler. As Founder of the Fairtex Camp, Master Bob had the opportunity to design and oversee the construction of a one of a kind, live-in facility. This became the only live-in Muay Thai style camp to fulfill the Thailand experience in the United States. Offering live in full-time training, amateurs and pros were able to train under the Fairtex name and experience Thai-style training in the USA. At the same time, Master bob continued to expand the sport of Muay Thai in Arizona by promoting amateur and pro events that brought in fighters from all over the world to compete in the Fairtex Muay Thai fight series.
Moving forward to 2020 Master Bob’s new venture is the Golden Era Muay Thai Camp located in beautiful North Scottsdale. Along with his long-time disciples, Nick Chasteen and Damien Earley, he will continue to give the people of Arizona an opportunity to study and practice Muay Thai with 3 legions in the sport.
Nick "The Golden Boy" Chasteen
Nick Chasteen started his Martial arts journey with his brother Damien Earley and sister at the age of eight. They were trained by their farther in Karate and kickboxing, competing in fights and tournaments throughout the southwest. In 2007, Nick met Master Bob where Nick was introduced to classical Muay Thai.
Working hard to add the tricks of Muay Thai on to his kickboxing base, Nick started fighting and winning amateur events. Eventually winning State, Dual State, Southwest, National, and Inter-Continental titles, along with National tournament titles, all sanctioned under the United State Muay Thai Association (USMTA) - Nick soon became one of Americans top amateur fighters.
The time eventually came to turn professional. During his exciting pro career facing more experienced fighters, Nick has been featured on shows such as Lion Fight, WCK-China, Triumphant, Legacy Fighting Alliance, and Max Muay Thai. Never turning down a fight and having a very aggressive style along with a leg kick feared by all, Nick “The Golden Boy” Chasteen is currently signed with Glory today. Being able to have the opportunity to train under the guidance of Nick Chasteen is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life
Muay Thai, gym, fitness, boxing, fighting, nick chasteen
Damien "The Predator" Earley
Damien Earley started his Martial arts journey with his brother Nick Chasteen and sister at the age of eight, trained by their father in Karate and kickboxing and competing throughout the southwest as a junior. In 2007, Damien met Master Bob, where Damien was indtroduced to classical Muay Thai.
Damien started competing shortly after as an amateur and won State, Dual State, Southwest, National, and Inter-Continental titles, all sanctioned under the United State Muay Thai Association (USMTA). Damien soon became one of Americans top amateur fighters. Eventually it was time for Damien to turn professional, and he has been featured on such shows as Lion Fight, KLF-China, Siam, No Boundary, K-1, Push Kick, and Max Muay Thai. Damien has had an exciting professional career always fighting as the underdog to more experienced fighters. His specialty is a deadly elbow attack, counter strikes, and stalking his opponents earning him his nickname of “Predator”.
Having the opportunity to train under the guidance of Damien Earley is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life
Muay Thai, fitness, gym, boxing, fighting