Jacob Ortega is the owner and founder of South Side Muay Thai studio. He has studied martial arts for over 43 years, served in the US Special Operations for 22 years, and continues to live by the warrior creed since his retirement. During one of many combat injury convalescences’, Jacob started studying with Master Garcia of Garcia Muay Thai. It was here that Jacob discovered a passion for teaching and instilling into others the strength, patience, humility, resilience, and confidence that he feels honored to have achieved through practicing Muay Thai.

 

The South Side Muay Thai studio is named after a fallen comrade, and the wall above the door is dedicated to the fallen with whom Jacob has served. Their stories are embedded within Jacob’s teachings, and within the space itself.
 

Jacob was asked to list some or all of his accomplishments and accolades for this post.  He responded, “I am a quiet professional, it’s about what I am doing today that matters, not the past. I’m a big believer in ‘it’s what I’m doing now’, not what I used to do. This promotes forward progress. I still remember the past fondly, I just don’t live in it”

 

If you want to learn the art of Muay Thai, discipline, honor, respect, and get in shape while having fun, then South Side Muay Thai is the place for you! We are a new and humble gym operating at 48 E Park Avenue. Come as you are, all levels of fitness, experience, and athletic abilities welcome!