Our Story
About Shark Tank Muay Thai
Built on world-class lineage, driven by a passion for authentic Muay Thai instruction in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Head Coach
Omar Samid
Fastest Purple Belt Recipient in the BANG Muay Thai System
With over 15 years of martial arts experience and more than 30 professional fights across prestigious organizations including the Sparta Fighting Series, Friday Night Fights, and Tri-City Fighting Series, Coach Omar Samid has built a career defined by discipline, technique, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Omar earned his certification at Duane Ludwig’s renowned facility in Broomfield, Colorado - the birthplace of Bang Muay Thai and the training ground of UFC champions. There, he became the fastest purple belt recipient in the entire BANG Muay Thai system, a testament to his natural talent and extraordinary dedication to the art.
Today, Omar brings that world-class knowledge to Kitchener-Waterloo as the region’s only certified BANG Muay Thai affiliate instructor. His teaching philosophy centers on breaking down every technique step by step - not just the how, but the why- and tailoring instruction to each student’s individual level and goals.
Whether you’re a complete beginner stepping onto the mats for the first time or an experienced fighter looking to sharpen your striking, Coach Omar meets you where you are and pushes you to where you want to be.
15+
Years Experience
30+
Professional Fights
Fastest
Purple Belt
24
Five-Star Reviews
The System
What is BANG Muay Thai?
BANG Muay Thai is a revolutionary hybrid striking system developed by Sensei Duane Ludwig, one of the most respected striking coaches in combat sports history. The system blends the best elements of four distinct martial arts into a single, cohesive fighting methodology:
- Traditional Muay Thai - The devastating kicks, knees, elbows, and clinch work of Thailand’s national art.
- Dutch Kickboxing - Aggressive combination striking and forward pressure.
- Western Boxing - Footwork, head movement, and precise punching mechanics.
- Kyokushin Karate - Powerful body kicks and an iron-willed fighting spirit.
What Makes BMT Different
The BANG system is built on innovation. Duane Ludwig introduced a unique numbering system that standardizes striking combinations, making techniques easier to learn and execute under pressure. The system also emphasizes stance-switching, speed, angles, and timing over raw power - principles that have proven effective at the highest levels of competition.
Belt Progression
Like traditional martial arts, BANG Muay Thai features a structured belt ranking system that tracks a student’s journey from white belt through advanced levels. Each belt represents mastery of specific techniques, combinations, and principles within the system. Coach Omar, as the fastest purple belt recipient in BMT history, guides students through this progression with unmatched expertise.
About Duane Ludwig
Sensei Duane Ludwig is a former UFC fighter, two-time UFC Fastest Knockout record holder, and one of the most decorated striking coaches in MMA history. As head coach at Team Alpha Male and later at his own facility in Broomfield, Colorado, he trained UFC champions including two-time Bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw. Joe Rogan has publicly praised BANG Muay Thai as “the best striking system in the world.”
The Lineage
A Direct Line to the Source
When you train at Shark Tank, you’re learning from a direct student of the BANG Muay Thai founder. That lineage matters.
Duane Ludwig
Founder, BANG Muay Thai
Former UFC fighter, acclaimed striking coach, and creator of the BANG Muay Thai system. Praised by Joe Rogan as having developed “the best striking system in the world.”
Omar Samid
Head Coach, Shark Tank Muay Thai
Fastest purple belt recipient in the BMT system. 15+ years experience, 30+ professional fights. Trained directly under Sensei Duane Ludwig in Broomfield, Colorado.
You
The Next Chapter
Step into a lineage of proven excellence. Learn the same system used by UFC champions, adapted to your level and goals.
Experience the BANG Muay Thai Difference
Your first class is free. Step onto the mats and discover what world-class instruction feels like.