Who we are
King's Academy was founded by Ryan Teal in 2024, a 2nd generation Cambodian American determined to revitalize the lost Arts and Culture of his Khmer Heritage. Historically known as one of the most horrific Genocides, nearly 2 million lives were taken by the hands of the Khmer Rouge between 1975-1979.
Many of the socioeconomic disparities that members of his community endure found their way into Ryan's life from an early age. His older brother introduced him to Bruce Lee films, which left a life-changing impact on Ryan. Having grown up estranged from himself and his family's customs, he found that Martial Arts can serve as a vessel of personal development and self-expression.
The continuous process of introspection, acknowledgment, and emergence helped Ryan simultaneously cultivate physical attributes and life values.
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Ryan began his training in Tae Kwon Do in 2003, but his true passion led him to Jeet Kune Do. Under the guidance of Sifu Andy Wilson and Kun Khru Tammy Wilson, he began his apprenticeship in 2010. Embracing Bruce Lee’s "no way as way" philosophy of JKD, Ryan found purpose and growth across many different domains through his dedication and passion.
In 2017, Ryan earned the WBC Amateur Muay Thai Tournament belt in the Super-Welterweight division. He would go on to compete in two more title fights (USEACA and WMC). In 2019, he was sponsored to Cambodia by his Kun Khmer mentor, Lok Kru Srab Sroeuy, for his fight camp. During his time there, Ryan trained at several top-tier gyms, including Selapak with Lok Kru Chan Rothana, K1 Fitness & Fight Factory, CTN with Lok Kru Maes Sokry, Cambodia Top Team, and the renowned Oum Ry Ban at Longbeach Kickboxing.
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Before the pandemic, Ryan worked as a bouncer in Seattle. When everything changed, he saw an opportunity to push his training to the next level and didn’t hesitate to take action.
Becoming an Armed Private Security Agent opened the door to a range of experiences, from working in housing projects and casinos to raceways and major events like PAX, or even overseeing security at the Seahawk Tower during NFL games. Through it all, he's faced countless conflicts that have revealed the harsh and sobering truths of combat.
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A few years later, Ryan's passion for personal development and his growing interest in human kinetics led him to pursue certification as a Personal Trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). This marked the beginning of a deeper commitment to helping others improve their physical and mental well-being.
Building on this foundation, Ryan sought to expand his knowledge and skills, eventually becoming a Certified Recovery Specialist at AIRROSTI, a renowned physical rehabilitation practice. His work there allowed him to further refine his ability to support clients in their recovery journeys, ensuring they not only heal but also thrive.
Ryan's dedication to meeting the unique needs of each individual has become the cornerstone of his career. From designing engaging exercise programs tailored to individuals on the autism spectrum to creating specialized rehabilitation plans for Olympic trial athletes recovering from injuries, his work is guided by a strong sense of purpose. Driven by a passion for both personal and community well-being, Ryan approaches each day with a commitment to helping his clients achieve their full potential.
Credentials
Certified Mixed Martial Arts Instructor Lvl. 2 (Guro Rick Faye)
Certified Instructor-Defender Lvl. 1 (Sifu Andy Wilson)
Certified WTBA Muay Thai FULL Instructor (Ajarn Chai Sirisute)
Certified Savate Silver Glove & Initiator Savate (Professor Salem Assli)
Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA)
Certified Armed Private Security Agent (CJTC of Washington State)
Certified fEMa IS-00100.C, IS-00200.C, IS-00700.B
Certified Recovery Specialist (AIRROSTI)