Loko Luis

Dr. Luis Guillen Montenegro

Head Muay Thai Coach

The Engineer of Eight Limbs

Dr. Luis Guillen Montenegro brings a hyper-analytical, meticulous approach to the striking program at Myriad Mixed Martial Arts Academy. As the Head Muay Thai Coach, Luis applies an engineer's eye for detail, physics, and mechanics to the "Art of Eight Limbs," breaking down complex striking techniques into masterable, highly effective components.

Striking & Coaching Philosophy

Muay Thai is a martial art built on leverage, balance, and devastating power generation. Under Luis’s instruction, students don't just learn how to throw a strike; they learn the underlying mechanics of why it works. He is a firm believer in non-traditional teaching methods, tailoring his instruction to the individual rather than relying on a "one size fits all" approach. His curriculum heavily emphasizes the core pillars of traditional Muay Thai—punches, kicks, knees, and elbows—alongside masterful control of the Thai clinch. Luis is dedicated to helping students develop fluid striking, rock-solid defense, and the ability to control opponents at close range, seamlessly translating these skills to both MMA competition and practical self-defense.

Off the Mats

Luis’s dedication to mastery extends into the highest levels of academia. Holding a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Iowa State University, his doctoral research focused on the future of renewable energy and power systems. Specifically, his work tackled complex problems surrounding how electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations interact with power grids, and how to utilize solar power and variable renewable sources to restore grids after natural disasters.

Balancing the grueling, high-pressure environment of doctoral engineering research with the physical demands of high-level martial arts requires an extraordinary level of discipline. For Luis, the mats have always been a vital, healthy outlet for the immense stresses of academia. Sharing this unique academic-athletic parallel with our other coaches, Luis helps cement Myriad’s reputation as a gym led by highly intellectual, deeply dedicated coaches.

Quick Facts:

 * Specialties: Traditional Muay Thai, The Thai Clinch, Striking Mechanics, Leverage & Angles.

 * Background: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (Iowa State University); specialized research in renewable energy, EV fast-charging, and power grid restoration.

 * Vibe: Meticulous, calculated, and dedicated to technical perfection and individualized student growth.