Art of Kickboxing: Our Story
Art of Kickboxing was founded with a passion to create martial arts classes and training programs specifically designed for beginners. Many kickboxing gyms and martial arts environments in Metro Vancouver might feel intimidating for those with no prior experience in martial arts or fitness, making it difficult to take the first step into training. Additionally, some gyms might not have a focus on teaching practical self-defence skills through martial arts, or offer personal training sessions with a focus on business rather than client progress, keeping clients hooked with minimal results.
Art of Kickboxing was built to change that—providing a safe, respectful, welcoming, bully-free and intimidation-free, structured space where beginners can learn kickboxing, boxing, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) properly from the beginning, and comfortably no matter the athletic level, ethnic background, gender, young or old. Our goal is to ensure that every student gains practical, lifelong self-defence skills, rather than feeling misled, with affordable memberships (40+ classes/month for $189.99/month, roughly equivalent to $4.25/class) and 1-on-1 personal training packages.
See our monthly/yearly class memberships and personal training plans.
Sign up today, or visit our Instagram @artokickbox for more information.
Our Team
Head Coach Kris Tsang is the Founder and Team Head Coach at Art of Kickboxing, with 9+ years of experience as a martial arts coach. He has learned from top Vancouver coaches while working as a kickboxing coach, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) coach, and certified personal trainer at gyms such as UFC GYM, Vandal, Gracie Barra, Checkmat, Anytime Fitness, and BLK BOX GYM. With over 10,000 coaching hours, including one-on-one personal training, he has helped both youth and busy professionals develop their self-defence skills and improve their athleticism through bodybuilding and martial arts. Kris is a long-time training partner of Veteran UFC Fighter Tristan Connelly, who teaches Art of Kickboxing’s MMA classes on Thursdays 8:00PM-9:00PM, as the two trained in MMA under the same MMA coach together.
Meet Coach Jimmy, a kickboxing coach at Art of Kickboxing. Coach Jimmy’s martial arts journey began early in life, with a strong background in the martial art of Kung fu and kickboxing, and he’s thrilled to share his passion for kickboxing with our students. Jimmy’s elite knowledge in Kung fu is invaluable to those learning kickboxing and want to master defensive techniques such as fluid footwork, seamless parrying and redirecting, and adaptable blocking skills.
Jimmy also has a personal training background, with expertise that lies in helping individuals achieve their fitness goals. As a kickboxing coach Jimmy excels in creating an inclusive and motivating atmosphere for all students in our kickboxing fundamental classes. He understands the challenges that newcomers face and is skilled at breaking down kickboxing techniques in an approachable and enjoyable way.
Meet Heidi, our kickboxing and martial arts coach with 4+ years of experience training students of all ages and skill levels. Heidi’s martial arts journey began at a young age, and it has since evolved into a lifelong journey of learning and teaching others. Her foundations stems from practicing Chinese Traditional Kung Fu and Lion Dance in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown for over 10 years and still continues today.
With a passion of training for self defence, Heidi strives to build a kickboxing coaching philosophy centered on creating a positive, supportive environment where students thrive—both in and outside the gym. Outside of teaching, she stays active through multisports, and is always seeking to expand her knowledge and skills.
Meet Daniel, our dedicated Muay Thai coach. With a deep passion for martial arts, Daniel specializes in teaching fundamental Muay Thai classes. His expert guidance, combined with a motivational coaching style, empowers students to develop striking techniques with confidence and precision. Join his Muay Thai classes and experience the Art of Eight Limbs firsthand. Train with a skilled mentor dedicated to helping you master striking.
In his classes, students learn how Muay Thai’s aggressive and effective techniques translate into real-world self-defence. With its powerful kicks, sharp elbows, devastating knees, and clinch control, Muay Thai prepares fighters for close-quarters combat. Daniel’s training helps students build the speed, power, and instinct needed to stay composed and defend themselves in high-pressure situations.
Coach Joe is the lead instructor for No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes at Art of Kickboxing in Richmond, BC, and brings over a decade of elite experience in both competition and instruction. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and multi-time champion, Coach Joe specializes in teaching teens and adults the fundamentals of BJJ grappling, submissions, and self-defence in a safe and welcoming environment at Art of Kickboxing.
His teaching approach focuses on patiently teaching advanced technical skills, step-by-step, making Coach Joe the ideal coach for beginners looking to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Metro Vancouver. His classes are the perfect entry point for students interested in self-defence, skill development, or future competition in BJJ.
UFC Veteran Coach Tristan Connelly is the lead instructor for Thursday Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) classes at Art of Kickboxing in Richmond, BC, bringing real UFC-level experience and over a decade of professional MMA competition and coaching to our program. Tristan Connelly is a professional mixed martial artist and UFC veteran from Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia, best known for his upset unanimous decision win in his UFC debut and a long competitive career across multiple regional and international MMA promotions. Tristan began his pro MMA career in 2010 without an amateur background and compiled numerous championships in regional promotions—including Cagesport, Unified MMA, and Rise Fighting Championships—before joining the UFC featherweight division, where he earned a Fight of the Night-level performance in his debut.
His teaching approach focuses on clear, step-by-step instruction and intelligent technique selection, making him an ideal coach for beginners who want to learn MMA the right way from someone who has competed at the highest level. Training under a UFC veteran provides a rare and invaluable learning experience for those focused on practical self-defence, long-term martial arts development, or future competition goals.