The TBA-SA (Thai Boxing Association-Sanctioning Authority) began its development in 2006 at the suggestion of Ajarn Surachai “Chai” Sirisute, the president of the TBA-USA (Thai Boxing Association of the USA).
The TBA-USA was established in 1968, by Ajarn Chai, and is the largest organization teaching Muay Thai worldwide with branches in 16 countries and over 25,000 members.
Ajarn Chai desired the formation of the TBA-SA to sanction amateur and professional Muay Thai (and “modified” Muay Thai) in the United States. The goals of the TBA-SA are to ensure events are promoted in a professional mode and fighters are treated in a respectful manner with appropriate safety equipment and adequate medical coverage, to name a few of the more important goals.
Currently, the TBA-SA is working on certifying regional promoters within the US and training judges, reps, and all other officials associated with an event to make sure all rules and regulations are being carried out in accordance of the TBA-SA and the governing state in which the event is taking place.
The TBA-SA is a Non Profit organization focused on the growth and exposure of Muay Thai in the United States. Board members include Mr. Dean Lessei, TBA-USA Director, State of Iowa; Mr. Samuel Adams, TBA-USA Director, State of Oklahoma; Mr. Pete Peterson, TBA-USA Associate Director, State of Iowa; Mr. Ryan Blackorby, TBA-USA Director, State of Illinois, and Ms. Diana Rathborn, TBA Associate Director, State of Minnesota. All board members are actively involved in training and/or promoting kickboxing and own or operate a Muay Thai facility. Each member is committed to the rules and requirements of the TBA-SA and agree to the importance of positive supervision of amateur and professional kickboxing events. The Executive Director is Mrs. Pam Peterson. Mrs. Peterson has degrees in both Business and Accounting and handles the day to day administrative duties of the TBA-SA.
Along with sanctioning events, the TBA-SA has established a Membership Association for fighters in which they are included in a group accident insurance policy and is also in the process of putting into place Self Confidence programs for At Risk kids as well as securing funding for Rape Prevention Workshops.
