Okotoks martial arts has struck its way onto the world stage.
Harrison King won bronze in the +91kg division representing Canada at the 2025 Senior World Championship run by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) in Cappadoccia, Turkey.
“It’s an interesting feeling, I feel like I blinked, and I was here I definitely never expected it, but it's pretty cool to say I'm one of the best in the world,” said King.
“Whether it's a one-off fight or it's a bronze medal when you win you know you're making your family, your team and your support system proud and that feels cool too.”
King, who moved to Canada from England in 2010, dipped his toes into martial arts at the age of 13, citing his own expectation to be tough and started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
After sustaining a knee injury in a tournament in that discipline, he made the switch to Muay Thai, where he found a home and trained under the tutelage of legendary coach Mike Miles.
“Honestly, it's violent and truth telling, you win, or you lose, it's brutal and you get immediate feedback,” King said. “But at the same time, it's very respectful and very fun, compared to some other combat sports there's a lot less ego and when you're not in the ring, you're playing and experimenting despite being exhausted.”
King, a personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach at Built Strong Evolution in Okotoks, finished fifth at the 2024 worlds in Greece.
The Okotokian won the Canadian Muay Thai Open to qualify again for worlds, where he found there to be pressure to perform coming from all angles.
“It’s single elimination, you lose you are out which when you put a lot of time and money into getting there can be a lot of pressure,” King said. “You can watch months in advance your opponents from different countries register, this year with 10 competitors, I had four fights to win gold, you don't know who you will fight until a few days before.”
In Turkey, King ruled over his first opponent from Kazakhstan with a second-round finish, an opportunity to get the nerves out and prove his competitive strength.
The second fight was an early victory over India, a bout that lasted just 50 seconds, leading into a scrap with a GLORY fighter from Croatia.
“I met him last year at a previous IFMA, unfortunately I didn't win this fight for silver it went to decision, but I never felt out of place and was there to fight,” he said. “After watching the fight back, I have plenty to work on, and that's a blessing to have.”
King attributed his success at worlds to embracing the basics and positioning, consistent training, excellent coaching and his friend, sponsor and trainer Dave Runions for keeping him accountable throughout the journey.
“Everyone has something to teach you, (Miles) is a great teacher, he's experienced it all and has trained a lot of people,” King said. “I love when you go to a competition and other coaches come up to him to show their respects or just say hi, he's either taught them or they just know who he is and what he's done for Muay Thai in Canada.
“He's hard to please and that's a good thing, you don't want congratulations and sympathy for every punch you throw or get hit with, you want to get better and that's what he does.”
The Team Canada coaches, who King has got to know at the last two worlds events, have also made a tremendous impact.
“These people guide you not just in Muay Thai but in life,” he added. “Cliché, but it builds your confidence and your character, I’ve seen people transform wonderfully so I'm not surprised all the coaches have been doing it for so long.
“I wouldn't be here without them.”
