Team - VRTU Muay Thai Gym & Fitness Classes

Say Hello

To Our Team

Kru Benson

Founder | Head Coach

A 3-time North American Muay Thai Champion training for over 17 years and teaching for over 10 years.

Kru Benson found Muay Thai when he was 15 years old and it couldn’t have come at a better time in his life. He needed an outlet and a sense of direction – and Muay Thai was exactly that for him.

Kru Benson instantly fell in love with the sport and began training. After rubbing shoulders with several seasoned fighters in the gym, he was inspired to fight himself. Fast forward several years later, Kru has racked in over 40 fights around the world, and has lived in Thailand at various times in his life, increasing his in-ring experience and skill. Since then he has transitioned into teaching the art of Muay Thai, and teaches anyone from kids to beginners to intermediate students.

As an experienced fight coach, he has built several novice students into championship fighters. Passionate about working with youth at risk, he has worked with several schools and community organizations to help advocate for mental health awareness. His contagious personality and friendly demeanor make him a great instructor. He is passionate about Muay Thai, and his passion shines through when working with his students.

Coach Carina, OCT

Founder | Operation Manager

Carina is a certified Ontario teacher, mom of three, and the mastermind behind all things youth and family programming at VRTU. She’s been training Muay Thai since she was 12 and has spent over 18 years immersed in the Muay Thai and fitness industry.

As a mom and entrepreneur, Carina understands firsthand how hard it can be to juggle work, kids, and your own well-being. That’s exactly why she created Moms Fight Club - a program for moms who want to move, sweat, and reconnect with themselves, without sacrificing time with their little ones.

Everything Carina builds at VRTU, from kids camps to adult classes, is created with families in mind. And Moms Fight Club is no different: a high-energy and supportive space for moms to feel strong again!

Because yes - your kids matter. But you do too :)

Kru Mac

Instructor | Fighter Trainer

Kru Mac began his Muay Thai journey in 1997 at Siam No. 1, building a foundation rooted in traditional technique and discipline. He has trained and fought extensively in Thailand, gaining firsthand experience in the art at its highest level. Beyond Thailand, he has also trained and helped develop Muay Thai fighters internationally, including work with athletes in Outer Mongolia.

In addition to his fight experience, Kru Mac has taught therapeutic martial arts, using movement and combat principles to support physical resilience, recovery, and mental strength. His approach to training balances technical precision with long-term athlete development.

Outside of the ring, Kru Mac is a nationally ranked distance runner, competing across North America in events ranging from 3K to 10K. He brings a rare endurance-based perspective to his fight training!

Kru Mac is currently a coach with the VRTU Fight Team and VRTU community, where he is known for his Muay Mat style, emphasizing power, conditioning, and forward movement!

Kru Rob X

Instructor | Fighter Trainer

Kru Rob began his Muay Thai journey in 2005 at the renowned Siam No.1 Gym, where he developed a strong foundation in traditional old school Muay Thai.

With 25 competitive fights, he has competed around the world at an elite level, proudly representing Canada at the 2007 IFMA World Championships and 2017 Pan American Games. His experience as both a seasoned fighter and international competitor gives him a deep understanding of fight strategy, technique, and mental preparation.

With Muay Thai giving him the opportunity to demonstrate his natural talent in the ring, those same talents and skills now translate into his coaching of the next generation of Muay Thai students and fighters.

Known for his energetic and positive energy, he is a natural in making newcomers feel welcome while also stoking their fire to learn more about Muay Thai. Kru Rob is an incredible coach whether you’re new to Muay Thai or sharpening your skills for competition!