Coach Tapia
Meet Coach Jose Tapia
Born in Tecate, B.C., Mexico, and raised in Jamul and El Cajon, San Diego, Coach Jose Tapia brings a lifetime of athletic achievement and over 20 years of coaching experience to Oceanside Athletic Club. A multi-talented athlete, Jose was inducted into the San Diego Hall of Champions at just 16 years old for his accomplishments in cross country and track & field. His journey has taken him across the globe, from playing soccer overseas in Germany and Spain to becoming a professional MMA fighter with a 5-0 record and a professional Muay Thai fighter, earning the 2018 Anglo Welsh title and the 2019 K1 Super Champ belt in Thailand.
Jose’s passion for coaching stems from his desire to share his knowledge and create champions. With extensive teaching experience across Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, England, and Mexico, he’s developed fighters in BJJ, boxing, and Muay Thai. His career began at San Diego Fight Club in 2003, where he trained with legends like Charlie Kholer, Frank “The Tank” Wade Ship, and Dave Izquierdo. Jose holds professional cornering licenses for amateur Muay Thai, MMA, and boxing, making him an asset to fighters at any level.
While his championship belts are career highlights, Jose considers his greatest achievement to be marrying his amazing wife and raising their three wonderful boys. Outside of the gym, he loves running, hiking, traveling, and spending time with animals, especially dogs. A lifelong fan of Mexican food (with tacos at the top of the list), Jose also enjoys teaching kids and helping all students push their limits to achieve their goals.
Jose’s vision for Oceanside Athletic Club is to build a competition team that showcases the club as one of the nation’s elite striking schools. He’s also passionate about unifying the BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA communities, creating a strong and supportive fight culture in Oceanside. With his wealth of experience and connections, Jose is ready to help members grow in confidence, skill, and success—on and off the mats.
@coach_jose_tapia
Muay Thai
Coach Tapia’s Muay Thai classes focus on traditional Muay Thai techniques, self-defense skills, and competitive training. Each session incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, knees, clinching, and defensive tactics in a high-energy, supportive environment. Whether you're training for fitness, self-defense, or competition, these classes cater to all skill levels, helping you build strength, confidence, and real-world combat readiness.
Schedule:
Monday - Thursday at 7 PM
Sunday Team Training at 11 AM
Boxing
Coach Tapia’s boxing classes emphasize sharp technique, strategic movement, and fight conditioning. Sessions focus on refining footwork, head movement, defensive skills, and powerful punch combinations. Whether you're stepping into the ring for competition, looking to sharpen your skills, or training for fitness, these classes provide a dynamic and engaging environment for all levels. Build endurance, improve coordination, and develop the confidence that comes with disciplined training.
Schedule:
Tuesday & Thursday at 4pm
Sunday Team Training at 11AM
Youth Muay Thai
Coach Tapia’s youth Muay Thai classes introduce kids to the traditional art of Muay Thai, with a focus on self-defense, discipline, and foundational techniques. Through fun drills, partner exercises, and light conditioning, students develop coordination, focus, and self-confidence. For those interested in competition, Coach Tapia also offers competitive training to prepare young athletes for tournaments, emphasizing both skill and respect for the sport.
These classes are ideal for helping kids stay active, learn self-defense, and build character in a fun and supportive environment.
Schedule:
Monday & Wednesday at 5 PM Sunday at 9 AM