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In the heart of America, where cornfields stretch to the horizon and the martial arts landscape has traditionally been dominated by more familiar disciplines, a story of passion, dedication, and the enduring spirit of combat sports has been brought to life through the lens of a first-time filmmaker. Adam Wagner, a name that has become synonymous with excellence in the Muay Thai community across the United States, has not only dedicated his life to mastering the art of eight limbs as an instructor, referee, and fighter but has now immortalized its American legacy in his award-winning documentary, "A Fighting Legacy."

This article examines the diverse life and notable achievements of Adam Wagner, highlighting his transformative journey in Muay Thai, his pioneering contributions as a filmmaker, and the significant influence of his work on the martial arts community. Wagner embodies a new generation of martial artists who recognize that the preservation and promotion of the art transcend the confines of the ring, extending into storytelling and cultural documentation. Through his distinctive blend of athletic skill, artistic vision, and profound respect for tradition, he has crafted a lasting tribute to the sport that has profoundly impacted his life and the lives of many others.

Adam Wagner's journey into the world of martial arts began in 2011, marking the start of a path that would lead him to become a respected and multifaceted figure in the Muay Thai community. Unlike many who begin their martial arts training in childhood, Wagner came to the discipline as an adult, bringing with him a mature perspective and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His training was not confined to a single discipline; he immersed himself in Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, and Krav Maga, which provided him with a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of combat sports. However, it was Muay Thai, the ancient "art of eight limbs" from Thailand, that truly captured his passion and became the central focus of his martial arts career.

To deepen his knowledge and hone his skills to an authentic level, Wagner undertook what many consider the ultimate pilgrimage for serious Muay Thai practitioners: he traveled to Thailand, the cradle of Muay Thai, on two separate occasions. This journey is a common rite of passage for dedicated practitioners who seek to understand the art in its purest form, and Wagner fully embraced the opportunity with characteristic dedication. He trained at some of the most renowned and respected gyms in the country, including Rattachai, Sitjaopho, and Elite Fight Club, each known for producing world-class fighters and maintaining the traditional training methods that have been passed down through generations.

This immersive experience allowed him to learn directly from seasoned Thai masters, absorbing not only the authentic techniques but also the cultural nuances, philosophical underpinnings, and rigorous training methodologies that define the sport. Training in Thailand is notoriously demanding, with sessions often beginning before dawn and continuing throughout the day, pushing fighters to their physical and mental limits. Wagner embraced this grueling regimen, understanding that to truly master Muay Thai, one must experience it in its native context, where the sport is not just a martial art but a way of life deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the nation.

Wagner's dedication to the art is further demonstrated by his competitive career, which began in 2015. He has competed in numerous tournaments and events across the United States, testing his skills against a diverse array of opponents and gaining invaluable ring experience. His competitive journey culminated in 2022 when he took the ultimate step of fighting professionally in Thailand itself, the highly competitive environment where Muay Thai is not just a sport but a national treasure. Fighting in Thailand as a foreign fighter is a significant accomplishment, as it demonstrates not only technical skill but also the courage to face opponents who have often been training since childhood in the sport's most competitive arena.

Beyond his own training and competition, Wagner has dedicated himself to ensuring the integrity, growth, and proper development of Muay Thai in the United States. He is a nationally certified official with an impressive and comprehensive list of credentials from the most prestigious organizations in combat sports. His certifications include the World Boxing Council (WBC), the Thai Boxing Association (TBA), USA Kickboxing, USA Muaythai, and the United States Muay Thai Association (USMTA). This breadth of certification speaks to his commitment to understanding the sport from multiple perspectives and ensuring that he can officiate under various rule sets and organizational standards.

As an active national Muay Thai judge and referee, Wagner has officiated over 600 fights, a remarkable number that speaks volumes about his extensive experience and the deep trust the community places in his judgment and fairness. His officiating duties are not limited to the United States; he has worked WBC Muay Thai events around the world, further solidifying his reputation as a world-class official. The role of a referee in Muay Thai is particularly demanding, as it requires not only an understanding of the technical aspects of the sport but also the ability to make split-second decisions that ensure fighter safety while allowing the authentic nature of the combat to unfold. Judges must possess a deep understanding of traditional Muay Thai scoring, which values technique, dominance, and the effective use of all eight limbs—punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.

Beyond his accomplishments in the ring and as an official, Wagner has cultivated a parallel career as an artist, operating under the brand "Out Of Step." This artistic endeavor reflects his creative spirit and his desire to express his passion for Muay Thai through visual mediums. He creates Muay Thai-related art prints and designs that capture the beauty, intensity, and cultural richness of the sport. His work is available through his Etsy shop under the handle @outofsteptattooflash, where he offers unique pieces that resonate with martial arts enthusiasts and art collectors alike.

The name "Out Of Step" itself carries meaning, representing art "made for those who are out of step with the world." This philosophy reflects Wagner's understanding that martial artists, particularly those dedicated to traditional arts like Muay Thai, often march to the beat of their own drum, pursuing excellence and discipline in a world that doesn't always understand or appreciate their dedication. His artistic work serves as a bridge between the martial arts community and the broader world, making the beauty and spirit of Muay Thai accessible to those who may never step into a ring.

Wagner is also a member of the Thai Boxing Institute in Los Angeles, further cementing his connection to the Southern California Muay Thai community. He was featured in the Thai Boxing Institute newsletter in April 2024, highlighting his contributions to both the martial arts and artistic communities. His dual identity as both martial artist and artist makes him uniquely qualified to tell the story of Muay Thai through film, as he possesses both the insider knowledge of a practitioner and the creative vision of an artist.

In 2025, Adam Wagner embarked on a new and ambitious challenge, one that would seamlessly merge his profound passion for Muay Thai with his innate artistic talents and storytelling abilities. As a first-time filmmaker, he directed and produced the documentary "A Fighting Legacy," a powerful and moving tribute to the history and heart of Muay Thai in America. The film, produced under the banner of his own company, Out Of Step, was a true labor of love, requiring over three months and hundreds of hours of dedicated work to bring to fruition. With an estimated budget of just $5,000, the film is a testament to what can be achieved through passion, dedication, and a clear artistic vision, even with limited financial resources.

Beyond his accomplishments in the ring and as an official, Wagner has cultivated a parallel career as an artist, operating under the brand "Out Of Step." This artistic endeavor reflects his creative spirit and his desire to express his passion for Muay Thai through visual mediums. He creates Muay Thai-related art prints and designs that capture the beauty, intensity, and cultural richness of the sport. His work is available through his Etsy shop under the handle @outofsteptattooflash, where he offers unique pieces that resonate with martial arts enthusiasts and art collectors alike.

The name "Out Of Step" itself carries meaning, representing art "made for those who are out of step with the world." This philosophy reflects Wagner's understanding that martial artists, particularly those dedicated to traditional arts like Muay Thai, often march to the beat of their own drum, pursuing excellence and discipline in a world that doesn't always understand or appreciate their dedication. His artistic work serves as a bridge between the martial arts community and the broader world, making the beauty and spirit of Muay Thai accessible to those who may never step into a ring.

Wagner is also a member of the Thai Boxing Institute in Los Angeles, further cementing his connection to the Southern California Muay Thai community. He was featured in the Thai Boxing Institute newsletter in April 2024, highlighting his contributions to both the martial arts and artistic communities. His dual identity as both martial artist and artist makes him uniquely qualified to tell the story of Muay Thai through film, as he possesses both the insider knowledge of a practitioner and the creative vision of an artist.

In 2025, Adam Wagner embarked on a new and ambitious challenge, one that would seamlessly merge his profound passion for Muay Thai with his innate artistic talents and storytelling abilities. As a first-time filmmaker, he directed and produced the documentary "A Fighting Legacy," a powerful and moving tribute to the history and heart of Muay Thai in America. The film, produced under the banner of his own company, Out Of Step, was a true labor of love, requiring over three months and hundreds of hours of dedicated work to bring to fruition. With an estimated budget of just $5,000, the film is a testament to what can be achieved through passion, dedication, and a clear artistic vision, even with limited financial resources.

The documentary pays particular attention to the founding story of the TBA Classic, which began with a simple dinner conversation between Ajarn Chai Sirisute, the man who brought Muay Thai to America, and Pete Peterson, a former Marine turned martial artist who had become one of Ajarn Chai's most dedicated students. Pete Peterson had been promoting fights in Illinois since 1993 and had grown frustrated that his fighters often had to compromise on pure Muay Thai rules at existing tournaments, either giving up the clinch and knees or fighting under modified rule sets that diluted the authentic nature of the sport.

During a seminar with Grandmaster Ajarn Chai, Peterson asked why the Thai Boxing Association didn't have its own sanctioning body or tournaments. Ajarn Chai's response was simple but profound: "Timing's right, suppose you do it." This direct challenge inspired Peterson and his wife Pam to create the TBA Classic, with the goal of giving Nak Muay (Muay Thai practitioners) their own proving grounds where they could compete under authentic Muay Thai rules with all eight limbs fully weaponized: punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.

The first tournament, held in 2007, was admittedly rough around the edges—Ajarn Chai himself described it as "terrible"—but the seed was planted. The tournament grew steadily from 122 fighters in 2008 to 323 in 2012, 460 in 2016, and now over 1,000 in 2025. This growth reflects not just the expansion of the tournament itself but the broader growth of Muay Thai in America, as more and more practitioners seek authentic competition experiences.

Wagner's vision for the film was to create a multi-layered narrative that would not only showcase the raw beauty and brutal elegance of Muay Thai but also explore its deeper, more profound themes of grit, passion, discipline, and love. He sought to look beyond the visceral violence of the sport, which he aptly describes as a "violent chess game," and reveal the true heart and soul of the Muay Thai community. The film deliberately avoids sensationalizing the violence, instead contextualizing it within the framework of sport, tradition, and personal growth.

As Wagner stated in his director's statement, "Through the lens of Muay Thai, I hope to highlight themes of family, respect, and discipline." The film stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of martial arts to build character, instill discipline, and forge unbreakable bonds of family and belonging. It shows how the Muay Thai community functions as an extended family, with coaches serving as mentors and father figures, fellow fighters as brothers and sisters, and the shared experience of training and competition creating bonds that last a lifetime.

"A Fighting Legacy" is also a heartfelt and poignant tribute to the legendary Ajarn Chai Sirisute, the man who single-handedly brought Muay Thai to the United States in 1968. The film is dedicated to him and the profound and lasting impact he has had on the lives of countless individuals over more than five decades. Through a carefully curated selection of archival footage and deeply personal interviews with those who knew him best, the documentary beautifully tells the story of Ajarn Chai's incredible journey and his unwavering, lifelong commitment to spreading the art of Muay Thai throughout the world.

The film captures Ajarn Chai's philosophy that Muay Thai is about more than fighting—it's about discipline, respect, and personal transformation. As Pete Peterson notes in the film, "This is the type of art that can change lives, the discipline you learn here translates into all aspects of a person's life, and that's what I've seen happen time and time again. And that's really what this tournament is all about."

As a first-time filmmaker, Wagner faced numerous challenges in bringing his vision to life. The documentary required careful planning, coordination with the tournament organizers, and the ability to capture the energy and emotion of the event while it was happening. The film's 74-minute runtime represents a carefully edited distillation of countless hours of footage, interviews, and fight sequences. Wagner's background as both a martial artist and an artist proved invaluable, as he understood instinctively which moments would resonate with audiences and how to visually capture the beauty and intensity of Muay Thai.

The production was truly independent, with Wagner handling multiple roles and relying on his own resources and the support of the Muay Thai community. The modest budget of $5,000 meant that every dollar had to be carefully allocated, and success depended on creativity, resourcefulness, and the goodwill of those who believed in the project. The fact that the film achieved such high quality and emotional impact with such limited resources speaks to Wagner's dedication and skill as a filmmaker.

"A Fighting Legacy" has been met with widespread and enthusiastic critical acclaim, earning an exceptional 9.9/10 rating on IMDb based on 91 user reviews—a remarkably high score that places it among the top-rated documentaries on the platform. The film has been lauded for its powerful and emotionally resonant storytelling, its stunning and visceral visuals, and its remarkable ability to capture the authentic essence of the Muay Thai community.

User reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising the film's ability to serve both as an introduction to Muay Thai for newcomers and as a deeply satisfying experience for those already immersed in the sport. One reviewer wrote, "Fantastic film that highlights the sport of Muay Thai as well as its roots. It was great to see how Pete and Pam Peterson started the TBA, the why and how as well as where it is now." Another noted, "Adam did an amazing job showcasing how Ajarn Chai brought Muay Thai to the USA and how Pam and Pete took a dream and have built it to what it is today."

The film has also received recognition at prestigious film festivals, including:

•Asian Independent Film Festival: Winner - Debut Filmmaker Award

•Asian Independent Film Festival: Winner - Documentary Award

•Old Towne Film Festival (OTFF) 2025: Official Selection

These awards represent significant validation for Wagner as a filmmaker and for the film's artistic and documentary merit. The Debut Filmmaker award is particularly meaningful, as it recognizes the exceptional achievement of creating such a polished and impactful film on a first attempt. The documentary awards acknowledge the film's success in telling an important story while maintaining high production values and emotional depth.

Following its premiere at the Tournament of Champions on October 11, 2025, where it screened to a packed ballroom of fighters, coaches, and Muay Thai enthusiasts, "A Fighting Legacy" was made available for limited online streaming. The film is available on the Plex streaming platform and has been screened at various film festivals. The decision to make it available for limited streaming reflects Wagner's desire to share the story with the Muay Thai community while also building momentum for broader distribution.

The impact of the film extends beyond its immediate viewership. It serves as an important historical document, preserving the stories of the pioneers who brought Muay Thai to America and the dedicated individuals who have built the sport into what it is today. For future generations of Muay Thai practitioners, the film will serve as a window into this crucial period of growth and development for the sport in America.

"A Fighting Legacy" is far more than just a documentary about a martial art or a tournament. It is a deeply human story about the indomitable power of the human spirit, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the unbreakable bonds of community. The film explores universal themes that resonate far beyond the world of martial arts: the importance of mentorship, the value of discipline and hard work, the courage required to test oneself against adversity, and the profound satisfaction that comes from being part of something larger than oneself.

Whether you are a seasoned martial artist with decades of experience, a newcomer curious about Muay Thai, or someone with no connection to martial arts at all, this film will undoubtedly inspire, entertain, and move you. It is an essential viewing experience for anyone who appreciates a masterfully told story, a powerful and uplifting message, and the sublime beauty of human beings pushing themselves to their limits in pursuit of excellence.

The film is particularly valuable for those interested in understanding how immigrant communities and cultural traditions take root and flourish in America. The story of Muay Thai in America is, in many ways, a quintessentially American story: a tradition brought from abroad by a dedicated individual, nurtured by passionate practitioners, and eventually growing into something that enriches the broader culture while maintaining its authentic roots.

To fully appreciate the profound significance of "A Fighting Legacy" and understand the foundation upon which American Muay Thai was built, it is essential to understand the monumental legacy of the man to whom the film is so fittingly dedicated: Ajarn Chai Sirisute. His story is one of vision, courage, and unwavering dedication to spreading an art form that was virtually unknown in the West when he arrived in America.

Born Surachai Sirisute in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 16, 1948, Ajarn Chai began his martial arts training at the tender age of four. Growing up in Thailand, where Muay Thai is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric, he was exposed to the art from his earliest years. He diligently studied both Muay Thai and karate, demonstrating exceptional aptitude in both disciplines. By the age of six, he had begun formal training in both arts, and his dedication was such that he earned a black belt in Shorin-ryu karate at the age of 12—the same year he bravely stepped into the ring for his first Muay Thai fight.

His original teacher was Ajarn Suwan out of Singpravaeh Muay Thai Gym, a respected institution in Thailand. Under Ajarn Suwan's guidance, young Chai learned not just the physical techniques of Muay Thai but also the discipline, respect, and philosophical underpinnings that make it more than just a fighting system. This comprehensive education would serve him well when he later took on the mission of introducing Muay Thai to the West.

In 1968, at the age of 20, Ajarn Chai made the momentous and life-altering decision to leave his homeland and bring the art of Muay Thai to the United States. This was an era when martial arts in America were dominated by karate and judo, with Bruce Lee just beginning to introduce Chinese martial arts to mainstream audiences through his film and television work. Muay Thai was virtually unknown outside of Thailand, and Ajarn Chai faced the daunting task of introducing an entirely new martial art to a country with no context for understanding it.

He was the very first person to actively teach Muay Thai in the United States, making him a true pioneer in every sense of the word. In the same year he arrived, 1968, he founded the Thai Boxing Association of the USA (which would later expand to become the World Thai Boxing Association). This organization would serve as the primary vehicle for spreading Muay Thai throughout America and eventually to more than 18 countries around the world.

During the 1970s and early 1980s, Ajarn Chai taught at several Southern California colleges, including Chaffey College, Claremont Men's College, and Cal State San Bernardino. He also taught out of his home, taking on students who were genuinely interested in learning this new and challenging martial art. These early students formed the foundation of American Muay Thai, and many would go on to become influential instructors and promoters in their own right.

Among his early students were Jim Vanover, Ron Ritoch, Bryan Dobler, Mike Goldbach, and Tony Gneck, who would become vice president of the Thai Boxing Association. In 1982, Ajarn Chai made history by bringing the first American team to compete in the Muay Thai World Championships in Thailand, with Tony Gneck among the competitors. This was a watershed moment, demonstrating that Americans could compete at the highest levels of the sport.

In 1978, Ajarn Chai trained another martial arts teacher who would prove instrumental in spreading awareness of Muay Thai: Dan Inosanto, the famous student and training partner of Bruce Lee. Inosanto trained as a student in Ajarn Chai's backyard and was so impressed with Muay Thai that he eventually introduced Sirisute to his Jeet Kune Do teaching seminars. This partnership greatly helped Ajarn Chai extend awareness of Muay Thai in the United States and internationally, as Inosanto's reputation and network provided access to a much broader audience of martial artists.

The connection with Inosanto led to another significant opportunity. In 1983, Inosanto introduced Ajarn Chai to Tom Landry, the legendary coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Landry was impressed with Muay Thai's effectiveness for conditioning and combat training, and he incorporated it into the Cowboys' pre-season conditioning program. Ajarn Chai served as the team's Muay Thai instructor from 1983 until Landry's departure in 1990, bringing unprecedented visibility to the art through its association with one of America's most famous sports franchises.

Over the decades, Ajarn Chai has trained numerous notable individuals who have gone on to significant careers in martial arts, film, and entertainment. His students include:

•Brandon Lee - American actor and stuntman, son of Bruce Lee

•Dan Inosanto - Filipino-American martial arts instructor and protégé of Bruce Lee

•Burton Richardson - American television announcer and martial artist

•David Leitch - American stuntman, actor, director and stunt coordinator (co-director of John Wick)

•Diana Lee Inosanto - American actress, stuntwoman, and martial artist

•Chad Stahelski - American stuntman and film director (director of John Wick franchise)

•Erik Paulson - American mixed-martial artist and MMA coach

•Ron Balicki - American actor and stuntman

•Pete Peterson - Founder of the TBA Classic and subject of "A Fighting Legacy"

The presence of so many stunt performers, directors, and action choreographers among his students has had a significant impact on how Muay Thai is portrayed in film and television. The authentic Muay Thai techniques and philosophy that these students learned from Ajarn Chai have influenced countless action sequences in Hollywood productions, helping to popularize the art and demonstrate its effectiveness to mainstream audiences.

Now in his late 70s, Ajarn Chai continues to maintain a busy seminar schedule, traveling around the world teaching Muay Thai. He runs an annual Muay Thai camp in Oregon that attracts more than 200 students from around the world, demonstrating the enduring appeal of learning from the man who brought the art to America. His legacy is one of boundless passion, unwavering dedication, and a deep and abiding love for the art of Muay Thai. He was a true pioneer who courageously broke down barriers and opened doors for countless individuals, creating opportunities that simply did not exist before his arrival.

His remarkable story is a central and recurring theme in "A Fighting Legacy," and the film serves as a powerful and poignant reminder of his enduring and unparalleled impact on the world of martial arts. The film's dedication to him is not merely ceremonial but deeply felt, recognizing that without his vision and dedication, the American Muay Thai community that the film documents would not exist.

The TBA Classic, the celebrated subject of "A Fighting Legacy," stands as the largest and most prestigious Muay Thai tournament in the Western Hemisphere. Its story is inextricably linked with the broader story of Muay Thai's growth in America, and it represents the realization of Ajarn Chai's vision of creating authentic competitive opportunities for American practitioners.

Founded by the visionary husband-and-wife team of Pete and Pam Peterson, the tournament has grown from a small, grassroots event into a massive, internationally recognized spectacle that attracts over 1,000 fighters from across the globe. Pete Peterson, a former Marine who became one of Ajarn Chai's dedicated students, brought his military discipline and organizational skills to the challenge of creating a world-class tournament. His wife Pam partnered with him in this endeavor, and together they have built something that has become central to the American Muay Thai community.

The tournament is held annually in Des Moines, Iowa, at the Holiday Inn near the airport—a location that might seem unlikely for the epicenter of American Muay Thai but which has become a beloved and familiar destination for fighters and coaches from around the world. The choice of Des Moines reflects the democratic and accessible nature of American Muay Thai; the sport has flourished not in the coastal cities where one might expect but in the American heartland, demonstrating that passion and dedication can create excellence anywhere.

The tournament is meticulously divided into various divisions to accommodate fighters of all experience levels. The main divisions are Novice (for those with limited experience), Class B (for intermediate fighters), and Class A (for advanced and professional fighters). Within each division, there are categories for adults, seniors, and juniors, ensuring that fighters compete against opponents of similar age and experience. This thoughtful structure allows fighters of all skill levels to compete and test their abilities in a safe, supportive, and highly competitive environment.

The scale of the tournament is truly impressive. It spans five consecutive days of competition, with 150+ fights each day on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, culminating in 170+ championship fights on Sunday. The logistics of organizing an event of this magnitude are staggering, requiring coordination of rings, officials, medical staff, and support personnel, all while ensuring that each fight is conducted safely and fairly under authentic Muay Thai rules.

The tournament is also a vibrant and joyous celebration of Muay Thai culture, complete with traditional music, authentic food, and time-honored ceremonies. Fighters perform the Wai Kru Ram Muay, the traditional pre-fight ritual that pays respect to teachers, parents, and the art itself. The ceremonial Mongkol (headband) is worn into the ring and removed before the fight begins. These traditions connect American fighters to the centuries-old heritage of Muay Thai, creating a sense of continuity and respect for the art's origins.

The tournament has become more than just a competition; it is an annual gathering of the American Muay Thai community, a place where coaches reconnect, fighters test themselves, and newcomers are welcomed into the fold. Many fighters describe their first TBA Classic as a transformative experience, the moment when they truly felt part of something larger than themselves.

The TBA Classic has had an immeasurable impact on the development of Muay Thai in America. By providing a venue where fighters can compete under authentic rules, it has raised the overall level of skill and understanding of the art. Coaches use the tournament as a goal for their students, structuring training camps around the annual event. The tournament has also helped standardize rules and officiating practices, as officials from around the country gather and share best practices.

Perhaps most importantly, the tournament has created a sense of community and shared purpose among American Muay Thai practitioners. In a sport that can sometimes feel fragmented, with different organizations and rule sets competing for legitimacy, the TBA Classic stands as a unifying force, bringing together practitioners from diverse backgrounds and affiliations in celebration of the art they all love.

Adam Wagner's remarkable journey from a dedicated and passionate martial artist to an award-winning filmmaker is a powerful testament to his immense talent, unwavering dedication, and profound love for the art of Muay Thai. His story exemplifies the modern martial artist who understands that preserving and promoting the art requires not just physical skill but also the ability to document, communicate, and inspire.

Through his exceptional documentary, "A Fighting Legacy," Wagner has not only created a powerful and moving tribute to the rich and storied history of Muay Thai in America but has also shed a brilliant and illuminating light on the vibrant and dedicated community that surrounds it. The film serves multiple purposes: it is a historical document preserving the stories of pioneers like Ajarn Chai Sirisute and Pete and Pam Peterson; it is an introduction to Muay Thai for those unfamiliar with the art; and it is a celebration of the values—discipline, respect, perseverance, and community—that martial arts instill in their practitioners.

Wagner's work is a profound inspiration to all who believe in the transformative power of martial arts to change lives and create a lasting and meaningful legacy. His combination of skills—as fighter, official, instructor, artist, and now filmmaker—makes him uniquely qualified to tell this story, and his success in doing so on his first attempt at filmmaking speaks to both his natural talent and his deep understanding of his subject matter.

As Muay Thai continues to grow in America and around the world, "A Fighting Legacy" will stand as an important document of a crucial period in the sport's development. It captures a moment when the art has moved beyond its early pioneering phase but still maintains strong connections to its roots and traditions. Future generations of Muay Thai practitioners will be able to look back at this film and understand how the sport they practice came to be, who the key figures were, and what values and principles guided its growth.

In an age when combat sports are often sensationalized and stripped of their deeper meaning, Wagner's film reminds us that martial arts are about more than violence or competition. They are about personal growth, community, respect for tradition, and the pursuit of excellence. This message resonates far beyond the Muay Thai community, offering lessons that apply to any endeavor that requires dedication, discipline, and the courage to test oneself.

Adam Wagner has given the Muay Thai community a great gift in "A Fighting Legacy," and in doing so, he has secured his own place in the history of the art in America. His work ensures that the stories of those who built American Muay Thai will not be forgotten, and it provides inspiration for those who will carry the art forward into the future. For this, the entire martial arts community owes him a debt of gratitude.

•IMDb - A Fighting Legacy (2025)

•FilmFreeway - A Fighting Legacy

•Undisputed Fight Academy - Meet Our Instructors

•Vice - Inside America's Biggest Muay Thai Tournament

•Wikipedia - Chai Sirisute

•YouTube - A Fighting Legacy Official Trailer

•YouTube - Muay Thai Culture: Interview with Pete Peterson

•TBA-SA Muay Thai Tournaments Official Website

•Thai Boxing Institute - A Fighting Legacy