Master
Chris Wheaton
Master Chris Wheaton is the founder and head instructor of Wheaton’s Martial Arts, bringing over 35 years of experience in Taekwondo, leadership, and coaching. A decorated competitor, he has earned gold and silver medals at national and international tournaments, including the USA Taekwondo Nationals and U.S. Open Taekwondo Championships. Since founding Wheaton’s Martial Arts Academy in 2017, Master Wheaton has dedicated his life to shaping confident, disciplined students and building a community grounded in respect, perseverance, and integrity.
Head Instructor
Thi-Son Wheaton
Head Instructor Thi-Son Wheaton brings over a decade of competitive excellence, leadership, and passion to Wheaton’s Martial Arts. A lifelong martial artist, he earned his First Degree Black Belt at age ten and won gold at the 2013 National Taekwondo Championships. Since then, he has continued to excel, earning multiple Kukkiwon certifications, his Second Degree Black Belt in 2021, and acceptance into Washington United Taekwondo as both player and coach in 2025. Training alongside his father, Master Chris Wheaton, has been one of his greatest honors and has shaped his commitment to family, respect, and excellence. Known for his energetic, hands-on teaching style, Thi-Son inspires confidence, perseverance, and discipline in every student while helping them grow both on and off the mat.
Muay Thai Instructor
Kru Phouvane Sipraseuth
Phouvane Sipraseuth has an extensive martial arts background, starting with boxing at Kalakaua Gym in Honolulu, HI, in 1980. He then trained in Chinese martial arts at the Siu Lum Pai Academy in 1983. In 1985, he began training in Muay Thai under Ajarn Kham Philavanh and later became Kru certified under Arjarn Suchart, Siam-1. He also holds a white belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Marcelo Alonso. Phouvane has been port of fight teams such as Singha Fights MMA and Ali Muay Thai. His teaching history includes positions at Emerald City Fight Factory in Covington, Singha Fights in Tukwila, and Ali'i Muay Thai in Covington.
Guest Instructor
(Forza Dragon Martial Arts)
Nohemi Soto
Mrs. Soto is a highly accomplished martial artist, holding a 3rd-degree black belt in Taekwondo. With extensive training in Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Kickboxing, she has dedicated her career to teaching self-defense techniques in the Renton community. As the owner and coach of Forza Dragon Martial Arts, Mrs. Soto continues to empower her students by increasing their awareness and skills in self-defense through her expert instruction.
800 Edmonds St., Renton, WA 98058