Instructor
Manuel Taningco
Get to know
Ajarn Manuel Taningco
Ajarn Manuel R. Taningco is a Grandfather, Husband, Martial Artist, Teacher and Mentor. Manuel has been involved in the martial arts since he was 8 years of age with over 50 years of experience.
Being orphaned at 10 years of age, he turned his life around during his teenage years and discovered the true meaning behind the philosophy and the purpose of the martial arts. He uses that experience mentoring the children, teens, and young adults in a meaningful way as a great martial arts ambassador. Known for his great enthusiasm and encouragement, his energy is contagious.
One the first martial arts magazines Master Taningco purchased as a youth had Chuck Norris on the cover of Black Belt Magazine in 1970. At that point, he had no idea that later in life, he actually would meet Chuck Norris. Even more, Chuck Norris invited Master Taningco to provide seminars at Norris’ United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF) Black Belt Conventions, three years in a row (1982, 1983, 1984). Master Taningco openly shared his knowledge with UFAF Black Belts, with his Bo Staff Kata eventually being integrated into some UFAF schools’ curricula.
Master Taningco’s many years of experience in the field of coaching martial arts is unmatched in this tri-state area. He has achieved the rank of master instructor in Muay Thai kickboxing. Master Taningco has personally taken many fighters from lesson one to being undefeated champions–fighters like Christian Phyllis Toleque (who helps train Top Ten fighters in Florida), Neal Rowe (who has helped coach professional MMA fighter, Rich Franklin), Joe Schilling (who has become World Champion), TG Grear (became professional MMA fighter), and many others. He also was the primary sparring partner to five-time Golden Glove Champion, Alan Schroeder.
Manuel was very successful on the tournament scene and himself became a World Champion. At age 38, he fought and won for TEAM USA vs. Russia in 1994. Instead of continuing his competition career, Manuel chose to learn from other masters and grandmasters. During this time, he had built a martial arts empire of four schools, including building a 10,000 square feet martial arts building from the ground up as a testament to provide the premier facility for all interested in learning martial arts, with eight separate and distinct martial arts programs.
He pioneered the full contact kickboxing in the Dayton Miami Valley area since 1976. The first martial arts school to offer multiple martial arts curriculum. The first to bring Muay Thai in Dayton. Master Taningco was chosen and named by the Association Of Boxing Commissions 2009-2011 Muay Thai Committee for Unified Rules and Guidelines for Muay Thai both Professional and Amateur worldwide. Selected as one of the Chairman’s Advisory Committee Expert Appointment sanctioned by the US Athletic Commissions. He was the very first to promote Muay Thai competition Nationally in Ohio, inviting fighters from California to Puerto Rico.
For 5 years, Taningco also served as the Muay Thai Director for the Arnold Schwarzenegger Martial Arts Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio. His sincere dedication to martial arts also shows in his love of community, demonstrated by his many years and hours of volunteerism in helping underprivileged children.
Aside from Taningco, Dayton Muay Thai also have 2 other certified instructors named Lee Taningco, Seth Clarke and Nick Durst.