Kru Albert Malatamban's journey in Muay Thai began in 1972, starting his martial arts training in Shotokan Karate, with Sensei Abe Belardo through the Way of Japan orginization. Sensei Abe has since awarded him his Ni Dan, second degree Black Belt. Sensei Abe is also a popular Muay Thai, Pro Boxing and UFC judge.

From 1978 to 1990 Albert served in the U.S. Marines. He developed his unique teaching and leadership style while serving 3 years as a Marine Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor at The Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Ca. He ended his Marine Corps career as a Staff Sergeant.

While serving overseas in the Marines, he was exposed to the art of Muay Thai. He immediately fell in love with the art, training and learning from who ever he could.

In 1999 he made his debut as a Muay Thai coach, training fighters out of the famous SLO Kickboxing in San Luis Obispo, owned by Chuck Liddell, UFC Champion. While there he produced a North American Champion, Henry “the Whip” Cho, and several #1 ranked fighters.

He has been recruited by the K-1 USA orginization to tape fighter's hands and to work as a cornerman for K-1 fighters such as Maurice Smith, and Gary Goodrich.

In 2005 he help open a new gym, The Budo Ryu, as the Chief Instructor.
In less than 3 years at the Budo Ryu, he had built a great reputation and respect for his fighters and gym throughout the Muay Thai Community of California. Again, producing ranked fighters and a California Woman’s Champion, Noe “Haole-Girl” Carroll.

Through his hard work, dedication, training ethics, and devotion to teaching the art and traditions of Muay Thai, Albert earned the title of “Kru” from his peers of Muay Thai trainers, such as Kru Bryan Dobler of team Double Dose in Fontana, Ca, Kru Walter “Sleeper” Michalowski of Sityodtong, Pasadena, Ca., Adjarn Rex of Team Double Dose, and Kru Nokweed Syrimpai, a renowned Muay Thai Referee in California. “Kru” is a title he does not take lightly.

Kru Albert’s focus now is on his very own gym, The Elite Muay Thai Academy. Teaching classes out of Paragon Brazilian Jiu Jitsu SLO.With the knowledge gained in more than 38 years of martial arts, over 12 years of training fighters and teaching Muay Thai, Kru Albert wants to deliver the best in Muay Thai, from San Diego, to the Bay.