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Ruiz began his martial arts journey in 1986. With four decades of training across martial arts and a coaching background spanning boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA, he has helped develop more than 100 amateur and professional champions, as described in his IMDb biography. His fighters have competed in organizations including the UFC, Bellator, Glory Kickboxing, Lion Fight Muay Thai, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and ONE Championship.

Coaching and international competition

Ruiz serves as a head coach for Team USA in Muay Thai and kickboxing, with involvement spanning WMO, ISKA, WKA and WAKO. At Madison Square Garden, combat sports promoter Lou Neglia recognized him as one of the United States’ top coaches.

World Kickboxing Series

Alongside two-time K-1 World MAX champion Andy Souwer, Ruiz co-founded World Kickboxing Series and serves as a co-director. The promotion creates opportunities for athletes through international tournaments and fight events.

Super Seminars World Series

Ruiz and Souwer also co-founded Super Seminars World Series, bringing leading figures from boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA together for training experiences. His IMDb biography describes the venture’s partnership with Princess Cruises for seminars aboard its ships.

Production credits

His IMDb producer credits include World Kickboxing Series (2022), Regian Eersel’s Revenge (2024) and Karate Therapy (2026).

Diego began training under Sensei Jonathan Paul Ruiz around 2013, earning his black belt and building a competitive career in boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai.

A champion across striking disciplines

A Freedom Fighter Promotions world champion in both Muay Thai and kickboxing, Diego has earned the distinction of a two-sport world champion. His achievements also include multiple boxing championships and national titles in kickboxing and Muay Thai across WAKO, WKA, ISKA and WMO competition. He competes in the bantamweight division, with recent bouts around 133–135 pounds.

Boxing championships and honors

A multiple-time boxing champion, Diego has earned Fight of the Night and Fighter of the Night honors. His boxing background includes competing out of Gleason’s Gym in USA Boxing competition.

Representing Team USA

Diego has represented Team USA in kickboxing and Muay Thai, with competition experience involving WMO, WKA, ISKA and WAKO. His international competition experience includes appearances in Italy and Canada, with victories representing the United States in Italy. WAKO USA’s published team roster lists him in the 63.5 kg division at the 2021 WAKO World Championships in Lido di Jesolo, Italy, which hosted qualifying competition for the 2022 World Games.

Selected competition highlights

• Flex Fight Series bantamweight kickboxing title: reported winner of the inaugural championship by second-round knockout in July 2021.
• Freedom 38 · April 18, 2026: Tapology records a third-round stoppage victory over Diego Escobedo in a professional Muay Thai bout for the FFP bantamweight championship.

From student to academy owner

After more than a decade developing under Sensei Jonathan Paul Ruiz, Diego now leads Striking 101 Brooklyn at 863 Knickerbocker Avenue. His coaching includes boxing combinations, padwork and fight preparation for amateur and professional athletes, bringing his own competitive experience to the next generation of fighters.