Team - VRTU Muay Thai Gym & Fitness Classes

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To Our Team

Kru Benson

Founder | Head Coach

A 3-time North American Muay Thai Champion training for over 17 years and teaching for over 10 years.

Kru Benson found Muay Thai when he was 15 years old and it couldn’t have come at a better time in his life. He needed an outlet and a sense of direction – and Muay Thai was exactly that for him.

Kru Benson instantly fell in love with the sport and began training. After rubbing shoulders with several seasoned fighters in the gym, he was inspired to fight himself. Fast forward several years later, Kru has racked in over 40 fights around the world, and has lived in Thailand at various times in his life, increasing his in-ring experience and skill. Since then he has transitioned into teaching the art of Muay Thai, and teaches anyone from kids to beginners to intermediate students.

As an experienced fight coach, he has built several novice students into championship fighters. Passionate about working with youth at risk, he has worked with several schools and community organizations to help advocate for mental health awareness. His contagious personality and friendly demeanor make him a great instructor. He is passionate about Muay Thai, and his passion shines through when working with his students.

Carina Virtucio, OCT

Founder | Operations Manager

Carina is an Ontario Certified Teacher, mom of three, and the creative force behind youth and family programming at VRTU. She has been training in Muay Thai since the age of 12 and brings forth over 20 years of experience in the Muay Thai and Fitness industry.

At VRTU, Carina plays a key role in shaping programs that serve the whole family - from kids camps to adult classes - all with the goal of creating a space where parents and children can grow, train, and feel supported together.

As a mom and entrepreneur herself, she understands how challenging it can be to balance work, parenting, and personal well-being. That perspective is what drives her approach at VRTU: designing programs that are not only effective, but realistic for busy families and individuals.

One of the programs she leads is Moms Fight Club, a high-energy, supportive space for moms to move, sweat, and reconnect with themselves - without sacrificing time with their little ones.

With a passion for working with people and seeing people grow, she weaves health and wellness into every project - strengthening how VRTU operates and supports its people and community!

Kru Mac

Instructor | Fight Team Coach

Kru Mac began his Muay Thai journey in 1997 at Siam No. 1, building a foundation rooted in traditional technique and discipline. He has trained and fought extensively in Thailand, gaining firsthand experience in the art at its highest level. Beyond Thailand, he has also trained and helped develop Muay Thai fighters internationally, including work with athletes in Outer Mongolia.

In addition to his fight experience, Kru Mac has taught therapeutic martial arts, using movement and combat principles to support physical resilience, recovery, and mental strength. His approach to training balances technical precision with long-term athlete development.

Outside of the ring, Kru Mac is a nationally ranked distance runner, competing across North America. He brings a rare endurance-based perspective to his fight training!

Kru Mac is currently a coach with the VRTU Fight Team and VRTU community, where he is known for his Muay Mat style, emphasizing power, conditioning, and forward movement!

Kru Rob X

Instructor | Fight Team Coach

Kru Rob began his Muay Thai journey in 2005 at the renowned Siam No.1 Gym, where he developed a strong foundation in traditional old school Muay Thai.

With 25 competitive fights, he has competed around the world at an elite level, proudly representing Canada at the 2007 IFMA World Championships and 2017 Pan American Games. His experience as both a seasoned fighter and international competitor gives him a deep understanding of fight strategy, technique, and mental preparation.

With Muay Thai giving him the opportunity to demonstrate his natural talent in the ring, those same skills now translate into his coaching - where his energetic, positive presence makes newcomers feel welcome while stoking the fire of students and fighters alike, whether they’re just starting out or sharpening their skills for competition!