At Hickory Rock Steady Boxing, we’re here to support you and teach you the value of self-worth. The positive atmosphere in our martial arts classes empowers boxers to become the best version of themselves both physically and mentally. Encouragement from classmates leads individuals to stay passionate and consistent in their training. In addition to combat skills, the confidence and camaraderie learned at Hickory Rock Steady Boxing can be applied throughout a lifetime.
Contact UsRock Steady Boxing classes offer fitness and self-defense benefits for all ages and backgrounds. We have boxers in our Rock Steady program for Parkinson’s disease. For older adults, Rock Steady Boxing improves balance, controls tremors, promotes stability, and prevents Parkinson’s from advancing just after a month of training. No matter who you are, training at Hickory Rock Steady Boxing provides a better quality of life by clearing your mind of stress and fatigue.
Here at Lake Hickory Rock Steady Boxing, our staff is the secret to our boxer success. We are proud to have a team of highly experienced and dedicated instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping our boxers grow. Each instructor has a rich background in the Rock Steady Boxing industry and is eager to train the next generation of martial artists. Meet the team below!
Sign up for a free assessment today and see if Rock Steady Boxing is the right fit for you!
J.T. Smith, owner of Hickory Rock Steady Boxing, has had a passion for martial arts since his teen years.
On his martial arts journey he trained and competed in Thailand and was first inspired to open Lake Norman Muay Thai in 2016. After implementing Rock Steady Boxing into his Lake Norman school, he later learned of a Rock Steady Boxing location in Hickory that was going out of business.
Rather than risk having older adults with Parkinson’s fall off the map, he purchased the school and created their second location that combines Muay Thai and Rock Steady Boxing training. Adding Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s wasn’t originally in the plans but the program has developed beyond expectations. The coaches’ passion for providing a safe space and supporting those with Parkinson’s continues to thrive with the growth of the gym. He dedicates a significant amount of the success here to the work and dedication of his wife and son as well.
The elements of teamwork truly runs deep through all of Hickory Rock Steady Boxing.
JT Smith has been involved in the martial arts for over 32 years. After obtaining his black belt in 1987, he began training in kickboxing. This led him into Muay Thai where he trained under Ajarn Rick Davis of Statesville, North Carolina and Ajarn Pek of Bangkok, Thailand.
JT has competed in full contact fights on both an amateur and professional level all over the world. Including Canada, Austria, and Thailand. The majority of fights were on the U.S. east coast and he has over sixty fights under his belt. Also a certified defensive tactics instructor with the state of North Carolina, JT has trained new law enforcement officers in self-defense methodology and safe, effective arrest techniques for over fifteen years.
In February of 2017, the Kingdom of Thailand’s Ministry of Education conferred the coveted title of Official Thai Boxing Trainer to JT. He is now a Certified Instructor in Muay Thai from the birthplace of this great martial art, the Kingdom of Thailand. He is the head certified coach for our Rock Steady program, and has been coaching for several years now.
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Kru J.T. Smith of Lake Norman Muay Thai was honored by the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) as the East Coast trainer of the year. The award was received at an awards ceremony held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Hartman Smith is a lifelong practitioner and expert in Muay Thai, the ancient martial art of Thailand. He is JT’s son and Coach at Hickory Rock Steady Boxing, where he imparts his vast knowledge and expertise to his boxers. Hartman’s dedication to the sport and his unparalleled skillset make him an exceptional coach. He has a keen eye for detail and is able to assess his boxers’ strengths and weaknesses quickly.
From there, he has trained with and learned from some of the greatest names in the sport including Jaroonsak, father and trainer of Supergirl, and Muay Thai legend, Lerdsila.
Hartman’s passion for Muay Thai has led him on a journey of continuous learning, attending seminars with some of the most well-known fighters in the world, such as Supergirl, Superlek, Saenchai, and Rodtang.
Hartman is a certified Rock Steady Boxing coach and has been coaching for several years now.
Rock Steady Boxing gym has an excellent program to help those who are fighting against Parkinson’s. Participation in their program can help not only build boxing skills, but also strengthen the body and mind, which is so important and necessary! My father would have loved to have a place like this to go.
I have an early morning personal training session here every week with Coach Trevar. Training Muay Thai has helped me so much with both my mental and physical health. Trevar makes you feel comfortable and tailors your session around your personal wants and needs. I would no doubt recommend lake hickory muay Thai to anyone interested. You will not regret it!
Great convenient location with clean facilities. Friendly atmosphere. Both the Rock Steady Parkinson’s program and the Muay Thai training are top notch!
Great exercise with special coaches in an unbeatable environment. Anyone wanting to improve their disability movements need to try this class. Very successful with Parkinson's people. Join us and find out for yourself!
Opportunity to learn & train in an Thailand authentic Muay Thai school. Also, an established and thriving fitness group is already improving persons with Parkinson's
Hickory Rock Steady Boxing has everything…except you! Join our community today and begin your martial arts journey!
