AUSTIN, Texas — Jackson Glass has been passionate about combat sports since he was a toddler. The 15-year-old Austin native has his sights on becoming a household name on fight night.

“I look forward to it every day when I wake up,” Glass said about his training regimen. “I go to the gym in the morning, nighttime, afternoon. I love being here.”

Glass first took Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes when he started martial arts, but in the last three years, he’s been practicing Muay Thai. 

“Team sports are cool, but I like the one-on-one, you against someone else,” Glass said.

Muay Thai is closest to kickboxing in the realm of martial arts. Competitors never go to the ground, and they can fight using their elbows, knees, fists and legs to strike an opponent. 

The sport also upholds the same foundational principles of traditional martial arts. 

“Teaches you great discipline and shows that if you practice the right way, you will see the results,” Glass said. 

It’s a combination that allows for different approaches in the ring. 

“With every weapon you add or subtract, it changes the dynamic of the fight,” said Jackson’s coach, Elton Wells. “Muay Thai adds more options and adds more ranges of engagement.”

Wells said Glass’ focused, intentional practice has sped up his progress. 

“He’s not working for the sake of working,” Wells said.

Glass has also started teaching classes at Ambush Muay Thai — the gym where he trains — to continue his development as a fighter. 

“There comes a point where in order to truly progress, you have to teach,” Wells said. “It really reinforces your understanding of the art and what you’re trying to do.”

Glass’s commitment to the sport already produced some impressive results in his first international competition this summer. He won an individual gold medal at the inaugural WBC Muay Thai World Youth Games.

“I show up and train every day, multiple hours a day, multiple sessions a day,” Glass said. “To be able to win that was very good for me. It was the happiest moment for me.”

“Even though he’s very young, he approaches this as a professional,” Wells said. “This is what he wants to do long term... his actions, his behavior, his whole lifestyle revolves around that.”

A prodigy with plans for the future. 

“Eventually, when I’m old enough, I would like to progress to MMA,” Glass said.