Tony Jaa began training in muay thai at the local temple from age 8 and at age 15 he requested to become a protégé of stuntman and action-film director Panna Rittikrai. Panna had instructed Jaa to attend Maha Sarakham College of Physical Education in Maha Sarakham Province. He has trained for an unspecified time in taekwondo, earning a black belt in the art, although there are no details regarding if this was in formal taekwondo training or as part of his stunt team member apprenticeship. Likewise, he is highly skilled in muay Thai and has fought competitively many times during Muay Thai Training Camp, without losing.

Jaa won several gold medals in Thailand for track running, fencing and gymnastics. He is a well versed martial artist excelling in Muay Boran, Muay Thai, Aikido, Judo, Wushu, and Taekwondo. Jaa was also self-trained in various kung fu styles as well as krabi krabong, lethwei and kino mutai, which he can be seen using in the Ong Bak and Tum Yum Goong films.

No Stunt, No Wire...Tony Jaa with his fighting skills, not only muay thai but mixing many styles of martial arts. He's been one of the best martial art actor in recent years.