01Our team
Meet the team.
Black belts, certified trainers and the front desk that knows your name. Rank and years so it reads as credentials.
Ian Lashley
Chief Executive Officer · Since 1995
Black belts in Ishizue Karate, BJJ and Shin Gi Tai Jiu Jitsu · Level 4 Krav Maga Instructor (USKMA) · CPT
A seasoned martial artist and self-defense instructor with over 15 years of teaching, Ian holds a 2–0 MMA record and has competed in hundreds of tournaments. Part of the family business since its basement beginnings, he took over in 2016 and expanded the gym into a 22,000-square-foot facility. He is also a Certified Personal Trainer, an Ohio Armed Security Guard and an Executive Protection Specialist (Academi).
David Lashley
Director of Self Defense · Since 1995
Five black belts incl. Vitor Oliveira BJJ and Ishizue Karate · OPOTA Defensive Tactics Instructor · Gracie Survival Tactics L1
Over 25 years in martial arts. David founded the school in his basement in 1995 and coaches adult and kids jiu jitsu, Krav Maga, self defense and karate. He has been Director of Security and Bailiff of the Common Pleas Court for over 19 years.
Kylie Lashley
Director of Community Outreach · Co-owner
Co-owner · Knox County CVB & KICKS partner
Co-owner of Lashley Training Center. Kylie runs the center’s outreach with local non-profits including the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Knox County Kids Succeed (KICKS), and books the Ninja birthday parties.
Joel Littleton
Director of Martial Arts · Since 2018
Black belt, Ishizue Karate · Purple belt, jiu jitsu · Blue belt, Kan Shu Kenpo · CPT
Certified personal trainer and martial arts coach. Joel runs the karate program — Mini Ninjas through adults — and coaches private karate.
Rylee Grashel
Fitness Director · Bootcamp & Nutrition Director
NASM Personal Training, Nutrition, Weight Loss, Strength & Flexibility
Rylee found fitness at 18, lost 40 pounds building healthy habits, and now coaches Bootcamp and personal training clients Monday to Saturday.
Melaine Hott
Manager · Powerlifter
CPT · Two Ohio state deadlift records
Six-time powerlifting competitor holding two Ohio deadlift records across two federations. Melanie manages the front of house and trains clients.
Amber Russell
General Manager · Business owner
Tours, memberships and front-desk consults
Brookelyn Holtz
Personal Trainer · Director
Personal training · Bootcamp
Brookelyn is passionate about helping people become the strongest, healthiest and most confident versions of themselves — high energy, expert guidance and genuine care in every session.
AB Blais
Personal Trainer · Director
30/45/60-minute sessions
Janet Sanders
Personal Trainer · Since 2021
Marathons, triathlons, two Pelotonia 180s
Janet started in 2007 as an unconfident mother with a Jazzercise membership and got hooked — group fitness, marathons, mini triathlons and two 180-mile Pelotonia rides later, she joined the Lashley team in 2021.
Damian Lawson
Class Instructor · Director
Kids jiu jitsu · Ninja parties
Brian Snow
Class Instructor · Instructor
Group classes
Josh Ferenbaugh
Instructor · Instructor
Martial arts intros for kids and adults