HEAD BOXING & MUAY THAI/KICKBOXING COACH

Coach Sam has an extensive martial arts background with over 28 years of mixed martial arts experience. After fighting professionally for over 14 years, Coach Sam chose to retire and pursue his passion for fitness as a coach/trainer.

He founded STRIKELAB in 2016 and has since been coaching professional and novice fighters based out of Virginia, Washington DC, and Florida.

SPECIALIZES IN: Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, MMA, Competition Training, Psychological Fight Preparation

A few of Coach Sam’s accomplishments include: Certified National Boxing Coach; Certified National Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Coach; Professional Mixed Martial Arts Competitor; Master Trainer, based out of DMV; National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM); and Certified Crossfit L1 Trainer.

Coach Sam also has 14 years of Multiple National and World Titles in MMA, Thai Boxing, and Kickboxing, including: 2006 Eastern Regional MMA Champion WKA Featherweight; North American MMA Champion; 2005 Bronze Medalist in Kickboxing WKA Featherweight; and 2003 FFAA Virginia State Muay Thai Featherweight Champion.

BOXING & MUAY THAI/KICKBOXING COACH

Coach Chuck aka “Master Ci Young” has been in involved with the martial arts for over 49 years, starting as a kiddie Boxer, he then took up Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, Hep Ki Do, Jujutsu, American/Vietnamese Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Hiep-tinh-mon. Under the direction of his Grandmaster, Coach Chuck has fought competitively, been a sparring partner, hosting self-defense seminars and exhibitions.

When he’s not in the gym you’d find him pursuing his film career as a writer/director, actor, stuntman and fight choreographer. Coach Chuck has a passion for the fighting arts; he loves teaching and passing his knowledge on to anyone willing to learn.

SPECIALIZES IN: Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Boxing, Street/Dirty tactics, Flexibility & Speed Training

MUAY THAI/KICKBOXING COACH

Coach Sophia is an experienced Muay Thai fighter who has been dedicated to martial arts since the age of 7. Drawn to the intensity and strategy of combat sports, she expanded her training to BJJ, Krav Maga, boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai.

Outside of the gym, Coach Sophia has a doctorate in occupational therapy (OT) bringing a deep understanding of the human body, biomechanics, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. By combining clinical expertise with martial arts experience, she helps students break down techniques in a way that maximizes control, precision, and efficiency of movement.

Her approach focuses on building a strong foundation of fundamental skills and creating an environment where everyone can push their limits, refine their technique, and can genuinely enjoy the physical and mental aspect of the sport. She is especially passionate about helping women feel empowered in martial arts.

SPECIALIZES IN: Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, Rehabilitation, Injury Prevention

BOXING COACH

Coach Cody is a seasoned boxer and has coached hundreds of clients. As a kid, Coach Cody did a variety of sports: football, karate, wrestling, and gymnastics. After high school, his relationship with fitness/nutrition took a hit. After a few years, he quit his corporate job, picked up a sales gig at a gym, hired a coach and started his real fitness journey.

Within 2 years, he lost 90+ pounds and decided to become a coach because of how big of an impact the process had on his life.

SPECIALIZES IN: Foundational Boxing, Corrective Exercise, Strength & Conditioning, Nutrition, Comedic Relief

BOXING COACH

Coach Kevin is a seasoned boxer, specializing in teaching the fundamentals that build lasting skills. Having trained in respected gyms in Miami, Los Angeles, and now the DMV, he brings a diverse background and a passion for helping others grow. As a trainer, he focuses on guiding you to not only achieve your fitness goals but to feel stronger inside and outside the ring.

Coach Kevin is all about accountability, good vibes, and pushing you to reach your goals!

OPERATIONS & MEDIA MANAGER / BOXER

Cindy is a seasoned boxer and the operations manager at STRIKELAB. WIth a background in creative production and community engagement, she is passionate about helping share the stories of our STRIKELAB community, her love of boxing, and inspiring others to tap into their inner warrior.

Cindy enjoys building community and empowering them to build each other up in a fun and safe environment.

SPECIALIZES IN: Boxing, Photography, VIdeography, Dance Breaks between Rounds

COMMUNITY & OPERATIONS COORDINATOR / BOXER

Lakshmi is a Fairfax local who first stepped into boxing in 2024. After trying out several gyms, they found their perfect fit at STRIKELAB, drawn in by its technique-focused and hands-on approach. With a background in tennis, volleyball, and pickleball, Lakshmi brings a diverse athletic perspective to the team, along with a recently completed 200-hour yoga teacher training certification from Rishikesh, India.

They are passionate about building an environment where members feel inspired, supported, and empowered to push past limits both in and out of the ring.

SPECIALIZES IN: Operations, Marketing, Boxing, Yoga, Laughing through the pain of conditioning/cardio