WELCOME TO WASHINGTON, DC!

FOUNDER & HEAD 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 Mike is an experienced coach and fighter with over 20 years of martial arts experience. His desire to be a well-rounded martial artist pushed him to expand his training into boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and MMA. He has trained at gyms across the country and travelled internationally to train in Thailand.

While still a semi-active fighter, having won the WKA 2022 U.S. National Championships in Muay Thai and Glory Kickboxing and a silver medal in Muay Thai at the 2024 WKA World Championships, his real passion is teaching and helping others achieve their martial arts and fitness goals.

SPECIALIZES IN:Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, MMA, Competition Training 

BOXING COACH

Coach Dre is a high-energy boxing coach with over a decade of coaching and group fitness experience. As a coach, he brings a results-driven approach that blends technical skill development, conditioning, and motivational leadership.

He has coached several amateur fighters, including a 2023 DC Golden Gloves Champion, and has the ability to develop boxers at any skill level from beginners learning fundamentals to experienced competitors preparing for the ring. Known for his sharp eye and technical precision, Coach Dre excels at identifying movement flaws and making immediate, effective corrections that elevate performance and reduce injury risk. His sessions are structured, high-energy, and designed to build confidence, discipline, and ring IQ.

Coach Dre’s professional certifications include: USA Boxing - Silver Coach; USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach; NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT); and ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor.

SPECIALIZES IN: Boxing, Strength Training, Competition 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 & MUAY THAI/KICKBOXING COACH

Coach Raj is a fitness trainer and striking coach with experience across boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, and MMA. Having trained and competed in combat sports himself, Rajesh brings a blend of a practical, fighter’s perspective as well as a fun fitness style to his coaching.

He has experience teaching technical striking classes, one-on-one training sessions, and high-energy cardio striking workouts for students of all levels. Coach Raj has also helped fighters prepare for competition, focusing on sharpening technique, conditioning, and fight strategy.

Known for his energetic coaching style and attention to detail, Coach Raj emphasizes clean fundamentals, efficient movement, building confidence through discipline, and most of all a fun training experience. Whether working with beginners learning the basics or athletes preparing for competition, his sessions combine technical instruction with challenging, motivating workouts. His passion is helping others become the best version of themselves physically and mentally through fitness and martial arts!

JIU-JITSU COACH

Coach Abdullah is an active competitor in Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling with years of training, competition, and coaching experience. He continues to compete while developing athletes for both competition and real-world application, with extensive experience preparing and cornering athletes in live match environments.

Coach Abdullah has won state and regional level competitions, earning gold medals, and brings a well-rounded approach through cross-training across multiple gyms and systems. His coaching emphasizes precision, efficiency, and execution under pressure, while allowing room for creativity and athleticism.

His goal is to help every student build real skill, real confidence, and measurable progress toward their goals.

His accomplishments include: Active Competitor (Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Grappling); 87.5% Submission Rate in Competition; State & Regional Level Gold Medalist; Experienced Competition Coach & Corner; and Private & Small Group Training Specialist.

SPECIALIZES IN: Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Grappling, Submission Mechanics, Escapes and Defense,  Competition Training/Preparation, Real Life Application

BOXING & MUAY THAI/KICKBOXING COACH

Coach David has a diverse martial arts background with a strong emphasis on striking and combat sports, bringing years of experience in kickboxing, boxing, and mixed martial arts. With a passion for both competition and coaching, he has developed his skills through consistent training, fight experience, and working alongside high-level martial artists.

As an active coach and competitor, Coach David focuses on building well-rounded fighters and athletes–combining technical striking, conditioning, and mental toughness. He offers private training tailored to each individual, helping clients improve skill, confidence, and overall performance. Based in Virginia, he works with all levels, from beginners to active fighters.

SPECIALIZES IN: Kickboxing, Boxing, Muay Thai Fundamentals, MMA Striking, Fight Conditioning, Pad Work, Defensive Techniques, and Mental Toughness Training

A few of Coach David’s accomplishments include: Black Belt in Taekwondo, Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ryan Hall, and experience training amateur fighters

Amateur MMA Record: 3–1

Coach Dalton is an experienced Jiu-Jitsu coach and competitor, bringing years of technical and competitive grappling experience. Having cross-trained under multiple black belts and wrestling coaches, he brings a well-rounded approach to his coaching philosophy.

Coach Dalton currently holds a purple belt and has competed in multiple Jiu-Jitsu competitions, earning multiple submission victories and medals along the way. His coaching style is very technically focused, and emphasizes enforcing these techniques through pressure. His goal is to build students’ knowledge in the fundamentals and application of Jiu-Jitsu.

SPECIALIZES IN: Gi & No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, Self-defense Grappling, Submission Grappling, Competition Training/Preparation

DISTRICT & OPERATIONS MANAGER / BOXER

Cindy is a seasoned boxer and the district & 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, Creative Media Production, Dance Breaks between Rounds