INSTRUCTORS  

Master Viet Le

Owner

Head Instructor, Tae Kwon Do

Head MMA Coach

Founder of Team Assassin

Owner, operator, Master Tae Kwon Do Instructor, head coach and manager of mixed martial arts fight team, Team Assassin.  Responsible for extreme conditioning and booking fights.  He has 22 years of experience in Martial Arts and brings a wide variety of knowlege to the mat.

"I was born in Vietnam in 1972.  Because I was born of a Vietnamese/Chinese mother and an American Army father, I was treated very poorly by the other children in my neighborhood.  In order to defend myself from the frequent fights I had to endure, my grandfather began teaching me a Chinese style martial art similar to Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do at about 6 years old.  In December 1983, my family was fortunate enough to be able to come to America.  I didn’t know any English but I worked very hard to learn the language so that I could work in various jobs and help support my mother and two younger siblings. 

In April 1988, I began training in Tae Kwon Do under Grand Master Carl Runk at Carl Runk’s World Karate which had just
 opened in December 1987.  I worked to pay for my own membership because my mother could not afford it.  About half way through my training towards my black belt, it was my honor to have begun assisting Grand Master Runk with warming up classes and individual private lessons.  I became a permanent fixture around the school and trained on a daily basis, so much so that I was able to earn my Black Belt in under 2 ½ years.  I was one of two student in the first Black Belt testing under Grand Master Runk and worked for him for several years.  Besides Tae Kwon Do, he trained me in Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, and Vale Tudo.  He was also instrumental in my upbringing and was very much a father figure for me.

While training and teaching, I competed in numerous tournaments, as well. I was ranked in the top 10 both regionally and nationally in forms, fighting, and weapons in the Amateur and Professional Karate Leagues and NASKA, and have also won several tournament grand championships in black belt forms, weapons, and fighting.

Other accomplishments include amateur bodybuilding, in which I competed locally and was televised on ESPN.  But the best of all, I have been married to my wife since 1994 and we have three beautiful children together.  My passion in life is martial arts and it is my honor to use my knowledge and abilities to help others to achieve their goals as well."

Mrs. Deirdre Le,

a.k.a. "Mama Le"

Co-Owner

Business Manager

Instructor, Tae Kwon Do

Assistant Coach, MMA

Mrs. Le is responsible for all business management functions and registering fighters.  She is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and assists Mr. Le with any duties he needs completed, including instruction, when necessary.  Yes, believe it or not, she knows about this stuff, too.  From training, studying and teaching martial arts.....Mrs. Le has been involved since May of 1994.  She has an excellent knowledge of the physics of martial arts, as well. 

"Our school is very family oriented. So one day, one of our young after-school program students began calling me "Mama Le" and from that point, it stuck. Even the student parents sometimes call me this, which makes me giggle inside, but I love it.

I was born in Bethesda, MD in 1966, but lived in South Miami, FL until I was 12. Ever since I started watching the TV show Kung
Fu and the movie Karate Kid came out, I was intrigued by martial arts. However, I never really expressed to my family my hidden desire to learn because I didn't think that our family could afford the lessons. In 1979, I moved to Fairfax, VA and graduated from Oakton High School in 1984. In 1988, I joined the Marine Corps and received training in Electronics and Electricity, as well as some computer repair training. After my service ended, I received my Computer Technology degree from Computer Learning Center.

Finally, in May 1994, I began my Tae Kwon Do training at age 26 with my daughter, Kyla, who was then 4 1/2 years old. The precision of my Marine Corps training really helped me to excel with my martial arts. Also, in 1994, I met and married my husband, who is now also my martial arts master, Master Le. Yes, I do call him Mr. Le in the school. Some people think this is strange, but I think it would be even stranger to call him Viet when everyone else calls him Mr. Le. It is my way of separating our home family relationship from our martial arts family relationship and business co-ownership. Some students have asked if it is hard for me to work with my spouse and be around him 24-7. Like any other married couple, sometimes that answer is a resounding "Yes!" Yes, my husband is the boss and my instructor! This is tricky sometimes, but it works. I have to say, this whole experience has been one of the best experiences in my life and I wouldn't change it! We make a great team, sort of like the yin and yang. We keep each other balanced. This is what it is all about, and we try to bring that balance to our students, whatever it takes.

Because of various injuries (not related to martial arts) and my pregnancies with our children, twins Julia and Nicole, and our son, Brandon, I was not able to really train for about 9 years. However, in December 2004, at the ripe old age of 38, I began training again. Due to my ability to learn quickly and my attention to detail, I was able to assist my husband to teach very early on. My instruction focuses heavily on forms, hand sparring, and breaking techniques. I earned my black belt in November 2008."

Herschel Hall

American Boxing

MMA Coach

I was born in NW Washington, DC and raised in NE Washington, DC and Prince George's County, MD in a town called Capitol Heights.  I got involved in sports early as did many of the children where I came from.  I excelled in Wrestling and Track & Field, in events such as the 800 meter run and the shot put. Out of everything I did, I gravitated more towards combat sports or should I say one-on-one sports.  

I have served in The United States Army, supervised in Force Protection under The Department of Defense, provided protection to The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other Generals, soldiers, and family members, and am also an expert marksman.  

I got my start in boxing in 1997 in Europe.  Due to an injury I sustained and being diagnosed with a lung disorder, I was no longer able to compete.  So I turned to training and coaching fighters while still practicing my craft.  Upon arrival back in the US, I got a chance to train under then National Coach Daniel Campbell who later became the Olympic Head Coach. I also trained under top Amateur Coaches and Trainers Abdullah Muhammad and Wayne Johnson.  Later, I returned to my hometown and was awarded a spot training amateur fighters under the renowned Trainer Adrian Davis.  He has produced countless amateur standouts in both the Junior Olympics and Open Class. He also has trained numerous professional titleholders including Sharmba Mitchell, Demarcus Corley, Hasim Rahman, and many more.

I have helped many gyms in my area such as Round 1, Primetime, Old School, New Revival, Club 1, Tony's, and others to develop both amateur and professional fighters.  The following are a few of them:

• I successfully trained top super middleweight Henry Buchanan to a title win in ‘09. 
• I currently train:
  • top amateur and professional standout super bantamweight Thomas Snow, who also won a title before his 10th pro fight.
  • former WBC champ Gary Jones, brother of Olympian Gary Russell Jr.  
  • 132lb Golden gloves winner Emanuel Johnson,
  • 125lb Golden Champ Marquel Johns,
  • 152lb Golden Gloves, USA and Mayors Cup champion Marquis Taylor.
  • 140lb professional prospect Lenwood Dozier
  • 154lb professional prospect Vincent Batteast
  • 178lb prospect Willie Cooper.

I am USA Boxing Certified and licensed as a professional corner man in many different states.  I am a professional hand wrapper, trainer, coach, cut man, and mitt worker.  I have trained numerous other fighters that have gone on to have successful careers in other fields ranging from the Sheriff’s Department, IT, Criminal Justice, and HVAC professionals. Training MMA fighters has been a goal of mine for many years.  I am excited to bring my expertise into the world of Mixed Martial Arts and hope to create many new relationships along the way.  

John Ramirez

Judo Coach

• 28 years in Law Enforcement; Military, State and Federal
• SWAT Instructor
• Police Officer Hand to Hand Combat Instructor
• 3^rd Degree Black Belt Shotokan Karate
• 1^st Degree Black Belt Kotokan Judo

Levi Sadr

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach

Grappling Coach

MMA Coach

Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Master Leo Dalla

Kevin Chhay,

Muay Thai Coach

MMA Coach

Professional Athlete, Mixed Martial Artist, Black Belt, and World Champion - Kevin Chhay realized the strong, honorable, and just are rewarded and are successful in life - however, attaining such power comes with great responsibility. Having been involved in Martial Arts since childhood, under Muay Thai and Filipino Martial Arts Lineages, he fought his way to the top, competing in over 300 competitions, and seeking any challenge. This attitude allowed him to accomlish goals, such as defeating many several Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts, World Champions, Olympic Gold Medalists, and Experts in Mixed Martial Arts and related fields.

Having 15 years experience as an Certified Instructor, Mr. Chhay is currently focused on helping and managing up and coming Amateur MMA Fighters and Prospects to launch their Professional Careers.

Roniel Aledo

MMA Coach

Over 17 years of experience practicing and teaching BJJ and US Army Combatives (hand to hand combat). Practiced BJJ and Submission Wrestling in the Gracie Academy Torrence California, Remco Pardoel Academy Germany, Renzo Gracie Academy New York, Renzo Gracie Academy Mexico City, Colombia National Judo Federation, Puerto Rico National Judo Federation, Royce Gracie Jujitsu Academy Washington DC, Lloyd Irving jujitsu Academy Camp Springs Maryland, Pedro Valente Jujitsu Academy Miami Beach, Kranichtein Judo Academy Germany, US Army Combatives School Ft Benning,US Army Combatives program Ft Hood Texas.

Master Instructor US Army Combatives

Brown Belt BJJ (Given by former student Brian Davis Gracie Barra)

Winner Sport Jujitsu Middle Weight Cup 1996, West Virginia

Runner up Gracie National Championship 1997, L.A

Runner Up BJJ National BJJ Cup of Netherlands, 1998

Runner Up BJJ National Cup of France, 1999

Winner Submission Wrestling Open Cup of France 2001

Former Instructor Combatives FT Hood Texas

Former Instructor Special Forces, Bogota Colombia

Former Instructor Colombian Military Academy, Bogota

Chief Trainer US Army Europe BJJ Team 1997-2001

3^rd Place Puerto Rico National Olympic Weight Lifting Championship 1989

Dustin Vowell

Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist

Certified Personal Trainer, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist, NASM

CPR/AED certification

M.A., Mississippi State University

B.A., Mississippi State University

Blackbelt in Goju karate

Consistency and Intensity!

My desire is to help clients make lifestyle changes that last, both in diet and exercise. Whether you want to decrease fat, gain muscle, increase athletic performance, or simply improve your health, I have the knowledge and experience to help you meet your goals!

I have always had a passion for fitness.  As an active youth, I started learning karate around age eight.  As I continued in karate through high school, I constantly sought more knowledge to make myself stronger, faster, and more flexible.  When I began studying at Mississippi State University, I learned more about strength training.

I received my B.A. and M.A. from Mississippi State University.  After teaching for three years, I decided to work full time as a fitness trainer.  I received my personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (through which I also maintain my certification), and in November of 2004 I began working as a personal trainer for Gold’s Gym in D.C.  In February of 2006, I was promoted to the Fitness Manager position at the Capitol Hill Gold’s Gym where I continued in that position until June of 2008.  After leaving Gold’s Gym, I started my own fitness company, Truth and Valor: Elite Fitness, LLC. In addition to maintaining my personal training certification, I have also completed an advanced certification as a Corrective Exercise Specialist.

I take personal training to a new level by carefully assessing each client and providing the right program for my client’s goals and fitness level. I believe proper form is essential to avoiding injury and making continual progress.  In each session, I carefully watch my clients and adapt the program as needed. I have trained all types of clients, including elderly clients, clients with fibromyalgia, clients recovering from joint surgery, overweight clients, underweight clients, athletes, and more. 

I named my company Truth and Valor: Elite Fitness, LLC because I give my clients the truth about exercise and nutrition, no gimmicks and no tricks.  Trends come and go in exercise as in fashion, but I always provide my clients what is best for them.  Having trained clients with difficult goals, I recognize the frustration and fear that clients sometimes have. I seek to inspire my clients with the valor to continue in the face of fear and frustration; consistency is the key to achieving one’s goals, and I seek to provide the motivation and inspiration to keep my clients moving in the right direction.

Alma Rojas

ZUMBA Coach

I have 20 years of experience as an Instructor.  I have certifications in the following:

AEROBICS INSTRUCTOR
STEP REEBOK
INTERVALOS AEROBICS
RUBBER BANDS
WEIGHT TRAINING
ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR, Regular Zumba and Zumba Gold

Hope to see you soon!