Meet Our Team
Ryan
FOUNDER & LEAD INSTRUCTOR
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​Ryan’s martial arts journey began in 2000 as a warfighter in the Army, where he trained in Modern Army Combatives and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including regular sessions under the legendary Royce Gracie. While preparing for an upcoming combat deployment, he began training in Krav Maga to supplement his hand-to-hand training.
After gaining fighting experience both in the ring and on the battlefield, Ryan was driven to continue improving his skills, seeking out the best coaches and mentors in every aspect of fighting - striking, grappling, armed combat, and conditioning. When he’s not at the gym, Ryan can be found spending time outdoors, paddling the Flint with his family, reading up on his craft, and dabbling in amateur radio.
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3rd Degree Black Belt Krav Maga Instructor - Krav Maga Alliance
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Brown Belt Bang Muay Thai Coach under Duane Ludwig
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CSW Coach and BJJ Purple Belt under Erik Paulson
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Certified Young Warrior Instructor - Krav Maga Alliance
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Certified USCCA Firearms Instructor - Pistol and Rifle
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USCCA Emergency First Aid Instructor
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Certified Conditioning Coach under Joel Jamieson
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Certified Nutrition and Weight Cut Specialist under George Lockhart
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Has worked with several professional athletes including UFC fighters Max Holloway, Brad Katona, and Gunnar Nelson
Eric
KRAV MAGA INSTRUCTOR
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​Eric is a certified Krav Maga Instructor with several years of martial arts training under his belt. He's a combat veteran with lots of miles, but his titanium knees don’t slow him down. Eric enjoys riding all kinds of motorcycles, going to punk rock concerts, and hanging out with his wife and dogs.
Sarah
KRAV MAGA INSTRUCTOR
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​Sarah began her martial arts journey in 2021 and currently trains in Krav Maga, Bang Muay Thai, and Combat Submission Wrestling. She’s a certified Krav Maga Instructor as well as a licensed clinical psychologist, who can vouch for the therapeutic benefits of training at Claymore. When she's not at the gym, she's decorating the most amazing cakes, collecting tattoos, riding motorcycles, and hoarding houseplants.
Lendsey
CLIENT EXPERIENCE & FIGHTINGFIT INSTRUCTOR
Lendsey is a personal trainer and martial artist with years of experience. She's competed in Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. She currently coaches 1:1 sessions for conditioning, Muay Thai, and no-gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Her favorite thing about training is helping individuals – especially women – discover their inner toughness. Lendsey is a coffee snob who enjoys writing poetry and creating upcycled art.
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Jeff
KRAV MAGA INSTRUCTOR
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Jeff began his martial arts training at Claymore and is one of the original students from the beginning. He is one of three homegrown Krav Maga black belts at Claymore. He's also trained in Bang Muay Thai from our very first class. Jeff is a professional illustrator and graphic designer, and he helped design our Claymore logo. He loves nerd stuff like comics, horror and Star Wars, which has led him to do artwork for George Lucas’s company.
Hunter
YOUNG WARRIORS ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
​Hunter began training in Bang Muay Thai and Krav Maga in 2019. He competes in multiple martial arts competitions and loves to bring his experience into our youth classes. His interests include watching MMA and Alabama football, along with exploring the outdoors. Fun fact - he placed 3rd in gi in his first NAGA tournament without ever training in a gi.
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Dave
FIGHTINGFIT INSTRUCTOR
Dave has trained many years in Krav Maga, Bang Muay Thai, and Combat Submission Wrestling. He has several certifications in strength and conditioning. He's a combat veteran of Iraq and has lived in four different countries. His hobbies include lifting, reading, and watching his son play sports. He’s also a huge fan of old school pro wrestling.
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Dasha
KRAV MAGA INSTRUCTOR
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Dasha has been training in martial arts since she was in first grade, and has black belts in both Krav Maga and Tae Kwon Do. She's a certified Krav Maga Instructor who enjoys playing video games, weightlifting, rock climbing, painting, and reading. She was born in Kiev, Ukraine, and has a pet snake named Monty Python.
Alejandro
BANG MUAY THAI INSTRUCTOR
Alejandro is a former professional Muay Thai and MMA fighter with fights in both Mexico and the United States, and has been an anchor of the Alabama MMA scene for many years. His unique blend of experience from traditional Muay Thai training coupled with Bang Muay Thai makes his classes a one-of-a-kind experience. When he’s not sweeping opponents, Alejandro is creating culinary masterpieces as a professional chef.
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Our Students Love Claymore
AND OUR COACHES
people are talking
“…great to find a gym that has a coach who is extremely knowledgeable.” - Bowen T.
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“Fantastic head coach and staff. Ryan will help you improve in any way he can.” - Tyler N.
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“…best coaching and great training partners that make it feel like family.” - Vince A.