Teaches: Muay Thai/Thai Boxing, Western Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No Gi Submission Wrestling, Sambo, Judo, Mixed Martial Arts
Jeff Ruth has a B.S. in physical education from George Mason University with a teacher certification by the Virginia Board of Education License (Elementary Grades K-12) and is a member of the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. He has a Mixed Martial Arts Record of 9 wins and 0 losses and is currently the International Fighter’s Association Middle Weight Champion. Jeff is not just any fighter; he is an all around fighter with many weapons.
Former fight member of Team Suriya Sak under Master Kumron Vaitayanon (aka Master K), one of the nation's top Muay Thai Kickboxing Teams
International Fighter’s Association Middle Weight Champion
Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
under Master Lloyd Irvin
Certified 2nd Degree Black Belt Thai-Jitsu instructor under Master Lloyd Irvin
Black Belt Combat Sombo under Master Lloyd Irvin
Black Belt in Judo
Masters Lloyd Irvin and Jeff Ruth
"Jeff is one of my top fighters. He is a 2nd Degree Black Belt under me in my Thai-Jitsu Program. He is the first and only person that I've ever promoted to Black Belt in Sombo. He completely knows my Gi, no Gi, self-defense and mixed martial arts training systems that I teach. He's excellent in Boxing, Judo, Muay Thai and has a really good understanding of wrestling principles. He's the complete package and a GREAT instructor.
Jeff has been with me since the very beginning when practically no one believed in what I was doing. This location is an official Team Lloyd Irvin training facility. So I highly suggest that you go and check him out. If you decide to join let me say in advance, welcome to the team, I look forward to meeting you and training with you."
"As one of best in Washington DC area, its not surprised Jeff is opening a school in Arlington, VA. I recommend you learn from him and follow the leadership into future of the martial arts. You should try it."
- Master Leo Dalla, BJJ Black Belt
"Jeff and I have spent thousands of hours studying and training directly under Masters Lloyd Irvin and Leo Dalla. Jeff has that unique ability to take any martial artist to the next level...don't be left behind."
- Brett Tillett, School Teacher & Undefeated MMA Fighter Team Lloyd Irvin
"Jeff is the real deal. Arlington is lucky to have an instructor of that caliber teaching."
- Ivan Terry, Student
"Jeff Ruth knows what he's talking about. There are few people in the martial arts and combative sports that have the educational background that Jeff does."
- Darryl Tyson, Boxing Coach, Former WBU Boxing Champion
"Jeff possesses a rare combination of expertise, toughness and terrific people skills. He leads by example with a track record that shows he knows what it takes to win."
- Andrey Brener, Ukrainian Wrestling Champion, Head Wrestling Coach for Bullis School
Chau
actively participates and has competed in women’s sports-related activities such as obstacle course competitions and fitness/figure events. She has judged fitness shows such as
Musclemania Nation's Capital & Fitness America/Ms. Bikini America Pageant and the Ultimate Fitness Challenge.
She also trains regularly in Thai kickboxing, uses Kettlebell Workouts, resistance training, and body weight exercises as part of her cross training program. With
her National Strength & Conditioning Association's Personal Trainer Certificate she plans to assist the instructors in a strength & conditioning program for fighters/competitors. Chau has her B.S. and M.B.A. in Business & Mgmt and had previously worked 10 years for a large international organization in Washington DC. Currently, she devotes her full time to Team Lloyd Irvin Martial Arts & Fitness, supporting the team to bring the best there is to offer in mixed martial arts training in the Washington DC metro area.
Jackie Barger has come to the Lloyd Irvin School with over 4 years of experience in strength and conditioning training and 5 years of Health and Nutrition.
She placed 2nd in the woman's gymnastics all-around state finals in Newport, Rhode Island and has competed in countless local and international tournaments. Jackie is a former class instructor at J.W. Tumbles, a children's athletic and tumbling gym where she delivered training services that encourage the physical and social development of children. Currently, she is an active member of the Muay Thai kickboxing circuit at Lloyd Irvin and instructs the Ladies Ultimate Fitness Kickboxing and Bag Circuit classes.
She has a B.S. in Event Management from George Mason University.
SHIN KIM
International Judo Instructor
Shin is a world-class Judo Coach from South Korea and one of the best Judo instructors in the Eastern United States. He is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Judo and former member of the Korean National Judo Team. His instruction is simply amazing! Having trained only top elite Judo Players in the past, he now spends his time at Team Lloyd Irvin Martial Arts & Fitness instructing beginners to advanced levels to reach their full potential.
Vivek Nakarmi
Muay Thai Instructor/Assistant Manager
Vivek is one our Muay Thai Instructors and fighters. His main martial arts back ground comes from Muay Thai, and San Shou. He has been training Muay Thai under Master Jeff Ruth and Master Dave Carter for one and half years He has trained in various international camps and gyms including Fairtex in Thailand. Since he's started training at Team Lloyd Irvin he has won the WKA US Title for Muay Thai Kickboxing, and will be competing for the world title.
He is also a certified Gymnastics Instructor. Being a fighter himself, he believes in hard work, and tough training; he brings intensity, in a fun learning environment to his classes.
SEPH SMITH
BJJ/No Gi Instructor/Assistant Manager
With a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Lloyd Irvin and Dave Womack, Seph Smith brings his knowledge and years of experience to Team Lloyd Irvin as the head grappling coach. Though he has only been here a short time, Seph is a gifted instructor whose impact is already being felt in the rapid development of the students. Known around the competitive grappling scene for his skill with leg locks and Judo, Seph has been breaking into the professional circuit thanks to strong performances at local and regional events. A constant submission threat, Seph is a crowd favorite every time he steps onto the mat.
Seph is not a hobbyist.
He has dedicated his
life to learning and
teaching martial arts as
a full time career. He
will help you get to a
high level in martial
arts. Whatever your
goals are, whether you
want to compete, learn
self defense, or just
want to get in shape by
doing something that is
constantly exciting and
challenging as opposed
to repetitive and
boring, and routine as
weightlifting at the
gym, he can help you
reach them!
Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu
2008 GQ 5th
Annual Copa Atlantica
BJJ Champion, Purple
Belt welterweight
champion
U.S. Grappling Dominion
Grappling Championships
Purple Belt middleweight
champion
1st Mission
Submission Purple Belt
welterweight champion
2007 U.S. East Coast
Grappling Championships
Purple Belt Absolute
Champion
Budweiser World Cup of
Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
Lightweight Champion
2006 NAGA World
Championships Purple
Belt Middleweight
Champion
2007 GQ Copa Atlantica
BJJ Championships-Purple
Belt Welterweight 2nd
Place
2007 NAGA Battle at the
Beach-Purple Belt
Middleweight 2nd
Place
2007 U.S. East Coast
Grappling
Championships-Purple
Belt Welterweight-3rd
Place
2006 GQ Copa Atlantica
BJJ Championships-Purple
Belt Welterweight-3rd
Place
Submission
Grappling
2008 NAGA Virginia
Absolute Champion
U.S. Grapping Dominion
Grappling Championships
Advance Nogi
Welterweight-1st
Place
2007 Combat Sports
Grappling Championships
Advanced Nogi
Welterweight-1st
Place
Budweiser World Cup
Advanced Welterweight-1st
Place
2006 WKA U.S. Nationals
Grappling Championships
Advanced Welterweight-1st
Place
U.S. Grappling East
Coast Championships
Advanced Welterweight-1st
Place
2008 GQ U.S. Nationals
Advanced Welterweight-2nd
Place
Mission Submission
3-Advanced Absolute 2nd
Place (closed out with a
teammate)
Mission Submission
2-Advanced Absolute 3rd
Place (closed out with
teammates)
Mission Submission
1-Advanced
Welterweight-2nd
Place
2007 U.S. East Coast
Grappling Championships
Advanced Welterweight-2nd
Place
2006 NAGA World
Championships Advanced
Lightweight-2nd
Place (closed out with
two teammates)
Sandeep has over 10 years of experience in the martial arts. He is a former fight member of Team Suriya Sak under Master Kumron Vaitayanon (aka Master K), one of the nation's top Muay Thai Kickboxing Teams and has over 6 years of experience in Western Boxing, training in some of the nations best Western Boxing gyms.
DEREK SIERRA
Boxing Coach/Muay Thai Instructor
Derek has over 20 years amateur and professional boxing experience. He is a former Army Master Fitness Trainer and certified defensive tactics instructor who has trained people in both group and private settings for over 10 yrs. Derek has studied and trained in various martial arts for over 25 yrs. He also trains and competes in MMA and submission grappling. Derek is certified in both Cross-Fit and Kettlebell Training.
NOAH BOOTH
No-Gi Grappling/BJJ Instructor
Noah Booth is an accomplished grappler in every sense of the word, he has over a dozen years of wrestling experience, where he finished his wrestling career at American University, wrestling all 4 years at the Division I Level. Noah is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and is one of the few individuals in the DC area who is a certified CBJJ Referee. Noah has won or medaled in many prestigious international and national competitions such as the NAGA World Championships in 2007! A summary of some of the major competitions can be found below:
Summary of Experience
Wrestling – 8 yrs. Pennsylvania Public School System
Wrestling – 1 yr. New Jersey Prep School System
Wrestling – 4 yrs. Division I/NCAA
BJJ/Submission Grappling – 11 yrs.
Instructor – 4 yrs.
Referee – 3 yrs. (CBJJ Certified, ’06)
BJJ/Submission Grappling Accomplishments:
Pan American BJJ Championships – 3rd place – Brown Belt/Featherweight – ‘04
American National BJJ Championships – 2nd place – Brown Belt/Featherweight – ‘05
American National BJJ Championships – 2nd place – Brown Belt/Open – ‘05
Capital Grappling Classic Championships – 2nd place – Brown Belt/159lbs – ‘05
Tap Factory Grappling Circuit – 1st place – Brown Belt/175lbs – ‘05
Tap Factory Grappling Circuit – 2nd place – Advanced No Gi/149lbs – ‘05
WKA East Coast Grappling Championships – 2nd place – Advanced No Gi/149lbs – ‘05
GrappleMania – 1st place – Brown Belt/Featherweight – ‘05
GrappleMania – 1st place – No Gi/Advanced – ‘05
Bud Cup – 1st place – Brown Belt/Featherweight – ‘05
Bud Cup – 1st place – Advanced No Gi/149lbs – ‘05
Bud Cup – 2nd place – Pro Division/175lbs – ‘05
Bud Nationals – 1st place – Brown Belt/Featherweight – ‘05
Bud Nationals – 1st place – Advanced No Gi/149lbs – ‘05
George Pendergrass Classic – 2nd place – Advanced No Gi/149lbs – ‘06
WKA East Coast Grappling Championships – 1st place – Brown Belt/Featherweight – ‘06
WKA East Coast Grappling Championships – 1st place – Advanced No Gi/149 lbs – ‘06
NAGA World Championships – Gi Expert Division(Brown & Black Belts) 154.9lbs – 1st place – April ‘07
U.S. Grappling East Coast Championships – Brown Belt Featherweight Pro Division – 1st place – April ‘07
Grapplers Quest – 5x Champion
Grapplers Quest – 3x Bronze Medalist
Teddy Endale
Muay Thai Instructor
Teddy
Endale
is a full-contact
kickboxing fighter and
Professional Martial
Arts Instructor. He has
over ten years
experience in Martial
Arts. He has computed in
many Martial Arts
events; Karate
tournament, Full-contact
Amateur Kickboxing, San
Shoue Kickboxing and
Amateur Boxing. Teddy
have been trained and
coached by some of the
best fighter and
trainers in the world.
As such as; Master Neil
Ehrlich ,who is former
Korea and U.S. National
Champion and one of the
best American Kickboxing
instructor in the U.S.,
Master Kumron Vaitayanon
(aka Master K), who is
former Professional Muay
Thai fighter who have
over 75 wins, 50 of them
by knockout. Derrick
Tyson, who is the former
WBU Boxing champion and
one of the best Boxing
coach in Washington
D.C., And currently by
Master Jeff Ruth, who is
currently our chief
instructor and IFC
Middle Weight Champion.
Teddy is very proud to
be a Muay Thai
instructor here at Team
Lloyd Irvin Arlington.
He is a full time
student at Northern
Virginia community
collage plans to get a
degree in sport
psychology.
Black Belt in Karate
and American
Kickboxing under
Master Neil Ehrlich
Former fight member
of Team Suriya Sak
under Master K, one
of the nation’s top
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Teams (1998-2001)
Former Head
Instructor for
American Karate
Institute, one of
the best kickboxing
school in Northern
Virginia (2003-2005)
2x Sidekick
International
Martial Art karate
tournament champion
(2003 and 2004)
3x World Cup Finals
Martial Art
tournament champion
(2000, 2002 and
2004).
2x World Gate
Challenge Martial
Art tournament
champion (200 and
2004).
World Gate Challenge
Grand Champion 2004.
Troy
Willett
Muay Thai Instructor
Troy is a former Army
partarooper and has been
training in Muay Thai,
Jeet Kune Do Concepts
and Filipino Martial
arts for the past 11
years. During this time
Troy has had the
opportunity to train
under and along side
world renowned martial
artists such as Greg
Nelson, Rick Faye, Dave
Menne, and Sean Sherk.
In addition to teaching
Muay Thai at TLI he also
assists Jeff in coaching
the fight team.
His philosophy for
teaching class is to
push students beyond
what they perceive is
their breaking point to
achieve what they didn't
think was possible.
VINCE TUR-ROJAS
Muay Thai Instructor
Vince comes from a varied martial arts background concentrating in boxing, kickboxing, hand-to-hand combat, and personal self defense tactics. He is currently a certified instructor under the Israeli Krav Maga Association, a former Krav Maga Force Training instructor for military and law enforcement, and has undergone extensive MMA instructor training.
An avid believer of conditioning, he also enjoys working with students at a very basic level to ensure they become fundamentally sound in strength, technique, skill, and aggressive mindset. His bare bones approach gives students the opportunity to easily integrate more complex techniques and fighting skills into their fighting toolbox.
Brooks Miller
Muay Thai Instructor
Brooks Miller has been involved in the sport of MuayThai for the last 15
years. He has won 3 U.S. East Coast MuayThai Championship Titles
(ISMTA, KOTR, & USKBA) in 3 different weight classes (Super
Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, & Cruiserweight). He was a founding
member of Ajarn Kumron Vaitayanon (aka Master K) Suriya Sak Fight Team,
and was awarded the title of "Kru" (instructor/coach) by Master K in
1998.
Kru Brooks has taught MuayThai in a number of gyms throughout the
Washington Metropolitan area, including Lloyd Irvin's main branch in
Camp Springs, MD and at CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA. In addition to
coaching and managing fighters, Kru Brooks is the USMTA's Director of
Washington DC, Maryland, & Virginia. He is the Kickboxing Forum
moderator on MMA.TV, the world's leading Mixed Martial Arts website, and
is a world-renowned author of MuayThai tutorials, having his work
published in 147 countries worldwide!
Most recently, Brooks has founded "Khun Kao Promotions" in an effort to
promote novice MuayThai events in Maryland, DC, & Virginia.
For more information about Kru Brooks & Khun Kao Promotions, visit his
website at:
Kendra has lived in the DC area for 2 years and works as an underwriter in commercial real estate. She started coming to Team Lloyd Irvin in January 2006 and passed Level I Muay Thai in Aug. 2006, and is continuing to take Muay Thai classes. In her spare time, besides working out at TLI, she enjoys traveling and playing golf.
Jacqueline
Gichinga
Ultimate Fitness Kickboxing Instructor
Jacqueline moved to
live in DC on a full
time basis in May
2007. She first
joined Team Lloyd
Irvin—Ultimate
Fitness Kickboxing
in May 2006; she has
since then passed
Level 1 Muay Thai.
Jacqueline is a
native of Kenya
where she was a
former varsity
soccer and
basketball player.
She enjoys all
aspects of fitness
and continues to be
active when she is
away from TLI.
Jacqueline has a BS
in Business
Administration from
Edinboro University
of PA and an MA in
International
Development from
University of
Pittsburgh.
***GUEST
INSTRUCTORS***
RYAN HALL
No-Gi Grappling/BJJ Instructor
In barely 4 years of training, Ryan has cemented himself as one of the top submission grapplers in the United States. Ryan earned a Blue Belt in BJJ under Master Lloyd Irvin in under 12 months of training, his Purple Belt less than a year and half after that, and was promoted to Brown Belt after winning the 2008 World Championships. One of the most talked-about competitors in the Jiu-Jitsu world, Ryan is renowned for his ability as a dangerous finisher, most notably with the triangle choke. Since starting his competitive grappling career in August 2004, Ryan has represented Team Lloyd Irvin in countless local, national, and international tournaments, winning or placing in almost every one.
Some of Ryan's competition credentials include:
315 victories (276 by submission!) against only 77 defeats
2007 Abu Dhabi Veteran (Alternate Match Champion)
2008 CBJJ Mundial Champion
2007 CBJJ No-Gi Mundial Champion
2008 CBJJ European Champion
2008 CBJJ Brasiliero Bronze Medalist
2x NAGA Superfight Champion
NeverTap Superfight Champion
#1 RATED Advanced Submission Grappling Competitor for 2006
Many times Grapplers Quest/NAGA/U.S. Grappling Champion
Defeated numerous black belts by submission
Ryan has many goals, including getting a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and teaching the martial arts. He is humble, smart, and versatile athlete, who also enjoys climbing, playing Xbox and hanging out with friends. When his hectic travel schedule allows for it, he also offers private lessons. For more information on Ryan, check out:
David Carter has trained in various martial arts for over 10 years ranging from Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Savate Thai X-Training, Combat Submission Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Jeet Kune Do Concepts, Filipino Martial Arts, Shooto, and Jun Fan Gung Fu among others, styles proven affective over the years on the street and in such events as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and it’s Japanese counterpart Pride FC. A competitor in several Kickboxing, Submission Grappling, and Mixed Martial Arts events, he possesses a unique understanding of what works in and out of the ring.
As well as being a martial artist David has discovered what does and doesn't work inside the gym. How to manage weight for competitions and for life, and get the utmost out of his training, and he brings that to his clients in a simple no nonsense manner that cuts to the root of the peoples problems and corrects them.
David Carter is a former WKA Muay Thai Champion, a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a Level One Coach in Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW) under undefeated Light-Heavyweight Shooto champion Erik Paulson.
Jackie Barger, Program Manager 
DEREK SIERRA
NOAH BOOTH
Troy
Willett
VINCE TUR-ROJAS
Brooks Miller
Kendra Muraya
Jacqueline
Gichinga
