FREDERICKTOWN — Hundreds of Mount Vernon residents visit the Lashley Training Center on Parrott Street each week. Now, the owners are looking to expand throughout Knox County.
The business started in the family basement in 1995. The small dojo trained people in self defense, karate, MMA and jiu jitsu. Ian Lashley, the current owner, grew up learning martial arts and watching his dad, Dave Lashley, coach others.
Dave Lashley opened a storefront by the Knox County Fairgrounds, where 20 to 30 members frequented. Ian saw how the center provided a place for families to improve together.
In 2016, after Ian graduated college, he took over the training center full time. He added personal training, nutrition work and expanded the martial arts classes to include more styles.
Today, Ian Lashley is able to recite the gym’s mission statement by heart:
“To serve families by strengthening the body and empowering the mind, and help the spirit through discipline, martial arts, functional fitness and practical nutrition. Guided by our faith, we’re building a purpose driven community one family at a time,” Lashley said.
The center now has 1,800 members using its services and roughly 400 people use the facility each day.
Classes in Japanese martial arts and grappling are available to take for children and adults, including for students as young 3 years old.
A staffed Kid Watch area at the front allows members to bring their children, and youngsters are allowed to use the mats when classes aren’t in session.
Being a family-oriented gym is a primary goal of the Lashley’s — and acts as motivation for the business to grow.
“It is a passion for wanting to serve people … I love getting to help people,” Lashley said.
A new location will open in Fredericktown
A new location will be opening in Fredericktown, with the grand opening set for Aug. 1. Around 300 people have pre-registered to join.
“There is a pretty big need for it in the community … we’re super excited to get into a different part of Knox County and serve people,” Lashley said.
The Fredericktown location will be offer a 24/7 fitness center and personal training in martial arts, with room to expand. But this likely won’t be the last center the Lashleys open.
The family is also looking to expand into the center of Mount Vernon, but plans have yet to be made official.
“I want to invest back in the community … we’re here to serve people and help them get from point A to point B with their goals,” Lashley said.
