About Us
Our Mission
At Grindstone Athletics, we want to help you to be the best version of yourself. Whether that's through improving your health and fitness, achieving a personal milestone, or stepping into the ring--we've got you. Grindstone Athletics provides a safe, positive, and respectful environment for all participants to reach their highest level of personal growth and physical improvement.
Meet Our Team
Thomas E. Lenhart II
Tom Lenhart is the owner, operator, and Head Coach of Grindstone Athletics. A Virginia Beach native, he has been practicing Muay Thai and kickboxing for over eighteen years. Tom has been an instructor and coach for fifteen years and has lived and taught around the world. His travels have afforded him the privilege of teaching and connecting with people from all places, ages, and walks of life. His favorite part of teaching is watching people learn and make progress on their personal journey.
As a coach, Tom has led fighters and teams through a number of tournaments, smokers, scrimmage leagues, and sanctioned bouts. Watching his fighters grow, mature, and become better people has a special place in his heart.
Tom is also Grindstone’s Strength and Conditioning coach. He has done personal training in strength and conditioning for over twenty years and is a certified personal trainer through ACE and WITs. He is a firm believer and champion of the benefits of leading an active lifestyle. You will often hear him say “movement is medicine” alongside some encouragement to keep showing up and getting some healthy movement in at the gym.
Tom has competed and medaled in two Strongman competitions alongside a team of competitors from Grindstone. He loves weightlifting and Strongman because for him, “lifting heavy weights feels good”.
Lisa Cuellar
Lisa Cuellar is a combat sports powerhouse. She has been a Muay Thai and kickboxing practitioner for over twenty years. As an active fighter, Lisa was a Fight Team captain and multiple-time WKA medalist. Lisa has trained in Thailand as well as competed in multiple tournaments and single bouts.
Lisa has taught both youth and adult classes for over fifteen years. Her favorite part of teaching is when the “lightbulb” goes off and a student figures out a concept and gets excited about learning. She is “Big Mama” because she takes care of everybody. Everyone who knows Lisa knows love in the gym.
In addition to her acumen as a fighter, Lisa is a seasoned official in the combat sports world. She is a certified official in Boxing, Muay Thai, Bare Knuckle Boxing, and MMA.
Victor Diaz
Coach Diaz has been a proud coach and student of Muay Thai for sixteen years. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he was first introduced to Muay Thai watching the movies Bloodsport and Kickboxer. He had a desire to train, but there were no Muay Thai schools near where he lived. Living in Hampton Roads allowed him to pursue his passion under the direction of Greg Smith of Bushido MMA. Throughout his journey, Coach Diaz ventured to different gyms in the Hampton Roads area and eventually found his place at Grindstone. He cares for every member in the gym, saying that he learns from them as much as they learn from him. His passion for the sport and the energy he brings to his classes are unmatched.
Tai Pierce
Tai has been a Grindstone member and fight team member for two years. A Bronx native, Tai began his journey in karate and jiujitsu classes with his mother, Cheryl, when he was 19. Over time, his school modernized their classes, transitioning Kyokushin Karate into kickboxing classes. Tai continued his martial arts journey through kickboxing, and later found an interest and passion for the specifics of Western boxing. He now boasts a 4-2 amateur record with three wins by decision and one by knockout.
Tai’s favorite part of teaching is watching his students progress over time. He also enjoys helping students identify and learn from the same mistakes that he had when he was a beginner. He is an excellent motivator and team player.
Justin Malisiak
Justin hails from Ostrander, Ohio and has been a member of Grindstone for three years. He has been a member of the fight team for two and a half years, with two wins and one loss under his belt. Justin has earned the name “Roughneck Rocky” due to the unmatched grit and heart he shows when he fights. He lives for fighting and says the journey it takes him on is irreplaceable. Training and fighting keeps him in shape, gives him something new to learn, and helps him grow as an athlete and individual.
Justin’s favorite part of teaching is sharing his ring experiences and knowledge with students, showing them practical applications for the techniques they are learning in class.
Sarah Gallagher
Sarah has been a member of Grindstone for seven years and a member of the fight team for four years. She is the WKA 139 lb National Champion in the Novice Muay Thai and Kickboxing divisions. Sarah is a graduate of Old Dominion University who ended up at Grindstone by pure coincidence. She took an intro class with some friends, loved it, and just kept showing up to train. Sarah loves to fight because it is the most freeing thing she's ever done. She loves to train because it keeps her active, present, and accountable to herself and others.
Sarah loves to teach adults and children alike. She has been teaching children in sports and athletics for six years and adults for three years. Her favorite part of teaching is helping people enjoy the process of learning.
Sarah Nalepa, PT, DPT
Sarah Nalepa is Grindstone’s in-house Physical Therapist. Sarah has been a physical therapist for eight years, receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Lynchburg. She took an interest in physical therapy after sustaining a multitude of injuries as an athlete in her youth. Her favorite part of her job is helping people get back to doing what they love to do in athletics, sports, and life.
Sarah continues to enjoy running competitively in local races, as well as biking and strength training to keep herself active and healthy.
