ACADEMY INSTRUCTORS AND STAFF
ERIC LANCE
HEAD INSTRUCTOR / OWNER
MATT MAHER
ASSISTANT BJJ INSTRUCTOR
SHANE MASON
WRESTLING / FIREAMRS COACH
CHASE WELCH
BOXING COACH
ERIC LANCE
ACADEMY OWNER AND HEAD INSTRUCTOR
Eric has been involved in the martial arts for over 25 years, and in that time, has studied and earned instructor and black belt ranks in many different systems. In addition to his martial arts training, Eric has had the opportunity to train with some of the best in CQC weapons and defensive concepts as well bringing a whole new level to the training offered at the academy. With over 25 years of training under his belt, In 2017 Eric decided to start his new journey by establishing Synergy Martial Arts Academy in the hopes of sharing his passion to those like him with the desire to train in the martial arts, and help them change their lives through the martial arts.
RANK AND LINEAGES:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Brown Belt)
Helio Gracie - Royce Gracie - Eli Knight - Eric Lance
Balintawak Escrima (Full Qualified Instructor - FQI)
Venancio "Anciong" Bacon - Teofilo Velez / Jose Villasin - Bobby Taboada - Dr. Patrick Schmitt - Eric Lance
Vee Jitsu Systems (7th Degree Black Belt - Professor)
Professor "Vee" Florendo Visitacion - Jim Roma - Eric Lance
MATT MAHER
ASSISTANT JIU-JITSU INSTRUCTOR
Matt is not only one of the assistant instructors at the academy, but he was also one of the first students when we opened the doors. Matt has been training in BJJ since 2015. At the academy, Matt helps teach the fundamental classes during the week, and is always around to help out the newer students. His dedication to training and his genuine desire to help people makes him a great fit, and someone we are lucky to have!
CHASE WELCH
HEAD BOXING COACH
Coach Chase is the head boxing trainer at the academy, and he is also an avid fitness enthusiast. Since his time training, Coach Chase has picked up numerous sponsorship's and takes pride in developing not only his skill sets, but that of his students. His classes are action packed, intense, and a great experience for fighters of all skill levels. Our students are lucky to have such a motivated and dedicated instructor to help them with their striking ability improving their overall skill sets.
SHANE MASON
FIREARM INSTRUCTOR AND WRESTLING COACH
Shane has been a life long martial artist, as well as a wrestling and shooting coach. Coach Shane is the head wrestling coach at the academy for both the youth and adult programs, and has over 25 years of coaching experience in the area. He also is a lifelong shooting enthusiast and coach who has worked with people from all backgrounds and all experience levels. Having someone with the experience at the academy adds a different dynamic that our students are lucky to have!
CHAD RANKIN
OWNER FALLS FIREARMS, LLC & CCW INSTRUCTOR
Our CCW instructor is Chad Rankin. Chad has been in law enforcement for the past 4 years as a State Parole officer and the last 2 years as a Deputy US Marshall for the violent fugitive task force. He is fully credentialed through the NRA as a Certified Pistol Instructor as well as through OPOTA (Law Enforcement Certification). Chad makes everyone feel welcome to his classes and although safety is stressed, handgun experience is not a prerequisite. Chad delivers instruction through multiple avenues and his experience as a school teacher will help make sure you retain knowledge. Our classes meet everything the state of Ohio has required to issue you a license. If you are interested in setting up a class please call 330-979-8905.