Instructors and students after class at Bendu Academy

Instructors

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Our team of instructors each have over a decade of experience in martial arts. They are dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Kickboxing, Boxing and/or Yoga practitioners. They're not just teachers though—they are passionate mentors who will support you, motivate you, and help you navigate your martial arts journey.

With an array of experience in competitive arenas and coaching styles, they bring a blend of knowledge, enthusiasm, and personal understanding to every class.

Northside, Cincinnati

01

Blayne Hodges

  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
  • MMA
Blayne Hodges

Blayne started training martial arts at 9 years old, starting first in karate and eventually gravitating to judo at 12. Following high school, Blayne trained at one of the strongest MMA academies in the tri-state area, quickly amassing a reputation for an aggressively smooth style of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Within 4 years Blayne secured three regional MMA titles — all wins by submission.

Blayne has trained with and cornered UFC veterans, and has been cornering professional fights for over a decade. With his 15 years of experience and open minded approach to coaching Blayne is capable of teaching day one beginners to aspiring professional martial artists.

Safety and inclusivity in the training room is a priority to Blayne and he has a unique way of making everyone feel equally important on the mat. He has a keen ability to read his students skillset in order to maximize their strengths and identify areas for improvement.

02

Lane Dees

  • Wrestling
  • Jiu-Jitsu
  • MMA
Lane Dees

Running his barber shop by day, martial arts by night, Lane Dees started wrestling at the incredible age of 4 years old.

He started setting record wins in middle school. A former captain of his wrestling team, a 3 time state qualifier, 4 time regional qualifier, with roughly 20 years of wrestling experience in Folkstyle, Greco-Roman and Freestyle; Lane has had over 350 wrestling matches under his belt.

He currently competes in Jiu Jitsu and MMA, and the instruction in his wrestling classes focuses on how to best apply wrestling to MMA and submission grappling.

He also assistant coaches our kids classes, and is known for creating a fun, highly engaged and highly informative environment for young martial artists to grow in!

03

Skylee Allan

  • Jiu-Jitsu
  • Muay Thai
  • MMA
Skylee Allan

Skylee Allan began training Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai at 15 years old. She holds the rank of blue belt in Jiu Jitsu and is an active MMA fighter with professional aspirations. Skylee brings a focused and compassionate approach to her coaching style and is able to adapt her teaching in a way that reaches students both new and experienced. Her passion for martial arts is only rivaled by her drive to create a cohesive and supportive training environment.

04

Blaise Lampugnale

  • Jiu-Jitsu
Blaise Lampugnale

Blaise Lampugnale found his way to jiu jitsu 2 years ago and quickly found a passion for training and competing. Coming from a background in exercise science Blaise has a detailed and analytical approach to his grappling style. Known for being one of the most helpful people in the academy Blaise is sure to make new students feel welcome and acutely informed on the techniques presented.

Evening class rolling on the mats at Bendu Academy

Location

Wheretofindus

Conveniently located in the heart of Northside, Cincinnati — our BJJ gym is easily accessible by public transportation and offers ample parking space for those driving.

4101 Spring Grove Ave
Cincinnati 45223
United States

benduacademy@gmail.com
(513) 234-5626

Afternoon light across the mats at Bendu Academy

Firstclass

Cometryaclassonus.

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  • 01

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