LA BODEGA INSTRUCTORS
MITCH WHITE
PROFESSIONAL MMA FIGHTER
CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
CORRECTIVE EXERCISE SPECIALIST
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Mitch grew up learning kung fu from his father and later found his passion for MMA in high school, where training helped him through tough times. Over the years, he competed in more than 30 amateur bouts across boxing, kickboxing, and MMA, earning a 3–1 professional MMA record.
In 2017, Mitch became a Certified Personal Trainer, gaining experience in local gyms before pursuing his dream of opening his own MMA and fitness studio. Now retired from fighting, he focuses on coaching others—whether for competition, self-defense, or overall health and fitness.
Mitch works with a wide range of people, from kids to professional athletes, and believes training should always be fun and personalized. For him, the greatest reward is seeing fitness make a positive difference in people’s lives.
KELLY SVOBODA
CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
KICKBOXING GURU
SERIOUS HORSE GIRL
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Kelly’s devotion to horses led to her career in fitness. She began using exercise as a way to improve balance, self-awareness, and posture for higher riding scores.
As her passion for MMA flourished, Kelly eventually traded her reins for grappling gear. She continues to advance her practice by taking MMA classes at La Bodega and hopes to compete soon.
Kelly has a natural ability to inspire others and help them reach their personal goals. Her Fitness Kickboxing classes are one of a kind.
RON SHEN
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS COACH
CHINESE FOOD CONNOISSEUR
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Ron has been passionate about martial arts since childhood, building a strong foundation in discipline, focus, and fitness from an early age. Over the years, he has trained in multiple styles, continually sharpening his skills and deepening his love for the martial arts lifestyle.
After returning to Minnesota, Ron joined the La Bodega team to continue his fitness journey and share his experience with others. He values the community, energy, and support that training provides and enjoys helping people push past limits, build confidence, and discover their own strength.
Whether you’re stepping into the gym for the first time or looking to advance your training, Ron brings a welcoming approach and a passion for growth that make his classes both challenging and fun.
ICU NURSE
MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE
MUAY THAI STUDENT SINCE 2016
SAMI FRANCIS
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Sami is a passionate martial arts coach and mental health advocate who believes health and fitness should be accessible to everyone. After experiencing firsthand how martial arts can transform both body and mind, she is dedicated to helping her students discover inner strength, courage, and discipline through training.
With a deep understanding of the connection between physical movement and emotional well-being, Sami creates a safe, welcoming environment where students can build not only strength but also confidence and resilience. Her coaching style is rooted in empathy, encouragement, and a genuine desire to bring joy and balance to her students’ lives.
Outside the gym, Sami serves as an ICU nurse—further reflecting her commitment to caring for and supporting others.
ANDREA KENNEDY
YOGA GURU
MIND-BODY WELLNESS SPECIALIST
BALLET-TRAINED MOVEMENT ARTIST
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Andrea Kennedy’s journey began in ballet, where years of training instilled discipline, body awareness, and a love for movement. In her early 20s, after experiencing sciatica and chronic neck tension, she shifted her focus from dance to learning about anatomy and nutrition—ultimately discovering the life-changing practice of yoga.
Andrea’s teaching emphasizes how posture, breath, and gravity affect not only physical health, but also mood and emotional well-being. Her classes invite students to explore mindful movement, build strength, improve balance, and find stillness. She continues to study with leading teachers at the intersection of yoga and science, and is passionate about helping others heal, grow, and thrive.
BRANDON BUTLER
NASM-CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
BODY RECOMPOSITION + STRENGTH SPECIALIST
AMATEUR BOXER WITH COMPETITIVE BACKGROUND
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Brandon Butler is a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, amateur boxer, and body recomposition specialist with a lifelong background in athletics. Born and raised in Minnesota, he brings both local roots and global perspective to his training. With hands-on experience working with athletes and MMA fighters, Brandon blends practical fight knowledge with science-based fitness to help clients build strength, confidence, and long-term results. His coaching style is both challenging and supportive, making every session accessible, motivating, and effective for clients of all levels.
SERGEY KARPENKO
2X UKRAINIAN NATIONAL BOXING CHAMPION
2009 UPPER MIDWEST GOLDEN GLOVE CHAMPION
BEST TECHNICIAN AWARD RECIPIENT —
PRESENTED BY LEGEND SUGAR RAY LEONARD
PROUD DAD & DEDICATED HOCKEY COACH
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Originally from Ukraine, Sergey began boxing at 13 and went on to compete in over 100 amateur bouts. A two-time Ukrainian National Champion, he represented his country at the 2004 World Junior Championship and earned silver at the National Golden Gloves, as well as titles in the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves.
After moving to the U.S. in 2009, Sergey won the Los Angeles Amateur Heavyweight Championship and received the Best Technician Award from boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard. He later turned professional, finishing with a 7–2 record.
Throughout his career, Sergey trained alongside some of boxing’s greatest names, including Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, Oleksandr Usyk, and Vasiliy Lomachenko.
CALEB TRUAX
2017 IBF SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION
2006 USA BOXING STATE CHAMPION
#10 REAL ESTATE AGENTS | KRIS LINDAHL REAL ESTATE
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Caleb Truax is a Minnesota-born fighter who rose from humble beginnings to become the 2017 IBF Super Middleweight World Champion.
Known as “Golden,” he built his reputation on grit, resilience, and an iron will inside the ring. Over the course of his career, Caleb faced some of boxing’s toughest competition, earning respect as a relentless competitor and fan favorite.
Today, he brings that same passion to the gym—sharing championship-level insight, discipline, and heart with the next generation of athletes.