Meet The Board
Rob Lawrence, while serving in the US Army, earned his black belt in the Republic of South Korea in 1971 at the age of eighteen. Upon returning to the United States in 1972, he began his teaching career and went on to open his first commercial martial arts school in 1976. With over five decades of experience operating successful schools, he continues to share his knowledge and expertise through private instruction.
ROB LAWRENCE
Advisor
Uriah Ellis has a background in both martial art training and professional tax consulting. He began his journey in Tang Soo Do in the Fall of 1989 and earned his Cho Dan (1st Dan) midnight blue belt in August 1993. Today he is a Yuk Dan (6th Dan) and serves as the head instructor at Beech Grove Tang Soo Do, which he owns and operates alongside his wife, Tess Ellis, nephew Nathan Ellis, and his wife, Dana Ellis. Beech Grove Tang Soo Do has been providing martial art training to the south side of Indianapolis since January 2006.
His goal is to preserve the traditional spirit of Tang Soo Do while fostering an environment of growth, respect, and lifelong learning. Through ADMA, he strives to create a community where tradition meets purpose, and every student can discover their own path of discipline, respect, and self-mastery.
URIAH ELLIS
Advisor
Tyla Lawrence earned her black belt in 1995 and continues to teach alongside her husband, Rob Lawrence. She currently leads and all-female martial arts class, promoting confidence, discipline, and empowerment among her students. Outside of martial arts, Tyla serves as an IT Vendor Management Administrator for a Fortune 500 company.
Tyla Lawrence
Advisor
Theresa “Tess” Greenlee Ellis, Psy.D., HSPP began her martial arts training in 2008 and currently holds the rank of Sam Dan (3rd degree black belt) in Tang Soo Do. Alongside her husband, Uriah Ellis, she is the owner and head instructor of Beech Grove Tang Soo Do, where she teaches students of all ages with a focus on discipline, confidence, and resilience.
In addition to her martial arts work, Dr. Greenlee is a licensed clinical psychologist who earned her doctorate in 2010. She is the president and clinical director of Greengate Neurobehavioral Health, a nonprofit organization specializing in the care of residents in long-term care facilities. Her dual roles as martial artist and psychologist reflect her lifelong dedication to helping individuals strengthen both mind and body.
Tess Greenlee Ellis, Psy.D., HSPP
Advisor
From a young age, Trey Lawrence was surrounded by the spirit of martial arts. What began as a childhood introduction to Tang Soo Do became a lifelong pursuit of balance, respect, and personal growth. Guided by the philosophy that true strength comes from discipline and humility, Trey earned his Cho Dan (1st Degree Midnight Blue Belt) and continues to train as both a student and teacher of the art.
Trey holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). His academic and professional background bring structure and clarity to his approach, uniting the precision of analysis with the mindfulness of traditional training.
Trey Lawrence
Advisor
Jim Kirkman began his martial arts training in 2006 and achieved the rank of Sam Dan (3rd degree black belt) in Tang Soo Do in 2019. As a senior member of Beech Grove Tang Soo Do, he has been active in teaching and mentoring students, helping to guide the next generation of martial artists into leadership and Dan ranks.
Outside of martial arts, Jim earned an M.S. in Biochemistry from Purdue University and has published research in biology. He has built a distinguished 30-year career as a microbiologist with the Indiana Department of Health, where he continues to contribute to the advancement of public health. His dedication to both science and martial arts reflects his commitment to discipline, tradition, and lifelong learning.
Jim Kirkman
Advisor
Jay Morris recently achieved the rank of Third Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and continues to advance his study of the martial arts. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University and is a retired professional from the United States Postal Service.