A committed group focused on providing excellence through experience and led by Joshua Baker, President and CEO of the Appalachia Martial Arts Foundation. Baker is a seasoned martial artist rooted deep in the Ohio Valley. Since May of 2007, Baker has been dedicated to continual growth and remains focused on supporting and growing the opportunities for those in the OV. He has since retired from competition and transitioned directly into coaching, being the most qualified in the area.
As a competitor, Baker is:
- 8-0 professional MMA fighter
- Pound for pound #1 Ranked professional MMA fighter in WV from 2012-2017
- 5-1 professional boxer
- Appalachia Boxing Association Welterweight Champion
- 1-0 professional kickboxer
- 2nd-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt
- Head instructor at the “Bullpen Fight Club”
AMAF Board of Directors
Thomas Hastings, Vice President
A Wheeling, WV native and the former owner of Louis Niebergall Ice Inc. Presently, he serves as the head manager of Home City Ice branch in Bridgeport, Ohio. Thomas has an extensive martial arts background, having started training at the age of 5. He holds the rank of a 3rd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, making him the highest-ranking practitioner in the area. Additionally, he holds belts in judo and bando.
Nehemiah Katz, Treasurer
Former Naval Academy boxer and football player, Nehemiah had a secondary designation as a Marine Corps Martial Arts instructor which helped him during his two combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is now focused on operations strategy for the largest natural gas producer in the US in addition to sitting on several boards. He and his family live in Wheeling and are very excited about the opportunity to support and give back.
Rod Lee, Marketing Committee
A proud Wheeling resident, serves as an Energy Production Systems Operator at AEP’s Mitchell Plant. Additionally, he has been a Wheeling City employee and the Nelson Jordan Center building director since 1997. Rod’s extensive experience includes organizing and coaching numerous youth leagues at the Nelson Jordan Center and the surrounding area.
Rocky Fitzsimmons, Secretary
Rocky Fitzsimmons is a partner at the Fitzsimmons Law Firm located in Wheeling, WV. Rocky specializes in civil litigation and is licensed to practice in the states of West Virginia and Ohio. Rocky graduated from Wheeling Central Catholic High School (1997), obtained a degree in Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis (2001), and obtained his Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University (2004). Rocky is a former West Virginia State Senator where he served as Vice Chairman of the Banking and Insurance Committee. Rocky is a licensed Boxing and MMA judge under the West Virginia Athletic Commission and trains Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where he holds the rank of Blue Belt. In addition to AMAF, Rocky serves on various other boards throughout the community including WesBanco Bank, Regional Economic Development, the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority, and Drug Free Clubs of America. With a passion for law, a commitment to community service, and a love for martial arts, Rocky Fitzsimmons brings a unique blend of skills and experience to every endeavor.
Chuck Zelek, Marketing Committee
Chuck earned his doctorate in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Purdue University as well as a Master of Science in Resource Economics from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a. minor in business from Ohio University. Chuck is a 1st degree black belt in karate, black belt in kali, and a SPEAR instructor.
Damon Rouse, Curriculum Development
A Wheeling, WV native, and West Virginia University graduate with a Bachelor’s in English who serves as a dedicated educator at Wheeling Country Day School. Damon brings a decade of martial arts proficiency, specializing in kickboxing, coupled with approximately 6 years of coaching experience for both children and adults. He also holds the rank of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt.