Core Team

Jeremy Lesniak, President & Founder

Jeremy founded whistlekick in 2010, rooted in a quest to produce high-quality sparring gear. Years later, the mission has grown, but the pursuit of high-quality offerings has not. Now, in addition to products, the company produces events, content, and more.

Much of the growth has come from building a fantastic team. The most dedicated of these people are the Core Team.

 

Andrew Adams

Andrew discovered Whistlekick after listening to a friend’s interview on Martial Arts Radio and soon became part of the show himself. As producer and cohost, he brings curiosity, humor, and deep appreciation for martial arts culture to every conversation.

Having trained in Goju Ryu since high school, Andrew believes in steady, patient progress—“something slow and perfect is still perfect.” When he’s not recording or training, you’ll likely find him behind his drum set, combining rhythm, discipline, and creativity.

 

Dennis Campo

Dennis learned about Whistlekick while training with a friend and immediately connected with its mission to uplift martial artists of all backgrounds. As a MATTaC instructor, he combines decades of experience with humility and precision, offering insights that help others grow.

A lifelong practitioner, he reminds his students that setbacks are simply opportunities to learn. When he’s not teaching or training, Dennis values quiet reflection and time outdoors, appreciating the balance between movement and stillness.

 

Nish Grout

Nish discovered Whistlekick through shared connections in the martial arts world and found an immediate resonance with its values. A dedicated martial artist with a reflective nature, Nish brings perspective and empathy to the team, reminding others that progress often comes from patience and awareness.

Their lesson from martial arts—balance between effort and rest—shapes their approach to both training and life. Beyond martial arts, Nish enjoys time in nature, creative expression, and moments of quiet focus.

 

Victor Guarino

Victor’s introduction to Whistlekick came through his passion for training and teaching, recognizing a kindred spirit in its emphasis on integrity and improvement. He contributes creativity, enthusiasm, and mentorship to every event and discussion.

Having trained since youth, Victor blends technical skill with the mindset that growth is a lifelong pursuit. When not immersed in martial arts, he enjoys exploring new challenges, spending time with family, and engaging in the small details that make life meaningful.

 

Jenni Nather

Jenni first discovered Whistlekick in a difficult period of her life, drawn to its message of resilience and community. She now coordinates Free Training Day Mid-Atlantic, creating experiences that bring people together through compassion, support, and shared growth.

Her training journey began with the dream of becoming stronger inside and out, and today she encourages others to find kindness within discipline. In her free time, Jenni enjoys family moments, good books, and creative projects that let her imagination roam.

 

Chris Rickard

Chris’s relationship with Whistlekick began at Martial Summit, where his thoughtful and analytical approach stood out. He brings a blend of strategy, creativity, and mentorship to the community, helping move ideas from vision to action.

His martial arts background, which began in the mid-’90s, gives him a deep respect for patience and progress, both on and off the mat. Outside of martial arts, Chris enjoys reading, writing, and time spent with family, continually finding balance between focus and reflection.

 

Nick Taber

Nick first connected with Whistlekick through the podcast network, where his expertise quickly led to an invitation to present at Martial Summit. As tournament director, he helps create opportunities for martial artists to come together in competition and community.

 With more than three decades of training experience, Nick brings focus, calm, and authenticity to everything he does. Away from martial arts, he enjoys helping his family with projects and keeping his hands busy—a reflection of his practical, grounded approach to life.

 

If our mission - to connect, educate, and entertain martial artists as we work to get everyone in the world to train for at least six months - resonates with you, then you should contact us about how you can help.