When we met in 2022 we discovered our shared passion for sport and deep desire to help people reach their athletic potential. With 20+ years of combined coaching experience we decided to join forces and share our talent and expertise with you all.
Our goal is to create a clear path for our clients and to guide them towards incremental success and longevity in their sport. While we share similarities in our coaching background, our unique experiences and diverse athletic careers have made this endeavor an invaluable resource for our athletes.
With Black Out Training we are committed to offering truly customized solutions to bridge the gap between the athlete you are and the athlete you aspire to be.
SAMANTHA
Founder | Head Coach | Nutrition Coach
I wasn’t born a natural athlete. Raised by two college professors, academics were my main focus until I walked onto the high school swim team. Despite struggling at first, I eventually became a proficient swimmer and earned a rowing scholarship to the University of Texas. After rowing, I transitioned to endurance sports like marathons and triathlons.
When I began CrossFit in 2013, I faced the first sport I wasn't naturally good at. At 6'0", my body type wasn’t ideal for CrossFit or Weightlifting, and I was terrible at most movements. But CrossFit humbled me and inspired me to learn and grow, as well as offered an opportunity to compete even as I got older.
Over the past 10+ years, I’ve developed into a competitive athlete, coach and gym owner. I have overcome my issues with body awareness, and through education and talented coaching - I have unlearned the bad habits that I developed early on in the sport.
I believe in the power of a strong coach-athlete connection. Charles and I are committed to helping our athletes tackle their weaknesses and reach their true potential, and we take pride in being their biggest supporters.
CHARLES
Founder | Head Coach | Nutrition Coach | Media
My journey to becoming the coach and athlete I am today was anything but easy. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, severe asthma marked my childhood and prevented me from participating in organized sports. Though I envied others’ natural athleticism, I was drawn to movement and the belief that skills could be learned. My discovery of bouldering, allowed me to see the importance of technique, deliberate practice, and problem-solving in sports development. This mindset shaped my approach to CrossFit and Weightlifting. When I started CrossFit in 2012, I was fortunate to train amongst, and be coached by a handful of elite athletes in the sport. Observing them perform gymnastics movements and heavy lifts with ease and precision inspired me to dive deep into training methodologies and movement mechanics.
Coaching revealed my ability to connect with athletes and help them overcome physical and mental barriers. From guiding someone through their fear of jumping onto a box, to understanding how each individual learns differently, I realized that strength and fitness aren’t reserved for the genetically gifted—they’re achievable for anyone with the right guidance and dedication. My personal challenges taught me patience, empathy, and a passion for helping others unlock their potential. Today, I’m proud to share my experience and use it to inspire and empower others on their own paths to becoming the best version of themselves.