Passionate, experienced, and dedicated to your growth
The APEX Team
Our team of Master and Associate Master Instructors brings decades of combined experience and genuine passion to every single class.
As master and founder of APEX Martial Arts, Master P is committed to providing students with the skills and tools necessary to continue their learning journey.
Phillip (Andy) Piteo "Master P" grew up in Dublin, OH, one of five children in a proud Italian family. He graduated from Dublin High School in 1979. In 1984, Andy enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the U.S.S. Deyo, homeport Charleston, SC.
Master P is the proud father of son Tony and daughter Christina, as well as grandfather to Daniella. Both of his children practiced martial arts, with Tony earning his 2nd Dan in Taekwondo and 1st Dan in Hapkido.
Master P has studied Taekwondo and Hapkido since 1998 and currently holds the rank of 5th Dan in Taekwondo and 2nd Dan in Hapkido. He has run the after-school Taekwondo program for Worthington Schools since 2001 and boasts more than 30 black belts who began their training in that program.
"To watch a student succeed and gain self-confidence is priceless. This experience is beyond just learning to kick and punch."
Master Townsend brings a fresh perspective and innovative teaching approach to his position as an Instructor, inspiring innovation throughout APEX Martial Arts.
Master Instructor Michelle Bowman has been with APEX Martial Arts from the very beginning, committed to providing students with the skills and tools necessary to continue their journey.
Michelle Bowman is a native of Worthington, Ohio. She graduated from Worthington Kilbourne High School in 2004 and received a martial arts scholarship to the Ohio State University in 2006, earning a Bachelor's in History with a focus in warfare in antiquity in 2009.
Michelle's first experience with martial arts was as her older brother's kicking bag when he joined the after-school martial arts program eventually run by Master Piteo himself. In 2000, roles reversed when she began taking classes. Michelle earned her first black belt in 2002 and currently holds the rank of 5th degree in Taekwondo and 2nd degree in Hapkido — surpassing her brothers who never progressed beyond an intermediate rank. She enjoys reminding them of this from time to time.
Associate Master Josh Hiler has been with APEX from the very beginning. His passion for teaching is evident in every class — encouraging, guiding, and occasionally adding a little silliness to help students achieve success.
Josh Hiler was born and raised in Defiance, Ohio. He is a 2006 graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. In 2008, Josh began his martial arts journey and has earned the rank of 3rd Dan in Taekwondo and 2nd Dan in Hapkido.
Always the joker, Josh says "I love beating kids up." However, his passion for teaching is evident in every class. He takes the time to make sure students from beginner to senior black belt understand what they are doing and why — and he's talented at adjusting his teaching technique to accommodate each student's unique learning style.
Associate Master "Doc" Barkley's quiet guidance offers a serene and thoughtful learning approach. Doc shows students not only the how, but the why behind every technique.
Dr. Aaron T. Barkley "Doc" is a native of Akron, OH. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from The Ohio State University School of Dentistry in 1996. Doc married the love of his life Tammy in 1996, and is the proud father of a daughter and son — both of whom are black belts.
Doc's first exposure to the martial arts was Judo as a young boy with his older brother. He enrolled his children in Taekwondo in 2008 and joined himself in 2009. Doc earned his 1st degree Black Belt in 2010, his 2nd degree in 2012 (the same year his children earned their 1st degree Black Belts), and his 3rd degree in 2015.
In 2017, he partnered with his martial arts family to help start Apex Martial Arts Traditional Taekwondo.
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Our instructors are not just teachers — they're mentors, role models, and part of the APEX family. Come experience the difference.
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