ABOUT US
BattleFit 720 is a veteran-owned and operated business located in Parrish, Florida, serving the Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Palmetto, Sarasota and surrounding communities. We bring real-world experience to firearm training, FFL services, tactical fitness, self-defense training and specialized instruction, with a focus on providing practical, professional training for individuals of all experience levels.
WHAT WE OFFER
- FFL Firearm Sales & Transfers in Parrish, FL
- Laser Engraving & Gun Stippling
- Fitness Classes
- Virtual Fitness Training
- Ground Defense/ Self Defense Classes
- In-Home/ On Site "The Vigilant Homeowner" - Home Security Development & Training Program
- On Location Concealed Carry Class
- Confidence to Carry
- Next Level CCL
- Pistol Courses
- AR-15 (Rifle) Courses
- Master Classes
- Personal & Specialized Group Training
OUR TEAM
DAVID KIEST
CO-OWNER • FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR • FITNESS COACH • BATTLEFIT 720
David Kiest brings decades of real-world experience in military special operations, law enforcement, firearms instruction, private military contracting and fitness coaching to BattleFit 720.
David began his military career in 1990 as a U.S. Army Infantryman. During his 12 years of service, he completed some of the Army's most demanding training, including Ranger Course, Airborne School, Air Assault School and Sniper School. He later earned the Green Beret and served as a U.S. Army Special Forces Medical Sergeant. David also became a Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Instructor, training others in advanced tactical skills and operations.
Following his military service, David transitioned into law enforcement, serving for more than five years as a police officer. His assignments included patrol, juvenile investigations and serving as a High School Liaison Officer for a school of approximately 2,500 students. He also spent four years as a member of the department's SWAT team, ultimately serving in Tactical Commander and Assistant Team Commander roles.
David later returned to overseas work as a private military contractor, working in high-risk environments where his Special Operations background, tactical training and operational experience have continued to play an integral role in his career.
His experience, however, extends well beyond tactical training.
For seven years, David was a co-owner and lead coach at Bare Bones CrossFit, where he and Melissa coached hundreds of athletes in strength, conditioning and functional fitness. David also led the CrossFit Kids program, working with young athletes to develop not only physical fitness, but also discipline, confidence and a strong mindset.
Today, David brings these backgrounds together at BattleFit 720. His approach combines decades of practical experience with an emphasis on fundamentals, safety, physical capability and skill development. Whether working with a first-time firearm owner, an experienced shooter or a BattleFit fitness member, David's goal is to provide practical instruction that helps each person become more confident and capable.
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
- U.S. Army Special Forces Medical Sergeant — Green Beret
- U.S. Army Ranger Course Graduate
- U.S. Army Airborne Qualified
- U.S. Army Air Assault Qualified
- U.S. Army Sniper School
- Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Instructor
- Former Law Enforcement Officer
- Former SWAT Tactical Commander / Assistant Team Commander
- Private Military Contracting Experience
- NRA Law Enforcement Carbine Instructor
- NRA Basic Pistol Instructor
- USCCA Basic Pistol Instructor
- CrossFit Level 1 & Level 2 Coach
- CrossFit Olympic Lifting Course
- CrossFit Gymnastics Course
- CrossFit Kids Instructor
- Former Co-Owner & Lead Coach, Bare Bones CrossFit
MELISSA KIEST
CO-OWNER • FITNESS COACH • BATTLEFIT 720
Melissa has spent more than 16 years coaching, training and helping others become stronger, healthier and more confident in their abilities.
Her fitness background began with everything from aerobics and yoga to traditional strength training, but it wasn't until discovering high-intensity functional training in 2009 that fitness became a true passion. In 2010, Melissa and her husband, Dave, opened the first CrossFit gym in their area, where Melissa became a coach and co-owner.
Over the next seven years, Melissa coached hundreds of athletes with a wide range of ages, abilities and fitness levels. Her coaching philosophy has always centered around meeting people where they are, teaching proper movement and technique, and challenging them to become stronger and more capable than they thought possible.
In 2016, Melissa expanded her experience into the firearms training industry when Dave launched his firearms training company. She began assisting with classes while also managing the business, gaining hands-on experience in the training environment and helping support students throughout their experience.
After stepping away from coaching group fitness for several years, Melissa returned to what she loved in 2021 when she began training a small women's fitness group. That group helped spark what would eventually become BattleFit 720.
Today, Melissa and Dave have combined their backgrounds in fitness, coaching and firearms instruction to create a training program that's a little different from the typical gym experience. BattleFit brings together functional fitness, strength and conditioning, skills development and select dry-fire firearm training to help members become stronger, fitter and more capable.
Melissa continues to coach BattleFit's in-person and virtual fitness programs, providing structured programming, individual workout modifications and support to help members progress at their own level.
FITNESS BACKGROUND & TRAINING
- CrossFit Level 1 Certificate — 2010–2017
- Co-Owner & Coach, Bare Bones CrossFit — 2010–2017
- CrossFit Olympic Lifting Course — 2011
- CrossFit Gymnastics Course — 2012
- 16+ Years of Fitness & Coaching Experience