Who We Are
Our Instructors
Our instructors are CPR certified, background checked, and bring decades of teaching and competition experience. They meet every student where they are.
Our instructors are CPR certified, background checked, and bring decades of teaching and competition experience. They meet every student where they are.
At Old Town Martial Arts, we take pride in our team of experienced martial arts instructors who are dedicated to guiding students on their journey. Whether you're looking to learn new skills, strengthen your self-defense abilities, or grow in confidence, our instructors are committed to supporting you every step of the way.
5th Dan
Korean KarateTodd began training in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan in 1988 in Connecticut. He has had a multitude of instructors in Moo Duk Kwan and Shotokan Karate, and has had the privilege of competing with and learning from talented martial artists across many disciplines. Todd is the primary Karate instructor and leads the martial arts program at OTMA.
5th Dan
Korean KarateDan began studying Shotokan Karate in 1985, attaining first dan in 1993. He co-founded the Mary Washington College Martial Arts Club in 1993 and has taught karate at Germanna Community College, Angry Monkey Shotokan, and the Alexandria Shotokan Karate Club. In addition to Karate, Dan has trained in Judo, Wushu, and Enshin Karate.
Black Belt
Brazilian Jiu-JitsuKenny began his BJJ journey in 2006, bringing with him a 2nd-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. He was promoted to blue belt by Royce Gracie (2009), purple by Rodrigo Gracie (2011), brown by Royce Gracie (2014), and earned his black belt under Mike Pagano in 2021. Kenny has been teaching since 2012 and founded his own BJJ club in 2020.
3rd Dan
Japanese Ju-JitsuJohn has been teaching Budoshin Japanese Ju-Jitsu since 2019. In addition to his Ju-Jitsu credentials, he holds a 2nd-degree black belt in Hapkido, a brown belt in Judo, and a purple belt in BJJ. John is dedicated to helping students of all ages and abilities develop confidence and self-defense skills.
Brown Belt
Brazilian Jiu-JitsuScott began training BJJ full-time in 2014. Promoted to brown belt in 2021, he has competed at white, blue, and brown belt. For Scott, BJJ has become synonymous with overcoming challenges, discipline, and building community. He holds a PhD in Wildlife Ecology and lives with his wife in Alexandria.
Black Belt - Kids Program
Brazilian Jiu-JitsuJohn Franklin is a BJJ black belt with over 13 years of coaching experience. He has helped train ADCC World Champions while also working daily with kids stepping onto the mat for the first time. His philosophy emphasizes strong fundamentals, safety, and confidence-building in a positive, structured environment.
All instructors hold current CPR certification, so you can train knowing the team is prepared for any situation on the mat.
Every instructor has passed a thorough background check - an important standard for us, especially in our kids' programs.
Our team collectively brings well over a century of martial arts training, teaching, and competition experience to every class.
Classes available seven days a week for all skill levels.