Meet Our Instructors
Our Instructors
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 to mastery. Our instructors are CPR certified, undergo thorough background checks, and bring decades of teaching and competition experience across disciplines including Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Japanese Ju-Jitsu, and self-defense. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, strengthen your self-defense abilities, or grow in confidence and discipline, our instructors are committed to supporting and inspiring you every step of the way.
Todd Tupper, 5th Dan, Karate
​
Todd began training in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan in 1988 in Connecticut. While seeking degrees in biology, Todd lived in various states in the mid-Atlantic and in southern New England. Consequently, he has had a multitude of instructors in Moo Duk Kwan and Shotokan Karate. Additionally, he has had the privilege of competing with and learning from talented martial artists from various other disciplines. Todd is the primary Karate instructor at Old Town Martial Arts, and leads the martial arts program.
Dan Santillo, 5th Dan, Karate
​
Dan began studying Shotokan Karate in 1985, attaining first dan in the winter of 1993. In addition to his karate experience, Dan has trained in Judo, Wushu and Enshin karate. He co-founded the Mary Washington College Martial Arts Club in 1993 to continue training and to exchange knowledge and techniques with other practitioners of the arts. Dan taught karate at Germanna Community College, Angry Monkey Shotokan, and the Alexandria Shotokan Karate Club.
Kenny Kalan, Black Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu​
​
Kenny Kalan began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2006 and immediately fell in love with the art. Coming in with a strong traditional martial arts background - including a 2nd-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate - Kenny brought discipline, focus, and a lifelong passion for martial arts onto the mats. He was promoted to blue belt by Royce Gracie in 2009, purple belt by Rodrigo Gracie in 2011, and brown belt by Royce Gracie in 2014. In 2021, he earned his black belt under Mike Pagano. With teaching experience dating back to 2012, Kenny has spent more than a decade sharing his knowledge and love for Jiu-Jitsu. In 2020, he started his own Jiu-Jitsu club, continuing his mission to build a positive, technical, and welcoming training environment for all students.
John Valceanu, 2nd Dan, Japanese Ju-Jitsu and Hapkido
​
Our traditional Japanese Jujitsu program, led by the highly knowledgeable and experienced instructor John “Valchy” Valceanu, is dedicated exclusively to self-defense. Since 2019, Valchy has been teaching Budoshin Japanese Ju-Jitsu, drawing on his extensive background, which includes second-degree black belts in both Budoshin Japanese Ju-Jitsu and Hapkido. His passion for teaching and natural ability to connect with students create an engaging learning environment where participants can thrive.
_HEIC.png)
Scott Buchanan, Brown Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
​
Scott began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu full-time in 2014 when he was 30 years old. The intense competition, combination of strength and aerobic exercise, and the comradery of teammates are what hooked him then, and what keep him coming back today. He was promoted to brown belt in 2021 and has competed at white, blue, and brown belt. The long-term pursuit of advancing his Jiu-Jitsu is not only the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, but has taken on deeper meaning over time becoming synonymous with overcoming challenges, adherence to discipline, and building community. Scott is excited to join the family at Old Town Martial Arts. Scott has a PhD in Wildlife Ecology and lives with his wife Sarah in Alexandria.
John Franklin, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Kids Program Coach
​
John Franklin is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with over 13 years of coaching experience. His approach reflects a long-term commitment to technical excellence, discipline, and consistency developed through more than a decade on the mats.
Throughout his career, John has helped train ADCC World Champions while also working daily with kids who are stepping onto the mats for the first time. His coaching philosophy emphasizes strong fundamentals, safety, and confidence-building, with the belief that Jiu-Jitsu should develop both high-level competitors and confident, disciplined kids. John is passionate about creating a positive, structured environment where every student can grow and succeed.