Todd Tupper, 5th Dan

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 Alexandria Soo Do Kwan, and manages the martial arts program.

Dan Santillo, 5th Dan

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.

John Valceanu, 2nd Dan

Our self defense 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. He is also a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His passion for teaching and natural ability to connect with students create an engaging learning environment where participants can thrive.

Beatrice Frey, 1st Dan

Bea was introduced to martial arts in 1999. She trained sporadically throughout the early 2000’s while traveling for Americorps, and later work. Bea started training regularly in 2013 and is currently an assistant instructor. Bea runs rigorous classes that focus on basic movements, forms, and physical conditioning.