Master Keith Tubman

Owner

Keith Tubman is the head master and founder of Valley Shore Martial Arts. He has trained in various styles of Karate, Kung Fu, and Jujitsu over the years and has more than 37 years of martial arts experience with 27 years teaching. Master Tubman currently holds two master ranks: a 8th Degree Black Belt in the art of Kempo Karate & a 5th Degree Black Belt in Kempo Jutsu. Keith also holds expert level III instructor rank in Krav Maga and a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Keith has personally worked with thousands of people from all walks of life from the age of 3 years old to 87 years old. His students have ranged from competitive athletes to those with disabilities. He has been privileged to work with students with Down Syndrome, A.D.H.D., Asperger syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Paraplegia, and the visually impaired.

V.S.M.A Head Instructor Highlights

 Master Tubman has taught countless programs and seminars at the following:

State of CT (Services of the Blind), Middletown Police Department (Aux. officers)

Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services

 Westbrook Y.M.C.A

School systems for: Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Deep River, Chester, Essex, Killingworth, Old Lyme, John-Winthrop, Valley Regional High School, and Mitchell College.

Park & Rec programs for the towns of Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Westbrook

Master Tubman enjoys sharing his vast knowledge and experience with his students. He hopes to continue his work for decades to come.

Sensei Kim Kleiman

Kim is currently a 4th Degree Black Belt in the Kempo Karate System. Kim began training in Kempo Karate in 1997. Kim has studied many other styles: Wing Chun Kung Fu for two years, Tae Kwon Do for two years, grappling for seven years, and took adrenal stress training from Peyton Quinn. 

Kim believes fitness is an important aspect of the martial arts. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).  Kim enjoys both teaching and participating in numerous fitness programs.  In addition to teaching, Kim likes to keep current on today’s popular fitness trends. She is an avid pilates student and believes strength training is an important part of total fitness.

Kim has taught several women’s self-defense courses at the local YMCA, John Winthrop Junior High School, and Valley Regional High School. She has taught a traditional Kempo program at Essex Elementary School. In the past Kim has also volunteered as a rape crisis counselor for Conn SACS. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island.

Sensei Christopher Smith

Christopher currently holds the rank of level 1 associate instructor in Krav Maga and is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kempo. He began his training at Valley Shore Martial Arts in 2008 in the art of Ju-Jitsu & Kempo. He teaches the Kempo Youth class where he has been assisting for the past several years. Christopher is a veteran of the armed services who served our country from 1987 to 1996 in both the Navy and the Army.

Sensei Nicholas Hartson

Nicholas holds the rank of Full instructor in Krav Maga. He began his martial arts training in 2013 and also holds the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kempo. He is currently away serving his Country in the Armed Forces.