MEET OUR TEAM!
We are a locally owned, independent, Martial Arts school - located in Terre Haute, IN. Our goal is to make our students better individuals from the first moment they step in the Dojo! We strive to empower our students to tackle life's challenges and take on new experiences through learning the Arts.
CODY STRAIN
Head Karate & Krav Maga Instructor / Owner
Mr. Cody Strain, Sensei (Teacher) is the head Karate Instructor and owner of the Valley Martial Arts. A student of Masters Leslie Losier (Oku No Ryu Karate/Te Ashi Ryu JuJutsu) and Robert Starnes (Seikukan Karate/American Kenpo), Mr. Strain holds a 4th Degree Black Belt in Shorinji Ryu Seikukan Karate, 3rd Degree Black Belt in Oku-no Ryu Karate, a purple belt in JuJutsu and an Instructor in USKMA Krav Maga. Mr. Strain is also a Police Officer and is one of only a dozen certified Police Krav Maga Instructors in the State of Indiana. His training includes Karate, Krav Maga, Japanese JuJitsu, American Kenpo, Hapkido, Kali, and Jeet Kun Do. Mr. Strain teaches Karate for Self-Defense with a modern, progressive approach to the traditional training.
​
Mr. Strain is always continuing his training by cross training in JuJutsu and furthering his training in Krav Maga and Karate.
COURTNEY STRAIN
Assistant Karate & Krav Maga Instructor / Owner
Mrs. Courtney Strain, Sempai (Head Student) is the Assistant Karate & Krav Maga Instructor and owner of the VMA. Mrs. Strain's primary role is the Little Samurai and Junior's Karate Instructor.
Growing up in a Martial Arts family, Mrs. Strain has been training in the Arts since she could walk. Her father began teaching her Taekwondo at a very young age. Mrs. Strain began training under Master Leslie Losier in 2014 and continues to train under her husband, Mr. Strain. Mrs. Strain holds a 1st Degree Black Belts in Oku-no Ryu Karate and and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Shorinji Ryu Seikukan Karate. Mrs. Strain is continuing her training by cross training in JuJutsu and Krav Maga with Mr. Strain. Mrs. Strain holds an Instructor certification in USKMA Krav Maga.
ROB STARNES
Head Taekwondo Instructor
Mr. Rob Starnes is our head Taekwondo Instructor. Mr. Starnes has trained in Martial Arts for over 30+ years. Mr. Starnes has a vast background in the arts having rank in Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo, Shorinji Ryu Seikukan Karate, JuJitsu, American Kenpo and Jeet Kun Do.
​
Mr. Starnes currently holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in Seikukan Karate; a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and is a Level 1 Instructor in Jeet Kun Do under Sifu Dusty Jerrell and Sifu Rob Lee. Mr. Starnes is also an Instructor in USKMA Krav Maga.
CHANCE MAY
Asst. Taekwondo & Krav Maga Instructor
Mr. Chance May is our assistant Taekwondo Instructor. Mr. May has been training in Martial Arts for over a decade. Mr. May currently holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and a 1st degree Black Belt in Shorinji Ryu Seikukan Karate. Mr. May is an Instructor in USKMA Krav Maga.
NATASHA VOLLENDORF
KravFit Instructor
Natasha Vollendorf is our KravFit, TaiChi and Pilates fitness instructor. Natasha is a fitness and health coach, who has trained in both our Karate and Taekwondo programs. Natasha is a certified Krav Maga Instructor under the USKMA. With over 15 years fitness experience, Natasha is certified as a group and individual NCCA Personal Trainer, ACE Group Exercise Instructor, Silver Sneakers Instructor, Advanced Nutritionist, TaiChi EnerChi Instructor and Davidic Dance Instructor. Natasha along with her husband, Brant, operate a Messianic Jewish Ministry in Terre Haute.