About Family First Franklin
The coaches your child will look up to
Family First Martial Arts is a family focused academy in Franklin, Tennessee. Our coaches teach technique, and they also mentor kids to handle pressure, bounce back from a hard day and lead with heart.
Coach Larry Kooyman
CEO & Chief Instructor · 40 years of training
Coach Larry Kooyman co-founded Family First with his wife, Coach Dani Kooyman, and serves as CEO and Director of Curriculum Development. A 40 year veteran of the martial arts, he leads our leadership and instructor training programs around one goal: giving children the tools they need to succeed in life.
Dani and their two children are his driving purpose. They fuel his commitment to mentoring the next generation and to his own personal growth, and his support for his students shows up in every part of his work.
Coach Dani Kooyman
COO & Head Instructor · 33 years of training
Coach Dani Kooyman co-founded Family First with Coach Larry and serves as COO and Head Instructor. She brings 33 years of martial arts experience and a deep love for helping children find their inner strength and build confidence.
A mother of two, Dani leads with a nurturing approach and a commitment to family and personal growth that families feel in every part of the school.
Coach Richard Winston
Branch Manager & Head Instructor · 27 years of training
Coach Richard Winston is the Branch Manager and Head Instructor at our Franklin school, with 27 years of martial arts training. His classes are dynamic and engaging, blending technical skill with mentorship that builds confidence, discipline and respect.
His teaching style is compassionate and bold at the same time, giving kids a place to discover their inner superhero and do their best. Outside the school, Richard champions personal development and community involvement.
Coach Shelby Flatt
Lead Instructor · 12 years of training
Coach Shelby Flatt is a Lead Instructor at our Franklin school, with more than 12 years of martial arts training. Her classes are fun and educational, and her vibrant energy keeps students engaged and inspired.
Shelby makes learning enjoyable and builds a positive, dynamic environment where students thrive on and off the mat.
What We Believe
Organized. Caring. Safe. Challenging.
Those are the four things we want every Franklin parent to feel when they walk through our door. Toy drives, shoe drives and service projects round it out, because strength is meant to be shared with the people around you.
Meet the Franklin coaches in person
Watching a class is the fastest way to know if we fit your family. Book a free class and see the coaching up close.
Book a Free Trial ClassRather talk it through first? Call or text (615) 425-6554