MEET YOUR COACHES
Experienced Martial Arts Instructors in Middletown, CT
Committed to helping kids, teens, and adults build confidence, skills, and strength.
Qualifications
- 1st Degree Black Belt – United States Krav Maga Association
- 5th Degree Black Belt – 360 Defense Martial Arts
- 1st Degree Black Belt – Tang Soo Do
- ALICE Active Shooter Response Trainer
- AMOK! Knife for Self-Defense Trainer
- 18+ years of teaching experience, 30+ years of training experience
Kayla Stomberg
Owner & Head Instructor
I started martial arts when I was 4 because I was completely obsessed with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. I wanted to be just like Kimberly, the Pink Ranger. That was the whole reason.
I’ve kind of morphed from a shy, quiet kid into a school owner who now works to build up other quiet introverts — the ones who don’t naturally demand attention but have so much potential.
I also joke (but not really) that martial arts was the only sport I was good at, so I stuck with it. I’m 5’2” and wildly unathletic by most standards. But something about martial arts just clicked for me.
I’m also a mom of two stubborn, driven, amazing kids who will probably both be taller than me by the time they’re 10 — thanks to my 6’6” husband.
Motivation & Passion
I coach because I know what it feels like to be the quiet one in the room. I’m especially passionate about serving the kids and adults who don’t see themselves as naturally athletic, loud, or dominant.
I understand them because I was them. My purpose is to help people build real, practical self-defense skills while developing steady confidence — not ego, not intimidation, but the kind of confidence that carries into school, work, and everyday life.
I’m motivated by growth. Watching someone who once doubted themselves move with certainty, use their voice, or step forward when they would have previously stepped back — that’s why I coach!
If you’re looking for a coach who values discipline, grit, and technical skill — but also balance, sustainability, and mental resilience — then I’m the right fit for you
Grace Long
Lead Kids Instructor
Grace started at 360 Defense as a young teen, quietly training but notably giving it 100% in every class. During the pandemic while 360 had to adjust to Zoom classes, she was in every single one and her work ethic did not go unnoticed. When it came time to hire a new instructor in 2021, she came immediately to Kayla’s mind!
She is now our Lead Kids Instructor, teaches the Adult classes on Monday and Wednesday morning, Fitness Kickboxing as well as our Saturday morning sparring class.
She has competed in Reality Fighting at Mohegan Sun both in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, as well as numerous BJJ tournaments and competitions. Fun fact, she is also a tattoo artist and piercer at Crystal Skull in Portland!
Qualifications
With safe and appropriate modifications when necessary, I have successfully obtained a Black Belt in the 360 system, as well as a Level III certification from the United States Krav Maga Association, and am very comfortable using my medical and psychiatric provider background to help any student achieve their goals while accommodating their personal needs.
Sharon Hinton
Lead Adult Instructor
I have been training in the 360 Defense system since 2016. I entered the program at the age of 60 to improve my fitness and health, forestall the effects of lifestyle-mediated aging, and to provide me with a way to feel safer and more confident going about my daily activities. Having spent the last 45 years working as a Psychiatric Nurse/Nurse Practitioner, I personally understand the risks people encounter in the real world, and strongly believe that everyone, especially women, need to develop a strong sense of situational safety awareness, and the training to engage in self-preservation tactics when needed. People of all ages can benefit from our training, and I believe that everyone can improve their safety knowledge as well as learn self-defense techniques, regardless of age or physical limitations.
Motivation & Passion
In coaching/teaching adult students, I rely on adult learning theories to help students set goals and plan their training to best obtain them. This may involve regular class attendance, more intense coaching or private lessons for those wanting to improve specific techniques. As a Professor of Psychiatric Nursing at Quinnipiac University for the last 6 years, I have learned much about how best to motivate others to attain an expected level of competence. This includes getting to know my students as individuals, helping them to feel safe and accepted in the training environment, identifying their strengths, areas needing remediation, and helping them develop an understanding of the “why” of what is being taught.
At this stage of my personal martial arts journey, I believe that my purpose is to help students to continue to improve their knowledge and competence, no matter what their personal goals. The greatest satisfaction for me is when a student not only achieves a significant goal such as completing Black Belt requirements, but also every time someone has an “Aha” moment that contributes to their personal growth on their martial arts journey.
Qualifications
I am a 2nd degree black belt in 360 Defense System under Josh Hesser (Colchester) and a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu awarded by Master Marcio Stambowsky. Outside of martial arts, I have experience and knowledge of other forms of fitness training including running and weightlifting. I also have a master’s degree in Materials Engineering, which doesn’t often come up in Martial Arts, but the problem-solving mindset it gave me is something I use when learning and coaching BJJ.
Gabe Paun
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coach
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a big and complicated puzzle to solve, and I am a problem solver by nature. With so many techniques, positions, and methods available to learn in this “gentle art”, each person will approach the puzzle of BJJ with their own unique style based on what resonates with them the most. From practitioners who approach BJJ with speed and mobility to those who are more methodical, every time you step onto the mat is a new experience and new problem to solve.
Expanding your comfort zone is a major aspect of any martial art, starting with the first and most critical step: showing up. Once you show up, my goal is to help you continue to expand your comfort zone in a safe environment where every student is treated with respect and equality. It is extremely important to me that everyone feels welcome and safe training with all the other students on the mat.
Motivation & Passion
I am a strong believer that martial arts, especially BJJ, are for everyone. If it is something you have ever wanted to do, come try a class and I’ll be thrilled to help you learn. The beauty of martial arts is that you don’t need any prior experience, and if you just keep showing up and training, you will get better. My motivation as a coach is to see my students make improvements every time they show up.
Qualifications
My professional background blends fitness, education, and behavior-based coaching. I am a certified personal trainer, an Aqua Body Combat–certified instructor, and the owner of a swim school that is the only Autism Swim–certified school in Connecticut. My education includes psychology, autism spectrum disorders, and behavior therapy, which strongly influences how I coach. I believe fitness should be empowering, inclusive, and adaptable, and that understanding how people learn and stay motivated is key to helping them succeed.
Jessica Spence
Fitness Kickboxing Coach
I began fitness kickboxing training at 360 in 2020 shortly after my son began training in their Krav Maga system. I was immediately drawn to the passion, structure, and purpose of the program, and what started as an activity for him quickly became something I needed for myself.
Training became my outlet, my escape, and a place where I felt both physically and mentally strong. Today, my son has earned his Black Belt and is one of the first two youth students from 360 Middletown to achieve this milestone, making our shared journey on the mats especially meaningful.
Fitness kickboxing has had a profound impact on my life—improving both my physical and mental health. I am in the best shape of my adult life, and training has become a non-negotiable part of my routine. While I truly love my work outside 360, something different happens when I hit the mat. Kickboxing brings out a stronger, more focused version of myself, and at this stage of my journey, my purpose is to help others tap into that same strength—one round, one song, and one class at a time.
Motivation & Passion
In coaching adult students, I focus on creating a welcoming, supportive environment where people feel confident pushing themselves—physically and mentally. I believe people perform best when they feel safe, understood, and can have fun. Whether your goal is stress relief, strength, confidence, or simply showing up for yourself, my goal is to help you find that.
Monique Park
Program Director & Assistant Instructor
I’m not your typical student or instructor in martial arts. I come to my position at 360, as I do most things, as a mother first.
I entered the world of 360 as a partner to a student. My husband Michael has been training at 360 dojos for 15 years and has had his black belt for 10 years. When our sons started training, we knew that we wanted Middletown to be their school and Coach Kayla to be their sensei.
As part of the neurodivergent community, martial arts offer so many benefits to my family. They learn so much about discipline, discomfort tolerance, self control, and respect in a safe and welcoming environment. They leave the mat each week feeling secure and confident and tired in all the best ways.
I became an instructor to help our youngest students. I’m only a white belt by training, but I’ve still seen enough to know how to be helpful to our students. I’ve learned how to manage the big feelings and high energy of the youngest students from handling my own family. I am so humbled to be able to bring those skills to the mat to help other children on their journey. I don’t bring the same technical knowledge of some of our other instructors, but I always bring a positive attitude and a drive for mindfulness and progress. It’s always a good class if the students are having fun while learning.
I also enjoy putting my organizational skills to good use. Keeping the sparring students on task, making sure we have enough uniforms for new students, and checking gear to arrange replacements; anything that keeps 360 running more smoothly I am happy to do.
360 offers so much more than physical fitness. The school and curriculum meets every student wherever they are. The community is warm and open. The inclusion of interpersonal skills in the curriculum is part of what makes 360 so much more than just a dojo. I know that my children will be better humans for their training and I know the same is true for every person that steps onto the mat. And I am proud to be a part of that.
Humbly,
~Monique Park
725 Main Street
Middletown, CT
Call or text us 850-854-4794
kayla@360defensemiddletown.com
Navigate
OUR COMMUNITY
Students Join Us From Windham & Nearby Towns