About

Shaolin Martial Arts Academy is owned and operated by Elder Master Tim Nance. 

Introducing Elder Master Tim Nance, 8th Degree Black Belt

Born in Florence, Alabama, Tim’s family of seven moved to Winchester Ky due to a job transfer his father received. Tim was held to a very high standard and at the young age of 12 years old he worked two jobs in addition to his regular attendance at school. The first job was delivering newspapers in the early hours of the morning. The second was cleaning the iconic Leeds Theatherand changing the marquee late at night, often past midnight during matinee’s. His introduction to Shaolin Kung Fu began as he was riding his bike through Winchester and past an open door in an ally where he observed “these guys jumping around in the pajamas, yelling and screaming.” It intrigued him and he found himself watching them every chance he got. Eventually one of the instructors invited him in to try it out for himself. Grand Master Sin The’ and his teaching left an impression on Tim. Tim asked his mother if he could begin studying under Master The’ and she approved, as long as Tim paid for the classes himself. At $15 a month in 1968, Tim committed to what would begin a nearly fifty year journey of experience learning and teaching the art of Shaolin Kung Fu. Tim currently holds the rank of 8th degree Black Belt.

 In addition to martial arts, Master Nance enjoys drawing faces and forms in the mediums of pencil and chalk as well as dabbling in a love of computers and IT. Although Tim went to college and graduate as a machinist, he carried his love of computers over to his current career working as a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) at Linkbelt in Lexington, Kentucky.  Tim has been married to his wife Arlene for over 34 years, and together they have two daughters Leighnia and Ivana who Tim describes as “workaholics.” 

Master Nance’s lifelong commitment to faith, family and the arts are inspiring! When you meet Tim, you are in the presence of a humble man who only wants to help bring out the best in you and your child. Come out and meet Master Nance, try out a class for free, and if you love Shaolin as much as we expect you will, we have varying contracts for classes. Just ask!

Shaolin Kung Fu

Qigong

Tai Chi

Self Defense