22 Years and Counting…
Building Confidence, Fitness and Christian Character with Care, Encouragement and Discipline.
We began in 2002 as Billings Chi-Tu Do inside West Park Plaza. After a few years, and a few locations, we ended up at our current space in the Albertsons shopping center at 13th Street West & Grand Avenue in Billings. Then, in 2016, we decided to change the name of the school to Shepherd-Warrior Martial Arts to more accurately reflect the “heart” or philosophy of what we teach and Whom we represent.
Certified Instructors
“It’s not only important what you learn,
but who you learn it from.” – John C. Maxwell
All our instructional staff have been trained and certified by the Satori Alliance, a professional organization of martial arts instructors who work to improve the level of excellence of martial arts instruction, professionalism and ongoing learning, that honors tradition and inspires innovation.
Our team of instructors
Sr. Master Forleo
Dennis Forleo has been involved in various martial arts since 1985. He reached his 1st Black Belt when he was only 11 years old. He began teaching in 1987 under the supervision of his instructor, GM Brian Cunnings. He moved to Montana with his wife, Pine, in 2000 and they opened the school in 2002. Master Forleo supervises all the instruction at SWMA and fills in to teach when needed.
Certifications
Assoc. Master Lewis
Master Lewis started out in Chi-Tu Do nearly 15 years ago. He and his father trained through 2nd Degree Black Belt together and then he served 8 years as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He returned to us in early 2024 and trained privately with Master Forleo. He tested for 6th Degree in Eskrima in July of that year and then successfully passed his Chi Tu Do 4th Degree Black Belt test in March of 2025. He currently teaches in our Black Belt classes.
Certifications
Shihan Baeten
Mrs. Baeten (formerly Ms. Redman) returned from a short hiatus after getting married and having her first child. She is a very accomplished instructor and used to lead our adult Chi-Tu Do classes (which we don't have anymore). Her new role is called White Belt Coach. Her job is to lead and guide our new Warrior white belt students through the process and coach them through to their first belt. She will be the main point of contact for all our new Warrior students.
Certifications
Assoc. Master Forleo
Master Forleo began training in the Chi-Tu Do Juniors program when he was 4 years old. Growing up in the system, going from Junior, to Warrior and now Adults, he has gained an insight that few others have. In August of 2024, he successfully tested for 4th Degree Black Belt in Chi-Tu Do and received the title Associate Master. He is the Lead Instructor for the Chi-Tu Do Advanced and Black Belt classes. Kaeden’s personality shines as he teaches and leads students on the floor.
Certifications
Mr. Fry
Mr. Fry began his Chi-Tu Do journey in 2016 after transferring from Taekwondo. He took to it quickly and has grown up as a leader in our school. In Jan 2024, he took the reigns of the Warrior program and currently teaches our colored belt classes. Mr. Fry's knowledge is matched by his ability to teach the art as it was taught to him. He does an excellent job maintaining discipline in classes that sometimes have 30+ students.
Certifications
Mrs. Dunaway
Mrs. Dunaway started out as a parent helper when her oldest son was getting started in the Junior class in 2015. Shortly thereafter, she began training in Krav Maga on her own and developed an affinity for teaching. For the past decade, she's been teaching and leading the Chi-Tu Do Juniors program teaching the 5-8 year olds as well as teaching Krav Maga classes for adults. She has a passion for teaching self defense to both children and adults and also enjoys giving the Bible-based character lessons we teach in Chi-Tu Do. Mrs. Dunaway leads most of the Free Community Women’s self-defense classes that we host at the studio monthly.
Certifications
Ms. Jobes
Ms. Jobes is one of our Warrior Instructors and Assistants. She started training in the Junior classes at age 7. She earned her 2nd Degree Black Belt in August 2024 and is responsible for much of the "behind the scenes" administrative work for the Warrior classes.
Certifications
Ms. Hurtig
Ms. Hurtig came to our school with experience in Aikido. She showed herself a great student and assimilated into our Chi-Tu Do curriculum very well. A recent high school graduate, she teaches our Junior classes and enjoys working with the 5-8 year old kids helping them become more confident and assertive.
Certifications
Ms. Tillman
Ms. Tillman is our school manager. She started training herself in Krav Maga in July 2024 and continues to train. She also began helping out in the Junior classes as a "parent helper" when Mrs. Dunaway was pregnant. After the baby came, Ms. Tillman began teaching solo. She still teaches the Homeschool Junior classes and spends her other time helping Master Forleo run the studio.