20 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.

Shepherd-Warrior Martial Arts – 20th Anniversary Slideshow
martial arts in billings mt

Certified Instructors

“It’s not only important what you learn,
but who you learn it from.”  – John C. Maxwell

Our staff of instructors is certified by the Satori Alliance

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

Dennis Forleo, Sr. Master and Owner of Shepherd-Warrior Martial Arts

Sr. Master Forleo

Dennis Forleo has been involved in martial arts for over 37 years and 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 teaches the Advanced and Black Belt classes as well as many of the Krav Maga classes.

Certifications
Cunnings Chi-Tu Do
7th Degree Black Belt - Sr. Master
Estalilla Kabaroan Eskrima
8th Degree Black Belt - Associate Grandmaster
Shiho Karano Ju Jitsu
6th Degree Black Belt - Renshi
Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do
4th Degree Black Belt - Associate Master
Krav Maga (USKMA)
3rd Degree Black Belt & Law Enforcement Instructor
FAST Defense
Master Instructor, Coach & Predator
Michael Johnson, Online Juniors instructor at Shepherd-Warrior Martial Arts

Master Johnson

Master Michael Johnson came to our school in June of 2007 as a Brown Belt from another style. ​ He has taught all ages and levels. His creativity and passion for sharing his knowledge makes his classes fun and motivating. He enjoys teaching and leading the mat chat times giving the character lessons to his students

Certifications
Cunnings Chi-Tu Do
5th Degree Black Belt - Master
Estalilla Kabaroan Eskrima
4th Degree Black Belt - Bachelor Instructor
Shiho Karano Ju Jitsu
3rd Degree Black Belt - Sensei
Krav Maga (USKMA)
Level 1 Instructor
Leslie Dunaway, juniors instructor at Shepherd-Warrior Martial Arts

Mrs. Dunaway

Mrs. Leslie 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. She is now 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
Krav Maga (USKMA)
2nd Degree Black Belt
Kaeden Forleo, Chief Instructor at Shepherd-Warrior Martial Arts

Mr. Forleo

Mr. Kaeden 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. He is the Head Instructor for the Chi-Tu Do Warrior classes (ages 9-13). Kaeden’s personality shines as he teaches and leads students on the floor.

Certifications
Cunnings Chi-Tu Do
3rd Degree Black Belt
Estalilla Kabaroan Eskrima
4th Degree Black Belt - Bachelor Instructor
Shiho Karano Ju Jitsu
3rd Degree Black Belt - Sensei