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.
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 martial arts for over 35 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 2003. Master Forleo teaches the Advanced and Black Belt classes as well as many of the Krav Maga classes.
Certifications
Master Johnson
Mr. Michael Johnson came to our school in June of 2007 as a Brown Belt from another style. He has taught all ages and levels, and currently teaches the Junior (5-8 year olds) online classes. 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
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
Mr. Potter
Mr. Levi Potter came to SWMA in 2019 and now leads the Warrior classes for ages 9-13 as well as the Good American Bojutsu program. A talented martial artist, he is always striving to achieve excellence. His passion for excellence and leading by example truly sets him apart.
Certifications
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 currently in the position of Chief Instructor, supervising the classes and other instructors. Kaeden’s personality shines as he teaches and leads students on the floor. He is pursuing a degree in Applied Sciences at Montana State University - Billings.
Certifications
Ms. Redman
Ms. Baylie Redman started training in 2009. As a student who struggled with attention issues, Baylie learned how to focus and excel in the martial arts. Her work ethic helped her to become, not only a really great student, but also now, a passionate and energetic instructor and leader. She currently teaches both the Adult classes and the Online Warrior classes. Baylie has a degree in Communications and has helped author many of the SWMA blog posts.