Leadership Academy Black Belt List
Black BeltHonor Roll.
Every name here represents years of discipline, family support, instructor investment, and a commitment to becoming stronger on and off the mat.
A Standard Worth Honoring
The Black Belt Journey Is A Family Transformation Story.
Leadership Academy black belts are part of the school’s living history. This page honors the students and families who helped build the culture of discipline, confidence, leadership, and perseverance that continues today.
A Living Tradition
Every test adds another chapter to the Leadership Academy story.
The photos below capture the work that surrounds the list: preparation, coaching, pressure, encouragement, celebration, and the families who make the journey possible.
Testing Archive
Moments From Leadership Academy Black Belt Testing
2007
#1Mr. Gary Engels
3rd Degree Black Belt
Apr 20, 2007#2Jessie Raykovich
1st Degree
Aug 21, 2007#3Nikki Raykovich
1st Degree
Aug 21, 20072008
#4Jon Mittlesteadt
1st Degree
Aug 15, 2008#5Abbott Veldhuizen
1st Degree
Aug 15, 20082009
#6Jen Stough
1st Degree
Aug 1, 2009#7Clara Schroeder
1st Degree
Aug 1, 2009#8Katie Kettler
1st Degree
Aug 1, 2009#9Walker Mcmullin
1st Degree
Aug 1, 20092010
#10Zach Carlson
1st Degree
Feb 28, 2010#11Patrick Rucinski
1st Degree
Feb 28, 2010#12Zach Stough
Junior Black Belt
Feb 28, 2010#13Terry Hoople
Junior Black Belt
Feb 28, 2010#14Nikki Engels
1st Degree
Aug 28, 2010#15Jocelyn Smith
1st Degree
Aug 28, 20102011
#16Sam Berger
Junior Black Belt
Feb 26, 2011#17Justin Ernst
1st Degree
Feb 26, 20112012
#18Adreanna Dietrich
Junior Black Belt
Feb 24, 2012#19Jenna Brill
1st Degree
Feb 24, 2012#20Shelly Brill
1st Degree
Feb 24, 2012#21Steven Brill
1st Degree
Feb 24, 2012#22Alan Brill
1st Degree
Feb 24, 2012#23Kris Brill
1st Degree
Feb 24, 20122013
#24Jacob Stearns
1st Degree
Feb 23, 2013#25Eric Albertus
Junior Black Belt
Feb 23, 2013#4Jon Mittlesteadt
2nd Degree
Feb 23, 2013#26Evan Rein
Junior Black Belt
Aug 15, 2013#27Erika Rein
Junior Black Belt
Aug 15, 2013#28Amie Rein
1st Degree
Aug 15, 2013#29Curtis Rein
1st Degree
Aug 15, 2013#30Nicholas Woods
Junior Black Belt
Aug 15, 20132014
#20Shelly Brill
2nd Degree
Mar 9, 2014#21Steven Brill
2nd Degree
Mar 9, 2014#12Zach Stough
1st Degree
Mar 9, 2014#31Katie Woods
1st Degree
Mar 9, 2014#32Gabe Rein
Junior Black Belt
Mar 9, 2014#33Robert Dionne
1st Degree
Mar 9, 2014#1Mr. Gary Engels
4th Degree Black Belt
Apr 2, 2014#34Luke Larsen
Junior Black Belt
Aug 23, 2014#35Layton Larsen
Junior Black Belt
Aug 23, 2014#36Noah Buckwalter
Junior Black Belt
Aug 23, 20142015
#37Nils Sedelis
Junior Black Belt
Aug 29, 20152016
#38Reham El Amin
1st Degree
Aug 27, 2016#39Thoraya El Amin
1st Degree
Aug 27, 20162019
#40Emily Wiza
1st Degree
Feb 23, 2019#41Sada Engels
Junior Black Belt
Aug 31, 2019#42Mateo Valadez
Junior Black Belt
Aug 31, 20192020
#43Osawa Durant
Junior Black Belt
Feb 22, 2020#44Kate Reilly
1st Degree
Feb 22, 20202021
#37Nils Sedelis
1st Degree
Mar 6, 2021#45Chad Stewart
1st Degree
Mar 6, 2021#46Ree Engels
Junior Black Belt
Aug 28, 20212022
#47Misty Valadez
1st Degree
Mar 5, 2022#48Ruby Valadez
1st Degree
Mar 5, 2022#42Mateo Valadez
1st Degree
Aug 27, 20222023
#49Walter Durant
1st Degree
Aug 5, 2023#50Dez Engels
Junior Black Belt
Aug 5, 2023#51Jordyn Durant
Junior Black Belt
Aug 5, 2023#52Cooper Heizler
Junior Black Belt
Aug 5, 20232024
#47Misty Valadez
2nd Degree
Aug 12, 20242025
#53Odin Hawke
Junior Black Belt
Aug 16, 20252026
#41Sada Engels
1st Degree
May 30, 2026#52Cooper Heizler
1st Degree
May 30, 2026#54Jaydee Holmes
Junior Black Belt
May 30, 2026#55Walker Henderson
Junior Black Belt
May 30, 2026The Standard Across Generations
2009 to 2026
The 2009 Black Belt Testing video shows the foundation: students being pushed through skill, endurance, focus, and heart. The most recent 2026 test shows how the event has evolved, but the expectation has not softened. For 20 years, Leadership Academy has kept the Black Belt standard high and made every promotion something earned.
Black Belt Testing - Aug 09
Most Recent Test - May 30, 2026
The Journey Continues