03/04/2026
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Noah. He died is service to our country. He and his wife traveled to train in MN with us. May peace be with his family and if you are able to contribute please do so.
We are heartbroken to share the loss of our brother, Sergeant First Class Noah Lee Tietjens, who tragically lost his life while serving our country in Kuwait.
To us, he was Mr. Noah, a devoted husband and father, a respected Black Belt in Philippine Combatives and Taekwondo, and an instructor who gave his time, discipline, and leadership to others.
Noah lived the martial arts code.
He did not simply wear a Black Belt… he lived it.
He led with integrity.
He trained with purpose.
He taught with humility.
On the mat, he trained as a martial artist.
In uniform, he served as a soldier.
In both roles, he carried the same values: honor, discipline, service, and commitment to others.
His impact on our students, instructors, and academy will endure.
We will honor him the way martial artists do, by continuing to live the standard he carried.
Mr. Noah Lee Tietjens… your legacy remains on this mat.
For those who have asked how they may support the family, a college fund has been established for his son Dylan in lieu of flowers.
Dylan Tietjens Education Fund
https://gofund.me/bbd5d9f07
Please continue to keep the Tietjens family in your prayers.
We invite the martial arts community to share this post as we honor a Black Belt, a soldier, and a life lived in service to others.
